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We started off with a positive attitude to our hotel stay. That very quickly went out the window.
We had to call down to find out when we would get breakfast. When it arrived it was as cold as last nights dinner.

Again, at lunch time, we had to phone down. This time though we ran into a problem. The house phone wasn’t working so we called the local number using our cell phones. No luck! We even called the 1-800 number and still no answer. Now we knew we were in prison.

When our cold lunch final showed up, it wasn’t too bad just very expensive.
About 2:20 in the afternoon, I got an email saying my test was negative. We were packed in minutes and ready to go. Unfortunately we didn’t get Rosalie’s result so she finally checked her junk mail and there it was. We were packed and ready to leave in minutes. I called Harbour Air and made a reservation then went to check out.

The room we were in would usually go for about $100-$120, we were paying $400. From what we see so far the only extra we got for the extra $280-300 was terrible food. There was one young lady; probably a family member who had on a security jacket and that was it.

I of course asked for a refund and they of course refused. So, we had a room for one night, three crappy meals, no communication with the front desk and it only cost us $1,400. What a deal?

This is government sanctioned robbery and mostly taking advantage of snowbird seniors. so anybody booked at the Quality Inn in Richmond, beware because they don’t care.

Our flight to Nanaimo was uneventful and Dave had us home at 6pm.

And, we plan to do it all again next season.

The flight to Seattle was uneventful but arriving, was a bit of an experience.

We lined up for security and while waiting were told that we could bypass the line by downloading another app. By the time I got it half figured out, we were at the inspection booth.

It went well for a while until the officer asked if we had any unprescribed meds. We had picked up some stuff for various people (You know who you are!) but had no idea what the meds were or what they are for. So, we had to put up with the lecture about only bringing in our own meds before he let us go, including the meds.

Then we had five hours to kill so went looking for food. We found a nice place and shared a beef dip and three glasses of wine. The bill came to $75 USD . Add a tip and we were looking at a hundred bucks Canadian; for lunch. It was bit of a shock as we have been used to getting something like that in México for under $20 Canadian. I was made easier by the Philippine waiter who served us. He was fun and had an infectious laugh.

During all this chaos we met some people from Victoria and got on so well with them that we will arrange to meet up next fall.

About half an hour before boarding was about to begin, we were told to line up for proof of negative PCR test and to get our temperatures taken. It was badly timed as some of us were on board while the rest were still being processed. Anyway, the flight was half an hour late leaving.

It was a small plane and only about three quarters full so we expected to be processed quickly in Vancouver, Yeah, right!

After going through immigration we lined up again for our COVID test registration. Again, while in the line, we were told we would need another form to be downloaded and completed. I had tried it previously but the app was so bad I gave up in frustration. The young lady who did the processing was helpful and did it on her computer.

After all these on-line forms and apps that we couldn’t make work, the one app I downloaded, ArriveCAN, and filled in ahead of time, wasn’t even asked for. I presented it twice but it was ignored.

The COVID test was easy so we headed for our shuttle bus. We were told to wait until called when the bus got there.

At the hotel we checked in and found that a dinner was waiting for us. It was good but a bit cold as we didn’t get in until 9 pm. Through all this I was developing a sore throat. No temperature or any other symptoms, just the throat. I think I wore my mask too much.

From leaving the hotel in PV to the hotel on Richmond took sixteen hours.

More to come…

Our bus to was right on time arriving and only five minutes late leaving for PV. Everything seems to be going well. Even the taxi was only ten minutes late picking us up from El Rancho.

Rosalie with her infinite wisdom brought along four beers in little cooler that we have; there were only two left when we got to the hotel.

On the way from the bus depot to the hotel, we got our negative results for our COVID test.   That was a huge load off our minds.

After checking in at the hotel, we walked over to the marina to have dinner at Victor’s Place restaurant.

We like this place as we get free shots of tequila there. We asked after Victor but sadly he passed away last year from cancer.

I ordered my usual ensalada con camarone but got enchilada de camerone instead; it was awesome.

We were up early the next morning as our flight was leaving at nine. We arrived at the airport two hours early and joined the line-up. 

Part way through we remembered that we had to get our Mexican exit visas! The booth was close by so we managed okay. We were next presented with a clipboard attesting that we had had our tests.

Then we showed our results to the security guy and eventually got checked in. 

On the way to the gate we were met with another group of people milling around filling out on line forms. We asked several what was going on and at first no one seemed to know. 

Eventually a young lady helped us. We filled out the forms on my phone and were allowed to got to the gate with just enough time to board. We still have no idea what we needed that app for.

More to follow…

My blog will probably be a little late. I destroyed my Mac book air by spilling wine on it. If I had been inebriated at the time I could use that as an excuse but no, I was stone cold stupid.

I’m always careful around my computers and am aware of the damage a glass of wine can do. This day though, was different. I picked up my wine and it caught on the edge of a note book I use for our investments and “kaboom” …disaster!

Within seconds I turned it down side up and doused it with clean water. I then asked Rosalie if she had any rice. We had just come back from the beach and she was a little giggly and told me “no, but we had lots of spaghetti.” Good suggestion, but not very helpful.

Before going out for dinner I left it upside down on a paper towel and called on the universe to heal it. It didn’t work. I’ll bring it back to Canada and see if I can fix it.

We went for our COVID tests this morning. We were told to get there early as there may be line ups. They open at eight so we got there just after seven. We were the only ones there so we got in early and were home by eight. Now we wait.

This the worst part of the season both here and in Canada: packing to leave.

It’s tough because we have to pack all our stuff but need to use some of it in the time before we leave. Luckily we don’t have to pack the booze.

I’ve been spraying all my tools with silicon as the air is somewhat salty and things rust quickly. It doesn’t seem to affect the car too much which is a bonus. However, I like to cover it with a shade cloth to keep some of the crud off of it.

Earlier in the year, I borrowed a step ladder from Omar’s bodega, to put up the shade cloth, but I don’t think he liked it and has kept the shed locked ever since. So, as I had to remove the said sombrilla, I asked him very politely, in Spanish, if I could use it again. He grinned and said “Si.”

Once that conversation was over I asked him if he wanted my hammock, as with the use of the loungers I don’t need it anymore. The look on his face was priceless. I can’t wait to tell him that I don’t want my guitar either.

We went to Papa Gallo’s for the last time yesterday (Monday). It was sad to say goodby to all our newfound friends who helped us so much with our Spanish and the Mexican culture. We learned a lot from them. However, we did have a few margaritas as well as a glass or two of wine to see us on our way. Rosalie was so into the wine that she insisted on staying for dinner.

I think the packing would be over a lot quicker if Rosalie didn’t insist on going to the beach every day.

Today the temperature hit 32 C. We were a bit warm so went to Barra Sunset Bar, to cool off at the beach. The problem was; it was so windy it was actually cold. So, we had a glass of wine and went home to sweat it out.

They started the round of second vaccinations in Cihuatlan today but are doing it alphabetically, so being Wells’ we didn’t get a look in. That is, until Rosalie got a text from her friend Elke saying that the alphabet idea had been scrapped and anyone could go right away starting tomorrow. We decided though to wait until we get home to Canada. As I said, it is warm at the moment and lining up for goodness knows how long isn’t a pleasant idea. Also, it won’t do us any good with solitary confinement anyway. So we’ll wait.

Gabino, Carlito and Iris, and Rafael

Rafael is the day manager there and he has been the most helpful to us. He spent time in Ontario and has a wife and two kids there so his English is really good. Unfortunately he is now separated and is living with a very nice lady here in Melaque.

They took their masks off for the photoshoot but otherwise, they wear them all the time. The whole crowd seemed to get a little less formal as the season wore on at the end we were really comfortable with each other. Perhaps this was because we were mostly their only customers.

We have tried a few other locations. The restaurant on top of the rock called ‘Roca Moca’ has re-opened, weekends only, so we tried to go there for lunch. After staggering up a whole bunch of stairs we were told that they weren’t open until later in the day.

After checking it out and taking a few photos, we staggered back down again. We probably won’t go back as the stairs were hard on Rosalie’s knee. For lunch we went to the nearest beach restaurant and met up with an old mesero friend El Lotario. We hadn’t seen him in a few years as he seems to move from restaurant to restaurant.

Then off to Bugambilias for an afternoon glass of wine. After a short time at home, we somehow ended up at Papa Gallo’s again as it hasn’t quite closed yet. It reminds me of the great line from’ Princess Bride’ where Westley is only ‘mostly dead.’ Anyway, we mean to string it out as long as possible.

If you haven’t seen “Princess Bride” go find it and watch it right now. One of my favourites.

I just realized that animals are the real threat here in Melaque.

At our last location, we had the nasty early morning rooster as well as the dogs that barked all day or until Gerry, our neighbour let them loose. There were also the scorpion incidents but they’re arachnids so don’t count; unless one stings you of course.

When we moved to Pinal Villa there was a brief invasion of goats before a young kid came in and chased them outside again. Not before they deposited a few droppings for our approval. There was the odd iguana but they tend to leave us alone and are content to sit on the wall looking at us contemptuously. Of course, we have no idea what they get up to while we’re out.

Then some kids threw the kitten over the wall and I had a problem persuading it to stay home. Mind you, I wouldn’t want to stay home in case I got thrown over the wall again.

Then we had the mad rooster from across the street that visited for a few days and expected to be fed. The neighbour soon came and took him away. I hope he was delicious, but suspect he was a price fighting cockerel.

We have a gecko somewhere in the house as a guest. It’s not a problem as they don’t eat too much and keep the bugs down. However once in a while, in the wee hours, it likes to chirp. For such a small creature it sure is loud. Rosalie’s worried that it might drop on her in the night. I however am more worried about stepping on it on the way to the bathroom as they’re messy to clean up.

There was the donkey in Jaluco who wouldn’t move to let us drive past. And then there are the squirrels who race across our roof in their boots as we are taking our morning tea.

The latest problem concerns a bunch of cats that like to sit outside the bathroom window and sing to us. They start about four in the morning and I have no access to anything I can throw without unlocking all the doors.

All in all, animals are a problem here. I know Canada has a travel advisory for Mexico. I think they should add animals to the list.

It’s been a bit warm for the last few days so more time is spent at the beach. A few days ago it hit 35c in Pinal Villa so we were forced to go to the beach to cool off. With Rafael’s help, I noticed a lot more chiquitas there. I wanted to take a few pics for the boys. I told Rosalie “You pick ’em I’ll click ’em.” But I felt like a bit of a pervert so didn’t. (Yes, I know I am anyway. No need to remind me.)

When we were a lot younger, in our 20s, 30s or even 40s we would look at the girls on the beach and think “what if I…? would she…? can I.., without getting slapped?” Pure lust!

Today I just enjoy looking and thinking “Nice, very nice.” while Rosalie looks on and grins. She knows that it’s like a dog chasing a car; once you catch it what do you do with it? My favourite chiquita is Rosalie anyway, so she knows not to worry.

As it’s ‘Samana Santa’ the beaches are packed and the atmosphere is amazing. Lots of music, people enjoying the water, food everywhere. When we first walked into Papa Gallo’s and asked for a menu Rafael said he would have to go and wake the cook as business was so slow.

That’s because the Mexican tourists bring all their own stuff. From coolers full of food and beer to their own pop-up tents so they can keep the costs down. The other day there was a Mexican family in the restaurant and they ordered food but brought in their own beer. Try that in Canada! Also, they don’t tip much so the restaurants are suffering because they rely on generous tips from us Norteños. All the time we were at the restaurant we didn’t see one other Norteño. We were the only ones.

Things are slowly winding down for the season. We love it here but need to be back with our friends for a while. Hopefully, the stupid incarceration rule will be lifted and we can come back fairly easily. If not, we have the escape plan in place so one way or another should be home by this time next month.

Last week, we met some new friends and met them again yesterday for a drink. We got to talking and they admitted that they were trumpers. We didn’t know whether to get up and walk out or not. They redeemed themselves when they said they didn’t like trump but supported his policies.

A debate ensued. Ron and I got into it while the girls discussed important things like nail and lipstick colours and where was the best place to get a haircut. (Rosalie says: Did not…!)

I say Ron and I got into it but it was a very enjoyable conversation. It was refreshing to discuss things with someone who didn’t drag up long-dead conspiracy theories; although he came close a few times. They are Canadians who lived in Texas for a while so have quite a bit of knowledge regarding US politics. We agreed to disagree and arranged to meet again another day. Nice people.

There we were again at the beach because (insert excuse.) We have enjoyed going because it’s Samana Santa (Holy Week) and the entertainment can be a lot of fun. I don’t necessarily mean just the chiquitas, but the beachs’ oddball entertainment. The best part was, that a couple of the beach lovelies finally came on to me. I was so excited but didn’t know what Rosalie thought was so funny. Anyway, after all that, we still didn’t get our money’s worth.

After all the excitement we went home and I took some heart meds (tequila) to try and calm down and eventually volunteered to make dinner.

A few days ago we went to the beach for dinner (another excuse) I ordered a shrimp fajita which we ended up sharing. It was so good that I decided that I could do better.

On this day, we went to the various stores to get our shrimp and veggies and stowed them in the cooler in the car. After the beach, and when we got home, I went to work. After chopping, dicing, sauteing, burning to a crisp and over-salting, I presented Rosalie, who had sobered up a little by now, a Fajita a la Chris.

When we ordered it at Papa Gallo’s, Gabino fired it up all professional-like. Me: not so much; the darn thing wouldn’t flair up. I was using good quality tequila so that was probably the problem. Perhaps I need to use some of Rosalie’s low-quality rotgut with the higher octane to make a bigger bang.

Even though I do say so myself, it was pretty good. We have enough shrimp for the next day so I will try again then.

After expert advice from Rafael, I made another fajita but it still wouldn’t light. Perhaps we should have turned the fan off first. Oh well, next time.

In conversation with Rafael we learned that the beach bands are all different. It’s obvious when you think about it, but we just hadn’t thought about it.

We know when we see a mariachi band because they are dressed to the nines and sweating in the heat.

Bandas are the guy in the last blog who beat the hell out of their drums, play a shrieking wind instrument and generally create quite the racket.

Trios are three guys (who’da guessed) playing guitars and singing; mostly love songs.

Norteños are a larger band and have an accordion playing along.

Our favourites are the solo artists who stop by the outside restaurants and sing whether you ask them to or not and then pass a hat around for payment. No matter if they are good or bad we still pay them. One of these is Gerry who came by our last home a few times last year to play for us; he is good.

One good thing about the Mexicans on the beaches; they take their garbage away with them unlike the Norteño kids in Florida.

‘Ruidoso’ is Spanish for noisy.

A trip to Cihuatlán was planned for today because I had broken one of the wall sconces putting up the shade cloth for the car.

We had tried to buy one in the market but the guy wanted 600 pesos and we weren’t willing to pay tourist prices. Raquel had been over to introduce us to a possible new neighbour for next year. When I told her my sad story, her attitude was “So what? Just buy a new one.” She and the prospective neighbour told us that we could get one for 17 pesos at the 17-peso store in Cihuatlán so that’s why we went.

Just before we left, Omar came and told us that he was going to cut the grass and his lawn tractor is very ‘ruidoso.’ We were happy to leave him to it for an hour or so.

Not knowing where the 17-peso store was, I decided to start at one end of town and drive through the main Street until Rosalie shouted “Stop.” We found several other stores but only found the 17-peso store as we were about to leave. Alas, no luck with the wall sconce but we managed to buy other stuff that we hadn’t been looking for.

It had been a hot and fruitless day so we thought that we had earned a margarita on the beach. (If you need an excuse for a margarita on the beach, come and see us we have hundreds.) Changing things up, we went to a place we hadn’t been for a while but soon realized that we missed our usual haunts. There was a table of Quebecois who were being very ruidoso. So off to a quiet glass of wine and a margarita at Bugambilias. This was the peaceful scene we encountered.

Tony and the rest of the staff seemed a bit pissed off with the whole thing. The band had been there three days running for an hour each day. I think that when they had played three tunes they played them all again backwards and no one noticed. When we arrived they had already been going for an hour and continued for another twenty minutes. Apparently it was a wedding and the beach band was part of the celebrations. Although it was ruidoso it was very Mexican and we still enjoyed ourselves.

Our parrota tree has struck again. Besides dropping millions of tiny leaves all over the place, the seed pods are about to start falling and we expect to be hit on the noggin by a few. Worse than that, it’s been sapping on the car.

I’ve noticed that driving at night has been a bit more hazardous, being hard to see. I couldn’t figure it out until I took a closer look at the windshield and found what looked like tiny water spots. Sap!

I tried soap and water, nail polish remover, even WD 40; nothing worked. I also tried scraping it with a sharp blade. Nope! Finally, I got a small piece of sandpaper and for the first time got some results. But I was worried that it might scratch the glass. Back to the think tank.

Ah! A light bulb moment. I had bought some copper cleaner which is a mild abrasive and decided to try that. Bingo! With a lot of elbow grease, it seemed to be working. I needed a hose to wash it down with but the city decided to turn off the water just to annoy me.

It’s 32 c right now. Jalisco is in the green for Covid. Some good news a least.