Puerto Vallarta

I recently developed my underwater camera and got some additional photos from Puerto Vallarta, Mx. The sun was out and the family and friends were ready to have some major beach time. There was no need to look dolled up, no appointments to be at and no reservations. Everyone was playing volleyball, swimming and of course drinking all the all inclusive drinks possible. I came to the party too late. Who knew I would have slept in so long? There was no way I could catch up, but I were going to try. I think the best part of the whole day was sitting in our little pow wow under the umbrellas telling stories and laughing hysterically. Oh I miss it. I have some really great friends.

Wedding In Morelia

Visited the city of Morelia for a wedding and weddings in Mexico are always a party. It started with a beautiful church with a pink interior, gifts for everyone, lighting of paper lanterns (thank goodness none of the trees caught on fire with the sudden wind), a large band, a mariachi band, dancing, dinner, a candy bar and oh don't let me forget - a stilt dancer. We left the party at 3 a.m and the party continued without us. Catholic weddings in Mexico I think are always so beautiful. ¡Felicidades!

Las Marietas Islands Puerto Vallarta - Part 2

The best part of our tour to Las Marietas Islands was this secret beach. To get there you had to dive through the waters that rushed through a rock wall and pop out the other end (see background of 1st photo). It was only possible when the tide was down and we still had to be careful and keep our hands above our heads so that we weren't slammed into rock with the help of a wave.

My sister and I were the last ones in and we noticed everyone was floundering around on the beach like beached whales. What we didn't know was that the pull of the waves back through the tunnel was so strong no one could keep their footing. We all sacrificed a few "sand burns" as we rolled around laughing hysterically. The echo of our laughs were heard all the way back on the boat where my dad stayed behind. We all marveled at the sparkling blue water and the fresh patterns in the sand made by crazy waves. As you looked up at the ridge of earth circling you, you couldn't help but feel you were experiencing a scene straight from the movie The Beach.

Read more on Las Marietas Islands Puerto Vallarta - Part 1

Las Marietas Islands Puerto Vallarta - Part 1

Here is a little photo essay of our gringo outing. I was thinking about doing some zip line adventures but I knew my back probably wouldn't handle it well. But on the other hand, I had gifted two of my good friends with entire snorkel sets for taking the time and money to come down to Puerto Vallarta, México. So I figured we need to put that equipment to use. Plus, what's a vacation to México without any ocean/beach activities?! So we started at the PV Marina and found a fisherman that was willing to take us out on his boat, feed us beer and let us use his equipment. There was no way this trip was going to be bad.

It was about 9 am and the beer was out. The party started early. We drank and drank on the 45 min boat ride before we hit our destination - Las Marietas Islands. Snorkeling and beer probably wasn't a good combo but who cares. After a short boat tour through some small caves, high waves and other small island, we jumped out into the cool blue waters. We had 4 people on this trip that had never snorkeled. One of them (Nicole) had never even seen the ocean! Nicole was the first to jump out of the boat and we all turned to hear screams of pure excitement.

After the trip was all said and done, we did some fishing on the way back to the mainland. Now, what I didn't come prepared for was the motion sickness. The boat had slowed way down and was weaving around so the fishing activities could be had. This was the one trip I actually thought I was really really going to have actualy barf. It literally was in my throat. Usually I could keep the feeling down in my stomach or just my head but this time I was hanging over the edge of the boat. The group finally felt sorry for me and decided to go home. Sorry Erika, no banana ride.

All together the trip was about $300 and that was a bargain! Trips likes these (with all that we were promised) usually cost around $800 - $1,000 All that for so little. It was amazing and topped everyones charts. My dad even got to do his dream fishing and caught a Mahi Mahi. We were all so pleased with the whole thing - even the boat caption (he kept the Mahi Mahi for a BBQ that night).

Next post about this trip- the hidden beach.
Read more on Las Marietas Islands Puerto Vallarta - Part 2

Photos by me.

Let The Party Begin

Javier faked my dad's b-day just so that we could get a fancy dessert.

Sister and two friends with their prized standby tickets.

Sultry Garden Romance

These are two of the color schemes I picked from that I liked for my wedding colors. I chose the first one (Sultry Garden Romance) because it had that rustic spanish feel to it with that bright pop of color. Now was it very noticeable at the wedding besides the stationary and some flowers? No, not so much. It was a wedding in Mexico - I really didn't have as much control as I would have liked. But it was a good chance to exercise letting go and not being in control of everything. But I'm a designer and maybe it only mattered to me.

Photos via 100 Layer Cake

Cristo Rey