Puerco Rico

Dear Family and Friends,

Hola, amigos! Despite all the media-fed hysteria about the swine flu, Jim and I returned safely from a nine-day vacation in Mexico. We both enjoyed having some down time on the beach after having burned our candles at both ends with school and work the prior nine months. The only noticeable difference in traveling to Mexico this time around were the heat scans we had to pass through at the Puerto Vallarta airport. (First below, Senor Puerco; second below, the tatoo's only temporary)
Of course, the swine flu was an unmitigated disaster for Mexican tourism, the third largest "industry" in the country. Keeping this in mind, we did not mind spending a few extra pesos purchasing the products of beach venders or patronizing musical acts. A favorable exchange rate helped us along, too. (First below, a serenade; second below, Mary, Jim, and Patty; third below, Jim and John in pastels)

We had some memorable excursions. The following photos were taken on a morning stroll from a relatively less touristic neighborhood called "Romance." It was a pleasant and quiet residential quarter, and it was very floral. (Third below, husking coconuts)

Our trip into inner Vallarta ended with a stroll by a riverside park. We encountered a pair of ibis in the clear waters of the Rio Cuale, as well as a lady doing the wash.

Perron helped a nino collect a whitish tropical fruit from a tree, while Jim horsed around with another young friend on a playground ride. I think they both got more than they bargained for.

We also did not know what to make of some other sights. (First below, a pineapple in the making? Second below, dinner?)

We also took a day-trip to the surfing town of Sayulita. Sayulita lies on a small bay off the Pacific Ocean in the state of Nayarit about one hour north of P.V. The town is sedate and idyllic and possesses a thriving yoga industry. The sea remains very shallow far out to sea; it is these conditions that make the waves predictable enough for surfing. (First below, a look back at the main beach in Sayulita; second below, a festive Mexican cemetery; third below, going bananas)

Mary is a natural at surfing. She had got in some practice on a previous trip, so she could ride some of the gentle Sayulita waves all the way into shore. I eventually managed to ride a few waves. Note how much less graceful I look than Mary.

On the advice of Tom Bilski, we decided to take our "group" photo at Patty's favorite beachside bistro, Burros. (First below, from left to right, Perron, Mary, Patty, John, and Jim; second below, tender moment for the camera; third below, sunset; fourth below, a school of bottle openers and a crazy bug)

All trip the weather was hot and humid. The first few days were overcast. In a way, this was a good thing, as it saved our skin from burning. In the tropics, you catch rays even in the shade. The second half of the week was very sunny. Great beach weather. (First below, a sunset over the Malecon; second below, the new table cloth; third below, pina coladas hotel poolside)

We had a great grand finale dinner at the Vista Grill. The cliffside restaurant overlooked the entirety of Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas. We arrived in time to watch the sunset as we dined. Great food. All the seafood in Puerto Vallarta is fresh and delicious.

Our trip back went well. Although there were some controversies in the airport terminal in Dallas. The real disaster of the trip occured when Jim doused my digital camera in the washing machine. At least all the pictures survived!

Hasta luego,

jkb

My Thirty-Something Birthday.

Dear Friends and Family,

What an eventful couple of weeks it has been. First, I turned 35. Yeah, I know. That's unbelievable based on my youthful appearance, isn't it? (Below, Bucky studies Jim in the "study")To mark the joyous occasion, Jim and friend Tom Bilski arranged a surprise party for me at a Mexican restaurant in Fitchburg. A good number of friends and family showed up for the occasion. I was taken completely by surprise. Fun -- my first surprise party! (First below, a pose by the treasure trove; second below, the birthday cupcake hodag; third below, Bob and Lulu)

Apart from a few happy hour margaritas, I had no idea of what was waiting for me at Casa del Sol. I had thought that Jim and I were going to the restaurant to strategize with friends Mary and Perron about what to do about the swine flu in Mexico. At that time, the media was in a froth about closing borders and cancelling flights in preparation for a pandemic plague. With two weeks to go until our vacation to Mexico, I had not thought that the proposed meeting was anything out of the ordinary. What a clever ruse. (First below, co-conspirators; second below, more co-conspirators; third below, the always difficult task of keeping Ed and Patty apart)

Fortunately, the swine flu has turned out to be just ... the ... flu. Friends Patty, Mary, Perron, Jim, and I leave next Saturday morning for a tropical get away to Puerto Vallarta. We will be packing along some Tamiflu and disinfectant wipes. We'll also pack along the surgical masks and styrofoam pigs that Joe Feigley gave me as a birthday present that night! (First below, Uncle Dimmy and Miss Morgan; second below, ready for the beach in Mexico!)

This weekend, Jim and I made a quick jaunt up to Rhinelander for Mother's Day. We had a productive trip. I cleaned the gutters on the garage, and Jim roto-tilled Mom's garden. We enjoyed a Mother's Day/birthday dinner at the Peking Chinese Restaurant courtesy of Dad, and we warmed ourselves beside a roaring campfire in the backyard on Saturday night. (First below, Oscar, the savage beast; second and third below, Mom and Dad feed the flames)

Later in the evening, Adam Lancour, a good long-time friend from Rhinelander, stopped by for a visit. We capped off the evening with a few pieces of some very rich and buttery birthday cake. I haven't had a more celebrated birthday since I got to go to the Pizza Haven about twenty-five years ago! (First below, Rose enjoys her new rose and dahlia; second below, foreground -- Adam and myself, background -- Mom and her dahlia)

My next post should contain some P.V. pics. How exciting! Until then ...

jkb