All Packed

Linda and Beth on the last visit to Barra.

Over the last few weeks of our stay in Melaque, we have said goodbye to many of our friends and even connected with some new folks.  Our housemate, Beth, spent her last week gathering souvenirs, visiting her favorite eateries, and saying adios to Melaque. We have grown close and it is sad to see her leave.  We took a final trip to Barra, had breakfast at Bananas, and then the next day walked Beth to the bus station so she could catch her transport north to Puerta Vallarta, where she would fly out and on to her home in Florida.

Once Beth was off on her adventure home, our casa was very quiet. Each day we had numerous things to do to get ready to fly out. We took time to get together with our good friends; playing cards with Berry and Jill, and having dinners with Grant and Jacquie or AnneMarie and Mack.  It has been so fun to reconnect with these wonderful friends after our three-year hiatus.

Breakfast at Bananas.

We were able to spend some time with new friends that we met for the first time down south also.

Funny, Ethan and Pam are from Coeur d'Alene, but we had to travel south to get to know them. Linda has known Pam for many years but in a professional way. It was really fun for us to share our lives and discover many commonalities. It's a crazy world.

Catching the Plus Bus.

The next time we will be posting will be from somewhere up north.  We have a couple adventures planned, but not in the near future.  There is much to do once we are home. We are hoping the seasons have changed and are looking forward to sitting in comfortable chairs.

A vendor doing penance?

Pam and Ethan

Before We Go

Castillo Ends, Rodeo Begins

We bounced along with the crowd. More people than I've ever witnessed in the Jardin. When our wave of humanity merged with the flow circling the plaza, we slowed to a crawl, like syrup flowing onto hotcakes. Passing food stands, you could identify the numerous smells. Sweet aromas mixed with smokey meat, popcorn, and of course churros. We moved inch by inch until we caught an eddy behind a baby stroller. The pause allowed me to glimpse ahead. A smile came to my lips. There is an advantage to standing over 6' 2", in a world of locals, all standing around 5' 7". Our next surge would pull us to the churro man, a place that would, on a normal night, allow us to survey the Jardin, grab a deep-fried goody stick, and relax. Tonight this would not be happening. The crowd was too big, too many people.

We split from the human current and crossed at the intersection. Before us was a new obstacle, horses and riders! We entered a new world with new music, a slower-paced current, and the smells of horses. It was an intriguing combination. We moved to an empty spot by a hat vendor. Before us stood 25 to 30 horses and riders. All gathered, facing west. We watched as each rider worked their mount obediently into position. The horses were focused and calm. Farther along the street, a seven-piece brass band blared classical mariachi music as loud as they could play. The sounds were deafening. The horses remained calm, almost relaxed.

The cowboys, one at a time, prompted their amazing companions into the center of the street, literally inches from the blaring instruments. Then they danced. The horses lifted their hooves, clanging their horseshoes on the cobblestone street. One after another, sometimes three at a time paraded up and back, in front of the throngs of onlookers.

Linda, Beth, and I stood in amazement at how casually the horses entered the fray and performed. Big horses to small ponies promenaded the area, beautifully groomed in ornate tack. Riders in their finest; they all danced.

We watched for almost an hour. The crowds were growing larger. We had witnessed enough of the madness so, we walked home. It would be a loud night. We had no desire to be caught up in the fireworks frenzy. Been there, done that.

Before The Rodeo

Years ago we had a blog post that explained all about the days leading up to the St. Patrick celebration in San Patricio. St. Patrick is the patron saint of this town, and the celebration brings both locals and tourists into this area for a nine-day celebration. We have attended the celebration enough that we know better, and avoid the crowds by staying home. This year we went to the event so that Beth could see just what we mean when we say, "It's hard to explain!" Below are some photos and a video that shows some of the excitement that happens every night during this celebration.

Photo by
Claudette Daigle
I stole it from her FB page.

Walking

 I posted this on Facebook a while back, it represented Mexico beach life and life in general for the local vendors.  Vendor life must be very hard. You try to sell items and most beachgoers don't even give you a "no gracias"! You are lucky to even get a hand gesture expressing "no". 

The music in the background is from a three-piece band accompanied by two very drunk vacationers. It was a classic moment.