Last Days of the Festival

Saturday, 1/24/15

I will begin by telling about our adventures last night, Friday night, in our little town of Bucerias. Ladd and I walked to Bucerias Centro where the Festival activities were continuing. (The walk didn't seem too far GOING there, but it sure seemed FAR returning after midnight-ha!)
Upon entering Bucerias Centro we heard something going on in "Our Lady of Peace" church, so we went in to see. There was a mass going on complete with kiddos dressed in angel costumes and a "Mariachi" band playing religious music!

Inside "Our Lady of Peace" Church

After we left the church we headed down to an amphitheater area where a band with about 15 musicians were playing. (Later we would find smaller bands of musicians playing throughout the festival.) The festival goers included babies, children, teens, adults, retired people our age, and very old people...EVERY age participates! As we enjoyed the band's performance we chatted with a Mexican couple. (Once again, they spoke MUCH better English than our feeble attempts at Spanish.) The band was up on a stage, and the bottom of the amphitheater area soon filled with dancers. Since Ladd doesn't like to dance, I "consoled" myself with 2 "killer" margaritas...yum. Then I was dancing by myself...only kidding! 

Uno margarita, por favor...sin sal

Large band performing at Bucerias Festival

Next we walked around the LARGE festival area to see all the aisles of wares for sale, foods, games of chance, rides for the children, etc.  As Ladd was taking pictures I wandered in search of something sweet for dessert. At a "crepa" stand I met a Mexican mother with her 5 children. All her children were getting "crepas" filled with whatever sweet fillings they chose like peanut butter, chocolate, strawberries, bananas, caramel, nuts, etc. The very polite mother offered to let me "cut in line" in front of her other children, but I told her I was having too much fun watching her children. When I told her I was a teacher for 41 years she started introducing all her kiddos to me and had them shake my hand! Very cool! So when it was my turn to order my "crepa" I had the system down and ordered one with peanut butter, chocolate, and nuts. Let me just say I was WAY over my sugar quotient for the day, but my "sweet tooth" was very happy! Plus, I've made a new amiga: the woman making the delicious crepas!

Mi nuevo amiga: the dessert crepa-maker

Now it was close to midnight and as we walked toward the exit, the fireworks began. Of course, we stayed to watch. The fireworks are set up on a "Castille": metal structure like a tower. There are wheels and other shapes like stars, an angel, etc. on the "Castille" that all have fireworks attached. They are set to go off at different times. The very last piece that went off was a halo. The halo actually DID "go off": it sailed up into the sky! As we started to move again toward the exit, we spotted the "Torito Man" who runs around like a bull with fireworks on his back! (This is one festival job I would NOT accept!)

We had considered getting a "colectivo" (small bus...also "microbus") back to the casa and even had our 5-peso coins ready, but started walking and walked all the way back. It will come as no surprise that I had a little trouble waking up this morning, but the night was so very worth it! What a great celebration!

This morning, Saturday morning, we were all out of the casa by 10 AM...not an easy feat to accomplish! Since Mom V. was coming, Ladd drove us to Bucerias Centro. Once again "Our Lady of Peace" church was the starting spot for the activities. In front of the church Mexican dancers and musicians in Mayan costumes performed some of their rituals, customs, songs and dances. The festival goers filled the church courtyard to watch. Thankfully we were there early enough so that Dallas could get a seat in the shade, and we could see the performance well.

Mexican performers: Mayan traditional dances & music

We then walked down to the beach to find a spot to watch "The Blessing of the Ships", and the blessing of the breads, tequila, fish, etc. they carry. On the street nearest to the water we came upon the start of the procession of the Mexican riders in their fancy, traditional garb and somberos. They ride their dancing horses! Some of the riders were young boys, and a couple of fathers held toddlers in front of them on their horses. Of course, the kiddos had Mexican traditional costumes on as well! Also in this procession were senoritas riding side-saddle with their colorful, gorgeous, voluminous skirts! (I wish I could buy one of those skirts/outfits, but don't think I could wear it to "Price Chopper"...LOL!) 

Senoritas riding in parade

Oh, I REALLY want one of those outfits!

 We found a restaurant/bar, "Adriano's", right in front of where the boats come in, and truly LUCKED OUT getting a little table that looked out on the water. We sat down there so Mom V. could be seated in a good spot but then decided to get something to eat, too. Dallas had her Quesadillas, I had a shrimp omelet, and Ladd just had "breakfast beer":  perhaps "the hair of the dog" to follow last night? Ha!  Both Mom V. and I had Mexican salsa, spicy and delicious, on our meals. Dallas stayed and watched from the table. Ladd and I headed out to the beach for a closer view and photo op of "The Blessing of the Ships". The boats are all decorated with palms, colorful balloons, etc. The main boat had young girls on top dressed as angels...complete with large, gold wings! The boats take turns driving up and onto the beach to the cheers and applause of everyone on the beach! What an awesome scene and fantastic morning/afternoon! I do believe it is siesta time!  

"The Blessing of the Boats" at Bucerias

Incredible Angel Costumes

Here comes the next boat to shore!

Get out of the way!

Look at Mom V.'s face, not mine, to see what a great spot and super time we had at "The Blessing of the Boats"!

Browsing/shopping allowed no matter what the occasion!

"Mariachi Bands"/Musicians performing everywhere

Setting up the fireworks on the "castille" (metal tower structure) for the next night 

"Our" corner restaurant/bar: "Mi Lola"

Another Day in Paradise

The next picture is from our excursion to Puerta Vallarta yesterday, Thursday, 1/22/15, as we searched for, and found, "El Rio BBQ" that we plan to try sometime during our stay. Ladd also found the phone/internet store he was looking for here.

Friday, 1/23/15    We decided to make today "Beach Day", but first I did a laundry and as usual we had our omelets brunch before heading out.

Me "hamming it up" on the stairs to our bedroom in the casa.

Omelet time!

Ladd told Bob & Sandy these are the IMPORTANT supplies needed at "Casa Lucia"!

The entrance we use to "our" Bucerias beach
(Behind the thatched umbrellas is a COOL beachfront restaurant/bar named "Karen's Place".)

Normally Ladd and I would walk to the beach, but since Mom V. was coming today Ladd drove us there. (We parked RIGHT at the top of the ramp you see in the picture above.)  As we were walking down to the beach we met another Canadian couple who spend 10 weeks every year in a condo near here in Bucerias. They chatted with us and told us about a very nice, very needy old Mexican who sells things on the beach. (You will see some of his wares in the picture below.) We wanted to sit on the sand first, but did not have a beach chair for Mom V. The Mexican man selling there gave his chair to Dallas. Of course after that kindness, we just had to look at what he was selling. <g>  Do you think we bought anything? (Anyone who knows my shopping habits and who knows what "softies" we are will know the answer to that question!)

Perhaps the only drawback to the beaches around this area is that they are so overcrowded...LOL!

Grandma V. settled in with a drink at "Karen's Place" beachfront restaurant/bar as Ladd and I walked and walked and walked on the beach. The ocean water is honestly as warm as bath water. 

After our walk we joined Mom V. for a drink at Karen's Place. (Just iced teas for now since Ladd was driving and since we are walking into Bucerias Centro tonight for "Festival Fun". Plus, 2 for 1 "Happy Hour" at Karen's Place had not yet begun, but we WILL walk there and try that some night.)

As we were relaxing a Mexican sax player came strolling down the beach to entertain.

In his wake came his wife and children, all playing assorted instruments. The children had cups to accept any tips from the beach-going audience. Mexico's version of "The Jackson Five"-ha!

Back at the casa, I wanted to cool off in the pool, that is in front of the living room, before getting ready to walk to Bucerias Centro. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it...ha!

This Bucerias Festival is steeped in history and tradition, but in addition to the cultural and religious activities, they sure do know how to party! This festival lasts for 10 days, and ends this Sunday. This being Friday night, we are sure there will be BIG crowds to enjoy the music, entertainers, dancing, tons of foods, fireworks (as there have been every night of the festival), etc. (In fact, we can hear the sounds of the festival fun already inside the casa!)  As you can probably guess, I will not be updating the trip blog about tonight's adventures until tomorrow. Adios for now! 

Internet, please

Thursday, 1/22/15  It seems we are in a pattern in Mexico of alternating days JAM PACKED with travel, walking, activities with days to relax a little to regain energy. Today continued this pattern as we "hung out" at the casa in the morning drinking coffee, working on the computer, and eating our omelets brunch.

Then Ladd wanted to take a "road trip" to Puerto Vallarta to find a computer/phone store so that he could get Mexican internet time/connections on his tablet for help with directions when we are driving. We did manage to find the store and Ladd was able to have the app & time put on his tablet. Mission accomplished.

Back at the casa we enjoyed "Happy Hour" with munchies and tequila cocktails. As I worked to get this trip blog up to date, Ladd and his mom made an AWESOME homemade salsa that we had on the fresh Red Snapper Ladd prepared. Super yum! 

Right now Mom V. is in bed and Ladd is snoozing in the living room. I'm right on their heels to "Snooze Land", but was determined to finish getting this trip blog up to date. Made it! Hooray!
Night!

Grandma V's B-day

Wednesday, 1/21/15 Today is Grandma Valentini's birthday! Of course we must celebrate in Mexico! We started the day with a huge cupcake for Mom V. and a chorus of "Happy birthday to you, cha-cha-cha..."!  I'm happy to report that Dallas ate the cupcake for breakfast! Hooray! 

We planned to take Mom V. out to dinner at night for her birthday, so during the day she stayed at the casa to read and relax as Ladd and I went to explore a new "Wednesday Market" in our town of Bucerias. It is held at the Conrad Community Center and called "Roots: International Community Expo".  The profits from this market all go to locals and local charities. It is relatively small at its start, but we imagine it will grow. And, as the saying goes: good things come in small packages! The crafts for sale and foods for sampling and sale were all homemade and beautiful/delicious! I bought a pair of handmade and hand-painted earrings. I broke my LCHF diet to indulge in a mini-beef empanada...yum! I also bought two homemade flourless peanut butter cookies, (one for Mom V. and one for me), and a piece of homemade chocolate cake for Mom V. and me to split. On my way out after shopping I heard a baby girl laughing and laughing. I then saw that it was Ladd that was making the Mexican baby girl laugh out loud. He was holding her and entertaining her by batting and having her bat a balloon hung in the doorway. Ladd and the baby were drawing a crowd with their fun. (I wish I had been holding the camera for this photo-op!) When Ladd passed the baby back to her father, she held out her arms to me. I held her and started to continue Ladd's game with her, but I can tell you she much preferred Ladd...ha! (Oh well, perhaps the "teacher in me" turned her off a little?? LOL)

At night we headed out to a highly-recommended restaurant called "Sonora a la Parrilla" steakhouse for Mom V.'s birthday dinner. Using both the GPS directions and hard-copy map, we could not find the restaurant. We were blocked by a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, etc. blocking the roads for the Bucerias Festival activities. We tried to "go around" but could not even spot a sign for the restaurant or the restaurant itself. "You can't get there from here"???! At our ages it seems frustration comes too quickly and too easily, so we turned around and headed back to our local corner bar/restaurant: "Mi Lola". Mario, a waiter who we met on our first visit there, remembered us and welcomed us as if we were "old friends"! We enjoyed a great meal of an on-the-house appetizer of tomato and mozzarella slices, bread with five different AWESOME dips, wine/beer, steak, and salmon. At the end of the meal a recording of "Happy Birthday to You" in BOTH English and Spanish started playing and the super wait-staff and diners all sang "Happy Birthday" to Mom V. as she was served a birthday dessert treat complete with candle! Mom V. just loved the dinner, place, people, and night, which made us very happy! A GREAT BIG THANKS to all the fantastic staff at "Mi Lola", especially Mario, Mia, Erica, for making Grandma Valentini's birthday so special! You have now become "our" place, and we will sing your praises to everyone!

Upon return to the casa, Grandma V. was exhausted and headed to bed. The doorbell then rang, and the fun continued. Karen and Glen, our Canadian friends, came to visit. Our glasses of wine and conversations were the perfect end to an awesome day!

Some crafts at Bucerias "Roots" Market

Shopping for earrings

Now officially "our" place after Dallas's birthday dinner!

"Mi Lola" Restaurant

Sign & theme of "Mi Lola": Be happy! Everyone here is crazy!"

Me with "The Birthday Girl" and Mario