March 8 to 11

Just waiting now to leave. Somehow, it seems that it wasn't long ago that we were "just waiting to leave", from the opposite direction! Not much doing. Kinda packed up and organized. Well, not really....

March 8-10 - We compiled a list of some of our favourite restaurants to visit before we left. There were many. Here are just a few.

First up, Restaurante de Maria.

Yes, it is on an abandoned car.

Caught another sunset...

Next up was Rosita's Loncheria. 

A true favourite.

One last morning coffee spot,

with crocodile lookout.

Almost anything your home could require

with this mobile salesman.

Always something to see.

Remember the Rusty Compass? We spent a fair bit of time at this pretty perfect beach bar. The built in swimming/dipping pool. Well, seems (rumour has it) that the owner didn't get the proper permits and the government made him tear it down. It was apparently on site for 3 years. I think it had something to do with how and where he erected the retaining wall. They are in the process of digging it out. What a job. Too bad.

What was left of the bar/prep area

The tables were just to the right of that

retaining wall. Such is life.

The last dinner was at

La Rana (or The Frog)

Pictured with Niko, owner extraordinaire.

March 11 - It was back to Rosita's for one more lovely breakfast. We will miss Rosa and her family. 

Bus ride to Puerto Vallarta is approximately 4 hours. There are no stops. Lovely Primera Plus bus. Very clean and comfy. Cost about $104 Cdn total, one way.

Next stop....Royal DeCameron Resort in Bucerias. We have been there before but not for 13 years. We are looking forward to a 3 night stay here before catching the plane H-O-M-E!!!

Peace out friends!

Thought for the Day: If we can't be happy with what we have right now, we'll never be happy with more.

March 1 - 7

Let's see what the week holds, shall we?

March 1 - Family left today. that was a bit of a drag. We had a great time with them, other than the "Shelter in Place" event. 

Momma dove up on the rooftop awaiting her new family. She has been in this

same position for over a week now.

Little iguana hangs out by the pool. 

A bit clumsy as he routinely falls off the fence.

Most laundry goes out but some

I have to wash by hand.

View up our street

Looking back at Villa Xochipilli

Went over to the hotel complex around the corner, Laguna del Tule, for a cocktail in the afternoon.

Had to drown our sorrows about family leaving!

March 2 -  Not much today. Did a little walk into town and stopped for a quick beverage at Ava's. Love this tumbler. It has a lot of stories to tell, I'm sure!

Taqueria Gaby, down the streeet from us.

Maybe we should have had a loyalty card for here.

Hard working lady with a very successful

street taco shop.

Good night from Colonia Obregon!

March 3 - We are trying out a few different places around town for meals. This breakfast was at Chavakhia. Absolutely splendid!

Doug had a mollete. 

A bun with meat, beans & cheese.

Avocado, spinach toast. Artfully displayed

with beautiful fruit assortment

There are some overly friendly chickens

who hang around and jump up on your table. 

Excuse me, is this seat taken?

It's okay, I'll just sit on the table.

Beautiful setting though.

Oh look, another heart for our collection!

One of my favourite shops, Zapoteca Rugs.

This little guy gets the best seat in the house.

Botox anyone?

March 4 - Market day. It was really nice to see almost all the vendors back this week. Last week, after the upsetting events, many were not able to make it. It's such an important part of their income. Yes, we have done our share of supporting them over many weeks.

Tablecloths, etc.

Yes, I bought a round one. Weird because I have a rectangular table at home but I will be switching it out for a round one once we get back. Anyone want to buy a 6 person, rectangular table with 2 leaves?

March 5 - Hold on to your hats, we got up at sunrise to take some pictures! Ha ha to all you naysayers that say we never get up early! Full disclosure, it was Doug's idea.

From our porch.

From up on the rooftop, coffee spot.

Avid photographer!

Just trying to get that perfect shot.

Oh look....

Fresh fruit smoothies.

Mobile flower salesman

March 6 - Walked into town for dinner tonight. I know, it seems like we have ben doing that a lot lately. More on that later.

Best pizza in Melaque, in my opinion!

Cool front entrance.

Oh look, they even have wine!

The town of San Patricio has a Patron Saint. It is Saint Patrick. We are not religious folks but we understand that it is an extremely important day on their calendar. (Just to be clear, we often refer to this area as "Melaque" but it is actually comprised of 3 little towns, Melaque, San Patricio and Colonia Obregon. You will have heard me refer to it in all 3 names in the past.

The town celebrates in a HUGE way, for 10 days! The square is getting very busy, even though it is the day before. We hung around a little to watch the set-up of the carnival mid-way and vendors. So many selling liquor! 

Our favourite Churro's people are here so

we just had to have some!

March 7 - The church bells start about 5:30 AM along with some fireworks, somewhere in town. They ring again at about noon. Love it! Let's go off to the square. The 10 PM fireworks starts at 11 PM. Almost on time here!

It started with a guy running around the square with what looked like an effigy of a bull in a cage. Soon firecrackers started going off. Some were running away from it and some, mostly young teens, were running towards it. It was done repeatedly, around and around the square!

A few moments later the big fireworks stand started. It twirled around and around in sections. the guy running it would re-light it with a BIC lighter. It seemed that the kids loved standing as near as they could. It takes place in the square with the church there behind, standing guard over our souls!

Before the fireworks are lit.

Notice the "caution zone"?

Military came by...

What a time that was! We will try and wander back in over the next day or so to see if it is as fun, chaotic and crazy as the first night. We have been told it is!

Anyone remember that I had some interesting news? Extra points for those who have hung in this long and were wondering. Well, glad you asked. We have decided to head home sooner than expected. No big reason just that we have found staying in one place for this long, well, too long for us. Plus, we are missing family and home.

We leave here on Wednesday the 11th and head to the Puerto Vallarta area. We will be staying in a little all inclusive for 3 nights and will fly home on Saturday the 14th! We can hardly wait!

Peace out friends!

Thought for the Day: Somewhere out there, someone is listening to the birds instead of the "breaking news" and the world feels a little more hopeful there.