Mexico Part 2 – Back at my old Stomping Grounds

Published on by dgkaye

Welcome back to Part Two of my Mexican adventure. See Part One here.

Alas, my first two weeks were up at my rented accommodation and it was time to move over to Saul and Brenda’s place on the beach. I’d already learned that no cabs circle my condo area in Versailles – mostly because of the crazy one way streets, all named for places in Europe such as: Francia, Yugoslavia, Lisboa, Espana, Niza (Nice), and many more including my street – on the corners of Roma and Palm Springs. Ya, I’m still scratching my head on how ‘Palm Springs’ is part of the whole Europe thing, lol. When Mahvash left a week earlier, we literally walked three blocks to a main steet – on cobblestone roads with Mahv rolling her suitcase along, to hail a cab! I already knew when it was my turn to leave that I surely wasn’t walking for blocks with my many things.

I planned with Brenda’s husband Saul that he’d grab a cab from his condo and come pick me up and help me down the stairs with my suitcases and bags of kitchen stuff. I was more than happy to pay for the two cab fares. It didn’t take me long to settle and head out to the pool to spend the afternoon with my winter buddies. Brenda’s condo is on the ground floor, making it a speedy walk over to the pool.

The four Amigas at the pool: Brenda, Patty, Liz, me

We all got along famously with our bedtimes, movies, outings and taking turns doing dishes and cooking. It was like staying with family. Some evenings if all was quiet, I’d head up to Liz and Grant’s condo for a few hours. They had spectacular views from their balcony-wrapped corner unit, and always a great breeze on the balcony, also, Grant had purchased a newfangled TV box before coming to PV and could get any program on TV from every province across Canada. One night, it was like deja vu when I came to visit and Grant was watching the Toronto Maple Leaf hockey game. As I entered, the other team scored. I burst out laughing and had to share with him that often I’d walk into my husband’s mancave while he was watching his beloved Maple Leafs, and the other team would magically score. How many times my husband would say, “Cub, get out of here, you’re bad luck.” Yes, it was my fault, lol, but I laughed at the memory and told Grant I’d swifty get on the balcony. LOL.

A view from Liz and Grant’s balcony at sunset

Another view after the sun had set

Another view from Liz’s balcony where you can see half the horseshoe Bay of Banderas and the malecon view in front of the mountains downtown

I snapped Liz and Grant at the pool awaiting their margarita refills

One day, Brenda and I went for a walk to the open-air mall next to our complex. As we were approaching the ‘tourist’ shop where she wanted to buy Saul a new pair of goggles, we came across two man-made ponds. One housed turtles and the other, Koi fish.

Me and Brenda at the Koi pond

Koi pond

Koi

Baby turtles

Here comes Mamma turtle

It seemed by March 1st weekend, the pool had less people and we all discovered nobody had to run out before 8am to save chairs for each other, a tender mercy. Unlike February, which seems to be the busiest month in that condo complex. There are five pools for these three sister buildings in the complex, but we always hang out at the same pool – a bit quieter, and not usually any kids splashing around. We did manage to see a few whales popping up in the ocean, but as usual, my timing trying to catch a shot of one surfacing above water was an epic fail.

The daytime was what it was all about in PV. Early rising, and early gatherings, spending the days at the pool/beach or outings was the perfect medicine for me. Although I went downtown quite a few times some afternoons or evenings with various friends, staying in at night and gabbing with my friends was a nice treat too. Two nights before my return home, me, Patty and Jamie, Liz and Grant, and Brenda and Saul went up the street to my other favorite Italian restaurant, Abbraccios.

Liz and Grant

Patty and Jamie

Brenda and Saul

I’m not sure what next year will bring. Every year I say I’m going somewhere else next winter. But it’s intimidating traveling alone to new territory, and knowing my friends will be back in PV, makes it difficult not to go. Apparently, I was such a good guest, Brenda wants me to come back and stay with her next year. Who knows what next year will bring!

Ole!

x

x

Ā©DGKaye2024

100 thoughts on “Mexico Part 2 – Back at my old Stomping Grounds”

  1. Looks like a lovely time, and I love the pools with the koi and turtles! I envy you the break in the sun, although I do love my snowy Highland winters, sitting by a roaring fire and not feeling guilty about doing nothing.
    I’m sure you’ll go back again next year, being such a good guest and all that šŸ˜œ

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. You seem to have had a great time. The photos are great. Speaking about the Toronto Maple Leafs. There is Swedish player for Toronto Maple Leafs who used to play for Dallas Stars. His name is John Klingberg. His career seems to be over by now but here is a photo of John Klingberg and my daughter. He was still playing for Dallas Stars at the time.

    Like

    Reply

  3. Hi Debby – it looks like you had a wonderful time – perfect for you … and you were within easy range of good friends or staying with them … makes sense to be comfortable with life – good sun too … those views are to ‘die for’ … cheers and happy homecoming – Hilary

    Like

    Reply

  4. All in all, it sounds like a lovely holiday, spent in good company. I went on many holidays by myself, Debby, but that was (and is) what I was used to, although they tended to be shorter breaks, or a route I planned in advance. I’ve also travelled with friends, but we haven’t stayed anywhere for long. There are many options, but I understand your reluctance. And it looks like a lovely place. You have a whole year to think about it and perhaps something will come along. Take care and thanks for sharing your holiday with us.

    Like

    Reply

  6. Great photos Debby and I love the turtle pool…I can understand you being wary of going somewhere else when your friends will be back in PV next time but perhaps you could split your time with a cruise somewhere after PV… anyway you look great and so envious of your tan. By now I am usually changing colour but not this year… ā™„ā™„

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi Sal. Thanks bunches. Great minds. There’s nothing set in stone, the possibilities are endless! And we’ve had cold, rain and gloom here for a few days now. Apparently, spring is returning here next week. Hugs ā¤ xox

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  9. Lovely vacation photos – especially the sunsets! šŸ˜ And you had friends around you, which makes for an even more enjoyable vacation. Good reason to go back. šŸ™‚

    Like

    Reply

  14. I love the koi and turtle ponds! Are there benches? I could sit and watch them for an hour (if it’s not too hot out, lol.) You did it again although I bet it’s nice to be back to the gym and your friends there too. You have friends everywhere! ā™„

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi Melanie. Thanks so much. And yes, there are benches and trees around so one can stay shaded. It was great being away, but one month away was sufficient for me. And yup, I’m back to my gym routine, which feels good too. ā¤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  15. I get it, I would not be keen on trying something new, especially if all my friends were returning to PV the following year. It’s a great way to escape the cold of winter and relax in the sun. I love the views from your friends balcony, the sunset, and the huge smiles. It sounds like a fabulous time for all. So heartwarming to hear about your adventures Debby. Hugs, C

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi again Cheryl. Thanks for reading Part 2. You are so right, it was a huge treat just to be away in the sun and with friends. What’s better than that? Hugs šŸ™‚ xx

      Like

      Reply

  16. The lure of seeing friends again is a powerful magnet. You took some unforgettable sunsets. It’s hard when things become so commercialized and the economics force us to look at other options.

    Like

    Reply

    1. You’ve said a mouthful Pete. Friends, sunshine and sunsets is a huge lure. And of course, the economics are constantly changing people’s lives daily, everywhere šŸ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  19. That sounds like such a good time, Debby – I loved all these photos, and especially the fab views. Have you thought of writing a book about all your times in PV? Hugs, Toni x

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi Toni. I’m so glad you enjoyed my Mexican moments. Food for thought on my Mexican trips, but perhaps a new book with travel stories – somewhere down the road. Hugs ā¤ xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  23. Everyone looks like their enjoying the sun, Debby. Maybe a little too much! Lol.ā€‚It sounds like you had so much fun even though you jinxed the team.ā€‚:-)ā€‚And the turtles were adorable.ā€‚I’m glad you got an invitation to join Brenda in the future. That’s wonderful.

    Like

    Reply

  25. Ole, Debby! I so enjoyed reading about your trip, especially these last two weeks. I would not want to travel to a new place alone, either. I hope you stick with your friends and a place you know and love. I love the turtles!! BTW, I have a funny Maple Leafs story (I’m watching the Bruins as I type). Going to a teacher conference in Toronto years ago, our assistant director made the hotel reservations. “Ladies, we’re next to what must be a beautiful botanical garden, Maple Leaf Garden.” Oh, how I laughed. I was the only teacher who knew it was a hockey rink. šŸ˜‚

    Like

    Reply

    1. Lol Jennie. Thanks so much and glad you enjoyed. And stunning that someone thought our iconic Maple Leaf Gardens was a botanical garden. Lolol. Thanks for sharing the smiles Jennie. ā¤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      2. The Gardens was iconic. I spent my teen years going to concerts there. They sadly tore it down more than a decade ago to put in a bloody supermarket! I used to work in the hotel next door, The Carlton Inn. I’d see it daily for years. Lost history. ā¤

        Liked by 1 person

      3. It was a yellow brick building on a downtown street. We teachers must have stayed at The Carlton Inn. I remember going to the Shoe Museum in Toronto. How sad that they tore it down.

        Like

  26. How lucky you are to have such good friends to spend time away from winter and enjoy the sun and gorgeous sunsets and a lot of fun memories. The baby turtles are so adorable. Thanks for sharing. ā¤

    Like

    Reply

  27. So lovely dear Debby that you had such a wonderful time… Meeting new friends and old.. and bravo to you too…ā€‚I don’t think I would enjoy travelling alone…ā€‚But you do not know what you can achieve unless you try…ā€‚Such beautiful views and that water so clear … Marvelous Debby..ā€‚So happy you had such a good time…. xxxā€‚<3

    Like

    Reply

  29. I love Part Two of your Puerto Vallarta blog Debby! I can’t wait to go back. We drive there. It’s about 8 hours from our house. If we leave early we can get there around 3:00 pm. How wonderful that you were able to stay with your friends Brenda and Saul. The pond with those koi and turtles looks so relaxing. My husband and I stay at different hotels each year. Last year we walked to a restaurant by the harbor. You have to walk by a golf course that looks amazing with the trees and plants. No one told us about the alligators. I saw something moving slowly out of the corner of my eye. A giant alligator strolled right up to the chain link fence by the sidewalk. He seemed like a beast to me since we don’t have alligators back in my home state of Indiana! And there are zero alligators here in the mountains where we live now. Chain link fences aren’t really strong in my opinion. We walked fast but trying not to act scared so it wouln’t crawl over the fence. I don’t know if they can jump or crawl over fences but I didn’t want to find out. We had a wonderful lunch at the harbor then took a taxi back to our hotel. My husband said he didn’t care about the budget that day since that alligator scared me so bad. It must have been 50 feet long (I don’t know how to estimate alligators length or weight!)

    I bought a beautiful scarf and hat, plus pan de canela to take with us. No way I was going to walk by that fence again!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi Kay. Thanks so much for dropping by, and sharing your own alligator story. It seems there are quite a few alligators in PV. There are a few river bends that end up above the sidewalks with crocodiles, I’ve seen quite a few over the years while just walking by the overpasses. I used to also see some from my balcony looking down to the river swamp beside that beach condo I stayed in. I wouldn’t want to meet one up close! Lol. ā¤

      Like

      Reply

  32. OMG! I’m luvin’ your sunglasses!

    No doubt about it, you had a fab holiday, Debby. You look marvellous. You look happy.

    Understandably, it will be difficult not to go back next year, with friends and a place to stay waiting for you.

    I enjoy you holiday updates! I’ll be back!

    Hugs ā˜€ļøšŸŒøšŸŒŠšŸ¹xoxo

    Like

    Reply

    1. HI Resa. Lol, I’m a sunglass nut, but they become costly with my prescription for the almost blind. I’m so glad you enjoyed. Yes, it will be difficult not to go back, but that depends on if inviters keep sincere, because I don’t want to rent there on my own anymore. Weekend hugs. ā¤ xoxo ā¤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  35. Again looked like a wonderful time as your trip went on, Debby. You really coordinated your time and trips well with your friends. Good company makes things all the more sweeter What a treat to see the koi and turtles. They seem to be enjoying the sun just like you. Lol as a night person myself, I can tell it is happening in the daytime in PV! Sunshine, warmth and the beach really is fantastic, I wonā€™t argue with that. You could always do some time in Mexico and some time elsewhere next yearā€¦see where your heart calls you ā¤

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thanks again Mabel, I’m so glad you enjoyed my snippets of Mexico. And you are so right, I’ve been contemplating doing a two destination vacay next year. Let’s see what the universe brings me this time! Hugs ā¤

      Like

      Reply

      1. Always enjoy what you share, Debby. You keep it real. Your holidays and getaways look so fun. A few more holidays across different destinations sounds like a great idea šŸ˜Šā¤

        Like

Leave a comment