Barb Voyage!

February 8 , 2015

I did it.  I’m on the plane to PV!  But oh what a path to get here!

ADVICE: - start purging, storing, and packing at least six months in advance!

My material possessions were pretty well stripped when I decided to make this journey, or so I thought!  On January 1, I began throwing things away, labeling, and storing memorabilia, Christmas decorations, photos, legal docs, some clothes, and kitchen stuff.  I thought I’d have my small apartment emptied out within a week of my departure, with just my suitcase, toiletries, bed, and paper plates riding out the final week.  Not exactly what happened!

Canceling utilities, placing travel alerts on my credit cards, transferring funds into my fee-free Schwab account, making a will, putting copies of all important documents in the safety deposit box to which I had my eldest son added, filling 3-month prescriptions (thyroid). and arranging for my mail and banking needs took up a lot of extra time during the last week in Santa Barbara.  

Also unexpected, was the onslaught of invitations to lunch or dinner with friends, some of whom I had never dined before, and some whom I hadn’t seen in over a year, but suddenly, now that word got out that I’m moving to Mexico, I was the most popular kid on the block!  How I managed not to gain 20 pounds int he past two weeks is a miracle in and of itself!

Ready to hit the ground running, gathering the straggling hangers, towels, bedding, vitamins, makeup, curlers I never used, five toenail clippers (which I do not use), parting with a duck soup tureen, a Crate and Barrel serving dish, and a slew of utensils,  I was thrown a curveball.  

Three nights before my departure, dad called to tell me mom hadn’t been feeling well.  Her symptoms were indicative of internal bleeding.  The next day dad called to say mom had taken a fall at around midnight and was rushed by ambulance to the hospital.  After 48 hours on pins and needles, not knowing whether I’d be flying to Mexico or Pennsylvania, mom’s prognosis is good, though her tail bone is hurting, dad insisted I not come to PA.

That night, Thursday, was my final Crime Time, a weekly gathering of a few close friends to eat a meal prepared by Josh, Jim’s son, and watch recorded crime TV shows.  Rod arrived, telling us about the day he spent the day before at the hospital, with chest pains that were diagnosed as esophageal reflux or hiatal hernia.  

“I guess I must not be from my dad’s side of the family - with multiple bypasses in all the men.  My mom’s side lives forever.”  He died of a heart attack in front of us forty five minutes later.  Rob worked on his chest, Carmen and performed mouth-to-mouth, and paramedics followed up for over thirty minutes.  His number was up.  His best friends, Marti and her dog Soleil, arrived by taxi to survey the shocking scene.  The loss of this wonderful man devastated us, and paralyzed my moving efforts.  

In the middle of the last-minute-chaos, I received a text that Rob’s mother had passed away in her sleep the night before.  Robe was the friend who attempted to revive Rod’s heartbeat.  I fell to my knees and gasped.  Frederic hugged me and urged me on.  Two hours to departure.

ADVICE:  ASK FOR HELP!!  (not my forte, having been disappointed a lot in life, but I’m learning)

Barely made it onto the airport bus, as friends Frederic and Carmen, and my son, Chris, frantically helped me with major last minute packing and clean up.  Paint touch up, refrigerator cleaning, and patio scrubbing were things I had put off.  Frederic promised to tie up all the loose ends.  Carmen Hortensia saw me off, a faithful friend, and Beth Moore made it to the bus stop in the nick of time.  Tearfully, I waved my hot pink umbrella from the bus.

Thankfully, Cindy P. picked me up and hosted me at her home in Marina del Ray so that I didn’t have to get on a 5:30AM bus today.  She and her beautiful Bichon, Finley, kissed me adios this morning.  I did cry again.  I hadn’t expected the rush of emotions.  This is really happening.

Because I hold an Alaska Signature Visa, I got a free bag checked, didn’t have to pay for the extra weight, and was TSA pre-checked.  All gifts in a normally crowded, long-lined experience.

Immediately, I struck up a conversation with Patricia who owns property in Chacala. (airbnb.com - the mermaid house (Casa Sirena ).While it is a peaceful jungle oasis, and I will visit her, I likely will be seeking an apartment nearer to the action I crave.  Both teachers, artists, adventurers, salsa-lovers (dance and food), we hit it off with a bang! 

The Puerto Vallarta native sitting next to me on the plane, Carmen Hortensia, (same name as my SB pal) chatted with me about the varying prices for “gringos” and locals.”  This is crucial if you’re a gringo looking to rent.  More on this later, I’m sure!

Terrence, my ever-faithful favorite Alaska flight attendant, hooked me up with a young Polish gal, Alesandra, who is renting in a condo complex I’ve explored.  Though some rooms are dark, I may check Marbella condominiums out  again. 

ADVICE:  Talk to strangers! (including airline employees!)

Powder blue skies, mountains dotted with shimmery white clouds, ocean glistening blue, the descent has begun.  A new life is upon me.  Now for the fun stuff!