Careyeros, Mexico - $hit Show!

December 28th, 2021

Strangely this morning I woke up to Delta Airlines hold music. Andy was on his phone next to me working on alternates since our flight was cancelled due to snow. Ugh, and double ugh since our Covid test becomes invalid after 24 hours starting last night. Hold time with Delta was 3hr and best we could manage online was pushing our return two days to Thursday. In addition this means we need to track down lodging for two more nights during the holiday season. I think that warrants a third Ugh! 

After packing all our things the AirBnb confirmed they can take us one night. Sounded like they had a cancellation, maybe someone on the inbound Seattle flight? We found a place for the other night that costs somewhat less than a small fortune. Ultimately it took a few hours of the morning to figure out and temporarily suspended our vacation mode vibes. Almost forgot to mention, making arrangements for the dog, securing additional Covid tests, and extending the rental car. Now all we have to do is avoid coming down with Covid. Keep telling ourselves its an adventure. 

In between this I had a court proceeding to attend on Zoom. Feeling nervous to begin with things were made worse when the house next to us had its holding tank pumped out by a horrendously loud truck. Guess this officially makes this morning a shit show. Fortunately things went well and I didn't look foolish in front of the judge. Hoping things are turning in the right direction.  

Unpacked and after doing some laundry we've been putting off we went for lunch. Just up the dirt road from our place is an on the beach restaurant, El Barracuda. After the whacky morning it was a stunning place to have lunch. They are cash only and we had only about $40 on us so ordering was strategic. We did well squeezing in three meals and drinks for what we had exactly with a tip. We were somewhat reckless in our eating having uncooked vegetables. Hopefully our digestive systems confirm that was a wise decision. Food was excellent and we plan to go back for another meal.

As with most beach establishments there is a procession of vendors offering this and that. No gracias seems to move them along without too much fuss.  Unless like today they are pushing donuts. Saylor was more than happy to grab one with white frosting and sprinkles and is hoping he will be there again tomorrow.    

Having the wind a bit knocked out of us we mostly lounged after lunch. Andy managed to do some surfing on a stand up paddleboard on the beach out front and Saylor went along in a kayak. 

Since we have no food we made a quick trip for some necessities. Dinner was a very basic ham sandwich with no complaints. A few rounds of Uno were the night's entertainment. 

To keep the theme of the day going our place ran out of gas so no hot showers and Hudson fried egg wound up getting microwaved. 

Still feeling uneasy about our return flight due to more bad weather we booked another option. If things fall through with our flight to Seattle we have a refundable ticket booked to San Francisco and a car reserved for the 13hr drive home. Hoping we don't need either!  

Keep reminding ourselves nothing all that bad has really gone wrong and can't keep thinking all we have is shorts and flip flops for our return to frigid Seattle!

Careyeros Beach - just north of Punta de Mita

 

December 27, 2021

Today was all about relaxation. After a leisurely morning and convincing the kids to put down their devices we made our way out for an afternoon at the beach. Careyeros is a beautiful 1/2 mile of white sand and blue green water much like the Caribbean. We had the place mostly to oursleves and setup camp with the tried and true beach blanket, umbrella and cooler. 

Everyone spent time in the water and the inflatable tubes (thank you Amazon) were a particular hit for drifting about. Eventuallly the boys grew tired of this and started body surfing on the tubes. Riding forwards, backwards and double stacked they had a riot getting mauled in the surf. 

Back at the place it was time for a little low maintenance happy hour with beer and a slices of cheese! LOL! 

With hopes of catching a sunset we headed towards a row of beach front restaurants in Punta Mita. We ultimately settled on the same place as the previous night since the burgers were so good and they poured a stiff drink. Maybe more importantly we didn't get sick and the other restaurants were much more upscale then we were feeling. Hard to get excited about burgers, but the view was lovely with surfers, whales and a hint of sunset in the distance. 

Since tomorrow is our departure we had a good deal of work with contract tracing paper, airline check in and covid testing to complete. We brought DIY test kits that entailed being on a video call with an online representative to verify the swab was properly shoved into our nasal passages. Everything went fine and we had results for the four of us in about an hour. Thankfully all negative! after processsing the necessary red tape the parents climbed into a couple of lounge chairs to gaze at the stars and listen to the waves. A perfect day to end our trip. 

 

 

Careyeros and Sayulita Mexico

 

December 26, 2021

Carmen left us loads of leftovers so breakfast was easy. We decided to head to Sayulita for the boys to do some surfing and the girls to do some shopping. We had last visited when the kids were toddlers and were interested to see if it changed. To say it has grown would be an incredible understatment. Our memories of a sleepy surfer hippy town had been over run by huge growth and throngs of vacationers. Not sure there was a surfer among them and the masks we carried were likely the only ones in town.

The surf was small and the crowds so overwhelming that we decided to call it early and head back to our place. We did manage to grab choconanas which consist of a banana dipped in chocolate. The kids ordered theirs with a coconut dusting. We'd had these years ago and were happy to find they are still available, cost just $3 for 3 and are still just as tasty.  

The boys were still intent on some surfing so they headed off to a beach called LaLancha which is supposed to be decent if the waves are small. Before deciding to rent boards they hiked in through the forest and across muddy bogs to check out the waves. Still small but a good number of people making the best of it. Instead of joining them they heading back to our place to join the locals and do some body surfing out front.  

Kids jumped at the chance to abstain from dinner out so Andy and I headed into Punta de Mita together. The contrast of mexican neighborhood up against high end gated communities is somewhat unsettling. We made our way down to the waterfront we found a family owned place for dinner, Rocio. Colorfully decorated and more local feeling than the other places we decided to give it a shot. The tables on the ground, dogs running around and vendors trying to make sales of NFL logo'd ponchos gave it a strange ambiance. Being cash only and short on cash one of the cousins walked Andy to an ATM. He explained Pesos were the better deal than $ due to the exchange rate given by the restaurant. In return he just asked that if we comeback to rent a paddle board from him. After all the Mexican food and fish we have been having I was craving a burger.  It did not disappoint and was one of the best I've ever had! Andy had a gold fish bowl sized margarita that was not overly sweet and heavy on the tequila!!

On the way home we stopped at the 7-11 equivalent, Oxxo for some ice cream. There was a guy opening the door for patrons and offering to wash your car's windows. Andy politely asked him to let our car be. He came back with a "Yes, I will," somewhat like a defiant teenager, to which I responded please don't to which he came back again with another "Yes, I will!".  As we entered the store he went to work on the car, of course he did! Nice enough and we have gave a bit of change and laughed at our dirt smeared windshield. 

The ride home was unhurried and we are getting better a spotting the teeth jarring speed bumps. Another nice day in Mexico and we keep saying this area is just about the best warm weather escape for us west coasters. 

Punta de Mita, Mexico - Feliz Navidad!

Felize Navidad!

December 25, 2021

First morning of sleeping in on the trip so far.....LOVED IT! Woke up in the early morning and saw the sun rising out the east side of the house. Normally don't see a sunrise based on our house location and the simple fact that I'm not a morning girl. Then went right back to bed. 

Relaxed for the day on the patio.  We were fortunate enough to see a couple of whales.  Hudson and Andy went to pick up our chef in Sayulita.  She is making us Christmas dinner.  She said she needed five hours to prepare.  Can't wait to see what come out of the kitchen! 

A family trip down to the beach.  Andy and Hudson went went body surfing.

Birds were fishing for dinner and swarming over us.  One dropped and fish and Hudson went to save it's life. 

Rest of the day was pretty chill.  

Six hours later and it was time to feast! 

Appetizers: Shrimp empanadas and Agua Chile de Cameron & Chips/Salsa/Guacamole

Entre: pork carnitas and chicken mole 

Dessert: Cocoa mouse 

She used the special soap on the vegetables (although I thought I saw her wash the tomatoes under the sink water) and now I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that it worked! 

There seemed to be a sauce for everything and it was all so good! We have left overs for the next 3 days I think.  

 

If you ever want to hire a private chef, check out Carmen on Whatapp at +52 322 147 8722. She is based out of Sayulita. 

My tip would be to hire a helper if you can. I think she used every pot, pan and dish in the place and Andy washed them all! 

Here is our place - shot from the beach. 

Puerto Vallarta to Punta Mita Mexico

December 24, 2021 -  The Night Before Christmas....and we were starving! 

Left our beautiful Hyatt Ziva resort and headed to an Airbnb in Punta Mita area. It was the last time for our security check out the big gates! We are all sad to go through these gates knowing we aren't returning. 

We are about 15 minutes from Sayulita. Located down a dark dirt road with no lights.  Kind of sketch but then our cute little place on the water appears! We have our own place which is a nice change from being on top of each other in a hotel room, however very sad to report we don't have a bartender making us unlimited drinks. 

Settled in right at sunset. Kids were tired and stayed in.  Andy and I headed out in search of a place to find Christmas Eve dinner. Many closed up restaurants. We were winding through the dark little neighborhoods and I said, "What is that? Is that a body?"  Yep, it was a body.  Hoping that it was just a guy passed out in the street since there was still a beer can in his hand. Life seemed to carry on around him. 

Found a restaurant that was open and they could take us and our credit card! Totally forgot to grab cash.  It was a nice place too on the water where we could sit outside -  love that! It was called Mercedes. Fresh homemade pastas, smoked meats, fish and pizza. Not our usual for Christmas but feeing very thankful to be able to have something since it is 8:30 at night.  

Back home to relax a bit and get a good night of sleep.  Always love sleeping and hearing the waves crash. 

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

 Massages, Drinks and Sun!

December 23, 2021

Andy and I woke up before the kids and headed down for a mimosa and a light breakfast before we were headed off for a massage! Our new friends inspired us. Uber is here now and a quick ride to Blue Water Massage. $35 each for an hour....bargain! It was a nice massage. Headed back and joined the kids for a little breakfast. 

The day was a bit of a blur but the usual items of ocean time with the boards and tubes we brought, lots of drinks, food and dinner finished dinner at the Italian restaurant.  We did run into our friends Lynn and Sean for drinks and the sunset while in the hot tub!   They had a great day getting a message at Metamorphosis Day Spa.  They loved it and will have to check it out next time we are here.  

No time for the zoo on this trip, but it is a must if you haven 't been before.  

Hyatt Ziva - Puerto Vallarta Mexico

 December 22, 2021

Pulled up to the big gates of Ziva and after security allowed us in we were welcomed with a temperature check (thanks Covid) and them cleaning our luggage with sanitizer. Now came the usual welcome, cold towels and tasty drinks in Champaign flutes! My number one Bucket List item is to stay on a mega yacht. As you board they offer this same service.  I'm taking it all in here at Ziva because I'm pretty sure this is as close as I will  get to a mega yacht experience. 

We are early so checked the luggage and hit the beach! It is good to be back. Thinking this is trip 9 or 10 to Puerto Vallarta and it always the best at this beautiful, private beach. 

Made some new friends at the swim up bar, Lynn and Sean. Lots of fun chatting travel with them. They are headed to a spa just a mile away for a couples massage.  Can't wait to hear their review! 

Lots of sun, surf and many drinks later - had to take full advantage of the all inclusive we headed up to the room to get ready for dinner. Decided it was a good idea to order room service before we head to dinner - yes wanting to take full advantage of it being an all inclusive. Enjoyed some food while watching the sun set. 

Out by 8:00 to watch the fire show and dinner at Blaze. It is a perfect location sitting on a point at the property right where the waves crash. Dinner here is never fast and always a good idea to bring cards for games. 

Drinks of the day: 

Saylor: Only 5 drinks, Dirty Monkey, Pina Coladas, Strawberry Daiquiri, Mojitos

Hudson: 6 drinks, Dirty Monkey, Pina Coladas, Strawberry Daiquiris, water

Andy: Paloma, Arnold Palmer, Coladas, mojitos, wine, gin and tonic, mai tai and he can't remember what else

Cindy: Colada, strawberry colada, French 75, gin and tonic, oj and Malibu rum

Seattle to Puerto Vallarta

 

---

December 21, 2021

Up and out by 6:40 in the morning.  Driving down to the airport we called to check and see if there was parking at our normal spot. We got a big NO! Time for some quick calls and fast thoughts.  Found the Hampton Inn. We had to buy a room for a night so we could park, but at least we have parking! 

Made it to a slammed packed airport and did a quick security check appointment since we missed our 7:30.  Went through no problem. On the plane and off to Puerto Vallarta for la playa! 

They have Uber here now.  Once you exit the airport you go over the overpass to cross the road and find your Uber. Well ours cancelled and Andy just grabbed a random guy that offered to take us. Not a taxi, not an Uber, just a random guy.  I don't know how I get into these situations but we survived! He would go up the turn lane on the left side of the street, wait for the light to turn green and rush ahead of all the cars in the lane going straight. Scary for sure!

Stayed at Emperado Vallarta for the first night so we can make full use of our time at Ziva. It is cheap, but clean, safe and a great location in the Romantico Zone. Love the life this area offers.  Fun and festive restaurants. The hotel is right on the beach. Walked out and ate at La Playa. Perfect spot to watch the sun set. Shortly after the tiki torches were lite and dinner was served.  It was a solid dinner, but not amazing.  View and location were 5 star! 

=

Everyone was still hungry since we hadn't eaten all day so Andy, Hudson and I walked over to our favorites, Joe Jack's Fish Shack and Poncho's Takos. Poncho's line was too long, but so good that it just might be worth the wait. Time for our reservation at Joe Jack's. Must  sit upstairs and outside. They have a lovely retracktable roof.   Such a lively vibe with great guacamole and a buck of peel and eat shrimp! 

Back to the place for a night of not so quiet sleep. We happened to be on a lower level.