February 8

February 8:

Another beautiful day in paradise! And again I was up early to get my cafe americano cafe at Oxxo and then I settled in on the second floor communal balcony to see the changing effect of the rising sun on the color scheme of the Bay of Banderas. The dolphins were out in force and they appeared to be herding fish ...it looked like a very organized effort!

Patti, Jeanette, and I had breakfast on the outside patio of the hotel's dining room. I indulged again in huevos tapatio. Phil and Sue joined us as did several pigeons who were looking for free hand outs! Brave little buggers!

Mario and Maggie made contact with us and we arranged to meet here in the early afternoon. They would spend a few hours with us before making the 5 hour drive back to Guadalajara. When we did get together, it was at poolside. It was so great to see them again.

After about 2 hours of visiting and making plans for next weekend when Maggie was working a wedding here - she's a very sought after "beautician" - and she makes the large wedding party look even more beautiful after she gets through with her wizardry on them, Patti and Jeanette and Mario and Maggi walked over to the Hotel Rosita for some of their excellent tortilla soup. I on the other hand retired to our room when I felt a little queasy in my stomach. Perhaps a touch of microbe in the huevos tapatio?

I napped until they got back and woke up almost 100% normal. There was to be a band concert starting at 6 p.m. at the Main Plaza. I boarded a bus and headed out at 5:45. Pattie, Jeanette, and Millie would walk down in time to catch the dancing which happens every Sunday evening after the band concert.

As I was riding the bus, I felt that something was different about this ride. By the time we got to the Plaza, I had figured it out. I wasn’t being shaken to pieces by the ride over the cobble-stoned streets. This bus had working shocks and suspension!

At the Plaza I circled the band stand scoping out a good place to sit. I ended up sitting next a shoe-shine stand and soon, with my limited Spanish, I was conversing with Antonio who had limited English.

We talked about where we were from – he actually was born and raised in PV – how much the city had grown, and how amateurish the band was. But what they lacked in ability and tempo, they made up for in enthusiasm.

There were people starting to dance. Later at 7 p.m. when the music would be “canned” there would be many more dancing.

There were many children on the plaza with their parents on this beautiful Sunday evening! Some climbed up on the sides of the band stand for a better view of the brass.

Across from the Plaza the Cathedral was bathed by the light of the setting sun.

As the crowd became denser and mor people started dancing, I bailed out ans started walking the kilometre back to the hotel on the Malecon. I caught a fleeting glimpse of a passing motorized hang-glider.

There were a great many people strolling and examining the wares of the vendors.

A lone pelican made its way to an evening resting place of safety.

Soon the sun set and a cooling breeze began to blow towards the ocean.

As I neared the end of the Malecon I realized I needed to find a bathroom. At the end of the Malecon was a McDonald’s restaurant which had bathrooms but only for customers and they were making sure that rule was adhered to! 

I ordered a McPollo which after a week of tacos and such tasted surprisingly good. I was allowed use of the restroom and I proceeded back to our hotel. There were many people out and the stores were brightly lit.

I got back and started to relax and watch some futbol between my favorite Atlas Club from Guadalajara and the Morelios FC.

Patti and Jeanette came home around 10:30 to find me dozing with the TV on. Another great day!