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September 22, 2012 10:28 PM Buenos Noches From Puerto Vallarta  Kristi and I landed safe and sound in Puerto Vallarta and were immediately impacted by the heat and humidity, literally as we stepped through the open door of the airplane. Fortunately, the airport was air conditioned so we did not have to climatize quite yet. Customs was painless, but we were quite unprepared for what happened next. Immediately following customs, we were met by friendly airport staff who asked where we were headed. They then directed us to an airport counter where this woman proceeded to give us a 10 minute speel on somme amazing free tickets and tours she was prepared to give us for an amazing price. "You're staying at this hotel here," she said while pointing to a spot on a glossy map. "Just for checking this hotel out over here, we'll give you these show tickets worth $400 Pesos and a free tour of downtown Puerto Vallarta." I think as Canadians, we are so polite to a fault, but eventually we managed to get away from her without buying anything. From there we went on to another fellow trying to sell us tours of the city, but a bit more wise to the gig we declined with much more haste this time instead of politely listening to the whole presentation this time. Finally we got to our real tour guide, a fellow named Roberto from Timon Tours — an affiliate of WestJet Vacations, and he promptly took us to our hotel. Once inside, we were greeted as honored guests, and asked if we'd bought any tours at the airport. As it turns out, they're a bit of a scam and the hotel was prepared to match anything we might have purchased just so we would not have a "bad experience," their words, during our stay. I guess tourism is quite cut throat in this part of the world. I'm glad to say that inside the resort, we haven't been hasseled since and the staff have been wonderful.  Our first night they filled the hotel pool, au natural. We were sitting at a table under an umbrella when the rain began to sprinkle, and so we thought nothing of the few drips. But after a minute or two once staff began to scramble we began to doubt our shelter. Within minutes, the rain was falling so heavily you couldn't see the hotel from across the pool and the wind brought the water well inside the awnings. The storm drains quickly filled and water began to rise on the grounds, even starting to come into the hotel itself!  Apparently this was not normal, and staff were still working today to dry up some of the unwanted water. Groundskeepers were busy trimming damaged trees and plants, and we saw a wheelbarrow full of coconuts that had been cut off a tree wheeled by. It's certainly a different life down here!  Prior to the rain, yesterday (and today) have both been beautiful. Kristi and I went for a walk down the beach, and were met by half a dozen or so pan handlers. That's probably not the correct term, particularly considering some of their wares: One fellow offered to take us fishing. Another had a pack of horses and was offering to take us horse-back riding down the beach. There was one young man renting SeaDoos, as well as ladies selling jewlery and one fellow even offered me some "Mexican flower", nudge nudge wink wink.  This is the spot I am writing to you from. Our room has a small desk by a window, so it is here that I sit.  Much of this morning was spent swimming in the hotel pool. It is beautiful, not too deep and very comfortable. There were a number of activities throughout the morning, from kids' crafts to dance lessons, water volleyball, and a blackjack tournament.      The sunset this evening was breath-taking. These pictures don't do it justice.  Despite the appearance of this long exposure picture, the resort is quite unlit at night. There isn't any in-water lights in the pool, which closes at 9:00. Despite some decorative light stripes around several palm trees and a few spot lights, it is quite dark once the sun goes down. We went and watched the entertainment in the hotel lobby, a very lively, spirited dance group showcasing some fine Mexican talent. I thought of the girls at home who would have been pleased, there was one fellow dressed head to toe in pink at one point. Pink is my least favorite color, and they are forever discussing this and trying to get me to wear pink things - often without my knowledge. We do miss the kids, despite the much needed break. Grandma has been taking care of them, and I heard that my father ran them around at the park today. What a blessing it is to have such wonderful, supportive families to allow us to get away for a few days. We really appreciate all of you back home.  And even though we're thousands of miles away, you still need to September 24, 2012 8:39 PM Our Adventure Continues In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico  The Tour Begins Welcome to the Old Vallarta         Mexico's version of beer goggles: Tequila Bottle Windows  The Boardwalk Tourist Central       Tequila Distillery One Tequila, Two Tequila, Three Tequilla... Floor          Streets of Puerta Vallarta Shot from the bus as we drove through town       Welcoming Weather Awaits at the Resort   BACK to Journal Index |