Puerto Vallarta

Mexico, in case it wasn’t obvious. The ship docked about 0700 with clearance shortly there after. The usual early birds streamed down the gangway. I heard grumbling from more than a few later that nothing was open. Hello? Mexico? Sunday morning?

Anyway since I have been here several times before I didn’t see the point of  bailing off too early. I am not on a tour, I am not headed to the beach and, more importantly, I am not headed to either Walmart or the Galleria. Yes – that is right. There is a Walmart here. I’ve visited here before and know it as a  useful place if you are missing basics (socks, underwear, swimsuits, charging cords, snack foods, shampoo) if you are a tourist. For anyone else, you can also buy electronics, dishwashers, grills, and groceries.  In contrast, the Galleria has fancy shops. There is a good book store, upscale boutiques and fast food to include McDonald’s & Starbucks.

What has changed since the first few times I have been through here is the fancy mall actually at the Port. The kind where you have to walk through all the shops in order to get out to the city. It has the usual – alcohol, tobacco, upscale clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, plus eateries for anyone not wanting to walk any farther. Plus the guy with the parrot.

Now, the tile was nice

With no particular destination in mind, I just got off mid day and walked for about an hour before getting back on ship. The sun was hot and it felt great to be able to walk a significant distance in. a straight line.

Getting back on ship, I found a window seat open in Café al Bacio where I spent the rest of the afternoon drinking fancy coffee, stitching, and people watching.

We have one more port, then two sea days to Los Angeles.  I have spared you till now – I like the openness of the ship, the lighting, excellent food, and terrific crew. The “Art” leaves a lot to be desired. There is a combination of ….. never mind – I will share the last two sea days.

This is a sample –

 

 

 

About Holly

fiber person - knitter, spinner, weaver who spent 33 years being a military officer to fund the above. And home. And family. Sewing and quilting projects are also in the stash. After living again in Heidelberg after retiring (finally) from the U.S. Army May 2011, we moved to the US ~ Dec 2015. Something about being over 65 and access to health care. It also might have had to do with finding a buyer for our house. Allegedly this will provide me a home base in the same country as our four adult children, all of whom I adore, so that I can drive them totally insane. Considerations of time to knit down the stash…(right, and if you believe that…) and spin and .... There is now actually enough time to do a bit of consulting, editing. Even more amazing - we have only one household again. As long as everyone understands that I still, 40 years into our marriage, don't do kitchens or bathrooms. For that matter, not being a golden retriever, I don't do slippers or newspapers either. I don’t miss either the military or full-time clinical practice. Limiting my public health/travel med/consulting and lecturing to “when I feel like it” has let me happily spend my pension cruising, stash enhancing (oops), arguing with the DH about where we are going to travel next and book buying. Life is good!
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