Up the Mountain

The last few days of the trip, I decided that instead of partaking in the morning shopping excursion, I would explore up, away from tourist area by walking up the mountain a ways into the more residential area.  Man, was it worth it!

I saw so many beautiful houses with flowers spilling out of windows and over balconies, colorful details, and amazing views looking out over the city.  I took so many pictures of balconies; I think I'm destined to own a house one day that has a balcony overlooking the ocean.

I really enjoyed walking around up there.  It was quieter than by the water, but the few people I did see were still very friendly and happy-looking.  I also liked being on my own for a bit, going at my own pace and turning down any street I wanted to.  It was also a great boost for the step count!

(photos by e.hunt)

Day Four

One of the mornings we went the opposite way of the Malacon and up, away from the ocean.  Mom and Debby remembered finding some cool shops in the area so they wanted to check it out.  It was an extra hot day so it was nice to wander into a cool shop here and there.

We walked by some amazing buildings.  There was a bit more construction in this area.  Seems like the tourism industry is spreading in this direction.

After a morning of walking and shopping, we were ready for a little refreshment and a cool place to sit.  Enter this very bright and colorful restaurant, Margarita Grill.

These were probably the best margaritas we had the whole trip!  Don't they look delicious?  We also got an order of chips, salsa, and guacamole, and it was made right at the table.  Can't be fresher than that!

On the way back we passed by this really cool mosaic wall and took advantage of the photo op before heading back to the hotel and another amazing photo op, the Pacific Ocean!

After that Mom and I hung out on the balcony for a bit while Debby and Rachel did a little more shopping and then it was time for the pool.  Ahhh, vacation life is rough.

That night we went to one of Mom and Debby's favorite restaurants for their famous guacamole toast, and it did not disappoint.  More walking, a fine Mexican dinner, and seeing a local dancer on the way home made for quite a lovely evening, and quite tired vacationers!

(photos by e.hunt)

Team PV

The next few days were kindof the same.  Wake up, coffee on the balcony, an excursion to the shops, a little time at the pool, shower time, then out for dinner and a stroll.

One of the days we ventured a few streets up from the Malayan to find Mom and Debby's favorite clothing store, Maria's.  She specializes in colorful linen pants, of which Mom and Debby obsess over.  Rachel and I pulled up chairs to form a voting committee, and needless to say, they each got several new pairs.

This was also the day that I found the local Starbucks.  What can I say, I need my daily espresso!  The baristas were very friendly, and it was fun to see how they mark their Spanish-version cups.  Bebida, indeed!

The pool was always nice and peaceful, even though there was usually another group or two of people up there.  The view was amazing, and because the sun was out for days in a row, by our last day the pool water was pretty warm, but it was still refreshing after sitting in the sun for a bit.

(photos by r.hunt, e.hunt, and d.barney)

"No, No, Gracias"

The next day we had a leisurely morning drinking coffee on the balcony before heading out to do a little shopping along the River Walk.  It's a walking street set back a ways from the ocean that is lined with shop-huts and people trying to get you to come in a buy something.  On the way there we saw an iguana!

Because it goes along the river, the area is very lush with trees, plants, and beautiful flowers.  After a little ways, we decided to stop at an old favorite, The River Walk Cafe, for some chips and guacamole.

We made it to the end and had to cross a wavy, rickety swinging bridge to head back to our hotel.  The locals could walk right across without wavering, but we were lucky there were fences to hold on to along the sides!

Once across, we were back to the main streets where we passed this really cool house with animals painted onto one of the balconies.  And as we kept walking, there were more and more houses worth documenting; either for a pop of color, balcony flowers, or just interesting design.

After a while it started to get dark and cloudy so we figured it was time to head back to the hotel for a little balcony time.  That night we ventured out again for dinner but were all pretty tired from the first full day and called it an early night.

(photos by e.hunt, r.hunt, and d.barney)

Guacamole Time

As soon as we were settled, everyone hiked up the two flights of stairs to check out the rooftop pool.  It did not disappoint.

After a little unpacking, we decided to venture out and find a good spot for margaritas and guacamole.  Our hotel sits on one end of The Malecon, an oceanside street that is closed off to cars and filled with street performers, little touristy shops, and palm trees.  It also is host to a string of sculptures spaced along at every few hundred feet or so.

While walking we came by a second floor restaurant that looked nice and breezy and had a good margarita deal.  Cheers to our first night in Mexico!

(photos by e.hunt)