San Sebastian del Oeste round II

That we've only 6 full days left in Paradise hit us like a ton of bricks this morning, and we rededicated ourselves to making the best possible use of each remaining minute.

First step is always a "plan", so plan we (tried) - did.

We've gone back and forth on the idea of a day trip vs. overnight trip inland to Guadalahara and the town of Tequila for the Jose Cuervo farm and distillery tour as well as visits to at least a couple of the nearby, smaller distilleries.

Some have advised us that the smaller San Sebastian del Oeste Distillery was best, while others said it is just not the "same" as Cuervo and the trip to Tequila was well worth the time.

So, in typical "do-it-all" fashion, we figured we'd try and squeeze in both, just on different days.

San Sebastian it is today.

But first things first.

As Antonio was working on the pool, we had a "sneak attack" to invite him in for our "omelet time" and coffee. We were glad he joined us because we enjoyed our conversation with him. Thanks for taking time from your busy schedule for a short visit, Antonio!

After brunch we drove to San Sebastian Del Oeste. When we left Bucerias, it was sunny and HOT! As we drove up into the mountains to San Sebastian, not only did the elevation change, the weather did, too. It got cloudy, cooler, and then started raining. This put a little "damper" on our walking-around-San-Sebastian plans, but with our FEARLESS, talented driver (Ladd) we still managed to give Bob & Sandy "the tour" and the flavor of this incredible, back-in-time town.
This picture is one from inside the impressive, old cathedral in the center of San Sebastian. 

On our way out of San Sebastian and down the mountain, we stopped at the Tequila Destilaria. They were just closing up early due to the heavy rain. Despite the rain, despite the fact that the English-speaking guide was not there, and despite the fact that the four of us were the ONLY ONES there, they let us roam around for a look. They also offered us samples of different kinds of tequila, too! Mexican hospitality!

Driving further down the mountain, we stopped for a "photo op" of this cool-looking spot. Neither Ladd nor I had spotted this on our former trip to San Sebastian when Dallas was here with us. Seems like we're always discovering new things in already-visited places!

As we were taking pictures, we were greeted by the two owners, pictured here. They told us to feel free to park and look around. Of course, we took them up on their offer! Ha!
They talked to us for quite awhile and told us about their new establishment and the many adventures they now offer and plan to offer in the future. The setting and scenery were breath-taking! The next two pictures show their incredible tables and outdoor kitchen.

Our Canadian friends, Darlene and Rick, told us about a great seafood restaurant called "Marisco's El Colequita" in Puerto Vallarta. When we were out of the mountains and in Puerto Vallarta, Ladd surprised us and pulled into "El Colequita" for dinner! To us this seemed like a GOOD idea BEFORE we ate and seemed like an AWESOME idea AFTER we had eaten! 

The food was ALL delicious with lots of special "extras", and the wait staff was friendly, efficient, happy, and fun! As we looked at menus and ordered drinks, we were served homemade salsa, large nacho chips, and different sauces. Then we noticed a bottle of tequila with little cups already on the table. It seems that dinners here include a shot of tequila "on the house"! We then found out that a cup of shrimp broth before the meals, and fried banana desserts and coffee liqueur after the meals were ALSO "on the house"! Wowie-zowie! Mexican hospitality strikes again!

Ladd ordered a "Shrimp Turnover" appetizer...which was large enough to be an appetizer for all four of us! For our main meals: Sandy had "Coconut Shrimp", I had "Shrimp Quesadillas", and Bob & Ladd both had "Lonja 'Coleguita' ": a thick cut of fish fillet topped with shrimp. We ALL loved our meals! With all the "extras" the restaurant provides, we ate way too much food, but loved every bite! 

Not only was the food excellent and the staff super, the prices were very reasonable, too. We would definitely recommend "El Colequita" and would love to go back there again! 

Our 4-person appetizer: "Shrimp Turnovers"

Marilyn's Shrimp Quesadillas...yum! (Plus, leftovers for breakfast!)

Bob REALLY DID enjoy himself...just harder to get the muscles to smile with both wine AND tequila...ha!

"On-the-house" dessert of fried bananas and coffee liqueur!

You can see from this "shot" (pun intended) how the wait staff made this so much fun! A special thanks to "our" waiter, Ivan!  

After-dinner mints, labeled "Viagra", served only to Bob and Ladd! LOL

Thanks to Ivan and everyone at "El Colequita" for the awesome meal and all the fun!