May 26~31: Mexico!

Months ago, Michelle won a free condo stay in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This bopping city in the northern tip of Jalisco state, was the perfect place for us to thaw out fully from a typical cold, damp Washington winter/spring. Though the weather had been lovely in Bellingham before we left, the humidity and heat waiting for us south of the border was what our bodies and souls needed. Plus, who doesn't like swimming in the Pacific Ocean in warm water?!

We immediately found the grocery store and its produce section. Talk about a great time! Avocados the size of soccer balls, pineapple, fresh tomatoes, papaya, mangoes of two types, melon, cactus-colored (green) Nopales tortillas, fresh ships.... the list is endless. Needless to say we gorged on delicious fruits and veggies all week!

We spent time on various beaches. Two days outside our resort, walking and beaching and sitting. One day trip to Sayulita, a smaller touristy fishing village about an hour and a half north. It is in the state of Nayarit. And another day trip to an hour south- down the coast and then inland- to the Botanical Gardens were we hiked, played in the river, and watched some birds.

We ate well; whether cooking for ourselves or finding the most charming local places to eat, we succeeded in satisfying our stomachs. Mole from the best place west of Mexico City; Ceviche, Marlin burritos, Crispy and Soft Fish tacos- some with mole others with fresh veggies and spices--- we did well in the fish department... my stomach yearns for such rich food!

I chose 18 pictures that may elucidate the tale better...

View from our third floor unit, with pool and resort in the foreground. Bahia de Banderas, the Pacific Ocean, and the Beach beyond that!

Magnificent Frigatebirds (Frigata magnificens) floating in the coastal thermals. There were Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) too!

 Michelle's hands hard at work prepared guacamole! See also, tomatoes, mangoes, papaya, limes, cucumbers, red onions.... FOOD love!

 North of Sayulita looking back at the small town

 Looking north to the beach we inhabited alone for a couple of hours

 Fish taco!

 The river into which we dipped during our hike in the Jardin Botanical

Hummingbird Feeder: Plain-capped Strathroat (Heliomaster constantinii) flying in from the left with a HUGE beak. Feeding at the time was a Cinnamon Hummingbird (Amazililla rutila)

 In motion

 Pretty flowers... not sure the name

 Three types of mole over crispy fish tacos... best restaurant in Puerto Vallarta "Mole de la Jovenita" is the name and Sergio is the owner. If you ever go to this town you must enjoy a meal here

 We also had sopes here... incredible. The margaritas were nice too :)

 Two sunbaked travelers splurging on a great meal

 Homemade guacamole... great in the morning

 Typical breakfast: Guac, fresh coffee, papaya with a squeeze of lime, scrambled eggs, tortillas. On the veranda overlooking the pool and ocean. Life is good.

 Grill facility that we took advantage of! Grilled pineapple, chicken and peppers. Yum.

 Us two on the beach outside of our condo

 Last night in town. Actually saw the sunset without being blocked by clouds