PVR to YYZ

My last day in Vallarta was a flurry of activity. After returning the modem to CosmoRed, I returned home to try to get some rest while waiting for a friend to come over to pick up the stuff I was selling to him and his wife. Basically, they bought everything I couldn't fit into two boxes and four suitcases. I expected him by 4PM at the latest but I asked him to come earlier, if possible. At 3PM my doorbell rang but it was Heidi, who was out for one last shopping excursion, and hoping to have lunch with me. We left a note for my friend and headed over to Machi's BBQ.

For some reason, I wasn't feeling all that great. I might have been a wee bit hungover from my over-indulgences the night before at Vista Grill. In any event, I figured a cheeseburger, fries and a Coca Light might help my stomach and it did. Turns out I was just hungry after all. My friend found us there and after lunch, he and I headed back to my place to load up the car. Unfortunately, he grossly under-estimated the amount of stuff I had for him. Thankfully, his friend showed up with an SUV and everything fit inside the two vehicles.

Now I was really ready for a siesta but my neighbours had other plans for me. I had given a large bag of gently used clothes to them and they insisted on serving me lunch. I tried to decline but they both looked so crestfallen, I agreed to eat again. They served me fish, shrimp and steamed veggies. It was a wonderful lunch even though I couldn't finish it. We talked about many things, all in Spanish, and I was surprised to learn that they are both in their mid-40s. They are both so sweet but with very difficult lives. Mexico is not kind to older women without families to help them.

I decided it was just a lack of sleep and anxiousness giving me the knot in my stomach so I wanted to relax prior to my final night in Vallarta. To be honest, I would have rather stayed home until it was time to get up and take my flight in the morning but the Goddesses had other plans for me. I met them and Scott at the condo for sunset drinks and then we strolled over to Boca Bento for dinner. Frankly, I was a little disappointed with dinner but, to be fair, I wasn't feeling all that great. We decided on a nightcap at La Noche and then Scott walked me part way home.

Home at last, I finished packing, wrote notes to be delivered in the morning and then tried to sleep, knowing I had to get up at 6:30AM. My alarm woke me up and then I packed it. I showered for the last time, got dressed and walked to Cafe du Soleil for breakfast with Ben and Amy. I was the only one in the cafe for the half hour I was there so we had a nice visit before more goodbyes and my trip to the airport. My neighbour ladies came through for me again, waking up early to help me get my bags down the stairs and into the taxi. The driver was older, friendly and helpful with the two big suitcases. I gave him $120 pesos for an $80 peso fare and his huge smile was my reward. The luggage porter also warranted a large tip as he waited patiently with me inside the airport while they wrote up my ticket.

The Goddesses arrived after me and I transferred one bag each to Heidi and Rose, so that we would all be checking the limit of two bags each. I knew I far surpassed the 44 lbs. stipulated by the airlines but since the flight wasn't full, they didn't weigh a single one of our bags. What luck! The check in process was easy and we didn't spend more than 20 minutes in total for the whole procedure. Once through to the boarding area, we sat around, chatting and occasionally wandering off into the various duty-free shops in the departure level. Eventually our flight was called and we boarded the flight. The four of us shared six seats, one row behind the other with a space in between. Very comfortable and relaxing ...

As the plane readied for take-off, I happened to look out towards the tarmac to see the ground crew waving goodbye to us. Only in Mexico ... *smile* I felt no sadness at all as the plane lifted off the ground and surged out over Banderas Bay. My last view of Vallarta was picture postcard perfect. The sun was beating down on the sparkling blue water of the bay, with the green mountains acting as a backdrop to the city below. I held hands with Heidi and Rose, my heart beating very hard in my chest and then, the vista was lost when the plane banked to head north. I slowly turned my gaze away from the window and looked forward.

For my adventures in Toronto and beyond, go to my new blog, Metro Goddess.

Last Post ... Maybe

I woke up this morning at 4:45AM with a severe case of heartburn and/or insomnia. Can you actually develop insomnia after sleeping for five hours peacefully? Something woke me up -- probably a combination of stomach butterflies and my mind going 90 mph, trying to remember everything I have to do today. Yesterday I actually put some stuff into suitcases. I'd been putting it off, thinking to myself, "How long can it take?". Well, my two suitcases for clothes were overflowing BEFORE I picked up the clean laundry. *sigh* I just need to organize them a little better.

I've been siphoning off pieces of my life for friends, giving away little momentos of my PV existence. So when you sit on the couch at Cafe du Soleil and lean on those brightly, striped pillows, think of me! *smile* My friend Angie got new fluffy blue towels and after purging my massive collection of lipsticks (did I really think they wouldn't have any here???), I've got an impressive selection for my neighbour ladies.

So as my life in Vallarta winds down, I keep trying to think of something profound to write and I'm coming up with zilch. My experiences here have been happy, sad, frustrating, enlightening, blessed and cursed. I guess that's the way these things go. I am anxious and excited to be returning to Canada. I could say that I've learned a lot about myself but the fact is, I had a strong sense of self before I came down here.

I am not richer in a monetary sense but Iam definitely more "flush" when it comes to redefining my path in life. For the moment, the journey is taking me back to my roots and I keep getting positive reinforcement of that fact. The job market looks extremely promising in Toronto and my accomodation arrangements are almost finalized. All of that, in itself, proves to me that I am going in the right direction.

I'm not sure when I'll return to Puerto Vallarta, if ever. Things are changing here and I don't like a lot of what I see. Some of my friends are thinking of leaving. Others have left and are not coming back. But I definitely want to re-visit Mexico one day. This is a great country, with wonderful people and a vibrant history. I just wish that the country as a whole would develop to the point where social and environmental issues could take precedence over everything else. One day ... maybe.

Good Bread, Great Washrooms

My friend Rose has unique criteria with which to judge a restaurant. I've tried to apply it to the following restaurants. It seems that lately, we've been very lucky with our choices.

1. Sunday Night - Espresso/Como Pizza. I can't believe the girls have never eaten here before! The spagetti and lasagna were a delight and the service was great. Reasonably priced. Excellent garlic bread with real garlic! Washrooms upstairs.

2. Monday Night - Super Pollo. We usually dine in one night but I decided we needed a change of location so I invited us over to my friend Scott's place. We brought the chicken, potatoes, fresh bread and wine. Plus, I made my homemade caesar salad. Other than the salty potatoes and the 10,000 stairs up to his place, the evening was a huge success! And we invented the Scooter Shooter ... vanilla vodka (Stolly please!) and a bit of Kahlua over ice. YUM! We bought whole wheat baguettes at Rizo's and I think they are created at Collin's Bakery on V. Carranza. Scott has two bathrooms, both tastefully decorated.

3. Tuesday Night - Encanto. This was a last minute decision since we decided to dine late and in my 'hood. I've been a couple of times before but was never overly impressed with the food but LOVED the way the restaurant looks. Heidi said she wanted someplace quiet so Encanto was a perfect choice. She calls the decor "shabby chic Mexican". I had the house special: chicken breast rolled with goat cheese, spinach and mushrooms. The green sauce served with it was divine. Bread selection consisted of homemade hot rolls made with spicey seasonings and cream cheese. Bathrooms are modern, clean and funky.

4. Wednesday Night - Vista Grill. All I can say is, if you haven't been to Vista Grill, what the hell are you waiting for??? We had drinks before dinner, a bottle of wine with dinner, appetizers (3) and entrees (3), plus an after dinner drink for only $2400 pesos including the tip. It was worth every single peso. The view is amazing. Dining at Vista Grill is an event not to be missed. Splurge! You're worth it ... We all decided we want to LIVE at Vista Grill. The bathrooms are fabulous; the wine "cellar" (actually a glassed in main floor cooler right in the restaurant) impressive and I could live on their bread and wine. Rose gave this two thumbs up!

For our last night, we've chosen Boca Bento. It was a favourite of our's last year so we've been saving it for the end of GCV. I like the owners, know the manager very well and love the bar area. If you think you can't afford to eat at Boca Bento, think again. They have a daily happy hour between 5 and 7PM on food and drinks.

I've never eaten so well or so often as I do when my girlfriends are here. Each meal brings new sensations, flavours and emotions. These are the kinds of memories that last forever ... or, in case we forget, Heidi has it all on her new digital camera.

BUEN PROVECHO!

Something Big?

"This week brings a full Moon in your sign. If you are anticipating a quiet, easy time, you had better adjust your expectations. Something big is brewing. Now don't worry, I said big, not bad. It's not necessarily going to be easy but it won't prove hard, either. Just challenging in the nicest possible sense. You are about to put all your energy into something very demanding that's wonderfully worthwhile. If you don't already know where your great opportunity lies, you'll see it soon enough."

How does this Jonathan Cainer guy know what's going on in my life??? Full Moon on Thursday, April 13, my last "full" day in Puerto Vallarta. Sounds like a good omen to me!

The End of an Era

Today is Monday and, as is my wont, I went to meet Kathy at Chiles for one last cheeseburger before I leave this Friday. But when I got there, the place was in a shambles and they definitely were not serving lunch! Hank and Conrad were running around, trying to gather up the last of their personal possessions and the new owners were running around trying to make sense of the chaos.

I know this is exactly what Hank and Conrad want ... after 11 years of running the restaurant, they are tired and want to rest. I also know they have made a good choice in the new owners, who have promised to maintain the integrity of Chiles and keep the good old standbys on the menu: burgers, chicken, etc. But the food is not the only reason we loved Chiles.

Still, it was a sad reminder that things never stay the same and their saying goodbye after so many years only emphasized what I have to do at the end of this week. I'll admit I got a little emotional as the magnitude of what I'm about to do finally hit me. Hank and Conrad seem to feel the same way; sad that their days as restauranteurs are over but happy at this fresh start to their "retirement". I use that word loosely as I can't imagine either of them standing still for a minute.

Five Days To Go!

I can't remember what day it was when I last posted but I've eaten at El Arrayan, Vitea and Agave Grill. I think I need to go to the bank today! BTW, the exchange rates are changing so fast, the banks can't keep their signs in window up to date. My friend Myles says this happens every year when he leaves. He says it is just an indication that it is time for him to head back to Canada. Anyway, we're off to lunch at the River Cafe today at noon, so I better get showered and changed. More later ...

They were still serving breakfast at the River Cafe so I had shrimp and spinach crepes au gratin with hollandaise sauce. Very nice setting outside, overlooking the river. With coffee and juice, the price was $130 pesos. Afterwards, Rose and I went shopping. The rate at the bank was 9.45 for the $CDN so $3000 pesos cost me $317CDN. Saw some shoes I wouldn't mind buying and found a few goodies at Woolworth's (don't I always?). Stocked up on L'Oreal eye makeup remover for $48.50 pesos which is much, much cheaper than what it is in Canada.

I'm off for my siesta now. More again later ...

More Goddess Stuff

Well we've been busy eating our way through town. We've done La Piazzetta, Joe Jack's Fish Shack and La Esquina de los Caprichos. Tonight we're doing the german buffet at Hacienda Alemana followed by the drag queen show at The Palm. I ran into Shane at Colleen's going away party on Monday night and he will be performing as his alter ego, Ida Slapter, tonight at 11PM.

Heidi, Rose and I spent a wonderful day in Bucerias yesterday. We took the bus out in the morning and enjoyed the beach there for about three hours. It is ideal for walking and shell collecting. We had a light lunch at El Chivero (love, love, LOVE their tortilla soup!) and then wandered around town, looking at trinkets.

Today I had another style show for Viva at a beautiful hacienda up in Conchas Chinas. The ladies were there on a junket with Mary Kay Cosmetics so three of us went out there to strut our stuff and peddle Viva's wares. Here we are, pretty in pink, in deference to our hostesses' business (from left to right), Margarita, me and Fabiola.

The Future Looks Promising ...

From my favourite website for all things horoscopical (www.cainer.com):

This week, your ruler, Venus, forms a helpful, harmonious alignment to Pluto, the planet of profound revelation. Then, it moves into a sector of the sky that traditionally symbolises hard work and intense commitment. You're about to stop toying with an idea or possiblity as you finally reach an important decision and then start giving it all you've got. If you think that sounds positive, you are right. It is. But there may come a point, just as the atmosphere becomes more serious when you suddenly wonder where life's levity has gone. It is, though, merely standing briefly aside while you focus your attention. The reward for this will be success... followed by celebration.

Bagpipes at the Beach

Yup! You read that right ... bagpipes, at the beach! Who'd have thought those two things would go together? Maybe in Scotland ... do they have beaches in Scotland?!? I have been telling the Goddesses about the Green Chairs Beach Club for some time now. I was turned on to this place by my friend Scott, who describes it as "gay friendly" but not as gay as the Blue Chairs. LOL

We found a great spot, under a HUGE palapa, with five chairs and proceeded to unwind. We sat in the sun, enjoyed the shade, walked on the beach, read, chatted and just generally relaxed. I could slowly see Vallarta working her magic on my friends' tired, tense muscles. As we waited for our lunches to arrive (the food is really good at this place), I noticed a band setting up and happened to mention that one of the guys was wearing a kilt and was holding bagpipes.

Actually, I like the bagpipes (probably due to my brief stint in the military). I always enjoyed a good parade and when the pipes were being played, it was easier to march in time. As it turned out, this particular band was from Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA and they weren't bad. They weren't great either and certainly not suitable for a relaxing, quiet day at the beach. We ate lunch, packed up and headed back to the rooftop pool at Plazamar until I went home to rest up for Saturday night.


We met at CCs for sunset drinks and our "Auntie Goddess", Isabel showed up as well. We posed for photos, enjoyed a libation (or two) and then went to Tia Catrina for dinner. After that, we headed over to Andales to make an appearance. As we walked into the bar, wearing our boas and dimestore tiaras, the song "Prison Bitch" started playing. We certainly caused a sensation, especially among the other female patrons. This always happens when the Goddesses go out; other women want to join in the fun. There is something very liberating about acting like a total fool in public among a good natured crowd. We had a blast! I think I can safely say the Goddesses OWNED that bar that night, even if it was just for a couple of hours.

Out of all of us, Mary Ann usually looks the best in photos so I couldn't resist posting this. What a nice ass you have my dear!

GCV Commences!

On Friday morning, I was up and out of the house by around 11AM and headed over to Plazamar thinking that the girls might have arrived early. Their flight was scheduled to get in at 10:20AM, which meant it left Toronto at 6AM. If you extrapolate that time backwards, it means that Heidi and Rose were up at 2AM Toronto time or 1AM Vallarta time. Keep that in mind ...

I promised to help M.A. with her suitcases so I climbed three flights of stairs to her room at the Lily to find her totally packed and sitting on the bed reading. Apparently she forgot to change her watch to Vallarta time so she had been sitting around for an hour waiting for me. At first she was worried I was not going to show up but then realized her mistake.

As we wheeled up to the front door at Plazamar, we could see the other Goddesses had arrived. After many hugs, kisses and airplane horror stories later, we were off for lunch at Banana Cantina. I had been raving about Debbi Egan's new restaurant for a couple of weeks and they couldn't wait to try it! We were not disappointed. The food is excellent and the decor is very bright and colourful. Next time you're in Vallarta, check them out above Choco Banana, on the corner of Amapas and Pulpito.

After that we hit the Scotiabank and then I left them to get settled in at the condo. We met later for drinks on the terrace, overlooking the ocean, and took some opening night photos. Then it was off to dinner at Daiquiri Dick's. Lenin and Jorge were playing a benefit concert that night to help raise money for their special projects (children). Dinner was amazing, as usual. I had salmon, Heidi & Bea had Mahi Mahi, M.A. had shrimp and Rose had ostrich. Then we headed over to La Noche, our favourite "alternative" martini bar and closed the first evening of GCV with a nightcap.

From Viva Diva to Goddess in 24 Hours

I had one last "kick at the can" as a Viva Diva last week on Thursday. Jackie asked me to be in a style show out at Casa Velas at a luncheon for some golfers' wives and I agree to do it. Why not? I got to dress up, wear fabulous jewellery, hang out with the some of the prettiest women in Vallarta (the Viva Girls) for the afternoon AND get paid for it. First honest job I've had since October! Actually, it's the ONLY job I've had since October.

I've vowed to take the $500 pesos and buy a pair of shoes with it. Anyway, during my second change (we did three -- different colour pareos, hats and jewellery), I tied by pareo in an over the shoulder style that took about one minute to do. Apparently one of the women at the show loved my creation so much, she was in the store an hour later buying the exact same colour pareo so I guess I earned my money.

The first Goddess, Mary Ann, arrived from California the same day so we arranged to have drinks at CCs and then dinner at Machis BBQ. It was nice to have Mary Ann all to myself for an evening so we could get caught up before the other Goddesses arrived the next day.

I have tried to start packing for my departure but, everytime I put something in a box, I need it so I've kind of given up. I think it will only take me a couple of hours anyway so I suppose I will leave it to the last minute, like I do everything else. Its seems I've really taken this "mañana" mentality to heart after living here for over two years.

Fabulous Photo!

Thanks to my friend Darryl for sending me this photo. It was taken from his livingroom window in PV on March 23, 2006.

Leaving On A Jet Plane!

Well, it's officially official. I'm flying out on Good Friday, April 14th. I picked up my ticket voucher at Signature Vacations' office for $350US or $424CDN at yesterday's exchange rate. I'll be flying back on the same flight with the Goddesses.

For anyone who is interested, I bought a return ticket in July when I came back from Toronto. I just didn't use the return leg but the unused portion of my ticket has value for up to 12 months. I just had to pay the hefty change fee and fly when there is availabilty.

I've always been very lucky doing this but then, I usually fly in the low season. It's worked out quite well for me because I get to pick when I want to fly and all the flights are direct. If you would like any more information, please feel free to email me!

The Goddesses Are Coming ...

You might see us at Andales!



Or posing for photos!



We're very friendly!



Sometimes silly!



Always fabulous!














WE ARE GODDESSES!!!

From Bowling To Chocolates

The above title aptly describes my day yesterday. I left the house in the morning to meet friends at Fredy's Tucan for breakfast before bowling. I arrived early (of course) and found Ken at the bar, smoking a cigarette, reading a paperbook and drinking a screwdriver. Ken says he usually doesn't start drinking until 5 o'clock. That's when he wakes up, 5AM.

I told him, "We need a table for six."

"Six? What for?"

"Tom and Michelle are coming for breakfast, aren't they"?

Ken replied, "No, they never eat breakfast. They just meet us after breakfast and drive us up there".

Five minutes later Kathy arrived.

"Did you get us a table?" she asked Ken.

"No", he said.

At which point the two of them started squabbling about what he had been doing the whole time he was sitting there waiting for us, why didn't he get us a table, yadda yadda yadda. BTW, the squabbling continued for the rest of the day. *sigh* Anyway, at that moment I spied a table for four being vacated and said, "Let's sit there!" Kathy took one look and shook her head. "That's not the smoking section. Can't sit there." *sigh* (See my rant on smoking earlier this month.)

Then Colleen walked in, looking fresh and happy, still damp from her shower.

"Do we have a table yet?" she asked.

Kathy and I looked at each and then proceeded to glare at Ken, who merely shrugged his shoulders and said, "I told them I needed a table in 15 minutes".

Kathy ordered a coffee at the bar and poured in her usual morning pick-me-up, an ounce or two of Lara coffee liqueur.

Shortly thereafter, we were ushered into the garden area in the back to a table for six. The four of us sat down and were handed menus. Ken said, "I'm not eating" and proceeded to light up another cigarette. Kathy wanted to know why he wasn't eating. "Because I ate when I got up at 5AM and I'm not hungry." No doubt all that smoking had dulled his appetite.

"Well I'm starving!" declared Colleen while Kathy and I stated that we were hungry too. The waiter took our drink orders; coffee for me, water for Colleen and another screwdriver for Ken. After a while he took our food orders and as he went to grab the menus, Tom and Michelle walked in.

"Did you order yet?" Tom asked. "Just did!" we replied and the waiter hesitated, waiting for them to place their hurried orders. Ken and Kathy started squabbling again, everyone had something to drink, "toast" (actually slightly toasted french bread) was on the table. Now we were getting somewhere.

The food arrived at our table the same time Mike was wheeling Lynnda towards our table. Our table for six needed to be expanded for eight but with only one extra chair, since Lynnda brought her own. *wink* Upon eyeing my omelete, served with hash browns, Mike started ranting about how he never got enough potatoes and why did I get all those potatoes. I told him it was because I flirted with the staff and started batting my eyelashes at our server, Oscar, to prove my point. This also works on bus and taxi drivers.

Once finished, we all piled into vehicles and headed out to Collage. Bowling costs $20 pesos a game (we bowl three) and $10 pesos for shoe rentals. There is a lot of name calling, cursing and dancing going on during these three games, especially when there are a dozen or more of us playing on four lanes. It is a tremendous amount of fun for a very small price.

After three hours of bowling, everyone was incredibly thirsty so we headed back to Que?Pasa for drinks. Although the bar is currently closed, we were bowling with the owners so a "private party" was in the offing. I was having deja vu with Tom being there with me (remember my "Bowling and Blood" blog from October 2004?) but his wife managed to keep him off the bar and away from the ceiling fans. Kathy and Ken started playing a dice game. The squabbling increased in volume. Someone had left an unfinished puzzle on the table and since Tom and I are both Librans, we couldn't leave it alone. We had to finish it. Welcome to FREAKS 'R' US!

By now, it was close to 5PM and we were all getting hungry again. Tia Catrina was the natural choice since it is cheap, close and very, VERY good. They had just opened for the evening and we all ordered the Special; three shrimp cakes served with mango chutney sauce, ceasar salad and rice for $120 pesos. BTW, Erin, Hector and Tex (the owners) are now selling Tia Catrina tshirts for $100 pesos. As we were leaving the restaurant, Tex called me back in and gave me a free tshirt!

I was exhausted from my long, arduous day and headed home but felt I needed a little "something" and in my world, that means only one thing -- chocolate. I popped into Guadalajara Pharmacy and couldn't decide between a milk chocolate Hershey bar, a small bag of Hershey's kisses or chocolate M&M's so I bought all three!

Walking towards my place, I heard a small band playing in the street. It is not uncommon for a family or group of friends to form a band and walk the streets, playing for money. They were a ragtag groups of men playting trumpets, women banging drums and one boy, carrying a plastic cup and accepting donations. I stopped to allow an older lady to come out of her house with her change purse open. We both dropped $20 pesos into the boy's cup and were rewarded with smiles by the entire troupe.

And so ended another day in Vallarta ...

Watch Your Speed Ma'am!

A friend of mine was having tremendous difficulty with his internet provider here in Vallarta. He also has the same VOIP service as me so he was very frustrated at not being able to use his phone effectively. Someone told him about a website where you can check your speed. He did so and found out that he was running at the LOWEST speed (192 kbps) instead of the HIGHEST speed (512 kbps) even though he had been paying for the faster service all along. He finally contacted the President of the corporation and arranged to meet him at the local office and demanded they show him the speed. He was right; they were wrong. They offered him one month free and he's had no problems since. Anyway, if you want to check your own speed, pick the city closest to you at this website: Speedtest. And if you've still having problems, call your ISP ASAP!

I called yesterday to check on my speed and to complain about the crappy service on the weekend (pages loading slowly, unable to get online at all, the phone was going dead, etc.). Five minutes after I called to ask for help, I lost my internet entirely so my afternoon was spent wasting precious cell phone minutes on hold with CosmoRed. The situation was so bad, the tech, Ernesto, came by my house last night to check my modem. It was no coincidence that I lost my service five minutes after speaking to him and reiterated again this morning that I thought "the problem is at your end". Anyway, after much back and forth with him, he finally admitted he found the problem and it was not (1) my modem (2) the cable (3) my VOIP router and/or (4) the full moon.

INSERT ONE BIG FAT HEAVY SIGH HERE PLEASE!

Anyway, on to more delicious things ... Kathy, Colleen and I had our usual lunch on Monday but as we approached the cash register to pay, Hank told us that lunch was on him! We've been faithfully showing up there every Monday for months now and he rewarded us today with a free lunch. How about that for customer appreciation? I can't say enough about these guys (Hank and Conrad) and their wonderful restaurant. I will miss them so much when I leave here ... :(

I've been going to a lot of movies lately. Most recently, I've seen Syriana (too complicated with half the Arabic dialogue being translated into Spanish subtitles only); Rumour Has It (cute flick with Jenn Anniston and Mark Ruffalo -- Kevin Costner is a dud, as usual, and Shirley McLean's face is contorted from too much plastic surgery); Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (excellent chemistry between the two males leads, Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer) and Pride and Prejudice. P&P was a delight for the senses. Colleen and I came out of movie theatre swooning, believing in love, romance and men in knee high boots with tight britches.

Sneak Peak

I've created a new blog and was going to ask you for suggestions on what to call it but then I thought, "What the hell? I know the perfect name!"

Metro Goddess

Enjoy!

Sometimes Even I Make Sense!

This is something I posted on a dating website on a thread about woman over 40 and their dating insecurities.

I think the greatest gift I gave myself was permission to trust my own instincts. If something doesn't feel right, for whatever reason, I trust that feeling. If someone says or does something that makes me uncomfortable, I take that into consideration before deciding whether I want to continue with this person in my life -- whether they be a friend or a lover.

People can have all the confidence in the world in their job, raising their children, singing in the choir, but there is something about interpersonal relationships, especially those with the opposite sex, that makes us throw everything we know out the window. I think it is important NOT to do that.

I also believe that age has nothing to do with it. I've dated men 20 years younger and 30 years older. The only difference I've found is muscle tone! LOL You are the only person who can guard your heart. It is your most precious commodity. You need to REALLY know the person to whom you are giving it.

Never, EVER shortchange yourself and think that being in a relationship, ANY relationship, is better than being alone. I will take being alone over an inappropriate relationship any day of the week. And that is the kind of confidence you need to have if you're going to be successful in dating and finding someone to love.

One Month To Go!!!

I blew a fuse yesterday. No, I didn't get angry, I literally blew a fuse. I had the CD player on and when I turned on my blowdryer, the lights went out. Good thing it was the middle of the day! I went downstairs to talk to my neighbour Estelle since we share the electricity bill and she still had power so we walked down to the fuse box and I reached up to open it since she is too short. Inside were two fuses. One looked almost brand new. The other one had disintegrated so much you could hardly recognize it as a fuse. She really alarmed me when she reached in and started rooting around the box, trying to dig out the fuse.

Then she yelled down the hall to our other neighbour who arrived brandishing a HUGE butcher knife! Estelle started using the butcher knife to dig out the fuse. I kept backing further and further away from the box, expecting a big explosion! Finally, Estelle handed me the fuse, in two pieces, and explained that I needed to go to the hardware store to buy a new fuse. I was almost ready for my lunch with the girls and figured the stuff in the freezer would keep until I got back. As I was getting ready to leave, Estelle came to my door and said she would go to the store so I gave her some money and she went, bought the fuse, brought it back and inserted it. Bingo, bango, bongo ... the lights went on! I have very nice neighbours ... :)

My friend "P" (not using her real name in order to protect her identity) got stopped the other day by the police for running a red light. We often hear stories down here of the police stopping people with non-Mexican license plates for various unsubstantiated reasons and demanding money in exchange for letting them go. This is what we call a bribe, but in Mexico, it is called paying a "mordida". Anyway, the cop asks her for $500 pesos (over $50CDN). She knew she was in the wrong but she didn't have $500 pesos. She only had $100 pesos. He dropped the price to $200 pesos but when she showed him she only had $100 pesos, he took it. My friend is quite the bargainer ... I think I want to go shopping with her! *smile*

What else is going on? More of my friends have experienced thefts in their homes. The primary targets seem to be small expensive objects: laptops, gold jewellery, cameras, etc. While filing police reports, they have been told by the local constabulary that all these thefts are drug related. Drug addicts looking for quick money to support their nasty habit. Thank goodness no one has been hurt ... yet. And anyone out there reading this who thinks that drugs and crime in Mexico are not related, think again. And get your head out of your ass while you're at it. I am doubly thankful for our newly gated entrance and my ever vigilant neighbours!

Counting Down the Days to Departure

I just got off the phone with Signature Vacations here in Vallarta and they confirmed that there are over 150 seats left on the flight out of here on April 14 so it looks like we might have to rename the flight "Goddess Air"!

The Goddesses arrive three weeks from today and are staying for two weeks. I am hoping to fly back with them so they can help me with all my stuff. It looks like things might actually happen that way. I'm so friggin' excited!!!

DAD, CAN YOU PICK ME UP AT THE AIRPORT??? *GRIN*

What's YOUR Sign?

Tuesday, 7th March 2006 - LIBRA (Sep 24 - Oct 23)
Like a goldfish in a bowl or a knight in a suit of armour, is your relationship with the outside world a little peculiar? Are you stuck, trapped, insular? You may feel remote from something you would like to be more deeply involved with. But you are not absent, or powerless or helpless. Don't underestimate the extent of the influence you wield. Don't doubt the importance of the role you are playing. Don't worry about anything. You are better protected - and better connected - than you know.

People seem to think that I don't like Mexico any more! Nothing could be further from the truth. I just realize it is time to move on. I will definitely miss all of my wonderful friends here (you know who you are!) and the fabulous restaurants which have become my favourites over the years. I will also miss the gay bars. I have so much fun in them -- it should really be illegal! LOL And I'm sure next February, I will be missing the weather but hopefully I will be so busy planning my next trip, the winter months will fly by and I will be on my way to somewhere exotic. I simply cannot wait to start the next part of my journey ...

Another Monday Morning

The great thing about being on holidays is that Monday mornings don't strike terror into your heart like they do when you're working. You don't have that feeling of dread when you go to bed on Sunday nights and you can sleep in, which I did this morning. The most taxing thing on my schedule for today is getting to my lunch date with the girls at Chiles at 1PM. I'm usually late ...

Actually, now that I've lived here for over two years, I find myself being late for most things and I don't know why. I've always been a very punctual person. I guess the difference is now I priorize my punctuality. If I am late for lunch with the girls, they will just start without me. If I'm late for a beach date, my friends will still be there regardless of whether I show up or not.

But Monday mornings still have the ability to make me think about my week in advance and plan a few things to keep me going. So here is how my week is shaping up so far: Monday - lunch; Tuesday - beach; Wednesday - party at Viva; Thursday - lunch; Friday - beach again maybe; Saturday - quien sabes? (who knows?). As you can see, I lead a pretty exciting life.

Someone recently noted that I seemed to be burning some bridges down here and I'm wondering if maybe I am. Not consciously of course, but maybe more as a defence mechanism to avoid saying goodbye. You know, get people so pissed off at you that you don't have to actually go through the whole goodbye thing. I think they call it separation anxiety.

I don't feel particularly anxious though. I know I have a lot to do before I can leave. The thought of packing up 2+ years of life down here and somehow trying to move it back to Canada in bits and pieces seems daunting but I know I'll do it. That's what living down here has done for me, given me the confidence to know that whatever I attempt, I will be able accomplish it, in some form or another.

Anyway, I hope your Monday morning is a cheery one and if not, maybe this post will give you some food for thought. To all of my blog readers, have a wonderful day and a fabulous week. I promise to try to do something exciting so that I can blog at you again soon! :)

Violence In Vallarta

After the ghastly murders of two Canadians in Cancun, while on vacation for their daughter's wedding, I've decided to post a version of something I wrote last fall, after making my decision to return to live in Canada. Today, I sent this to the Toronto Star in response to their "Speak Out" section regarding those recent events:

After living in Vallarta for over two years now, I realize my feeling of safety here was an illusion. With the tremendous growth and the large amount of nationals moving here from other parts of Mexico, crime is on the increase. People MUST be aware of everything going on around them, especially women.

The language barrier and cultural differences make things even more dangerous. So, if there is a chance that I might become a victim of a violent crime, I would rather it happened in my own country. At least there, my support network is in place and the authorities speak the same language as me. And the police force is not more corrupt than the criminals they are trying to apprehend.

Walk The Line

Just saw it and LOVED IT!!! If you get a chance, go see it. The performances of the two leads are excellent (probably why they both got nominated for Academy Awards).

Some trivia for you: Johnny proposed to June on February 22, 1968 at a concert at the London Gardens in London, Ontario. It was an old hockey arena and the concert was attened by about 5,000 people.

Oh, and a quote from Mr. Cash: "I did not vote for Mr. Bush, let's leave it at that."

A Rant On Smoking

I'm an ex-smoker. I never smoked a lot and I never smoked before noon. I have made a conscious choice to have very few friends who are smokers (you know who you are and when are you quitting?). I am a very fanantical non-smoker. I think one of the main reasons I am returning to Canada is because of the strict non-smoking laws there. In Mexico, there are very few laws with respect to smoking. You can smoke almost anywhere and people usually do. My friends Amy and Ben have a non-smoking cafe and they still get looks of disbelief from their smoking patrons when they are asked to smoke outside. Apparently, it is offensive to them to be asked to smoke away from the food being prepared and other clients enjoying their meals.

Sometimes I think that all the smokers from NOTB are coming to Mexico so that they can smoke more freely. Cigarettes cost less here too. As a result, I am not a very happy camper most of the time. It doesn't matter where I am outside -- at the beach, out for lunch, in a bar -- the smoke will always come straight towards me. Kind of like the way dogs jump all over my Mom because she doesn't like them. My biggest pet peeve about smoking is people who don't understand that when they smoke, they are endangering the lives of the people around then. By NOT smoking, I am hurting no one. I have zero tolerance for smoking and just cancelled a six day road trip because the driver is a smoker.

When I return to Canada, I will be looking for a job. I think one of the questions I will ask prospective employers is, "What is your smoking policy?" If they tell me they allow their employees to take smoke breaks, I am going to ask them, "What is in it for me? What benefits will I receive as a non-smoker? Will I be able to leave my desk half a dozen times a day and ask my co-workers to do my work for me? Or will I actually get paid MORE for being the type of employee who stays at her desk for the requisite seven hours a day?" If not, I guess I won't be working for them for long, if at all.

GO CANADA!

I'm just feeling patriotic today, especially with respect to the Olympics, and hoping for a medal in men's hockey.



Edited to add that I caught the last period of the Canada/Russia game (which we lost 2-0) at Steve's Bar and got to shake the hand of the guy sitting beside me. He was FROM Russia and the only one in the bar cheering for them (with a flag too!). Small world here in Vallarta ... you never know who you are going to meet. BTW, he now thinks Canadians are pretty cool too. :)

You Know It's Going To Be A Good Day When ...

I woke up this morning with no hot water. Actually, I knew yesterday that I was probably out of gas but started thinking that maybe the painters just turned off my water heater while they were painting around it. I lit the pilot and turned it up to high but, unlike the Olympic torch, it would not stay lit. So I decided to call the gas company. I did this the last time I ran out and my Spanish has improved to the point where I can actually carry on a simple conversation over the phone. Of course, I called too early. What was I thinking? Imagine a business like the Gas Company being open before 9AM on a Monday morning! Sometime I forget I'm in Mexico ... LOL

Anyway, as I am sitting here, looking stupid and wondering how a cold shower would feel, I hear the little singsong that accompanies the gas truck as it patrols the neighbourhood, looking for customers who don't like cold showers. "ES GAS!!!" Ding, ding ding ... that would be me. I ran down the stairs and as I unlocked the door to the street, they were just passing by the corner and caught my wave. Sure beats jumping in a car and chasing after them all over town as some of my friends have been known to do! Anyway, within five minutes I had a full tank of gas and my hot water heater is heating up even as we speak. Unfortunately, the cost was close to $300 pesos so I guess my massage will have to wait for another day ...

What a CROC!

When is the last time you went to a party and received a free pair of shoes? That's what happened to me yesterday at Joe Jack's Fish Shack. Brenda Retzlaff has opened one of two new Croc stores here in Puerto Vallarta and she held her media event party to kick off her new venture. Edited to add Brenda's email: brenda@crocsmexico.com (in case you would like to contact her directly).

Why was I invited? I haven't got a clue unless you consider the fact that: (1) I love shoes and (2) I know everyone she doesn't. LOL My particular pair were "Hecho en Canada" so I was pretty pleased about that little coincidence. And they're RED so they match my boa. I'm not entirely sold on them yet (they're pretty ugly) but I will give them a fair try and let you know what I think. And yes Heidi, you can try them on when you get here! (We're the same size.)

BTW, the nearest Croc store to me in Vallarta is conveniently located on V. Carranza #491 across from the Colin butchershop and almost kitty korner to El Brujo Restaurant. Here is the website.

Poll For My Readers

I'm getting fancy, schmancy with the blog again. Check out the minipoll on the right and exercise your right to vote! :)

All comments welcome but the ones I don't like will be deleted. After all, it's my blog. Hahahahahahahaha!!!

Blue Skies, From Now On ...

I want to plug my Dad's part-time "business" (he retired finally last month at age 73!!!). He's always been crazy about airplanes and was in the RCAF. And I've been going to airshows since I was little ...

Anyway, he's working with a guy online to sell aviation art prints and aircraft models. The website is www.blueskygear.com. Check under Aircraft Models (5 different areas of interest) and Aviation Art Prints.

He's also got a toll free number (1-866-202-1252) in Canada and the U.S. or you can email him directly at aeroart@sgci.com. His name is Bob Montagano. I just know there are some airplane enthusiasts out there!

Pepperoni and Peru

Before the holidays, I sent out a plea for pepperoni. I haven't been able to find it down here anywhere and I had a craving. Someone heard me and brought me 1.5 kgs of the stuff on Saturday January 28th. I've been in pepperoni heaven ever since! Pepperoni for breakfast, pepperoni for snacks, pepperoni whenever I feel like it. The best part is that it is Schneiders pepperoni, made in good old Kitchener, Ontario, Canada (my hometown).

I had lunch today at Chiles with my friend Colleen. Coll is my very first internet friend. We met here in PV over four years ago and have stayed in close touch ever since. She just got back from two miraculous weeks in Peru so she brought her laptop to lunch and showed me all of her photos. INCREDIBLE is all I can say. South America is now officially on my "must see" list of places in the world.

Gringo Gulch Goddess

I've been living the high life in Gringo Gulch for a week and a half now, housesitting for my friends on Calle Miramar. I am familiar with the house, having stayed here a couple of times before, but there are two new additions: (1) The rooftop terrace has been completely re-done with a wet bar, bathroom and improved seating area. This is my favourite place to hang out during a sunny afternoon while reading my book. (2) They have a new dog. Xochi (pronounced Zoe-CHEE) has been with the family for a year. She is a Rottweiler and we are getting along fine. I think she is enjoying all the attention I have been lavishing on her since I got here. I have satellite TV, wireless internet, my own bedroom with en suite bathroom, overlooking the bay, and all the other amenities of living in a Mexican hacienda.

To be honest, I can't wait to get back to my crummy, little apartment! I hate living out of a suitcase and the bed here is not as comfortable as mine. The house is really, REALLY big (four bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, pool, etc.). I'm feeling a little lost. I keep mainly to my room where I have my computer set up, the terrace, the den and the kitchen. I sometimes close all the doors in the house and let the dog run up and down the stairwell. It gives her exercise and she keeps me company. The housekeeper and her husband come in every day for a couple of hours and while I understand this is their job, I miss my privacy on those mornings when I want to lounge around in my PJs.

Actually, I haven't been doing too much lounging. I've been busy helping to organize this year's fundraiser for the Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza (R.I.S.E.). We have confirmed the Marina Vallarta Club de Golf as the location for this year's benefit on February 18 between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $450 pesos and include food, refreshments (beer, wine, soda pop and bottled water) and entertainment. Participating restaurants this year include: Cafe des Artistes, Daquiri Dick's, River Cafe, El Dorado, Tia Catrina and many others! Tickets are available at Que?Pasa and other locations around town. Or you can contact me at montyjam@gmail.com. Come on out to this worthy event and help support the kids!

Beware Of Skinny Men! LOL

Bucerias (Boo-sir-REE-as)

I went to Bucerias today with some out of town friends. Vera and her husband Bill have been here since last Monday. Vera has been here once before, over a year ago, and Bill has never been here. They are great fun! They are up to doing anything I suggest and even took the bus to Pitillal (a true Mexican neighbourhood) by themselves the other day just to "look around". They somehow ended up in Ixtapa (north of the airport) but had a wonderful time retelling their story that evening over dinner. Bill has been peppering me with questions since he arrived. Most of them I can answer but some of them I can't. He is very inquisitive, open-minded and interested. In my opinion, this makes a very good tourist.

I thought it would be nice to take them to a pretty beach for the day, since they are leaving tomorrow. My other friends, Mike and Zdenka (long term seasonal tourists here), decided to join us. OH! Before I go any further, I want to put in a plug for Los Tres Delphines (The Three Dolphins) just off Olas Altas near the Los Arcos Suites Hotel. We ate dinner there last night and all had one of the specials. Four of us had shrimp and Bill had beef fajitas (he is allergic to shellfish). Each dinner came on a platter with rice and steamed veggies. We all had 10-12 large shrimp done different ways (garlic butter, breaded, el diablo). One drink was included in the price of dinner which was only 90 PESOS! The food and service were excellent. Cute location too with a lot of plants and terrific bathrooms. :)

Anyway, we caught the city bus in front of Cine Bahia just before 10AM. We transferred to the ATM bus across the street from Coppel department store, at the HSBC bank. The cost was 4.5 pesos for the city bus and 10 pesos for the ATM bus. Total cost for the return trip was 29 pesos or just over $3CDN. We travelled for one hour to downtown Bucerias. Once off the bus, we walked west, towards the Bay, down the "main drag" in Bucerias which is actually a two lane street with a boulevard down the middle. We walked to the waterfront, searching for a restaurant with beach access, good food and reasonable prices. I chose El Chivero for a couple of reasons. It wasn't crowded, they had a palapa at the back by the beach for shade with loungers and they had drink specials: 5 beers for 45 pesos in a bucket and 2 for 1 tropical drinks for 45 pesos (***Goddesses, PLEASE TAKE NOTE!!!***).

The menu was quite extensive with various dishes of seafood, chicken, beef and fish. Prices were very reasonable (30 pesos for tortilla soup, $60 pesos for chicken quesadillas and $70 pesos for beef fajitas). For the record, the tortilla soup was one of the best I've ever had! Tons of avocado (which I love), cheese, sour cream and tortillas in a light tomato base. It was a little bit salty but I'm wondering now if that was the cheese. The chicken quesadillas were tasty, greasy and served with beans and guac. Pop and coffee were $10 pesos each and Diet Coke was $15 pesos a bottle. The bill for all of us was $400 pesos for the day. We never did order any beer ... the beach was lovely and goes for miles in both directions ... the waves were a little high but not as bad as Los Muertos. All in all, a wonderful day with wonderful friends.

Tequila and Magdelena

My friends Debbie and Jim were here recently for a vacation and we decided to rent a car for a couple of days so we could drive to Tlaquepaque. The ride itself is not for the faint of heart -- kilometres of steep, winding hills which mean agony to this motion-sick-prone Goddess. This time of year, Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque are gorgeous during the day (sunny and 25C with no humidity) but the nights can be quite cold. I took jeans, boots, a long sleeved shirt and a jacket and I was still cold! The other disadvantage to going this time of year was that all the restaurants close early (or at least they did on Monday night). I've had better trips there.



On the upside were our two stops on the way back. First we stopped in Tequila and found the centre of town without a problem (just followed a van filled with tourists!). We parked and wandered over to the Jose Cuervo tequila factory/distillery. They have guided tours on the hour for an hour. We arrived just after 11AM and didn't want to hang around for the tour at noon so we settled for cruising through the gift shop, the tequila store and generally snooping into every room without a locked door. This place is immense and a lot of money went into designing the buildings and grounds. Large flat screen TVs were hung on the walls throughout the building, promoting tequila in English and Spanish. For a glimpse into the world of Cuervo Tequila, go to their slick website here. I also found an interesting article at this link with photos.

We had a bit of trouble getting out of town and headed in the wrong direction up a very bumpy cobblestone street! Once turned around, we found the hospital again (I always use them as landmarks) and stopped to ask someone how to get back on the highway to Magdelena. A few minutes later we were on our way. FYI, there is a toll road between Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta but there is also the original highway which is two lanes and not as direct. This was the road that took us to the mining town famous for Mexican fire opals. Jim was able to find a parking spot in the middle of town so we parked and headed out. I thought there might be stores one block beyond the centre of town (less frequented = better deals) but no such luck. Once past the school, I spotted a shop off the main road and we went in.

Seated behind a desk, polishing obsidian paperweights, was an older woman with a broken arm. When I asked what happened, she said she fell in the store. I asked her for opal rings, set in silver, which caused her to go into the back room and reach under the bed for a leather case. After placing it on the counter with her good arm, she opened it up so Deb and I could start trying on rings. I found a couple of potentials but then happened to look in the glass case to my left and spotted a ring with channel set opals in a thick silver band. I tried it on and it fit so I bought it for $350 pesos.

I am very happy with my purchase and will treasure it forever as a momento of my trip. Jim also has a momento -- a parking ticket. Apparently we parked in the exclusive parking spot for the Minister of Finance of Magdelena. No wonder it was so easy ... LOL

Weirdness ...

People are always telling me that I look like Lynda Carter. Personally I have never seen any resemblance, other than the dark hair and the blue eyes. I mean, I've never owned a golden lariat or blue silk hot pants. But tonight, as I'm watching Law & Order SVU, she shows up as the victim's mother and HOLY MOTHER OF GOD! I do look like her!!! Scared the crap out of me ... LOL

The Need To Blog ...

It seems I am turning into a blog slut ... first the new look and now four posts already this year! I've decided that it is easier to post a "bloglet" than try to post something profound. So, if you're expecting a Nobel Prize winning blog, this isn't the place. Haha! I have a couple of things on my mind so here goes.

When I first started coming to Vallarta as a tourist, I was always amazed/impressed/flattered when people remembered me from the previous trip and wanted to stop me on the street and chat. I found this to be a charming practice. When I made the decision to move here, it gave me some comfort knowing that I was already acquainted with people here and they would undoubtedly become my friends.

After I started working, I had to punch a time clock and this meant showing up at work on time or be penalized with a monetary fine (I kid you not!). So all that socializing on the way to the store had the potential to cost me money. Since I was only making 23.3 pesos an hour, I started leaving home earlier in high season, knowing that my path to work would be littered with friends wanting to chat me up along the way.

Then the gossip started. "I saw you on the street talking to a guy the other day. Is that your boyfriend?" PLEASE! The rumours continued and it really started to irk me. There is nothing more disconcerting than someone you barely know regurgitating your schedule to you, three days later. I can barely remember what I had for breakfast and you want me to remember who I said "hi" to last week? Ain't gonna happen.

The above rant (rantlet?) is background for the following story. Last night I was out with my Ladies Group ("girls" only dinner, once a week, different restaurant, lots of giggles). There were 14 of us at Coco Tropical, seated at a long table. I was at one end with my friends, Irene and Marion, who had just arrived from Ontario. We got to talking about my trip back to Canada with my friend Myles.

"So I hear Myles has a girlfriend", said Irene.

"What? That's news to me!" I said.

Marion chimed up and said, "Yes, he definitely has a girlfriend."

"Where did you hear this?" I asked.

Irene said, "We met Jack at CCs on the weekend and he told us."

"I don't think Jack has his facts straight Irene. I would know if Myles had a girlfriend ..." I said.

"Jack told us all about her. She used to be a doctor's wife." Marion added.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, the penny dropped. I had seen Myles with a beautiful blond on Sunday night. I turned and yelled down the table, "Beverly, are you Myles' new girlfriend?"

Beverly, shocked at the question, said "No! Of course not! We're just friends!!!"

The rumour mill in southside Vallarta works at an alarmingly fast clip. If I could only figure out a way to harness that power, I might be able to take over the country (or at least get them to stop playing that stupid Alice song at Andales!). LOL BTW Jack, if you're reading this, expect an email from Irene sometime after her return to Canada. If you're going to spread gossip, be prepared for the backlash! Haha!!!

New Year, New Look

You might be thinking that you've stumbled across a new blog but it's still me ... *smirk* I've made a few changes to the look of my blog for a couple of reasons. One, I get bored easily and in order to keep me interested in my own blog, I had to spruce it up a bit! Two, I've been looking at other people's blogs and, by comparison, mine sucks. So I've changed the template, added some links and few more bells and whistles. I hope you like it. I think it's magical ...

Can You Say Tlaquepaque?

(THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF "THE WEDDING" BLOG FROM DECEMBER 8TH.)

On Sunday morning, Marty was up bright and early, checking on places for breakfast. Unfortunately, the mall was still closed and didn't look like it was going to open any time soon. Anxious to be on our way, we decided to load up the car and drive to Tlaquepaque. Unable to find a proper map, we were relying on a tourist map, written in Spanish, from the hotel lobby next door. Not exactly high tech but we were confident we could figure it out. Four mature adults, eight sharp eyes and no extreme hangovers. We were all pretty hungry though so food was in the forefront of everyone's mind as we set out.

I knew, from looking at the "map", that Tlaquepaque was south and east of our location so we headed in that direction, towards downtown Guadalajara. Marty reminded us that the date was November 20 or El Dia de la Revolucion (Day of the Revolution) and if Guad was anything like PV, the streets would be crowded with people in the parade. We were partly right. The streets were busy with some kind of bike-a-thon and there were detour signs everywhere. We were constantly thwarted by the police, sending us north when we wanted to go south. Finally, we turned right, somehow bypassing the mess downtown and headed towards the suburbs.

Tlaquepaque is essentially an arts community, located on the southern fringes of Guadalajara, next to TonaLA (accent on the last syllable). Tonala is where they make a lot of the touristy-type crafts (i.e. junk) you see for sale in Vallarta. I found it to be a bit more rustic and industrial than Tlaquepaque and therefore, not as pretty. So when I asked my travelling companions where they wanted to go, they all voted for Tlaquepaque! We went past a huge seafood market and then found a bus with the word "Tlaquepaque" written in the front display window. So we followed that for awhile, past some HUGE palm trees (at least 10 stories high!) and then finally located Ninoes Heroes which took us right to Calle Juarez which disects central Tlaquepaque.

Wonders of wonders, we found a parking spot right away and a restaurant open, serving breakfast across the street. Service was slow and the food was mediocre but once sufficiently satiated, we grabbed a few necessities out of the car and headed towards the main square. A couple of yards from the car and the restaurant, I spotted a sign hanging over a green metal door that said "La Media Luna B&B". Since I had done a bit of research before the trip, it sounded sort of familiar. It didn't look like much from the outside, but I encouraged my friends to walk in with me and look for someone in charge. I met the owner, Josephina, who informed me that she had two rooms available for a cost of $320 pesos (one bed) and $550 pesos (two beds). We were interested, so she called one of the young men working there to take us up and show us the rooms, which were in the process of being cleaned.

The larger room overlooked the main square ("El Parian") and had two beds in two rooms with a TV, closet and bathroom. We decided to take the rooms so I paid for them in cash and we left to enjoy our day, promising to return after lunch when the rooms would be ready. We had read signs on the way into town that there was an expositon of Latin American artists at the Refugio so we headed there with Josephina's precise directions. After paying the $10 peso coverage charge, we entered into a huge congested hallway, lined with artesans and their crafts. There were colourful wool sweaters from Equador, silver jewellery from Columbia, woven fabrics, clay pottery, wrought iron lamps, blown glass decanters, handcarved wooden figurines, straw handbags, cotton hats, stone sculptures, etc.etc.etc. As the morning progressed, the crowds grew larger and passage became almost impossible through the narrow hallways.

We bought our few treasures (Peruvian pottery for Heidi, Ecuadorian sweater for Missy, woven change purse for me, iron key holder shaped like bull horns for Martin) and escaped out into the afternoon sunlight. Martin offered to take our packages back to the B&B while we continued shopping. We thankfully dumped everything into his willing hands and headed out to Calle Independencia, better known to me as the pedestrian mall. This street is a "walking street" with traffic only at intersections running north and south. The street itself stretches for five or six blocks and is filled with art galleries, decorator shops, and stores selling jewellery, leather, clothing, tequila, glassware, stoneware, iron works, etc.etc.etc. I found a chiminea (small chimney for burning candles) for only $90 pesos!!! Missy bought a beautiful cotton embroidered top for $160 pesos.



Marty eventually found us without too much difficulty (I think he just followed our squeals of delight) and we all agreed that shopping is very hot and thirsty work. So we ducked into a really cool bar/restaurant/shop on the corner and ordered something cold. The girls had margaritas, I had a tequila ceasea and Marty had a beer. The place was very nice (wish I could remember the name) and they had a HUGE bar with many, many tequila selections. In addition, there was a BIG chair in which we all posed. After drinks, we headed back to the hotel and I was tired so I laid down for a while. The other three went out to tour around the Parian and listen to the mariachi. After about an hour, they returned and we changed to do out for dinner. It had cooled down substantially and after a stunning sunset, we wandered back outside and over to the pedestrian mall for dinner.



My last time in T.P., I ate at El Patio but I didn't particularly enjoy it. The food was mediocre Mexican (the kind they feed to tourists who don't know any better), the place was crowded and noisy, they had birds in cages in the direct hot sunlight with no water. I spent more time "watering" the budgies than I did eating! So I nixed El Patio and we kept walking. We found a jewel of a restaurant called Casa Fuerte (www.casafuerte.com). It is a Mexican restaurant but the menu contains authentic Mexican cuisine from all over the country, including many dishes from colonial times. Add an excellent wine list and we were all extremely pleased with our choices for dinner. Although the restaurant was closing shortly after our arrival, the service was attentive and expeditious without making us feel rushed.

After dinner, we strolled back to the B&B slowly, savouring the sights and sounds of this beautiful place. We had some wine with us (coincidentally the same wine they served us in the restaurant!) so we popped that open and sat outside on the terrace at the hotel, talking about the weekend. The other guests started rolling in and most of them were exhibitors from the craft show. The night wound down and we retired relatively early. I slept like a dead person and woke the next morning refreshed and hungry. Breakfast was served outside, on the same terrace we enjoyed the night before and consisted of coffee, fresh juice, fresh fruit and french toast. We ate, tipped, loaded up the car and left for our drive back to Vallarta.

Clean Bill Of Health

My computer is fine. You might recall that I had some problems with it in early December (exactly a month ago today!). The hard drive was making a knocking sound and I couldn't turn it off. Anyway, after getting in touch with my warranty providers in Canada, I arranged for a friend to pick up a replacement hard drive in Toronto and bring it down to me. However, when my "geek" friends here checked my hard drive, it seems fine. They defragged it and no bad sectors. No viruses either. So I'm good to go online and not quite so panicky ...

Personally, I'm feeling better too although I still have some residual cold symptoms. In particular, my left ear plugs up thoroughly whenever I blow my nose and takes hours to unplug. Other than that, I'm feeling fine, have all my old energy back and even made it to the gym twice last week. No New Year's resolutions for this Goddess. I start thinking about making changes in and around my birthday, not on a day that everyone else says I should.

Speaking of days when everyone acts like an idiot, I would like to start a movement to boycott Xmas. Don't buy me anything because I don't need anything and don't expect me to buy you something you don't need either. Instead, give the money to charity or better yet, give the gift of your time to charity. And why do we wait for one day out of the year to be generous? I don't need the media to tell me when I should spend the day with my family or friends. December 25th is crock! I'm so over it ... whatever it once meant has been lost. I'M NOT DOING IT ANY MORE.