On the Road Again with Mrs. V: Combine a Security Guard and a Siesta, and what do you get...???

Down the street from our casa is the Decameron Resort, an exclusive (read "snooty") all-inclusive resort.
Not our cup of tea and so far the only place in Mexico we have been denied admittance to by their "crack" security guards.
Guess we should have tried during siesta.

Dawn broke to reveal yet another Día en el Paraíso, but first things first.

On Friday mornings there is a mercado called F.A.R.M. (Friday Artisan Regional Market) that benefits local charity groups and brings together local artisans and the gringo touristas.

Bob getting the "feel" for local artists!

Something for everyone in Mexico!

Three Generations of Mexican Craftsmen! (Sandy found super gifts for her grandsons here!)

We managed to miss the first few Fridays so today was a new experience both for Bob & Sandy and for us.

During the market, a group of indigenous Aztecs performed a culturally authentic dance/worship seeking permission from the sun Gods. Similar in nature to that we had witnessed on the steps of the Cathedral during the Carnival Festivities but this time even more "up close and personal".

Sandy got the BEST gifts for her grandsons here, and we all munched on some empanadas and homemade cookies!

I wanted to join the performance, but didn't think I'd keep up!

Spotted this dad & daughter having such fun paddle surfing as we walked on the beach.

Mexican Dancing Pepples

I've made it my learning goal to add one new word en Espanol each day.
The word of the day is "Dolce" - any guesses on what it means en Englais?

No rest for the weary (well, none if you don't count our mini-siesta prepping for our big "Date Night" at El Rio!)

Then it's off again on another mission. Pile in the VW "limo", point it South and Up, and we're off to stuff our faces once again on a variety of El Rio's delights and (maybe) dance some of it off.

This link will give you a feel for Friday Night Date Night - Mexican Style

As good as the video is, it doesn't come CLOSE to being here in the flesh!

Many of those you see in the video we've seen and met personally. (It seems they are what one might call "regulars".)

The grill master, Hollis, is the friendliest, most outgoing, "tranquillo - Oso de peluche grande", one could ever hope to befriend. Hollis, you truly made our day(s) - both of them! Expect to see us again one day soon.

Felipe (a.k.a. "Santa") and his bride, Trudy, are the "unofficial" ambassadors of goodwill - El Rio style. Felipe is the guy doing the (beer in hand, his trademark) interview by the river.

And the Rio, one simply cannot describe the beauty and splendor with words that will do it justice. You'll just have to see it for yourself.

The two-man band (you see them at the very beginning of the video and again in a short clip later on) not only excel at their craft but are also a very big "draw" for expats and locals alike.

The music is best described as "Old Tyme Rock and Roll" and their renditions of the songs many of us grew up on are as true to form (and sound) as we've ever heard. If (not "if", but "when") you find yourself in PV and at El Rio, do NOT miss their performance. That alone is worth the (modest) price of admission.

" What IS the price of admission?" you ask.

Well the "show", the people, and scenery, are "free". (Free is good!).

The food and drink though, you will have to pay for, and it's worth every peso. Our first night came to about 1000 pesos/couple (~$67usd), tonight we splurged (more, and more expensive drinks, and desserts) and ran it up to 1200 pesos (including tips) or ~$80/couple.

Try and find a similar experience (not to mention a comparable venue, even in August) out there, gringo.

And lest I forget - the DESSERTS!!!

As previously mentioned, my new FAV word en Espanol is "Dolce". One look at the Quesadilla Dolce in the video (which looks EXACTLY the same in real life and tastes like what I imagine "desert in Heaven" might), and you'll know why.

A little pricey though (told you we "splurged"), at 40 pesos ($2.69 LOL).

Bob had the fried bananas which even Ladd (a died-in-the-wool NON-sweets aficionado) had to admit was "pretty good".

Paso Ancho, possibly the last place in the world one would expect to find such a culinary treasure, is indeed lucky to host the El Rio BBQ. One day soon it might just find itself on the "map". (Although, selfishly, we'd kind of like to keep it to ourselves and freeze it in time until our next visit.)

So too is El Rio lucky to have the FABULOUS staff they employ. Our two waiters, Mario and Jorge ("hor hey" - NOT George!) could not have been more professional, efficient, friendly, and accommodating of our preschool level of competency in their language. Indeed each of them spoke VERY good English, especially by comparison to OUR abilities with Espanol.

We simply cannot thank them enough for their kindness and friendship. THANK YOU!!!!

So too were ALL of the staff members great. (Who, by the way, ranged in age from about 10 anos and up).

Words can't come close to describing our experience(s) at El Rio so maybe a few more pics might help.