Adios Sayulita!

FEBRUARY 13, 2015

Adios Sayulita - for now!  My last day there, I spent mostly back at “the office,” Choco Banana.   Deb and friends went into Vallarta to run errands, while I stayed behind.  I had a yummy Huevos a la Mexicana breakfast for five bucks, and sat for hours working, people-watching, and greeting customers, since I appeared to be “in charge.”  Owner, Tracie, had to spend the day in Bucerias filing a report with the local DA, as her neighbor beat her and her mother (who intervened) with a stick.  It’s been an ongoing feud over the neighbor’s constantly barking (and chained up) dogs.  Apparently, Tracie had no luck, because Mexicans usually “win” over Americans. Bienvenidos!

I returned to Deb’s around 4PM, and realized I hadn’t hidden a key.  The dogs and I chatted it up, as I wrote my heart away on the serene patio, finally lighting a candle and rinsing my dusty feet off in the pool.  The unbelievable “reasonable” gardener, who comes three times per week, arrived and toiled for well over an hour!  I remember my gardener (Mexican in America) finishing my half-acre lot in under thirty minutes!  Needless to say, I was impressed with the young man’s work ethic and attention to details.

Deb came home, as did Pancho, and we chatted into the night about spiritual things, like the “healer” on the AllyCat the other day.  A group of women had chartered the boat for a day of intense relaxation and healing, specifically by a woman who travels the world circulating her hands over people (without touching them), and ultimately healing them of all sorts of physical and spiritual ailments.

The most intriguing story Pancho shared was of a seventy-five-year-iold man in the mountains of Tuito who has six or seven senses.  He knows immediately if he will ever invite you to return to his sacred property.  He invites guests to imbibe in his “special” water, and if they are hungry, he leaves for an hour or three, not returning until he has killed a deer or other animal for his guests.  He has a policy of never allowing anything from his land to leave his land, so if any “meat” is not consumed, he feeds it to other animals nearby.  I entreated Pancho to take me there one day soon.  I truly want to experience this “mountain man’s” energy.

Debi took me in to Vallarta in the morning, treating me to a Mocha at Starbuck’s drive-thru along the way.  The other day, we had purchased a delicious “envuelto poblano” (chili and cheese panini).  I’m not a Starbuck’s “frequent-er,” but I would definitely go for another “envuelto!”

I checked in at the Krystal, but had to wait until 4 to get a room, so I went into town to look at two apartments.  One was amazing, on a flat street, but the decline to town killed my knees.  With sore “rodillas,” (knees), I decided against Vickie’s beautiful rental.

Another, the inside of which I will view Monday, had a great view, including a rarely-used giant terraza on the roof, with tables, chairs, umbrellas, a gas grill, and a stove top!  Trenie was with me, and although I can stay with her for a pittance, also really liked this place.  We then went over to her house to try and straighten out her internet problems.  Forty-five minutes, and about ten dollars of TelMex minutes, we accomplished “nada.”  They are coming Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, and are supposed to give her an hour window with a phone call.  The verdict is out.

I rode the bus back to my 2-star “resort,” and fumbled a bit as I sorted through my pesos.  There’s a new fifty-cent piece the size of an American dime and with flowery edges.  It throws me for a loop because it seems like it should be worth a penny!  Why would any country have two different fifty-cent pieces?

The Krystal is a total disappointment.  I’m here on an RCI exchange, and spent my honeymoon here in 1984.  Nothing has changed - or been updated at all.  Every timeshare I’ve been to has had INTERNET in the rooms, dish soap and sponge, paper towels or a dish towel, salt pepper, coffee and filters, more than just a giant serrated knife, and above all - an ocean view. The casitas allotted for RCI exchange guests are less than a cheap single-wide mobile home.  I have an email in to RCI, and will call tomorrow!  Nonetheless, I tend to turn lemons into lemonade.

Warm gentle rain accompanied me on a sunset beach stroll.  What I love most about PV weather is the warm nights - rain or not.  As everyone else, I am obsessed with the melon, purple, and magenta sunsets, an almost nightly show all year round.  I also love the friendliness and helpfulness of her people.  At Sorianna (the big grocery store), I only had a 200-peso bill, but I needed another 37 centavos.  The girl said, 

“No worry.  200 is ok.”  I told her I would bring it the next day, and she said, “It’s ok.  I remember you.”  Indeed I had remembered her as well, from many trips over the years to this very store.  I walked out with warm fuzzes filling my heart. 

Valentine’s Day came and went, with a few “gulps,” as I watched lovers holding hands, passing roses, dressing in red, and twinkling with amor.  Some hopeful guy paid for fireworks to go off on our beach, as well as a ground show of lights that read, “Happy Valentine’s Day, Baby!”  He also proposed.  I hope she said, “Yes,” but I kept wondering if any other guys took advantage of the hopeful guy’s dime, lying that it was THEM that arranged the show for THEIR girls!

My son Daniel sent me Valentine’s wishes, and today I FaceTImed him for his 22nd birthday.  I cannot believe the little guy I took on in 1995 is now a professional adult music producer!  Technology has allowed me to stay connected to my 82-year-old parents in Pennsylvania, my four children, and my two nietas (granddaughters), Hazel and Violet, but I DO miss hugs!  It’s only been a week!  Is it all worth it?  Stay tuned for my “Week #1 Budget!”