We did end up going to Melaque for a shortened Mexico vacation. We arrived on March 7th and by March 11th it became very apparent that we should never have come. Covid took care of the rest of our "plans". We traveled with our good friends, Bob & Danna and since the tickets were actually booked in Bob's name, he had to be the one to get them changed with West Jet. This took him quite a few hours over a few days. We were supposed to leave there on March 21st but the earliest we could get out was March 19th. Really, the entire last week was spent in consultation with family, friends, the news reports just trying to wrap our heads around the events that were unfolding. It completely changed the trip for everyone, just like it has changed the whole world.
So here are a few snippets of our time. It wasn't a total loss. We got to see some of the town we love. Got to see some of the people there that we know. What you don't see was the growing anxiety with what was going on.
Since we flew into Puerto Vallarta we stayed at
this little hotel right in "Old Town PV".
The interior courtyard is very pretty
Our first Mexico sunset
Doug & Bob celebrate our arrival in Puerto Vallarta
On Saturday March 7th, it was a 4 hour bus ride from Puerto Vallarta to Melaque/San Patricio. We really have always enjoyed our time in this little town. Last time we were here was with Euri in 2016. We stayed here at Villa Xochopilli and Irma, the owner. She, at that time, owned the campground next door. She has since sold this campground
Villa Xochopilli
There is a very large lagoon behind the villa.
This empties to the ocean which is just off to the right side of the picture.
Our first meal at Rosita's Loncheria!
One of our favourite places here. Doug could hardly wait
for his first breakfast and it didn't disappoint!!
Rosa has made many, many changes to her restaurant. She used to be across the street with a basic "food trailer" and a few tables. Now she has expanded to this property. She can also do private functions. Good for her!!
The very hard working Rosita and her brother Osvaldo
who helps out at her restaurant.
She has done a beautiful job (along with help from family members)
changing this plain lot into her restaurant. Fresh herbs growing for her kitchen.
Muy tranquilo.....
Melaque sunset
The rest of the pictures are just a small sampling of our wanderings. Again, it was with very mixed feelings that we continued but we really had no other choice.
You know these two....
...for Rudy.
...for Gus & Jasper.
Admit it, you were waiting for some version
of my famous "foot shots", right?
Another hard working beach vendor....
Evening market time....
Danna & Bob
The "flan lady" at the square. We have sampled her baking before
and everything is amazing!!
Then came our trip back to Puerto Vallarta on Thursday, March 19th. I think we were all a little anxious about all the "enclosed spaces" we were about to embark on (4 hours on the bus to start). Everything turned out fine. The PV airport was EXTREMELY busy with SO many people all doing what we were, getting back home. Trust me, there was no social distancing here. We have seen pictures from the next few days after we left and there wasn't a spare inch to stand in so we were really lucky.
Line-up to get into security, complete with infared
thermal scanning for temperatures.
Our whip home....loading our luggage.
A welcome sight, C-A-N-A-D-A !!!
Our traditional welcome home from our kids is generally done with toilet paper but YIKES, you can't do that right now! "HI" spelled out in bubbly water cans on the floor.
Phew. Wine is served on our deck.
Now our 14 day self-isolation begins....
This is how we visit now, across the lane!
Josh, Kathy, Gus & Jasper (they were here many times)
Bradur, Shannon & Ivy (Josh & Kathy's neighbours)
came by for a laneway visit as well.
Cindy & Bruce! Pass the wine....
Doug's brother, Don & Diana....Sheesh, this lane hasn't
ever seen this much action before!!
So after 15 days in isolation, this is as close as we are allowed. If a person
doesn't think this is HARD, to not hug these two crazy dudes, they are wrong!!
But, we do as instructed and keep our distance!
More tequila shots with the big kids....still no hugs.
Teagan & Rudy are safe in the Kootenay's (with Shawn).
The dandelions are out. It seems that my
favourite flower isn't afraid so neither am I....
So, there we are. Well, none of us is quite sure "where" that is. I have always read that it takes a village to raise a child but I really think it also takes a village to get through these challenging times, together but apart.
We cannot begin to thank everyone enough for their love, friendship and support through this. We had 14 days in self-isolation, not even to take our garbage out (thanks Heather from upstairs). Josh & Kathy for all the groceries for 14 days (and there were plenty). We simply could not have gotten through this without all the "laneway" visits. There were lots of cold and rainy days and still "the people came". We love you all!!
Peace out everyone - PLEASE stay well and healthy!!
Thought for the Day: It is said that wisdom lies not in seeing things, but seeing through
things. (Manly P. Hall)
