Issue # 59 - July's Journal

.. July 2012 ..

Hola Amigos!  .

Well, that's July done and dusted. We were busy travelling early in the month and quiet at home in the latter part. But I think we have plenty here to keep you away from your work for five or ten minutes... OK, three.

Enjoy this month's effort and we'll catch up at the end of August!

Adios!

Mexico

An addition to the family

We decided to take a holiday in Mexico. Perto Vallarta (on the Pacific side) to be precise. We caught a late afternoon flight to Miami on the Thursday. The usual chaos ensued at Miami’s immigration hall. But we got through in a little over an hour, had pizza and beer for dinner in the airport and then wandered off to the airport hotel for the night.  Our flight the next morning was very early, hence the stay in the airport hotel. We managed to get to the departure gate in plenty of time, and even managed a ‘Fat Boy’ breakfast before boarding the flight to Dallas, and then the connecting flight to Puerto Vallarta.

OK, now we are starting to look like Swiss Family Robinson...

 We arrived in Mexico in the early afternoon and were met by a bunch of time share sharks eager to do us ‘a great deal amigo’. In the end we agreed to attend one of their ‘presentations’ in exchange for a breakfast and heavily subsidized and free tourist activities. So, after that we made the 7 minute journey to our hotel which was near the Marina.  The sales rep at the hotel then proceeded to interrogate us about the ‘dodgy’ people at the airport making false promises etc.  We said (with a  straight face), “What people?” and then declined her offer of more presentations, breakfasts etc.  She appeared a bit miffed at that, but we weren’t there to invest in the local real estate and waste precious holiday time listening to them prattle on, and promptly headed to the pool area for a swim…and partake in the happy hour. It was “Two for Juan, Amigo!”

Puerto Vallarta is a nice place. Very safe and seemingly crime free, unlike other parts of the country. One morning we set off on a city tour which lasted most of the day and involved a trip around the original old town, some glimpses of celebrity homes, scenic spots, a tequila factory tour, some shopping and then a late lunch. The tequila stop was a bit of a shock to the system where we had 6 tequila shots each before 11 am! The rest of the trip was quite relaxed. But we did learn that you should only buy tequila that has the “100% Blue Agave” certification on it, as anything that doesn’t is not real tequila and may result in post-tequila hangovers.

 We went zip lining one day as well. It was at the site where the mover “Predator” (starring Arnie) was filmed. The actual zip lining itself was fairly tame when compared to what we did in Costa Rica last year, but it was still fun. They had a couple of guys dressed up as some sort of crazed native axe murderers who hid in the trees and leaped out at unsuspecting zip liners from time to time which was quite entertaining.  After that we swam in the river and swung from the Tarzan swing and also slid down the waterfall which was a bit of a hoot as well. Then we relaxed in the bar while awaiting our ride back to the hotel.

 

The Predator is around here somewhere...

Making their escape in the beat-up old helicopter

 We were walking around the Marina one day (fending off the local hawkers) when a guy asked if we wanted to go fishing in his boat (he even had a picture of said boat). He said “$200.” We thought “Each?” But no, that was the full cost, for 5 hours fishing.  We thought that sounded pretty good so agreed to meet him in two days at 8 am.  Soon after, a Mexican version of Danny de Vito approached us and offered a fishing trip. “Already sorted Amigo!” we said.  He asked how much we were paying and we said “$200.” He said “$160” and proceeded to show us a photo of his boat. It was the same boat! We went back to the original boat owner and told him the story. After the display of genuine shock, horror and probe he said; “OK, $140”. Soon, if this keeps up, they would be paying us to go!

Anyway, to make a long story even longer, we met up with him at the arranged time and place and he took us down to the Marina. On the way he mentioned that his boat was unavailable but had arranged a bigger boat, and it would cost $160. Since we were happy with the original $200, we said “Si, Senor”.  We got to the boat and it was crewed by a couple of guys. Our “Amigo” surreptitiously peels a few twenties off the money that Dave had given him and handed the rest to the guys on the boat. So here we were going on a boat for the morning with a crew that was paid $100 tops! Anyway not our problem.

Jake and Michelle bring in a Bonito each

 On we got and off we went. The younger crew member spoke reasonable English. The Captain didn’t. We headed on out and the younger guy started setting up the rods and lines for us. Soon they were in the water. Soon there was a tug on one of the lines. Jake was in the chair, so he reeled in a decent sized Bonito (see pic). Jake was happy with that and things were looking up for the rest of us.

Michelle got handed the rod and she wasn't sure if there was anything on it so started reeling it in - all eyes were on her...she got it near the top and yes, there was something but oops, it came off and started swimming off - what is that? it was a sea snake!  The next time there was a bite Michelle got another chance and managed to haul in another Bonito (phew!), about the same size as Jake's and then Sam got the luck of the draw and hooked a Mahi Mahi – which was what we were really after.  

Sam wins the day with a nice little Mahi Mahi.
That will turn into dinner later on.

Then it was Dave’s turn. He reeled in a barely takeable Bonito, which would be retained as bait… The rest of the family took pity on him and let him have another crack. This time it felt like something substantial. And it was! He’d got a shag… errr…that is, one with feathers. A bird. Luckily it wasn’t too badly hooked and after the requisite photo was taken, it was released back into the wild blue yonder. 

Errrr........ anyone can catch a fish.
It takes something special to haul in a bird!

 While heading back in Sam pulled in another little one. I think they call them “Hookies” as they end up on a hook as bait.  Anyway, it was a good morning out on the boat and we all caught…something. They filleted Sam’s Mahi Mahi for us and we took it back to the hotel for the cook to prepare for us. The other fish stayed with the crew. I guess they ate the bigger fish and used the small ones on the lines.

Sam's Mahi Mahi

The afternoon was pool/beach time. The kids spent the afternoon bouncing on the bungy swing things and mastering the floating balls in the pool. After delivering the fish to the restaurant, Michelle and Dave relaxed on the beach and kept Jose busy with his Two for Juan deals.

Dinner that night was….Mahi Mahi. And very nice too. Good work Sam (and the chef) . 

Marina Life

Slummin' it

How does he do that all day?

 The next day was a boat trip – we didn’t exactly know where to. We just got on and headed out. There were about a hundred (plus) people on the boat. First stop was a snorkel spot near some large rocks (see above pic) . It would have to be the crappiest snorkeling we’ve ever done. Even though we are a bit spoiled in Cayman, this was rubbish. Anyway, after our ‘swim’ we hopped back on board to enjoy the delights of the free bar.  This went on until we arrived at the nest stop – still don’t know where it is. But it involved a snake, an Iguana and a horse trek up to a waterfall, which was a bit of fun. After some splashing about it was back on the ‘Burro’ and back down to the beach where we got picked up and taken to lunch at another beach…somewhere in Mexico.

After that it was booze-it-up-until-the-boat-got-back. Unfortunately one or two over-did it and arrived looking the worse for wear and minus their lunch.  We managed to step over that while disembarking.

 Ssssssssssssss.....

Nice hat Sam...

On the trail

It's a long way down!

"I was pushed!"

Pool time!

Bungy thingy

Two Hamsters

Two for Juan!

Tequila Factory

Cactus Jak(e)

Awwww.....

A massive Margerita for Sam and a Pineapple Surprise for Michelle...

 Surfing was also on the ‘to do’ list. The best surfing spot was about 40 mins away by car. We talked to the ‘dodgy’ rental car guy across the street from the hotel and he said we could get a car for $10 per day. We were intrigued by this, but soon learned that we must attend a ‘presentation’ to get that rate. In the end we took the bus, which cost a grand total of $7.50 each way…that’s for the four of us, not each.

So, we survived the bus trip and arrived in the little town of Sayulita and wandered to the beach. Jake hired a surfboard and away he went. The surf was a little small but Jake seemed to be having a ball.

While we sat in the sun and watched the world go by, half of Mexico trooped up and down the beach selling authentic silver trinkets & jewelry at never to be repeated prices. Also being pedaled were blankets, hats, cakes, fruit, wristbands, tee shirts, small children and the latest in henna tattoos. Also, Dave was approached twice by a guy selling ‘herbal’ tobacco.  “Theees eees really good sheet Amigo”.

Michelle, not being one to succumb to such a brazen marketing approach came away with a blanket and several pieces of jewellery… Bargain! 

Jake cuts it up in Sayulita

But Sayulita was a nice place. Nice beach. Several eateries (and drinkeries). By mid-afternoon we decided to head back, so we handed the board back to Pedro and wandered back to the bus stop. Hopped on a waiting bus and headed back to Puerto Vallarta where we did a wander along the Malecon (Boardwalk) and viewed the various sculptures and the like before heading to Beers and Taco for dinner (for a change). 

A cool sand sculpture at the Malecon

These guys were pretty cool. We thought they were statues at first.

 Flipper retired to Mexico with his family

Nice spot!

 Salut!

 Some exciting weather in Mexico!

Click me to see Mexico Album # 1

Click me to see Album # 2

Click me to Album # 4

And me for the last lot of Mexico pics!

There are also a couple of videos on Dave's Facebook Page. One of the whole trip, and one of the electrical storm we had one night.

Our exit from the Hotel and Mexico was relatively painless and we soon found ourselves in Dallas. 

DALLAS

No mucking around, since it was mid-late afternoon we headed to our hotel, dumped the bags and did a quick recce of the shopping Mall next door. Luckily the Mall closed at 9 pm so we could get away from that for the night. Dave and the kids were already over it.  

The next morning it was a power brekky and back to the Mall in time for opening.  Michelle was almost drooling by now and raring to go. 

Michelle and Dave don’t shop together – it hurts. So the boys went one way and the girls the other. Two hours later Jake and Dave had done the entire mall and pretty much bought what they needed. Soon after that Sam was evicted from the girls team. Dave took the kids over to Best Buy, Toy’s R Us and some other more interesting shops across the way. They also had lunch, then went back to the hotel and watched a movie and some sport and generally chilled. Eventually Michelle turned up about 7:30 pm with 57 shopping bags. Everyone was hungry so we headed off for a good old Texas steak. And the food was pretty good (Thanks Dino!). Then it was over to Walmart to buy an extra suitcase (or two) for Michelle’s purchases. 

 Not much else to say really...

Hot dang!

Steak Stampede!

 He knows who shot JFK

Things must must be getting rough at Sunday Church in the US  these days.
Police stationed at the door.

Happy campers

The next day was a whirlwind tour of downtown Dallas, then off to the airport and back to Cayman. Holiday over.  It was a good one though. Bueno, Bien, Muy Bien!! 

Wonder if that's the Ewing place?

Click me for some more pics from Dallas

Dive

Dave managed to get a sneaky dive in last Saturday afternoon. They went out on a mate's boat and went to the North Wall. It was very choppy out with a large swell. Under the water was fine but it made getting back on the boat interesting.

 The great white hunter was stalking his prey (a Lionfish).... only to be met by a Green Moray coming out.

You can tell he was surprised by the amount of air he's just blown out!

 A pretty cool pic!

Click me to see more dive pics

GAALA Ball

The Gaelic Football annual dinner and prizegiving was held the other night down at a beach side establishment called Tiki Beach. The place is covered but outside, and being the height of summer made it quite warm (especially for some). However there was plenty of liquid refreshment available and most people soon forgot about the heat.

There were over 100 people there and a fun night was had by all.

Michelle's team pose during pre-dinner rum punches.

Dave's team of finals day Champions pose sometime after the pre-dinner rums. 

Ahhh Grasshopper....

Nothing like sharing a wee rum punch!
Click me to see more GAAla Ball pics

Touch

Summer touch continues. Dave and Michelle play for Michelle's work team in the third division. They are currently about mid table, so not too bad for a bunch of newbies with a little bit of 'experience' thrown in the guide the team. We'll get a team pic for you at some stage!

And in Breaking News....

 The kids have been at sailing camp for a couple of weeks. Jake was sailing his Pico one day and went to tack but forgot to put his feet under the hiking strap. The Pico capsized, flinging Jake into the water and then the rudder clipped his head giving him a wee slice across the forehead.
He righted the boat, scrambled back on and started sailing back toward the sailing club when some kids on other boats saw the blood.  But he stuck to his job and sailed back in before letting the panic set in.

Three stitches and some glue later. He's right as rain.

We usually get a beach day (or two) in each month. July was a little leaner as we'd been away, but we did pop out to Spott's Beach one Sunday for a nice afternoon with the gang.

That's it for this month. Olympics are in full swing, so we are trying to catch as much of that as we can. Trouble is the London 10 am start means 4 am at our place. Sam has been religiously getting up to watch the swimming, especially the Fraser Brothers from Cayman. She wants to swim at the Olympics one day.
Next Month.

• Visitor's Report - (It's been a while!)
• Summer Touch continues
• A trip to the East End?
• Diving (maybe?)
• Beach (probably)