Two Beach Days and Walk Into Bucerias

Blogging about our time here is very different than on a cruise.  Not much to report from here that is really interesting.  On a cruise there are new things daily and different port stops to report on.

Both Monday and Tuesday we woke up and hit the beach around 10 am.  We get two lounge chairs near the water, get an umbrella for the necessary shade (100 pesos to rent) and spend the day.

On Monday a beautiful wedding happened on the beach around 4 pm. The couple is from Britain and they have about 20 family and friends with them.  I took pictures and will share here when I get home.  I think a wedding like this would be a great option, but kind of odd that people are watching your wedding in their bathing suits.
Lots of new faces appear each day as guests come and go from the resort.  Seems everyone goes crazy with the sun and fries and is beet red the next day.  It is very strong the sun and I can't stress enough how important it is to wear sunscreen and keep reapplying it.  We probably do four coats in a day of 30 SPF.  So far we have been lucky no bad burns.

Every day around the pool they set up a barbecue and you can get a variety of foods there that you can enjoy by the pool or beach.  Not much selection so we usually end up at the buffet.  Note you are not suppose to take food from the buffet to the beach.

Wind is strong and helps with the heat.  Around the pool there is not much of a wind.
The waves are fun, lots of people enjoyed using Boogie boards or body surfing in the waves, including us.

We have both are on our third books and are totally relaxed.

The evenings are still rather dull.

Monday night we walked into Bucerias along the beach.  Was interesting to see some of the sea life that has washed up along the shore.  Puffer fish, some kind of sea snake thing, crabs, and half eaten fish.  Of course I too, pictures but they are on my camera so will out up later.

The walk took about 45 minutes and was nice but difficult to walk in the sand and then there is the issue of your feet full of sand when we arrive at the main square.

We are approached by a man who introduces himself as Miguel and he has a restaurant in the square called Miguel Angel.  Funny we were approached by the same man last week when we were here to check out his restaurant.  He offers us a tap to rinse off our feet.  We take him up on his offer.

We also take a seat in his restaurant and order drinks.  There is live music and we enjoy an hour or so here.

We do notice that the change given back to us from when we pay is not correct.  We comment and the waiters says "tip".  Silly guy, it was only a difference of 40 pesos or so that he short changed us.  But we would of tipped a lot more if he would not of played the game with us.

This does happen on occasion all over the world.  As a traveler you can encounter this anywhere.  Sadly I don't think Miguel the owner who worked so hard to get us to his restaurant knows this is happening.  Because we had thought of coming back for dinner some time but now won't.

We stop and get fresh Churro from the street vendor.  Yummy and only 6 pesos.

A quick cab ride back cause walking on the beach would be hard after a few drinks.

Each morning we order room service and we enjoy it in the balcony with this amazing view.  But it is warm out there.

Tuesday night we dined at the hotel and then decided to walk to the Riu Vallarta. Being at the Palace we have privledges at all three Riu resorts.

There are three Riu hotels here, all relatively close to each other.  The lowest end is the Riu Jallisco where we were at.  Had a giggle as we walked past it as it says on its sign it is a five star.  No it is definitely not, maybe a 2 or low 3.  Good if you expect that but not if you expect five stars.

The Riu Vallarta is a bit further and isome a bit nicer (I know it was more expensive thand the Riu Jallisco but not a whole much more expensive).  The hotel layouts for every Riu is basically the same.  A large U shape building with the activities going on in the inner courtyard.

We walk around and then take a seat in the lobby bar and order drinks.  This is also a nice hotel.  The demographics seem to be a lot more families.

As we sit we discuss all our Mexican holidays and was it always like this?  You see way before we started cruising all we did was two weeks at all inclusive all over Mexico.  Now we feel this is no longer for us.  I think maybe renting a condo may be better suited to us.

One thing we have found is the drinks are so sweet.  Seems to be at each hotel too. Not sure why.  Maybe one of you know why.  They don't skimp on the alcohol but boy are they extra sweet.  I know they are inclused in the package but I think my vote goes to buying a drink and getting a better product.

We walk back and watch TV on the tablet.

We have two more days and we are happy and sad to go home.  We have even started discussing our next cruise if the dollar gets better.

Tuesday Evening - Dinner Celebration

After a short nap we shower and dress and head out.  Have to say I am enjoying the break from dressing up for dinner on this vacation.  It is a nice change.

We head down to the lobby and get a cab (85 pesos) to Bucerias the town just North of here.

See how ornate the lobby is.  Even the check in desk is fancy.

We walk around a bit.  I love this town.  Nothing fancy, you won't find a Senor Frogs here, Hard Rock.  This is more authentic.  People here are hard working locals. Friendly and approachable and eager for your business.

Tonight  we head back to Meson on the Bay.  If you are enjoying in Bucerias head over the foot bridge and the restaurant is on your right.  You have to walk in to it as it is right on the water.  This is the signew you should see at the road, you can't miss it.  We were here a few years ago with friends from the Star Princess.  Read about it here http://vickieandbernietravel.blogspot.mx/2014/11/sunday-puerto-vallarta.html

We get a table right at the water and the sun is coming down - stunning.  Tonight we are celebrating Bernie'slept God Daughter's birthday.  Happy Birthday Erin!

I get a cucumber Margarita 

The meal is amazing.  We start with an appetizer and share an entrée.

We are stuffed, but still have room for after dinner drink.  Bernie gets a Spanish Coffee, I get a Damiana over ice.

We head back to the resort and head to the theater.  Even this theater is better at this hotel, more club like.  We watch the Rock show.  It was cute, nothing fancy but I give the dancers credit better than I could do.

What a perfect night.  So glad we changed hotels.

Sunday at the Riu

The day was spent at the beach in the same spot as the other day. What more can we ask for. We spend the day in the water which was actually rather rough today but lot of fun to jump the waves. A lot of people were Boogie boarding and there were quite a few kite surfers in the water.

One of my favorite snacks a bag for 20 peso.  Sort of puffstuff with lime and hot sauce 

Had a wonderful day of relaxation and a little bit too much sun perhaps. Still a few areas that we sometimes miss that are a little red especially areas like straps.

Tonight we have reservations at the steakhouse restaurant for 7 p.m. that is their first seating.

You know how you sometimes encounter that particular group of people and they seem to find you wherever you go whether on a ship or on land. Well we have that group here. There is a large group, it looks like it could be a large family or group of friends with their kids. They are about 30 people and just so happens their room is about 10 rooms away. We seem to hear their children screaming up and down the hall at least a few times a day. We see them around the pool, again the kids are screaming. We see them at the theater, again the kids are screaming. For some reason the parents do nothing. So we try to stay away from them as much as possible.

When we head to dinner we are met by Geraldo who was the host at the Mexican restaurant the other night who was very attentive. He sends us to a lovely table with an amazing view of the sunset. Near us is a large table set up. We both cringe thinking don't tell me that family will be here. Sure enough, and of course 10 minutes after 7 the family arrives 10 minutes past their reservation. Then they want to take pictures with the sunset. The poor waiters know they need to serve these people so that they can sit second seating.  By the time they all take their seats it is 7:25.

The sound level rises because of the group and we both feel like walking out. This is no longer a lovely meal with a romantic setting. But we stay.

Tonight's menu starts with a shrimp cocktail, then 2nd course is served - mozzarella sticks. There are no other options if these are not to your liking. The two course taste okay but nothing special.  Also at this restaurant you are given choices of entree.  Off the top of my head the options are: 2fish items, 2 steak options, chicken, hamburger and maybe something else. I ended up getting the steak.  The steak was good.  Bernie had the snapper and shrimp kebab.  He found it dry and ended up putting my chimichurri  sauce on it. 

We had ordered dessert but both of us are not enjoying this meal and the karge grouo is over powering, so we agree to just leave.

Now that we've had two dinners at the a la carte restaurants we can say we much prefer the buffet. The waiters are busy and it feels rushed. Food is so so, and prefer the items in the buffet.  It is nothing special and service feels chaotic.

So it is only 735 now what.

We are both concerned about how this resort is measuring up.  We decide to walk into Bucerias and get away from the resort for a bit.

Now I remind Bernie we did pick one of the lowest priced resorts.  You get what you pay for.  Sure it is not 5 star, we knew that going in.  Personally I would give it a low 3 star.  But that would be fine with us.  We accept the resort, the food, the room and the staff are great.  What is hard are the people who are staying here.

Even though there are a lot of locals here, it really is the people from the States and Canada that are the problem.  A cheap holiday to come and party.

As we walk into town I compare it to booking a cheap Carnival cruise during May.  You are going to get the party people. The ship will be nice and food good and crew will be great but the passenger make up will be the issue.

So we walk to Bucerias.  There is a road but then it turns into a path, which I would not recommend at night, then at the Royal Decameron (which we stayed at ten years ago) the road starts again.  It takes around 50 to 60 min to walk right into Bucerias.

I have always loved this little town.  Filled with locals the main square is a buzz of people.  

We get some ice cream and sit in the square.  A gentleman beside us who speaks to us (somehow we manage to communicate) welcome us and when he finds out we are from Canada commenrs about the horrible fires we recently had in Fort McMurray.  He said the Mexicans are very sad about this.  We thank him for that. 

Bernie has to get a churro from the street vendor.  Yum, hot a cheap.  

We stroll around the square and town. It always amazes me how all the locals come out and families stroll.  Kids play.  Siblings take care of each other.  Although one change we notice more now are kids and adults are more consumed with their phones now.  Where just a few years ago kids did not have this option and played now they play on their phones just like at home.  Too bad.

It is around ten and we grab a cab back to the resort.  It is 85 pesos and that is much better than walking.

Back at the resort the theater show is still going on.  It runs until 11 but after that it is relatively quiet.  Except of course for the party people hooting and hollering. 

Sunday - Puerto Vallarta

We dock early at 8 am and we are at Pier 1 from our balcony I can see the Celebrity Infinity and the Pirate Boat is right beside us as I watch the people from our ship make their way over to it.  The music is playing from the Pirate Boat and the characters are all set for the tour.  I have never done this tour but it does look like fun.

We are not in any real rush to get off, in fact we have arranged to meet up in the International Café with friends at 10:30 to head ashore.

Bernie goes up for breakfast and I finally get my blog posted from yesterday.

We meet up with all our friends and we get off the ship together.  One thing that is noticeable in Mexico at every port we have had to open our bags when getting off to Mexican officials to make sure we are not bringing any fruits or contraband into the port.  The same happens when we get on the ship as well.  So be prepared, do not take any fruit or meat off the ship while in port.

Ian, Claire, Ashwin and Delmarie

We walk out towards the Sam’s Club to catch the local bus to Bucerias.  The cost is around $1.50 each person.  To know if you are on the right bus the name Bucerias is on the windshield.  The ride is - well how can I describe it - “interesting” but we are with all the locals and we don’t mind the ride at all. 

The ride to the town of Bucerias is about 25 minutes and we get off and cross under the highway and head to the main square.  Church is in session and it is lovely to hear the singing.  We walk around the square a bit and check out all the stalls selling their items.  It is fun to hear them trying to get us into their stores “lady, want to buy my crap” “lady welcome to all things from China”.  But we really don’t want or need anything.

We cross over the bridge and stop into a nice restaurant and we grab a table that looks out onto the beach.

Drinks are ordered, appetizers are ordered and we all are laughing our heads off.  We order entrees cause we all need to eat more to absorb the drinks.

It was a great time and I am glad we were able to show them a little more of Mexico that is not like Puerto Vallarta.

Back to the main drag to catch the bus going back (just flag any bus going by as they all go back to the ship).  To get out of the sun I sit right at the back and boy is it bouncy!  In fact I should of worn a sports bra it is so bouncy. 

We get off at the mall and we decide to check out the mall since it is relatively new.  There is even a Starbucks in it, but I resisted.  We did enjoy some ice cream though.

We head back on board around 3 pm and I feel totally out of it.  All I can attribute it to is the two margaritas I had.  But I tell Bernie I feel totally drugged and it just hit me, like I walked on the ship and boom.  I crash right on top of the bed, fully dressed and sleep!   Even when I wake a few hours later I am shocked that I felt so odd, but I guess that was some strong tequila.

Notes:

We have had no problem at all with laundry.  We have put in about three different bags and we put it in at night and we are getting it the next evening.  We really appreciate this and know that technically it is not supposed to arrive the next day but we do appreciate it.  All items have been accounted for and no damage to any item has been noticed.

Drink prices have gone up it seems, now we get two martinis and it works out to be $20 including the tip.  We have really cut down on how much we are drinking.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - April 2, 2014

Up early – WHY!  Maybe my body is telling me it is time to get ready for going back to work and very early shifts?  But I read for a bit and wake slowly.  Bernie has gone to get the coffees and we sip and read for quite a while.

Yesterday was the first time I took out my IPhone and looked at my upcoming work schedule for next week.  So last night I was thinking about work and returning to reality.  This morning it is the same – what do we need to do on Sunday to get ready for our work week?  What routes am I doing?  What days off do I have next week? 

Also what is more tragic is we don’t have another cruise booked before we get off this one.  That hasn’t happened in a long time.  It isn’t that we don’t want to sail again.  It has more to do with this trip took most of our vacation this year.  We still have a few weeks late in the year but are hoping to do a land vacation (famous last words).  Also we will probably book the Royal for next January/February just not sure of the dates.

Both Bernie and I head up to Horizon Court for our breakfast, I refuse to go back to the dining room for breakfast as I much prefer to grab something quick and hot than slow and cold from the dining room.  I enjoy a hot bagel with hazelnut cream cheese and an apple.  Just right!

We are not docking in Puerto Vallarta until noon so we still have a lovely morning to enjoy.  There is a lot of sea life out there today.  Lots of whales, turtles, and tons of dolphins, and as we approach the Bay of Bandaras millions of jelly fish.

I attend the speed Sudoku in Adagio Bar at 10 am.  This is the first time I have been to one as they only hold it on port days when we are normally on shore.  Today I arrive a few minutes early and oh my do you ever feel the vibration up here.  It is horrible.  I know we feel it in our friends cabin A747 but it doesn’t feel this bad.  I have to say this ship you really feel the vibration, more so than the Emerald, and not sure why.  Okay back to Sudoku I suck normally at trivia but I am good at Sudoku and I come in second and win a lanyard.

The ship is crazy – one thing about docking at noon people are chomping at the bit to get off and have converged in the Piazza near the gangways. 

I walk out to the Promenade deck and watch as they set up the gangways and the vendor are setting up.  A Mariachi band is starting to play and the photographers and some locals dressed in full Mexican costume are there to pose with those coming off. 

My favorite thing was watching so many of the crew who were having family come meet them and tour the ship.  The crew were so excited, I see them running all over the pier trying to find their family and once they do meet up the hugs and kisses and tears.  Lovely and I am touched.

The gangways are packed with people when they open them up.  I am glad we decided to gather at 1 to go off and even then it is still quite busy.

Today we decided to go to Bucerias which is a town about 20 minutes by car north of the port.  We offer to our friends Jan/Michael and Barb/Craig to join us.  Since we are docked at pier 3 (new to us as we are normally at 1 but a Carnival ship is there and a Holland ship is at pier 2) we see we have a very short walk to the main street.  There is now a brand new mall right there too!  We cross the street so we can catch the buses going north.  Right away a bus comes by and we flag it down.  Cost was just around $1.50 US each.

We get off right near the town center of Bucerias and wander around looking at the vendors and the shops and giving the others a chance to see the town.

Our restaurant was one that we had found on line and also a friend on board had recommended.  El Burjo is right on the beach and offers us the opportunity to enjoy a great meal on the beach and to go swimming too. 

A bucket of beer, a few margaritas, chips, salsa and some amazing dishes and lots of laughs.  Oh and the vendors constantly floating thru with their items for sale.  I did buy a pair of earrings and we did enjoy a Mariachi band but that is all we paid to the vendors. 

We stayed here for about two hours and it was a great time, and I am glad the other two couples liked it too.

We all agreed to a walk so we cross the little foot bridge, also known as the kissing bridge and started walking South along the road we use to take to get to the hotel we once stayed at.  We didn’t walk for too long, maybe a half hour before heading up to the main street and catching the bus back to town.  Just look for the bus that has the Walmart on it’s windshield.

When we arrived back at the port the others went inside the gate but we decided to do a bit more walking and walked to Sorianas, which is a large grocery type store.  I wanted to pick up some more Maja soap that we can’t get in Canada any more.

We then head towards a small ice cream place we use to go to but it is no longer there.  So we enter the port at the gate near the Carnival Ship and walk back to our ship.  The HAL ship has already left.

All aboard is 7:30 and at 8 we are off, sadly…. As this is our last port of the trip.  Two sea days and then Los Angeles.