Lo de Marcos, MX Week 2

I can’t believe I didn’t post this before.  Anyway, here it is.  Week 2.

Monday morning we were up early to get ready for our trip into Puerto Vallarta to the airport.  A beautiful, sunny day and so glad as this is what Ken and Rhonda are looking forward to.  Coming from the west coast of Canada where at this time of year it can be very dreary.  On our way in we stopped at our favourite Scotiabank for more pesos.  We haven’t had to buy a lot of groceries at the Mega as I came well prepared and still have meat in our freezer.  We unfortunately missed the proper turn for the parking at the airport so had to turn around and then again missed the off ramp so ended up parking on the lateral road by a Mexican Taco Pub.  It was just across the main highway from the airport and there was an overhead walkway so easy to access.  We were about an hour early so Jim had a beer at the pub and then we walked across to the terminal to wait for their arrival.  They were a bit early so soon we were on our way back to Lo de Marcos.  Stopped again at the bank so Ken could get more pesos. 

Our first stop when we got back to Lo de Marcos was at the Tlaquepaque Resort so they could look at rooms and get prices, then we checked out a few other places so they knew what their options were regarding places to stay.  Rhonda made the final choice and they booked into the resort in a regular hotel style room.  Clean and just what they needed for the 6 nights.  $280.00 US for the week.  Not bad considering there are 2 pools and a restaurant.  Our first meal together was at Arcelias ”Palapa” Restaurant. Delicious food and great atmosphere.  Rhonda and I had Mahi, Mahi with rice and a salad.  The guys had a stuffed veggie and Tortilla soup.  A short visit at the RV and then to bed.  Big day tomorrow.  Going on a trip to Sayulita, surfing village down the road.

When we arrived at Sayulita we were hungry so lunch was first on our list.  Cute little three storey restaurant and delicious food.  There is no shortage of places to eat, prices are reasonable and we love it.

Now, let’s check this beach out!!! Beautiful beach with lots of big waves for the surfers. Spent the afternoon checking out the beach and the shopping.  Nice place to go and enjoy the sun!!  Lots of sun bathers as well. By the time we finished walking about and got back to the RV it was time to rest up and get cooking supper.  We ate at the RV and then went to a Birthday Party for the Yoga gal, Gail, at their site next to the beach.  Good music and food to share. That was Tuesday.

On Wednesday we had a quieter day and Jim set things up so we could have a movie outside.  Pretty good turn out but the movie was crap.  A guy in the park had loaned it to us. 

Thursday, off to La Penita to the street market. The day started out interesting with Jim taking us on a road trip through the hills and fields of corn, pineapple, watermelon, etc.  The day turned into a complete adventure.

 The country roads are all dirt, narrow, winding, rough, full of potholes and the scenery is so beautiful!

When we got to La Penita, we had breakfast in a restaurant on main street!  Excellent omelettes, Mexican style. 

 Breakfast entertainment. Jim took a hat collection for the band.

Off to the market and check the beach. Street repairs on the way to the beach.  All the beaches along this coast are very beautiful!!  On our way home we drove into the village of Rincon Guayabitas to see if Ken could locate the home of a lady they know of.  No luck but was fun seeing another village and beach.  Whew, another busy day.  Home to dinner at the RV. Visiting and close of another day.

Friday, a much needed beach day!  We have been too busy to enjoy all we have here.

Rhonda and I met on the beach for a sister day, lunch and walk on the beach, meeting up with the guys later for some relaxation.  Made plans for Saturday to pick them up and go on another Tour of the countryside and villages.

Breakfast at Clarita’s, cute little outdoor restaurant in downtown Lo de Marcos.  Only open Friday to Sunday, and very good food.  First stop, El Monteon, a village that Jim and the bike group go through. Little store at the end of the village on the road that goes to the brick factory.  The bricks are used to build the local houses and patios, driveways etc.  All made by hand.

 

 

From there, the workers directed us to a beautiful beach that is on a Turtle Preservation site.  We were allowed to go on the beach but not into the forest.

We loved this beautiful big beach with no one on it.  There were a few houses on the hill over looking the water and endless sand. Apparently, this one is owned by some rich American.  The second one appeared to be like a duplex.  Probably, rental units. 

Once we had our beach fix, we were on the road again, back through El Monteon and through the fields to the highway and home.

 

Unique fence, with tree stump as a fence post! Another interesting side road.  Oh, and maybe another little village to see just before heading home.

 

Time to head home and get ready for the dinner and entertainment at the resort where Ken and Rhonda were staying.  The end of a perfect day and a wonderful week spent touring with family.  Thanks for coming along for the ride.

 

Puerto Vallarta Trip 2

Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013

 

Up early and on the road by 8:00 am.  Want to meet Ken and Rhonda for breakfast in the dining room at the Los Arcos Resort, Old Town PV.  This should be another fun day.  The drive in was uneventful and easy.  Very little traffic but always get behind at least one big vehicle that makes for slow going.  This time we took Highway 200 around Old PV, through the new tunnel and right downtown to where the hotel is located.  Interesting going that way and was very easy to get where we wanted.  Glad we were not driving the motorhome as this would be very tight driving.  They do it with the big passenger buses so it is doable. We arrived at the hotel and found a parking spot.  Ken and Rhonda were already in the dining room having coffee and fresh orange juice.  We talked to reception and were thinking of purchasing a pass for the day but found out that it wasn’t much more expensive to pay for one full day and night all inclusive so decided “why not”.  That way we could stay for dinner, drinks and entertainment.  After breakfast decided to go shopping for an hour or so.  Rhonda had a few things to pick up for grandkids, etc. Shopping done and lunch over we hit the pool on the roof for some soaking and relaxation.It was absolutely perfect up there away from all the noise and people. Views from the pool!!!

Decided it was time to go back to our rooms and recoup for the evening meal and entertainment. 

 Pools and views from our room in Los Arcos Resort! Folks enjoying the beach just next to the resort.

Resident Iguana and many doves.  They actually feed the Iguana at the resort so of course he sticks around. A tourist couple practicing their tango moves on the dance floor in the dining room.

 She really wanted us to buy some roses!!!  We were sitting at the dining table in the corner and next to the beach. 

 After dinner walk on the beach.  Jim and I had gone down at around 10:30 for a soak in the hot tub but wouldn’t you know, they close it at 10:00. Buenas noches!

In our room, we found that the balcony door was not secure, the lock was on the outside so had to figure out a way to make it a bit secure.  This is Mexico!

Up and ready for breakfast by 8:00 am.  The servers in the dining room are great.  They recognize everyone and know who you are with and if you want orange juice and coffee to start.  It is almost on the table before you get there.  Views of the streets of PV from our floor in the resort.

People watching and ocean viewing will eating our breakfast.  After breakfast will do a bit more shopping before we leave.

 One or two last minute photos. Walked back to the resort and gave hugs and goodbyes.  Adios for now little Sister!  See you in Canada.  Ken’s sister was picking them up and driving them to the airport and we had to do a bit of shopping before heading back to Lo de Marcos.  Love PV but very happy to be done with the busy city for now.  When we got back to the RV after dinner Jim took me to the little beach south of here.  He had been there before on his bike.

 Pretty beach and lovely sunset.  We talked to a local and he told us that they will be opening a restaurant on the beach on Saturday.  We will be back!  Nice end to our trip into PV and saying goodbye to family!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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