Day 23 – Thursday 13th October 2005
I had been offered a lift down to Puerto Vallarta by the two Americans I had met the previous evening, Byron and Alex. We set off from the island at half ten, as that was the time the colectivo lancha left. We actually arrived at the departure point at ten, but the boat was late as its owner and operator had to help unload a shipment of 25 huge blocks of ice that had been brought over from the mainland on a canoe.
After the ice had been safely unloaded and stored away, the colectivo was ready to make the 10 minute journey through the mangroves to the mainland. On reaching the final destination, I saw my carriage for the day, a bright orange volkswagen box car thing that was perfect for the trip down as it had a cloth roof (attached to the roll bars), and no glass in the windows so the wind would keep me cool. I don´t know the model but it was just like a box.
Anyway the car was about 40 years old and only went about 50mph but it kept chugging along (it had been driven about 1800 miles in 5 days), and it was a free lift so I wasn´t complaining. It was also better than the bus as I stretched out in the back and watched the world go by whilst the other two did the driving! After about 6 hours we reached Puerto Vallarta, and they offered to put me up in the apartment one of them was going to live in. I thought it was too good an offer to turn down so I accepted.
When I got there it was a really great place, right next to the ocean, with a private swimming pool and all the trimmings. So it was odd that I felt a little out of place. I decided to hang around for the evening to see if I felt any more relaxed about staying there, but I always had a doubt in the back of my mind. Whilst some readers may think you shouldn´t look a gift horse in the mouth, I hadn´t really come to Mexico to hang around in the retirement homes of Americans. So I made my mind up, I decided to stay for one night and then move on.
I felt better after making the decision to leave the next morning, and relaxed just enough to enjoy some of the home comforts, such as a comfortable sofa, a living room where I could sit down and chill out, and some food from a refridgerator, rather than a street vendor. However ultimately, I just didn´t want to spend time there, I hada lot of Mexico still to see, and I wanted to get out there and see it.
Decision made and it was a pizza on the Malecon (the main strip in Vallarta) and an early night. I wanted to go to Sayulita to see what life was like in a Mexican village on the coast.
I love reading this site buddy.
Sounds like your having fun, but agree that lodging with old americans aint the way to come. Sounds like something out of Cocoon if ya ask me. There weren’t any pods in the pool was there. Are you going down to visit acapulco. Guy at work said it is a must do.
Smithy
Alright Shane!
Yeah, wise move there fella! As you said to me in the States, its not about the luxuries for you anyway! Sure it was a pleasant change for one night though!
Well jealous of the Tequila visit! Look forward to those pics for sure!
is the coca; coca cabana in mexico?
is the coca; coca cabana in mexico?
I am sorry there seems to be a parrot on this webpage
ooh aarrrgh, ship mates! one of me there peace parrots has gone a missin’
Hey Roy
Have you managed to catch the X-Factor on your travels? Bet you’re missing it aren’t you! Mate, it just gets worse….!
Take care…
Roz: I know there is one in Brazil, I´m not sure if there is one in Mexico, I´ll look it up.
Liz: Unfortunately Mexican TV isnt up to the standard of British TV so I havent managed to catch it yet. But fingers crossed they will catch on soon!
Hi Royster
Sounds like you done good so far. Hope you have not got caught in all the Hurricane stuff going down. Didn’t win batsman of the year this year but there is always 2007. If you are still in the region or on your way round again we will all see you in St Lucia 2007 anyway.
I will keep tabs on you now I have hooked up so take it easy and will speak to you in between the ‘slammers’….lime and Salt
Kee
Aarrggh me matey, tis a grand voyage, sail the sea’s and return with the parrot for me. sorry bout not being in touch before, only just stumbled across the site. good to here things are well, have you seen buster edwards yet?