Saturday - Goodbye Mexico

It was bittersweet to wake up Saturday knowing we would end the day back in Utah. We were excited to see our girlies, but I was hesitant to leave Mexico. I grew up my whole life thinking one way about Mexicans, but my mindset was completely altered in a matter of days. Mexicans are hard working, they are kind, they make absolutely amazing food, and they are better than Americans. There, I said it. Yes, there are bad places in every country, but Puerto Vallarta was not one of them. I was not excited to get back to bossy, lazy America. 

We had one last breakfast, spent some more time on the beach, then took our Taxi to the Airport early enough to get our long-awaited COVID tests, which are horrible. I'm not sure how people endure it on a weekly basis. Greg was relieved to get both of our NEGATIVE results, then we headed through security to wait at our gate. 

I was tempted to buy some Mexican Vanilla on the way, but didn't. Instead, I bought an amazing Johnny Rocket's shake. It really was so good! We had lunch in the airport - old, soggy pizza. Oh well. At our gate, Greg and I were called up and asked a bunch of questions by airport security. It was pretty nerve wracking, and I'm still not sure why they called us up out of everyone, but we came through clean and were allowed to board the plane.

I miss this view.

We quickly learned our resort had a lot of hidden animals.

No butts on the beach.

Bye PV! Oh how we miss you!

On the plane, COVID-free, waiting to fly home.

Goodbye sunny Mexico skies, hello cloudy Utah air.

Friday - Parasailing, and Dolphins

We overslept Friday morning and missed being able to eat breakfast before our scheduled Parasailing appointment at 8:00 am. It came way too early! 

We were only up for about 5 minutes, and while it was an amazing view, we both got sick from lack of food. So, it was a one time only deal for us, but one we will definitely remember! Mornings on the ocean are absolutely beautiful.

Afterwards, we had an hour to spare before swimming with the dolphins, so we went back to the resort to eat breakfast. We immediately felt better after getting some food in us, and we made it back with minutes to spare to be able to swim with the dolphins.

I think I enjoyed watching Greg interact with the dolphins the most. For someone who acts adverse to animals, his eyes sure light up whenever he gets the chance to experience something new. We didn't buy the pictures, but I almost wish we had just to have the joy on Greg's face forever. 

We didn't have anything else planned for Friday, and we were in major need of rest, so we spent our last afternoon on the beach. It felt AMAZING! 

We went into town for dinner one last time and ate at a place called Pipi's Restaurant(?), and honestly, it was kind of disappointing. Oh well, Greg had a huge smile on his face while he watched them light his Fajita on fire, so that was fun. 

One last time walking the Malecon. PV has our hearts!

Thursday - Timeshares, Horses, Massage, and Rhythms of the Night

Greg still couldn't believe I got us suckered into going to a timeshare presentation, but honestly if you ask me, it was totally worth it! 

We went to a different resort that morning for catered breakfast, which actually was a bit better than what we had at our own resort. We then went on a tour and were taken back to discuss financing options. I was sold (of course), but Greg was firm on saying "NO" and demanded to leave when his 75 minute timer went off. We were promised massages and money for COVID tests at the airport, along with a free taxi ride to the airport on Saturday. We didn't have many plans for the rest of Thursday, so after trading our massages for horse rides on the beach, and signing up for Rhythms of the Night (which we also got at a discount), off we went for the ride of our lives [literally].

My dream come true. Seriously! I've waited my whole life to ride a horse on the beach. It was magical!

My horse was named Benito. I loved him instantly!

This is Carlos, or "Charlie." He lives my dream. He lives in a small town, surrounded by horses and rides the beach every day. I had so many questions!!! Curse you language barrier.

Greg's horse was named Tequila. Fitting after drinking his first alcoholic beverage the day before 🤣

This building was covered in giant seashells.

Trip made!

After we got off the horses, Greg found the nearest massage vendor and paid him to "untwist his balls." I was dying! I've never heard anyone complain as much as Greg about saddles being uncomfortable. But, That 30 minute massage was honestly the best massage I've ever had. It has ruined all future massages for me. There's something about lying facedown and hearing the ocean. It was amazing.

Only an accountant would sit like this while on the phone. 🤣 According to Greg, all successful people sit with crossed legs. He may be right.

We had a few hours to kill before boarding our boat at 9:00ish for Rhythms of the Night, so we did what any sane people would do, and went and relaxed on the beach. 

Rhythms of the Night was AMAZING! Anyone visiting PV needs to do it. It was about a 45 minute boat ride south to a private beach, where we saw an amazing Cirque de Soleil style show - in the middle of the jungle. Greg and I were definitely out of our element, but it was a fun experience nonetheless. Our boat crew was top notch, and I think the boat ride entertainment was one of my favorite parts of the trip.

Google made me a collage. Thanks? :)

We thought this lady was taking our picture, but she took a video instead. I kind of love it.

Pulling up to the beach.

Walking towards the show. They spared no details.

the flexibility of these performers was unreal! Look closely and you can see the 3 girls stacked on top of each other.

We were pretty far back and could still feel the heat from the flames.

I'm not sure why this is the best pic we got, but it is. The food was so yummy! We were given our own private table on the beach after the show. The distant lights in the background were amazing to see. We were pretty far away! Honestly, I was beginning to think everything was better in Mexico - I'm still convinced it is.

The boat crew did such a good job entertaining us on the boat ride back. Only Greg could fall asleep to this song, on a boat, surrounded by people. It was hilarious!

We got back around midnight, which was 1:00 am our time, so we were exhausted! But, we had so much fun and would definitely do it again!

Wednesday - Our cooking class at Gaby's

 Greg had spent hours researching things to do in PV, and he was so excited to sign us up for a cooking class with Chef Julio at Gaby's Restaurant. We were slightly late, and I almost left my phone in the taxi, and the poor driver had to yell at us to pay him - we thought they would put it on our room tab. Oops! But, we made it just in time, so all was well.

There was one other couple in the class with us, and they both spoke spanish, so there was a lot of commentary I missed. But, that was fine, because it turned out Greg wasn't understanding everything either :). 

Gaby's Restaurant is located in "Old Town," so we started our cooking class by walking a few blocks to get fresh ingredients. The little markets were so cute! Chef Julio said that during COVID everything was shut down and businesses had to close. It was crazy to imagine the streets like that!

We got fresh vegetables, smoked marlin at a butcher, and got fresh masa from a local tortilla shop. Everything smelled amazing and I couldn't believe how clean everything was. I was learning the Mexican people take pride in their establishments and work hard to keep them clean. They even mop the sidewalks out front of their stores each morning and evening. Plus, there was rarely trash on the ground. 

Crossing this bridge brings you "officially" into Old Town. And it was a legit swinging bridge. I looked like a drunken sailor trying to get across.

Corn is soaked in lime, then sent through a processor where it is then pressed into masa/tortilla's. The lime makes it so water or salt doesn't need to be added. 

So funny story: Chefo Julio liked to drink - just walking around buying the ingredients for our class, he picked up 1-2 drinks. We were walking past a particular door when he stopped, got excited, and went in because "this store is rarely open this early." He went in, grabbed a cup, and brought it out. He explained it as a cactus drink and handed the cup around for everyone to try some. True to Mexico fashion, everyone ignored COVID and took a sip. Greg took a sip, made a face, then handed the cup to me. Right when I took a sip and tasted got the yeasty aftertaste, I knew what it was. But, I let Greg google it to find out. The drink we tried is below. Yes, I laughed hysterically the rest of the day. Welcome to Mexico, Greggy!

I was roasted the Chili's to make Chili Relleno's. 

Greg chopped the cucumbers and squeezed limes for one of the salsa's.

I'm pretty sure if I had a rooftop kitchen, I would cook all day too.

Showing me how to stuff my Chili Relleno's with the cheese. Then, I whipped egg yolks and whites to then fry them. They were delicious!

My mouth is still watering just looking at this food. It was so yummy! Chef Julio put his phone in a bowl to project his music. Genius!

Making tortilla's. I need one of these presses.

There was SO much food! Of course my stomach chose to shrink this day so I couldn't finish everything. The food we made was: Chili Relleno's, Fresh Guacamole, Pineapple Salsa, Green Sauce, Cactus Salsa, Salsa Ranchera, and more I'm sure I forgot to list. 

Afterwards, we headed back down to the boardwalk to do some more sightseeing. PV really is a beautiful place!

We decided it was time to call and check on the girls. They were having the times of their lives with Grandma and Grandpa. They were in good hands.

We sat on this corner and admired the mural while waiting for our Uber. The cobbles of Old Town made for some bumpy rides.

We made it back to our hotel to relax in the pool and swim in the ocean. I'm pretty sure we didn't eat until 10:00 PM, which is when we discovered Santo's Taco's just down the street from our room. It was so good and we continued to eat there multiple times. I'm pretty sure we also got Gelato. 

I love US!