Friday, January 31, 2014

Pitillal vs. Jail

The Church in Pitillal
So what does the church in Pitillal, an area on the north side of Puerto Vallarta, have to do with jail?
Yesterday, Mike, Sheri, Sharon, and I embarked on what should have been a quiet shopping trip to Pitillal.  Here's my story:
Mike was driving and as we got in line to take a left turn off Highway 200, the only highway in Mexico,  we were in the intersection as the light was flashing a green arrow.  Now where we come from, that means continue through so as not to block traffic.  Apparently in Mexico that means.....you're going to get a ticket.  A rather ambitious female police officer riding a quad pulled us over and approached Mike.  All four of us in the vehicle agreed that we had done nothing wrong but regardless she was bent on giving us a ticket.  She wasn't even interested in getting a 200 peso gift. 
I pulled out my notepad so as to record this frequent occurrence for foreign drivers and apparently that was NOT the correct action because our dear oficial de policia became more irritated.
Mike was asking for directions so we could take care of the ticket which by now he was holding.
She in turn had taken his US driver's license.
In poor English she stated that she would no longer give us directions, she was just doing her 'shob' and with an attitude returned to her four-wheeler.  But the incident was far from over.  As we got ready to leave, she pulled from behind us and stopped right in front of us and approached our vehicle, but this time she came to my side and was even more agitated.  She asked to see my notepad and seemed quite concerned that I had written down her name.  In a very stern voice she told me,
"Do you want to go to jail?"
Let's see, humm, a night or two in a Mexican jail, or keep extremely quiet.  Yes, not a  tough decision even for this gringo.  I have never seen anybody so upset.  My quiet demeanor kicked in and a look of apology spread over my face.  (also know as fear, as she was armed)
Yikes.
In what seemed like minutes, she eventually returned to her quad, and we gently sped away.
We then discussed how we might find the municipal court so as to pay this unrighteous  ticket.
We did some shopping at Costco and Wally World and headed to downtown Pitillal where I took a photo of the church, from which my friends would have gone to pray for me if I had gone to jail.
(at least I thought they might)
We found a nice little upstairs restaurant and had a few much needed cervezas as they don't serve these if you're incarcerated.
As we returned to our vehicle, another oficial de policia was waiting and informed Mike that he was parked on a yellow curb and that was illegal.  Apparently all the other vehicles parked in the vicinity were ok to park on a yellow curb, but not us.
Oh, dear, here we go again.  Of course the first item demanded was Mike's driver's license.  Opps, that was taken earlier by Ms. Congeniality.  And everyone knows that you need a license to drive in Mexico.  It was at this time that I thought I should separate myself from the incident and walked across the street with my notepad secure in my front pocket with no intention of an exit.
This story is already long, so I will cut it shorter, Mike y Sharon were able to talk themselves out of the ticket.  Whew!  
The next hour or so was spent trying to find the 'court house'.  Eventually we did but not before an extensive tour of beautiful Pitillal.  (I don't even like the name of the town)
We did find the municipal court only to learn that we had to return the next day.
We swiftly left town in search of a cold cerveza.
How was your day?
 

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

MezzoGiorno

MezzoGiorno
Avenida del Pacifico 33, corner Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez
Bucerias, Riviera Nayarit, Puerto Vallarta Area, Mexico
 
Perhaps one of my favorite restaurants in Bucerias and thanks to Neil & Chris, we dined here
 on their last evening in Mexico.
 
Neil had the "Frutti de Mare Cremaschi" featuring black fettuccini.
Chris had "Insalata de pollo e formaggio caprino" and
Juan Marcos dined on the creamy "Penne ai Quattro Formaggi"
Absolutely incredibly delicious. 

But the best part of the dinner was sunset.  The restaurant lights up
the place quite eloquently as the sun quickly dips behind the point.
Mucho gracias to my wonderful guests:  Neil & Chris
 

Bucerias Painting


Yes, I know.  It's been over a week since I added anything to my blog.  I was busy, ok.  Poor excuse but the only one I have.  The good news is that I have tons of material to add, so I shall begin.
Today was pretty much a waste of time as I travelled to the far south regions of Bucerias.....Decameron area.  For several reason:  in search of Villas del Sol on Francisco Madero.  Some friends are arriving in March and staying at this place and I wanted to pre-locate it. Success.
I also needed to talk to Jordan at JD Tours about a fishing adventure we took last Saturday......alas, no Jordon.  I also needed to expand a dinner reservation at El Brujo for tonight's 2x1 BBQ Rib dinner.....alas, closed until this evening.  No problema, trekked back home, ate street tacos, camarones, and took a siesta.  I'm in Mexico.  Oh, the painting? From a cool gallery here in Bucerias. I shall capture the name and location during the Thursday Art Walk.

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Rhythms of the Night

 
Rhythms of the Night!
This was the view as we left the dock from Vallarta Adventures in Nuevo Vallarta last night.
Much of Mexico's rich cultural heritage is reflected in the stories and folklore of civilizations past.  The dance performance illustrated how ancient pre-Columbian religions and beliefs influenced the myths, legend, and cultures of Mexico. 
 
 
The performance is part of an evening of activities including the 1 hour shuttle to/from Nuevo Vallarta.  The performance, appetizers, and 'FREE' beverages on board the boat were bountiful.
 
 
You get a beautiful view of the cove from your seaside table, while you enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner, with a variety of foods including Mexican coffee.  An open bar with a nice selection of beverages and an attentive staff to help with make your dining experience a meal to remember.      (our particular server must have been having a bad and busy night....not so attentive)
 
 
 
 

Saturday, January 18, 2014

 
Thursdays are Art Walk nights in Bucerias.
Here we have Neil & Chris, my honored guests for January enjoying some wood fired oven pizzas at Adriaticos. 

 
One of many galleries in Bucerias was serving some great appetizers along with ART.  A great thing to do from 7-9pm every Thursday.  

 
Salsa Night!
Ok, these ladies were part of a fantastic 4 piece dance group that performed that night at Adriaticos. Highly recommend attending their performances.  No charge.   Go to HugoLopez.ca for more info. 

Wednesday, January 15, 2014


A Schnitzel & Spaetzle Dinner.  Really.  Gary, Kathy, Doug, Denise, Sharon, Mike and Sherry gathered for a German dinner at Doug/Denise's casa.  A block away from mi casa.  Great authentic Schnitzel and Spaetzle were served.  Delicious.  Thank-you. (and wonderful dessert)
Also in attendance were Jose Saul Robles Ibarra (that's one person) and his family.  Martha, David, and Saul Jr.  Saul, Sr.  is the Spanish teacher where Sharon attends and where Mike, Sherry and myself have attended.  Wonderful and insightful discussions ensued. More on that in a later blog.
The food was wonderful, the company even better.
Mucho Gracias
Juan Marcos

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Street Tacos

 
I still think my favorite food in Bucerias is the street taco.  It's a tie between the shrimp/camarones y fish (marlin) tacos.  Both are excellent.  I found that it's important to get to the stand before 6pm or else they might sell out.  If you want a cerveza with your meal, place your order first, walk across the street, and buy a can or bottle of your favorite beverage.  I recommend carrying a Red Solo cup with you (duh, who doesn't) so that you avoid the deposito on the bottle.  So for 20 pesos each, $1.60, you can have a really nice lunch or dinner.  They have 3-4 kinds of salsa on the table, so be adventurous.


Monday, January 13, 2014

Brittany Kingery   Go to uTube and search for a song called Treasures.  Take a listen. My friends told me about her song, The Bucerias song.   So I was wandering the streets of Bucerias yesterday afternoon looking for trouble. (not really)  And I walked into The Drunken Duck, (really) located directly across from YoYo Mo's.   And took a few photos......yep, Brittany K was there and sang Treasures. (and many more songs)  Highly recommend the place and her music.  Very laid back....kinda like Mexico.  And it was only 20 pesos para cerveza.  Sweet.
Juan Marcos

Aaaaaaah......the smell of fresh ground coffee in the morning.....dug out the grinder, thanks P&S, and am brewing a pot while I write.  A busy day indeed....more laundry before my guests arrive on Wednesday and painting......yes, painting.   So much for my saying, "didn't come here to paint!" (thanks Cowboy)
Buenos Dias mi amigos.
Juan Marcos

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Bucerias 2014


Ok, I did arrive in Bucerias, Mexico on Monday, Jan 6, 2014 and the ORD adventure was not fun.  95% of all flights were cancelled that morning, except for..ok, 5%.  (the math wasn't tough)  By the grace of God my flight was part of that 5%.  I probably shouldn't go into the benefits of flying first class and the pampering.....ok, enough of that.  It was sweet.
I have a new computer that has Windows 8 installed, and it is a totally new learning experience and that is putting it as best as possible.  So to find my blog and load a photo.....be impressed.
I strolled the Sunday market in Bucerias today and scored some movies, so tonight I'm going  to check them out and see what language and subtitles I got.  Always a challenge.  I can hear the popcorn already.   The Butler.
Adios mi amigos.
Juan Marcos