Yes, Bob is crazy to have done Swiftsure just two months after his back surgery!
However, Don (Thank You, Don!!!) did most of the sailing, Bob just helped when necessary.
He could barely move for two days after the race . . . but is doing well again now.
What can I say? Men!
TW
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Sorry!!!
Many of you have mentioned that I'm not up to date with my blog! I am sorry! Things have just been very busy. Truthfully, I probably will not have a whole lot of time this summer to keep it up . . . so don't be surprised if the entries are few!
However, feel free to check out my photo albums, which I do keep up to date. The link is on the left of this, called "My Newer Photos".
We are back in Canada. We were forced to return early due to the silly Swine Flu debacle! None of the airlines could guarantee me flights back before July, so I had to take a flight when I could get it. I have to be back by July as I have various work contracts set up and I couldn't take a chance on not being able to be here. So, here we are!
Not that being in Victoria is bad! I love it here just as much as I love Mazatlan.
So, until my work contracts start, I'm living on Bob's boat out in Sidney. We have been getting various bits and pieces fixed up and hope to head out to do some Island cruising soon.
We did have a Great Adventure in May. Bob had always wanted to take his boat in the International Swiftsure Yacht Race . . . so that is what we did last weekend! It was a wonderful adventure. Bob and Don took the boat down to Victoria's Inner Harbour on Wednesday and I drove the truck down. We got a prime spot on the docks in front of the Empress Hotel, right in the middle of all the hoopla. On Saturday morning we motored out to the start line along with the masses of other boats. Our race was the last to start. The first two hours there was very little wind. Everyone else was complaining . . . I loved it! Just coasting along at 2 to 3 knots! The wind did pick up and then everyone else was happy. We rounded the first mark and were half way to the second mark when there was a loud popping noise and the sail started flapping . . . we had broken a "thingy" (it's complicated!). So, we had to motor back to the Inner Harbour. Although Bob was disappointed that we didn't finish, we all agreed that it was great fun, and some of us will try it again next year. As we entered the Harbour we had three cruise ships accompany us! Bob and Don were able to fix the "thingy" and sailed back to Sidney on Monday, while I brought the truck back.
Bob got a new dinghy yesterday, so we/he has been playing with his new toy.
Hopefully we'll get out cruising this coming week.
Be sure to check out my photos! There are lots of the Inner Harbour and the race, as well as several short videos.
However, feel free to check out my photo albums, which I do keep up to date. The link is on the left of this, called "My Newer Photos".
We are back in Canada. We were forced to return early due to the silly Swine Flu debacle! None of the airlines could guarantee me flights back before July, so I had to take a flight when I could get it. I have to be back by July as I have various work contracts set up and I couldn't take a chance on not being able to be here. So, here we are!
Not that being in Victoria is bad! I love it here just as much as I love Mazatlan.
So, until my work contracts start, I'm living on Bob's boat out in Sidney. We have been getting various bits and pieces fixed up and hope to head out to do some Island cruising soon.
We did have a Great Adventure in May. Bob had always wanted to take his boat in the International Swiftsure Yacht Race . . . so that is what we did last weekend! It was a wonderful adventure. Bob and Don took the boat down to Victoria's Inner Harbour on Wednesday and I drove the truck down. We got a prime spot on the docks in front of the Empress Hotel, right in the middle of all the hoopla. On Saturday morning we motored out to the start line along with the masses of other boats. Our race was the last to start. The first two hours there was very little wind. Everyone else was complaining . . . I loved it! Just coasting along at 2 to 3 knots! The wind did pick up and then everyone else was happy. We rounded the first mark and were half way to the second mark when there was a loud popping noise and the sail started flapping . . . we had broken a "thingy" (it's complicated!). So, we had to motor back to the Inner Harbour. Although Bob was disappointed that we didn't finish, we all agreed that it was great fun, and some of us will try it again next year. As we entered the Harbour we had three cruise ships accompany us! Bob and Don were able to fix the "thingy" and sailed back to Sidney on Monday, while I brought the truck back.
Bob got a new dinghy yesterday, so we/he has been playing with his new toy.
Hopefully we'll get out cruising this coming week.
Be sure to check out my photos! There are lots of the Inner Harbour and the race, as well as several short videos.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
More info on the Surgery
So many of you have asked for more information about Bob's surgery. So, instead of typing it all out for each of you, I'm copying a few of the emails I sent out here.
March 11, 2009 5:17pm
Hi all
We arrived at the hospital at 9am so Bob could have all the pre-op testing done. Then he went into the pre-op room at 2 and into surgery about 3 . . . he'll be on the table for about 4 hours and then in post op for another 6 or so. He'll get back to the room somewhere around midnight. They have told me I can go home for tonight cause there is nothing I can do to help until tomorrow . . . haven't decided if I'll do that or not. There is a bed in his room for me, and I can't see why I would go home and then come back at 7am . . . so I'll probaby stay here. (I actually went out for dinner with a few girl friends instead of hanging around the hospital!)
So, I really have nothing to report . . . and won't for a while.
Thanks again for all your good wishes . . . I have complete faith that all will be well!!! I'll let you know as soon as I know anything . . .
Thanks, again!!
Trish
March 11, 2009 9:30pm
First of all, thank you all for all you good thoughts and wishes! They obviously worked, as he got rolled back into the room about 8:30pm . . . good thing I decided to stay the night after all!
He was groggy and thirsty and didn't want the interns to move him from the gurney to the bed, he wanted to do it himself. Of course, they wouldn't let him . . . he has tubes all over the place. The nurse got him all organised and I rubbed his feet and legs and arms cause he was cold.
Dr Roman came in about 9pm to see how he was and reported that the surgery went exactly as planned. He used a bunch of jargon and I wasn't paying too much attention, so will have to talk to him again in the morning.
Dr Roman brought Bob a cup of coffee, (He has no memory of this!) as that was what Bob complained most about this morning . . . not being able to have milk and sugar in his coffee! Of course, now he doesn't want the coffee, he just wants juice, which the nurse brought . . . really good, milky mango flavor (I tested it for him).
He is now sleeping peacefully . . . hopefully till morning when he will have a good breakfast. Dr. Roman says the catheter will come out of his back tomorrow afternoon and then he will be up on his feet.
The most amazing thing happened today! We had been told we would have wifi for the computer in the room. So, when we settled in this morning we checked . . . there was one unsecured connection and it kept dropping every 5 minutes. So, I when Karla came in, I mentioned it to her and she said she'd have the computer person come around and give me the password for a secure line. That person came by about an hour later and we got hooked up to a secure line, but she thought it was too slow so
she said someone else would come by in a little while and give us a hard connection! About 4 this afternoon, 3 maintenance guys showed up, opened the window and yelled out to another guy who was up on the roof. This guy threw a wire down, the fellows in the room caught it and plugged it into the computer!!! They used electrical tape to secure it to the wall/window . . . and there we are, all set up
with a hard line!!! Would this happen in Canada? In the States? Amazing!!!!
Anyway . . . better go check on the patient! Conchita just came in, looked him over and said everything is good, but I like to check myself!
Thanks again for all the good wishes . . . keep them up, as I'm going to need them for the next few days while he lazes around in bed!
I'll keep you updated as things happen!
Trish
March 12, 2009 3:30pm
Gads, it must be nice . . . snoozing away all day . . . having me around feed him, to fix the blankets, to help him roll over, to run across the street for Americanos and carrot muffins . . . he is getting spoiled!
But, he is doing well. He was in a lot of pain this morning so they upped his meds . . . now he is happy! He has tubes on both sides, one sending meds and stuff in and the other draining the incision area. So, he is kind of tied to the bed. He did sit up for a few minutes this morning . . . so he could get as close as possible to the window so he could have a few puffs of a cigarette. Dr Ramon (the neurologist) told him "Absolutely no smoking! . . . just open the window and don't tell anyone". Gloria, the nurse, came in 10 minutes after his smoke and just looked around and said we should leave the window open a little bit longer.
Dr Ramon said that the surgery went well, exactly as expected and no surprises. He cleaned up a lot of bone chips, scraped out several discs and totally removed one. He says that cartilage type stuff will grow in and replace the discs . . . and it is much better than putting titanium rods in. He will still have some flexibility . . . and no more discomfort from the herniated discs. (Don't quote me on this stuff!)
So . . . he is going to be here several more days . . . he can have a shower tomorrow . . . such excitment!!!
We are enjoying this afternoon . . . I've been reading his novel to him. It is a Stephen King, which I don't usually enjoy, but reading it out loud isn't so bad. I went for a walk in the neighbourhood this afternoon. There is an awesome looking rotisserie chicken place around the corner . . . guess what we're having for lunch tomorrow! The food here is pretty bland, but lots of it . . . to be expected, I suppose, at a hospital.
I normally have a Spanish class Thursday mornings, but when I told Monica I wouldn't be able to make it today, she suggested that she come to the Hospital for the class. So, Monica will give Sharon and I a Spanish class tomorrow morning, here at the hospital. There is some bi-lingual staff at this hospital so we haven't had too many problems communicating.
So . . . just wanted to let you all know that things are going as well as can be expected.
Thank you again, for all your well wishes!
Trish and Bob
March 14, 2009 5:00pm
Yeah!! Bob came home this afternoon! He is pretty drugged up, so not feeling
too much pain at all. He is moving very slowly and carefully and I'm hoping will
sleep a lot over the next few days.
Dr Roman is very pleased with Bob's recovery. He took out the drainage tube
yesterday which gave him a lot more freedom. Then they took out the IV late
last night, giving him complete freedom. He enjoyed his first shower very much.
He came home this afternoon with an arsenal of drugs and he has to go back on
Wednesday to have the staples removed. He is walking around a bit and only had
to stop and rest once on the stairs up to our apartment.
My Spanish teacher, Monica, came to the hospital yesterday and gave Sharon
and I our lesson right there. Unfortunately, my mind was mush and I don't think
I'll remember a single thing . . . but it was awful nice of her! After the class I pretty much crashed and burned . . . so deserted Bob and went home about 1pm. I slept almost straight through till 9am this morning.
We had thought he wouldn't be released till Sunday or Monday, but Monday being
a Stat Holiday, I think they were trying to get rid of everyone they could! Bob was
pretty bored and will be happier at home anyway. He found the food in the hospital
to be pretty typically bland and is looking forward to my cooking. Little does he know he is going to be getting a lot of bran in order to keep things "moving".
Bob says thank you to everyone who has offered their support and good wishes! I have
read him all your messages. He will be getting back to you before too long. I'm trying to keep him from sitting in front of his computer for too long . . . but I suspect when the Stock Market opens on Monday morning he'll be right there!
And I thank all of you for your support also! You have all told me to make sure that
I take care of myself so that I can take care of him and I have been doing just that.
Yesterdays sleep . . . and some extra chocolate rations have made a big difference
. . . I am bright eyed and bushy tailed again today! Now that we are home it will be
much easier for me to rest when I need it!
Thanks again!!!
Trish and Bob
Update, April 2, 2009
Bob is doing very well. He is getting out most days to walk several blocks or to take a cab to a restaurant for a meal. He is usually pretty tired afterwards. He has been complaining (whining!) that he is in some discomfort, but Dr Ramon says that is to be expected and that after he starts physio (probably next week) he will start to feel much better. In the mean time the bones are mending. He will be heading back to Victoria after his physical therapy is finished . . . maybe four to six weeks.
Thanks again, for all your good wishes and prayers! All is good!
Check out the photos in my album . . . if this link doesn't work, just go to my "Newer photos" link to the left and click on the "Surgery" album. I've taken out some of the more gruesome ones!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/teedublu/sets/72157615407036078/
TW
March 11, 2009 5:17pm
Hi all
We arrived at the hospital at 9am so Bob could have all the pre-op testing done. Then he went into the pre-op room at 2 and into surgery about 3 . . . he'll be on the table for about 4 hours and then in post op for another 6 or so. He'll get back to the room somewhere around midnight. They have told me I can go home for tonight cause there is nothing I can do to help until tomorrow . . . haven't decided if I'll do that or not. There is a bed in his room for me, and I can't see why I would go home and then come back at 7am . . . so I'll probaby stay here. (I actually went out for dinner with a few girl friends instead of hanging around the hospital!)
So, I really have nothing to report . . . and won't for a while.
Thanks again for all your good wishes . . . I have complete faith that all will be well!!! I'll let you know as soon as I know anything . . .
Thanks, again!!
Trish
March 11, 2009 9:30pm
First of all, thank you all for all you good thoughts and wishes! They obviously worked, as he got rolled back into the room about 8:30pm . . . good thing I decided to stay the night after all!
He was groggy and thirsty and didn't want the interns to move him from the gurney to the bed, he wanted to do it himself. Of course, they wouldn't let him . . . he has tubes all over the place. The nurse got him all organised and I rubbed his feet and legs and arms cause he was cold.
Dr Roman came in about 9pm to see how he was and reported that the surgery went exactly as planned. He used a bunch of jargon and I wasn't paying too much attention, so will have to talk to him again in the morning.
Dr Roman brought Bob a cup of coffee, (He has no memory of this!) as that was what Bob complained most about this morning . . . not being able to have milk and sugar in his coffee! Of course, now he doesn't want the coffee, he just wants juice, which the nurse brought . . . really good, milky mango flavor (I tested it for him).
He is now sleeping peacefully . . . hopefully till morning when he will have a good breakfast. Dr. Roman says the catheter will come out of his back tomorrow afternoon and then he will be up on his feet.
The most amazing thing happened today! We had been told we would have wifi for the computer in the room. So, when we settled in this morning we checked . . . there was one unsecured connection and it kept dropping every 5 minutes. So, I when Karla came in, I mentioned it to her and she said she'd have the computer person come around and give me the password for a secure line. That person came by about an hour later and we got hooked up to a secure line, but she thought it was too slow so
she said someone else would come by in a little while and give us a hard connection! About 4 this afternoon, 3 maintenance guys showed up, opened the window and yelled out to another guy who was up on the roof. This guy threw a wire down, the fellows in the room caught it and plugged it into the computer!!! They used electrical tape to secure it to the wall/window . . . and there we are, all set up
with a hard line!!! Would this happen in Canada? In the States? Amazing!!!!
Anyway . . . better go check on the patient! Conchita just came in, looked him over and said everything is good, but I like to check myself!
Thanks again for all the good wishes . . . keep them up, as I'm going to need them for the next few days while he lazes around in bed!
I'll keep you updated as things happen!
Trish
March 12, 2009 3:30pm
Gads, it must be nice . . . snoozing away all day . . . having me around feed him, to fix the blankets, to help him roll over, to run across the street for Americanos and carrot muffins . . . he is getting spoiled!
But, he is doing well. He was in a lot of pain this morning so they upped his meds . . . now he is happy! He has tubes on both sides, one sending meds and stuff in and the other draining the incision area. So, he is kind of tied to the bed. He did sit up for a few minutes this morning . . . so he could get as close as possible to the window so he could have a few puffs of a cigarette. Dr Ramon (the neurologist) told him "Absolutely no smoking! . . . just open the window and don't tell anyone". Gloria, the nurse, came in 10 minutes after his smoke and just looked around and said we should leave the window open a little bit longer.
Dr Ramon said that the surgery went well, exactly as expected and no surprises. He cleaned up a lot of bone chips, scraped out several discs and totally removed one. He says that cartilage type stuff will grow in and replace the discs . . . and it is much better than putting titanium rods in. He will still have some flexibility . . . and no more discomfort from the herniated discs. (Don't quote me on this stuff!)
So . . . he is going to be here several more days . . . he can have a shower tomorrow . . . such excitment!!!
We are enjoying this afternoon . . . I've been reading his novel to him. It is a Stephen King, which I don't usually enjoy, but reading it out loud isn't so bad. I went for a walk in the neighbourhood this afternoon. There is an awesome looking rotisserie chicken place around the corner . . . guess what we're having for lunch tomorrow! The food here is pretty bland, but lots of it . . . to be expected, I suppose, at a hospital.
I normally have a Spanish class Thursday mornings, but when I told Monica I wouldn't be able to make it today, she suggested that she come to the Hospital for the class. So, Monica will give Sharon and I a Spanish class tomorrow morning, here at the hospital. There is some bi-lingual staff at this hospital so we haven't had too many problems communicating.
So . . . just wanted to let you all know that things are going as well as can be expected.
Thank you again, for all your well wishes!
Trish and Bob
March 14, 2009 5:00pm
Yeah!! Bob came home this afternoon! He is pretty drugged up, so not feeling
too much pain at all. He is moving very slowly and carefully and I'm hoping will
sleep a lot over the next few days.
Dr Roman is very pleased with Bob's recovery. He took out the drainage tube
yesterday which gave him a lot more freedom. Then they took out the IV late
last night, giving him complete freedom. He enjoyed his first shower very much.
He came home this afternoon with an arsenal of drugs and he has to go back on
Wednesday to have the staples removed. He is walking around a bit and only had
to stop and rest once on the stairs up to our apartment.
My Spanish teacher, Monica, came to the hospital yesterday and gave Sharon
and I our lesson right there. Unfortunately, my mind was mush and I don't think
I'll remember a single thing . . . but it was awful nice of her! After the class I pretty much crashed and burned . . . so deserted Bob and went home about 1pm. I slept almost straight through till 9am this morning.
We had thought he wouldn't be released till Sunday or Monday, but Monday being
a Stat Holiday, I think they were trying to get rid of everyone they could! Bob was
pretty bored and will be happier at home anyway. He found the food in the hospital
to be pretty typically bland and is looking forward to my cooking. Little does he know he is going to be getting a lot of bran in order to keep things "moving".
Bob says thank you to everyone who has offered their support and good wishes! I have
read him all your messages. He will be getting back to you before too long. I'm trying to keep him from sitting in front of his computer for too long . . . but I suspect when the Stock Market opens on Monday morning he'll be right there!
And I thank all of you for your support also! You have all told me to make sure that
I take care of myself so that I can take care of him and I have been doing just that.
Yesterdays sleep . . . and some extra chocolate rations have made a big difference
. . . I am bright eyed and bushy tailed again today! Now that we are home it will be
much easier for me to rest when I need it!
Thanks again!!!
Trish and Bob
Update, April 2, 2009
Bob is doing very well. He is getting out most days to walk several blocks or to take a cab to a restaurant for a meal. He is usually pretty tired afterwards. He has been complaining (whining!) that he is in some discomfort, but Dr Ramon says that is to be expected and that after he starts physio (probably next week) he will start to feel much better. In the mean time the bones are mending. He will be heading back to Victoria after his physical therapy is finished . . . maybe four to six weeks.
Thanks again, for all your good wishes and prayers! All is good!
Check out the photos in my album . . . if this link doesn't work, just go to my "Newer photos" link to the left and click on the "Surgery" album. I've taken out some of the more gruesome ones!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/teedublu/sets/72157615407036078/
TW
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Surgery!
I don't know where the time goes!! I haven't been so busy that I don't have time to write in my blog . . . it is just that I always seem to be doing something else. I will try to do better!!
We very much enjoyed Carnival in February. We didn't take part in any of the partying as that isn't our thing at all. But we did go to the top of the Freeman Hotel to see the fireworks. The wind was blowing towards the hotel so the fireworks were coming down all around us . . . it was incredible. There are some great Carnival photos and videos at this blog http://www.countdowntomexico.com/2009/02/25/whew-it-was-a-blast/. Nancy's blog is a wonderful one to read to learn more about what is happening in Mazatlan . . . and she updates way more often than I do!!
The "big event" over the last little while is Bob's surgery. Those of you who email me occasionally already know about it. Bob has always had back problems, due to his scoliosis. The last few months his back has been getting worse and it has been affecting his leg. His leg would go numb, starting just occasionally, but more recently, almost every day . . . sometimes it could not support his weight. It was becoming a dangerous situation . . . a few times we had to take a taxi home. If he was up north, being on his boat would be difficult and as it got worse, living on his boat would be impossible.
We talked to our Doctor, who referred us to a Neurologist. We had an MRI done. The Neurologist advised surgery. We did some research, checked out the Doctor, the hospital, others who have had the same surgery at the same hospital with the same Doctor. Bob decided he wanted to go ahead with it. Having the surgery done now, before it was an emergency situation would make it much easier for the Doctor as well as for Bob's recovery.
Now comes the incredible part. This process, from the initial doctor visit, to the actual surgery . . . took 11 days!!! Do you know how long that would have taken in Victoria? Years!!! (But I'm not going to go into that here!).
Anyway, go to "My Newer Photos" (to the left) and click on "Mar 11 Bob's Surgery" and you can see the whole thing. Actually, I've taken out the more gruesome and the more revealing photos . . . but you'll get the idea.
It is now 11 days after the surgery. Yesterday I took Bob out for his very first walk. We went three blocks, to the Plazuela Machado. He was pretty tired afterwards but very much enjoyed it. Today we will go four blocks. In about two weeks he will start physical therapy which will take 4-8 weeks. He may head home and finish his therapy there if it gets too hot here.
I've got almost 4 full months of work contracts booked, from July 1 to November 3 . . . so I'll be heading home at the end of June.
That's all for now! I sure would love to hear from some of you guys!!
We very much enjoyed Carnival in February. We didn't take part in any of the partying as that isn't our thing at all. But we did go to the top of the Freeman Hotel to see the fireworks. The wind was blowing towards the hotel so the fireworks were coming down all around us . . . it was incredible. There are some great Carnival photos and videos at this blog http://www.countdowntomexico.com/2009/02/25/whew-it-was-a-blast/. Nancy's blog is a wonderful one to read to learn more about what is happening in Mazatlan . . . and she updates way more often than I do!!
The "big event" over the last little while is Bob's surgery. Those of you who email me occasionally already know about it. Bob has always had back problems, due to his scoliosis. The last few months his back has been getting worse and it has been affecting his leg. His leg would go numb, starting just occasionally, but more recently, almost every day . . . sometimes it could not support his weight. It was becoming a dangerous situation . . . a few times we had to take a taxi home. If he was up north, being on his boat would be difficult and as it got worse, living on his boat would be impossible.
We talked to our Doctor, who referred us to a Neurologist. We had an MRI done. The Neurologist advised surgery. We did some research, checked out the Doctor, the hospital, others who have had the same surgery at the same hospital with the same Doctor. Bob decided he wanted to go ahead with it. Having the surgery done now, before it was an emergency situation would make it much easier for the Doctor as well as for Bob's recovery.
Now comes the incredible part. This process, from the initial doctor visit, to the actual surgery . . . took 11 days!!! Do you know how long that would have taken in Victoria? Years!!! (But I'm not going to go into that here!).
Anyway, go to "My Newer Photos" (to the left) and click on "Mar 11 Bob's Surgery" and you can see the whole thing. Actually, I've taken out the more gruesome and the more revealing photos . . . but you'll get the idea.
It is now 11 days after the surgery. Yesterday I took Bob out for his very first walk. We went three blocks, to the Plazuela Machado. He was pretty tired afterwards but very much enjoyed it. Today we will go four blocks. In about two weeks he will start physical therapy which will take 4-8 weeks. He may head home and finish his therapy there if it gets too hot here.
I've got almost 4 full months of work contracts booked, from July 1 to November 3 . . . so I'll be heading home at the end of June.
That's all for now! I sure would love to hear from some of you guys!!
Friday, February 6, 2009
I am officially no longer a tourist!
I pick up my FM3 today! That means I can stay in Mexico for more than 180 days, I can open a bank account here, I can get medical coverage . . . I think it means they like me!!!
It was really great to see Chris and Beth! It is hard to believe they have been gone now for over a week! We gallivanted all over town with them, to many restaurants and places that Bob and I had either never been to or had gone to when we first arrived last year and not managed to get back to. We saw Mazatlan from a different perspective. Chris and Beth loved the Golden Zone whereas we love El Centro. It was a good experience to see the Golden Zone through the eyes of new comers, folks here for a holiday and not an extended stay.
While Chris and Beth were here, we hired Pedro, our favorite pulmonia driver, to give us a tour of Mazatlan. He drove us around for 4 hours and covered a lot of territory! You can look at my photos (link to the left) for some of the highlights.
On Wednesday of this week, "the ladies" and I hopped on a long distance bus and went to El Quelite (approx $3.00Cdn). El Quelite is a very small pueblo, population 2500, about one hour north east of Mazatlan. What a delightful little town! So clean and fresh! Ken Lane met us there and drove us around, showing us his unique home, Dr Osuna's fabulous restaurant, the bakery (awesome squash empanadas, the cheese "factory" (a local woman's kitchen), the cock farm (www.elquelite.com) and the town in general. Check my photos to see what a pretty town it is! I'm looking forward to another opportunity to go back.
The build up for Carnival is already starting! I'll let you know how it goes!
It was really great to see Chris and Beth! It is hard to believe they have been gone now for over a week! We gallivanted all over town with them, to many restaurants and places that Bob and I had either never been to or had gone to when we first arrived last year and not managed to get back to. We saw Mazatlan from a different perspective. Chris and Beth loved the Golden Zone whereas we love El Centro. It was a good experience to see the Golden Zone through the eyes of new comers, folks here for a holiday and not an extended stay.
While Chris and Beth were here, we hired Pedro, our favorite pulmonia driver, to give us a tour of Mazatlan. He drove us around for 4 hours and covered a lot of territory! You can look at my photos (link to the left) for some of the highlights.
On Wednesday of this week, "the ladies" and I hopped on a long distance bus and went to El Quelite (approx $3.00Cdn). El Quelite is a very small pueblo, population 2500, about one hour north east of Mazatlan. What a delightful little town! So clean and fresh! Ken Lane met us there and drove us around, showing us his unique home, Dr Osuna's fabulous restaurant, the bakery (awesome squash empanadas, the cheese "factory" (a local woman's kitchen), the cock farm (www.elquelite.com) and the town in general. Check my photos to see what a pretty town it is! I'm looking forward to another opportunity to go back.
The build up for Carnival is already starting! I'll let you know how it goes!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sasha was here!
My niece, Sasha, came to visit for a week! Our place is too small, so she stayed with my friend Bobbi, who just lives a few blocks away. Unfortunately, the sun did not shine every day she was here, but we went to Stone Island and spent a day at Playa Bruja and another day at Olas Altas, just soaking up some sun. Sasha cooked us a delicious dinner one day (chicken with Kaluha and mango). I think we ate at Puerto Viejo three times (much to Antonio's pleasure!) Also ate at Pedro & Lola's, The Shrimp Bucket, La Tramoya, La Rochin, Lupe Loco's and Fish Taco. She joined me at my Spanish class, where we learned how to say "I am allergic to nuts!!" and she also joined us at Tai Chi. We did some shopping, both on the beach and at the shops. Oh, and most exciting of all, we climbed El Faro!! The tallest natural lighthouse on the west coast and the second highest in the world! It is over 550feet above sea level. I was very proud of myself . . . wasn't sure I could do it, but with Sasha, Irma and Fred, we gave each other lots of moral support. The view from the top was incredible! See my latest photos. I hope to have more photos when Sasha sends me hers (hint, hint!). Sasha is 5'10", has very pale skin and is young. All quite rare in Mazatlan . . . she stopped traffic on a regular basis and had several invitations to Senor Frog's to party. Thank goodness she took my advice to wait till next year when she comes back with a friend . . . I would have been completely grey worrying about her if she had gone on her own! It was a wonderful breath of fresh air to have her here! And we have nearly recuperated!
Chris and Beth (Bob’s bro and s-i-l) arrived last Wednesday! They are attending the Bridge Group Gathering and staying at the Hotel Playa Mazatlan so we get to spend time with them in the evenings and weekends. I’ll let you know everything we did in my next post!
Who will visit us next? We’d love to see you!!
Chris and Beth (Bob’s bro and s-i-l) arrived last Wednesday! They are attending the Bridge Group Gathering and staying at the Hotel Playa Mazatlan so we get to spend time with them in the evenings and weekends. I’ll let you know everything we did in my next post!
Who will visit us next? We’d love to see you!!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo
Christmas has come and gone and it is nearly 2009! Time is moving so quickly!
We had a lovely Christmas. We went for a walk along Olas Altas in the morning and decided to stop and have some breakfast at one of the restaurants where we could watch the waves crashing on the beach. We spent the afternoon at home, making phone calls to family and friends. And then we enjoyed a wonderful dinner with a group of friends at the Olas Altas Steak House. It was a special Christmas Buffet, with turkey, ham and prime rib, stuffing and all the fixings, as well as pecan and pumpkin pie. Unfortunately, they were out of pumpkin pie by the time we were ready for it . . . but the whole meal was one of the best I've had in Mazatlan. Take a look at the "My Newer Photos" link to see the sunset and the view from our dining table.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!!
We had a lovely Christmas. We went for a walk along Olas Altas in the morning and decided to stop and have some breakfast at one of the restaurants where we could watch the waves crashing on the beach. We spent the afternoon at home, making phone calls to family and friends. And then we enjoyed a wonderful dinner with a group of friends at the Olas Altas Steak House. It was a special Christmas Buffet, with turkey, ham and prime rib, stuffing and all the fixings, as well as pecan and pumpkin pie. Unfortunately, they were out of pumpkin pie by the time we were ready for it . . . but the whole meal was one of the best I've had in Mazatlan. Take a look at the "My Newer Photos" link to see the sunset and the view from our dining table.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
How time flys!!!
Bob has been here nearly two weeks . . . and it is wonderful to have him "home" again! I missed him so much! Life is beginning to settle back down into some sort of pattern again. Except, of course, for all the Christmas hoop-law!
Bob arrived, safe and sound, on Dec 8th. He had hurt his back the day before he left while putting the boat to bed, so he spent the next few days recovering, settling into my apartment and re-acquainting himself with Mazatlan.
Thank you, everyone, for all the birthday wishes! It was so good to receive all the birthday cards you sent with Bob! And I even received several via the Mexican Postal System!! It seems to take less time for an envelope to get here from Coventry, England than from Victoria!! Two weeks from England and about three weeks from Canada. But I don't care if they are late, it is just so awesome to get mail from home!
We seem to have been very busy! Bob trades most mornings . . . and I go off to Spanish classes, Library volunteering, shopping, or doing whatever has to be done . . . and there always seems to be some something that needs doing!! In the afternoons we head out to one of our favorite palapa restaurants or on the great adventure of finding something specific! Shopping in Mazatlan is always time consuming and often frustrating! Bob forgot to bring many things that I had asked him to bring from home . . . as well as many of his own things! He showed up with no sunglasses, no hat, no shorts, and only the underwear he was wearing! We did manage to find him some shorts and underwear within the first few days. A decent hat took a bit longer . . . but we are still looking for sunglasses! Apparently "clip-ons' are simply not sold here! Thank goodness Chris and Beth (Bob's bro and sil) are coming down in January to bring us everything else that Bob forgot!
It is hard to believe that Christmas is only five days away! The streets in Centro are crowded with vendors selling everything imaginable. Many houses and businesses are decorated with masses of lights and tacky blow-up Santas. There is a large manger scene in Plaza Revolucion . . . right beside the Coca Cola Christmas Tree! The Plazuela Machado is decorated with thousands of sparkly white lights and a wonderful sand sculpture manger scene. However, it has been sunny every day with a light breeze coming up every afternoon about 2 . . . couldn't be more perfect . . . but it sure doesn't feel like Christmas!
I'm sorry I don't have some current photos for you! I'm trying to take my camera with me and will do my best to have some soon!
Feliz Navidad!!!
Bob arrived, safe and sound, on Dec 8th. He had hurt his back the day before he left while putting the boat to bed, so he spent the next few days recovering, settling into my apartment and re-acquainting himself with Mazatlan.
Thank you, everyone, for all the birthday wishes! It was so good to receive all the birthday cards you sent with Bob! And I even received several via the Mexican Postal System!! It seems to take less time for an envelope to get here from Coventry, England than from Victoria!! Two weeks from England and about three weeks from Canada. But I don't care if they are late, it is just so awesome to get mail from home!
We seem to have been very busy! Bob trades most mornings . . . and I go off to Spanish classes, Library volunteering, shopping, or doing whatever has to be done . . . and there always seems to be some something that needs doing!! In the afternoons we head out to one of our favorite palapa restaurants or on the great adventure of finding something specific! Shopping in Mazatlan is always time consuming and often frustrating! Bob forgot to bring many things that I had asked him to bring from home . . . as well as many of his own things! He showed up with no sunglasses, no hat, no shorts, and only the underwear he was wearing! We did manage to find him some shorts and underwear within the first few days. A decent hat took a bit longer . . . but we are still looking for sunglasses! Apparently "clip-ons' are simply not sold here! Thank goodness Chris and Beth (Bob's bro and sil) are coming down in January to bring us everything else that Bob forgot!
It is hard to believe that Christmas is only five days away! The streets in Centro are crowded with vendors selling everything imaginable. Many houses and businesses are decorated with masses of lights and tacky blow-up Santas. There is a large manger scene in Plaza Revolucion . . . right beside the Coca Cola Christmas Tree! The Plazuela Machado is decorated with thousands of sparkly white lights and a wonderful sand sculpture manger scene. However, it has been sunny every day with a light breeze coming up every afternoon about 2 . . . couldn't be more perfect . . . but it sure doesn't feel like Christmas!
I'm sorry I don't have some current photos for you! I'm trying to take my camera with me and will do my best to have some soon!
Feliz Navidad!!!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
The most excellent sofa buying adventure
It is not always easy to get things done here . . . I don't have enough Spanish to manage something as complex as purchasing a second hand sofa and getting it delivered and into my apartment. However, with help from my friend, Lee, and two strangers, we managed . . . and I'm thrilled with the result!
It started out when my friend, Dee, told me that a friend of hers was moving and selling a love-seat size sofa and if I wanted it I had to get over there within an hour. It was only a 20 minute walk away, so I trotted over, liked it, bargained a good price and arranged that I'd pick it up between 5 and 7 that evening.
A few days earlier, my friend, Lee and I, had found the perfect small table with collapsable legs, to be used as a desk, at Coppel, a department store on the other side of Centro. I purchased it and Lee and I walked all the way through the busiest part of downtown . . . her at one end and me at the other . . . and we got it home, safe and sound. We thought that was an adventure. The sofa was to be the most excellent adventure! At least the end result was most excellent!!!
I called Lee up (she has very, very good Spanglish), discussed the options, and decided we should walk back to where the sofa was, grab an auriga (red-truck type taxi), pay the driver an extra fee for him to get a buddy and help us load the sofa into his truck, take it to my place, and unload it. Sounds pretty simple, doesn't it? Walking there was easy! Finding an auriga was easy! The auriga driver finding a buddy to help was easy! But that is where easy stopped!!! That was about when we found out that the only way to get the sofa out of the room it was in, was to take the slats out of a window and lift it up and out the window. Okay, so we did that . . . a bit more work than we had anticipated, but we were successful. Drove the short distance to my place. Did I mention that to get to my place, we go in a narrow door, up a narrow, twisting stairwell (in the dark), down another narrow hallway to the back deck, then in my apartment door. I was smart . . . I had taken the door off the hinges before I even left the house! So, these wonderful men, hoofed the thing up those stairs, down the hall and into the doorway of my apartment. And there it stopped! It was too big! They twisted it and turned it and pushed it and kicked it . . . Dennis came over from across the deck and said, "No way, it won't fit". Marion came down from upstairs and just laughed and said "Forget it". Lee was outside with the men . . . I was inside on the other side of the sofa which was perched on it's end in the doorway. All I could hear was laughter, moans, groans, yells, shouts, and the occasional bang as they tried to force the sofa through the doorway. Lee said that one of the fellows was on his back, holding on to the grillwork on the wall, slamming with his feet on the sofa, forcing it in. I was on the other side, shouting encouragement . . . “Only 3 more inches!” . . . “Only one more inch!” . . . finally, to the sight and sound of a good inch of the plaster on my wall crumbling to the floor . . . the sofa came through! The sofa was slightly worse for it's adventure . . . but nothing a bit of duct tape didn't fix! And now it sits in my livingroom . . . never to be removed!!! It looks great! I love it! I gave the auriga drivers an extra huge tip for work way above and beyond the call of duty!
But, you know . . . that's how it often is here in Mazatlan . . . they will do everything they can to help out . . . and they won't give up until they have done their absolute best! I mean . . . these were two guys we pulled in, off the street!!! I find it amazing . . . and wonderful!
And that was my sofa buying adventure! I'm sure my friend Lee is wondering what I will ask of her next!!!
It started out when my friend, Dee, told me that a friend of hers was moving and selling a love-seat size sofa and if I wanted it I had to get over there within an hour. It was only a 20 minute walk away, so I trotted over, liked it, bargained a good price and arranged that I'd pick it up between 5 and 7 that evening.
A few days earlier, my friend, Lee and I, had found the perfect small table with collapsable legs, to be used as a desk, at Coppel, a department store on the other side of Centro. I purchased it and Lee and I walked all the way through the busiest part of downtown . . . her at one end and me at the other . . . and we got it home, safe and sound. We thought that was an adventure. The sofa was to be the most excellent adventure! At least the end result was most excellent!!!
I called Lee up (she has very, very good Spanglish), discussed the options, and decided we should walk back to where the sofa was, grab an auriga (red-truck type taxi), pay the driver an extra fee for him to get a buddy and help us load the sofa into his truck, take it to my place, and unload it. Sounds pretty simple, doesn't it? Walking there was easy! Finding an auriga was easy! The auriga driver finding a buddy to help was easy! But that is where easy stopped!!! That was about when we found out that the only way to get the sofa out of the room it was in, was to take the slats out of a window and lift it up and out the window. Okay, so we did that . . . a bit more work than we had anticipated, but we were successful. Drove the short distance to my place. Did I mention that to get to my place, we go in a narrow door, up a narrow, twisting stairwell (in the dark), down another narrow hallway to the back deck, then in my apartment door. I was smart . . . I had taken the door off the hinges before I even left the house! So, these wonderful men, hoofed the thing up those stairs, down the hall and into the doorway of my apartment. And there it stopped! It was too big! They twisted it and turned it and pushed it and kicked it . . . Dennis came over from across the deck and said, "No way, it won't fit". Marion came down from upstairs and just laughed and said "Forget it". Lee was outside with the men . . . I was inside on the other side of the sofa which was perched on it's end in the doorway. All I could hear was laughter, moans, groans, yells, shouts, and the occasional bang as they tried to force the sofa through the doorway. Lee said that one of the fellows was on his back, holding on to the grillwork on the wall, slamming with his feet on the sofa, forcing it in. I was on the other side, shouting encouragement . . . “Only 3 more inches!” . . . “Only one more inch!” . . . finally, to the sight and sound of a good inch of the plaster on my wall crumbling to the floor . . . the sofa came through! The sofa was slightly worse for it's adventure . . . but nothing a bit of duct tape didn't fix! And now it sits in my livingroom . . . never to be removed!!! It looks great! I love it! I gave the auriga drivers an extra huge tip for work way above and beyond the call of duty!
But, you know . . . that's how it often is here in Mazatlan . . . they will do everything they can to help out . . . and they won't give up until they have done their absolute best! I mean . . . these were two guys we pulled in, off the street!!! I find it amazing . . . and wonderful!
And that was my sofa buying adventure! I'm sure my friend Lee is wondering what I will ask of her next!!!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Keeping busy!
Hola! Sorry I'm not updating this blog too often! Not too much has been happening . . . just the day to day events.
Dinner at Te Amo Lucy's was good. Not as good as I had anticipated though. I enjoyed the Chile en Nogada but probably would not order it again. Maybe on Independance Day . . . sort of like having turkey on Thanskgiving . . . you have it whether it is your favorite or not! Te Amo Lucy's was very, very crowded that evening and very noisy . . . not my favorite way to have dinner with friends.
Since then I've sorted out my Spanish classes. My friend, Sharon (from Saskatoon), and I go on Monday and Thursday mornings to Monica's house for lessons. I really like this way instead of a larger class as we get a lot of personal attention and if there is something specific we want to learn or have explained, we are not disrupting the whole class. For example, I've been having some confusion with my Optomitrist about time of appointments . . . so on Thursday, Monica explained to us how to tell time properly! Also, what is the customary thing to say when you want to step over someone on the bus . . . pardoneme! I had been saying "permissio" and getting some strange looks so I knew it wasn't quite right! Occasionally, Monica will take us out to various shops, so we get some hands on experience using what we learn, in addition to the very basic "please", "thank-you", "how much", etc that I use now. She has a vendor booth at the cruise ship terminal where she says we can join her one day . . . that will be very interesting!
Today is a Stat Holiday. Revolution Day is on Thursday but the holiday is today, so Spanish class is cancelled and my optomitrist is closed. So, instead, the Ladies and I will go to Loco Lupe's (Crazy Lupe's) for a meal (ribs are his Monday special). Loco Lupe's is one of our favorites . . . a palapa restaurant right on the beach, where we can sit for the whole afternoon if we want!
Hasta luego!
Dinner at Te Amo Lucy's was good. Not as good as I had anticipated though. I enjoyed the Chile en Nogada but probably would not order it again. Maybe on Independance Day . . . sort of like having turkey on Thanskgiving . . . you have it whether it is your favorite or not! Te Amo Lucy's was very, very crowded that evening and very noisy . . . not my favorite way to have dinner with friends.
Since then I've sorted out my Spanish classes. My friend, Sharon (from Saskatoon), and I go on Monday and Thursday mornings to Monica's house for lessons. I really like this way instead of a larger class as we get a lot of personal attention and if there is something specific we want to learn or have explained, we are not disrupting the whole class. For example, I've been having some confusion with my Optomitrist about time of appointments . . . so on Thursday, Monica explained to us how to tell time properly! Also, what is the customary thing to say when you want to step over someone on the bus . . . pardoneme! I had been saying "permissio" and getting some strange looks so I knew it wasn't quite right! Occasionally, Monica will take us out to various shops, so we get some hands on experience using what we learn, in addition to the very basic "please", "thank-you", "how much", etc that I use now. She has a vendor booth at the cruise ship terminal where she says we can join her one day . . . that will be very interesting!
Today is a Stat Holiday. Revolution Day is on Thursday but the holiday is today, so Spanish class is cancelled and my optomitrist is closed. So, instead, the Ladies and I will go to Loco Lupe's (Crazy Lupe's) for a meal (ribs are his Monday special). Loco Lupe's is one of our favorites . . . a palapa restaurant right on the beach, where we can sit for the whole afternoon if we want!
Hasta luego!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Day of the Dead . . . or Hallowe'en
Things are beginning to cool down a bit in Mazatlan . . . I actually put a blanket on my bed! Of course, the air conditioner is still on, but turned down. We had a big thunder, lightening and rain storm late last week (see photos) and it seems to have been the turning point. It still has a ways to go before being comfortable enough to expend much energy, but at least I can walk a block or two without having to use my sweat rag!
Confession time! Okay, the worst thing about this heat? Going to the bathroom! You know when you try to take off a wet bathing suit? How it all rolls up? Well, the same thing happens here . . . you sweat all day, so when you go to the bathroom, everything is damp, and the underwear rolls up as it goes down . . . and is hell to get back up!!! Life is hard, isn't it? :-)))
And activities are gearing up! Every Thursday morning I'm volunteering in the English Reading Library, checking books in and out, selling memberships, shelving books and meeting a lot of people. On Saturday mornings I'm taking a Tai Chi class. I'm not too sure about it yet but thought it would be fun to try! I'm still trying to find the perfect Spanish Classes. Oh, and I have a cooking class next Wednesday! Jeez, this retirement thing is a lot of work!
On Saturday, several friends and I are going to dinner at Te Amo Lucy's (I love Lucy's). Lucy is preparing a special dish called Chile en Nogada. It consists of poblano chiles filled with "peccadillo" (a mixture usually containing chopped or ground meat, aromatics, fruits, and spices) topped with a walnut-based cream sauce and pomegranate seeds, giving it the three colours of the Mexican flag (red, green, and white). (this info from Wiki!) It is traditionally served on Independence Day but Lucy's was closed that day, and since she is supposed to make the best Chile en Nogada in Mazatlan, my friend Lee talked her into making it for Day of the Dead instead. I'll report back how delicious it really is! Lucy also serves my friend Bobbi's famous Louisiana Bread Pudding! So much for dieting on Saturday!
After dinner, there is a procession called callejonera (or a word similar to that). It is an annual walk to look at Day of the Dead altars around Centro. I've already seen a few of them set up around Revolution Square. There will be a donkey or donkeys carrying beer to be dispensed (free) to the walkers. Some costumes, music and all that.
I won't have any Trick or Treater's at my place as it is upstairs and at the back of the building!
Happy Hallowe'en!!!
Confession time! Okay, the worst thing about this heat? Going to the bathroom! You know when you try to take off a wet bathing suit? How it all rolls up? Well, the same thing happens here . . . you sweat all day, so when you go to the bathroom, everything is damp, and the underwear rolls up as it goes down . . . and is hell to get back up!!! Life is hard, isn't it? :-)))
And activities are gearing up! Every Thursday morning I'm volunteering in the English Reading Library, checking books in and out, selling memberships, shelving books and meeting a lot of people. On Saturday mornings I'm taking a Tai Chi class. I'm not too sure about it yet but thought it would be fun to try! I'm still trying to find the perfect Spanish Classes. Oh, and I have a cooking class next Wednesday! Jeez, this retirement thing is a lot of work!
On Saturday, several friends and I are going to dinner at Te Amo Lucy's (I love Lucy's). Lucy is preparing a special dish called Chile en Nogada. It consists of poblano chiles filled with "peccadillo" (a mixture usually containing chopped or ground meat, aromatics, fruits, and spices) topped with a walnut-based cream sauce and pomegranate seeds, giving it the three colours of the Mexican flag (red, green, and white). (this info from Wiki!) It is traditionally served on Independence Day but Lucy's was closed that day, and since she is supposed to make the best Chile en Nogada in Mazatlan, my friend Lee talked her into making it for Day of the Dead instead. I'll report back how delicious it really is! Lucy also serves my friend Bobbi's famous Louisiana Bread Pudding! So much for dieting on Saturday!
After dinner, there is a procession called callejonera (or a word similar to that). It is an annual walk to look at Day of the Dead altars around Centro. I've already seen a few of them set up around Revolution Square. There will be a donkey or donkeys carrying beer to be dispensed (free) to the walkers. Some costumes, music and all that.
I won't have any Trick or Treater's at my place as it is upstairs and at the back of the building!
Happy Hallowe'en!!!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Home from Puerto Vallarta
I'm back . . . survived the heat . . . it was an interesting trip!!!
Lee and I left on Saturday morning at 8:45 on the local long distance bus. We arrived in Puerto Vallarta about 5pm. Taxied to the Villa del Palmar (my parent's time share resort) and checked in. They gave us a room with a king-size bed, and although PV is the gay capital of Mexico, and most people we met assumed we were a gay couple, we requested a different room, with twin beds. No problem, we were up on the 8th floor with a view of the tennis courts and the mountains . . . it was a very nice studio suite with kitchen facilities. By the time we were settled in, it was too late to do any exploring of the area, so we just checked out the beach and pools, then had a nice dinner in the restaurant.
The next day we got on the bus and headed into Centro to get a look at the town. We did not bring our laptops, and the internet cafe at the resort was $9.00(!!!) per hour (as opposed to $1.00 in town) so the first think we did was check out email. Then we wandered around a bit, getting mildly lost, but finally finding the Malecon. It was very hot and humid so wandering the streets wasn't as pleasant as we had hoped and we didn't feel like spending too much time, always rushing to the shady side of the street and checking to make sure a shop was air conditioned before going in! We found a nice place (with air conditioning!) for a leisurely lunch, then wandered a bit more, managing to find the Huichol shop that Lee had seen several years ago. We spent several hours in there (yes, it too was air conditioned!). Lee and I both bought some art, although hers was a "bit" more than mine, which was 60pesos (less than $6 Cdn). Just as we were ready to leave, the sales clerk asked us if we could do her a small favor . . . if we could attend a Time Share Presentation, I could have my $6 purchase for free and Lee would get an 85% discount on hers!! Well, what were we to do? Modeste was so nice, and she asked so nicely, and her little baby was sick, and it would be such a huge favor to her, and they'd give us a lovely free breakfast . . . and well, we were sucked in . . . we said yes, we would go to the time share presentation. In all honesty, I was very curious, I'd never been to a time share presentation. So, we were picked up from our resort two days later and taken to the "Westin Regina" resort in the Marina area. I should have known, right from the start that this adventure was doomed. I think all of you know of my obsession for anything orange . . . well, this place was Pepto Bismal Pink . . . everywhere you looked, bright pink!!! Ugg!!! The sales person we were handed over to was terrible! He said he had been selling for 12 years, but judging from the way the talked to us, I'd say he hadn't sold many places in that 12 years! He didn't know much about the place, he didn't ask us the right questions or give us the right info, he didn’t know the software program at all . . . he was just awful! After 2 hours of him (yes, he even ate breakfast with us!), we told him we were not interested (Modeste promised us we could leave after 90 minutes, so we had given him extra time) so he handed us over to another fellow, who was rude, arrogant and belligerent. We were about to walk out when he called over "the boss" . . . now this guy was slick . . . it was how I had expected the first guy to be . . . I might even have bought a time share from him (just kidding!!!) . . . we managed to escape from him, but not before we got money for a cab back to our resort as Modeste had promised. The whole thing was a very interesting experience. Not one I'd ever want to experience again, mind you!! Oh, nearly forgot! The next day we went back to Modeste's shop to tell her thank you for the discounts . . . and they told us that she would not be getting her commission "because one of us only worked part-time" . . . and that we should therefore pay the full price for the art!! Well, we got out of there pretty fast, the art was already packed away at the hotel . . . and we marked it all up to a new and different experience! Oo la la!!!
Although we both enjoyed the adventure of Puerto Vallarta . . . we have decided to never holiday again at this time of year, unless we go somewhere cooler. The heat and humidity just made it so we couldn't enjoy getting out and about. PV is also much more expensive than we are used to in Mazatlan. It is a resort town and the tourists will pay those prices. One interesting experience, we grabbed a taxi home from Centro one evening and I paid him 100pesos for a fare of 50pesos . . . he handed me a US$5 for change . . . he said he did not have pesos!!! I didn't want US money as I have no use for it at all in Mazatlan . . . so the porter changed it for us. But it just goes to show that PV is all about the tourist!!
The trip home on the bus was another adventure. The first half of the trip was through the mountains, up, down, around . . . ugg . . . my stomach did not like it too much!! For the second half, we thought we'd try a different bus line . . . it cost a few dollars less, and they promised us it was a First Class bus . . . well, I'm sure it was Economy because we stopped in every little village along the way, had five stops at inspection points, for immigration, police, I don't know what else . . . twice we had to get out of the bus, get our luggage out and have it inspected. (I've learned the secret, as the inspectors are all young boys, keep a box of tampons at the top of your bag . . . as soon as they see it they slam it shut and tell you to move on!!!). When finally we got to Mazatlan there was a gruesome accident where someone had been run over by a truck, the streets were blocked and traffic at a stand still . . . when we finally moved by, we could see the covered victim under the truck . . .
And now we are home again . . . and the most exciting thing . . . while I was gone, they got the internet fixed up and I actually have it in my apartment now!!
Sorry this was so long! Let me know if you made it to the end!!
Lee and I left on Saturday morning at 8:45 on the local long distance bus. We arrived in Puerto Vallarta about 5pm. Taxied to the Villa del Palmar (my parent's time share resort) and checked in. They gave us a room with a king-size bed, and although PV is the gay capital of Mexico, and most people we met assumed we were a gay couple, we requested a different room, with twin beds. No problem, we were up on the 8th floor with a view of the tennis courts and the mountains . . . it was a very nice studio suite with kitchen facilities. By the time we were settled in, it was too late to do any exploring of the area, so we just checked out the beach and pools, then had a nice dinner in the restaurant.
The next day we got on the bus and headed into Centro to get a look at the town. We did not bring our laptops, and the internet cafe at the resort was $9.00(!!!) per hour (as opposed to $1.00 in town) so the first think we did was check out email. Then we wandered around a bit, getting mildly lost, but finally finding the Malecon. It was very hot and humid so wandering the streets wasn't as pleasant as we had hoped and we didn't feel like spending too much time, always rushing to the shady side of the street and checking to make sure a shop was air conditioned before going in! We found a nice place (with air conditioning!) for a leisurely lunch, then wandered a bit more, managing to find the Huichol shop that Lee had seen several years ago. We spent several hours in there (yes, it too was air conditioned!). Lee and I both bought some art, although hers was a "bit" more than mine, which was 60pesos (less than $6 Cdn). Just as we were ready to leave, the sales clerk asked us if we could do her a small favor . . . if we could attend a Time Share Presentation, I could have my $6 purchase for free and Lee would get an 85% discount on hers!! Well, what were we to do? Modeste was so nice, and she asked so nicely, and her little baby was sick, and it would be such a huge favor to her, and they'd give us a lovely free breakfast . . . and well, we were sucked in . . . we said yes, we would go to the time share presentation. In all honesty, I was very curious, I'd never been to a time share presentation. So, we were picked up from our resort two days later and taken to the "Westin Regina" resort in the Marina area. I should have known, right from the start that this adventure was doomed. I think all of you know of my obsession for anything orange . . . well, this place was Pepto Bismal Pink . . . everywhere you looked, bright pink!!! Ugg!!! The sales person we were handed over to was terrible! He said he had been selling for 12 years, but judging from the way the talked to us, I'd say he hadn't sold many places in that 12 years! He didn't know much about the place, he didn't ask us the right questions or give us the right info, he didn’t know the software program at all . . . he was just awful! After 2 hours of him (yes, he even ate breakfast with us!), we told him we were not interested (Modeste promised us we could leave after 90 minutes, so we had given him extra time) so he handed us over to another fellow, who was rude, arrogant and belligerent. We were about to walk out when he called over "the boss" . . . now this guy was slick . . . it was how I had expected the first guy to be . . . I might even have bought a time share from him (just kidding!!!) . . . we managed to escape from him, but not before we got money for a cab back to our resort as Modeste had promised. The whole thing was a very interesting experience. Not one I'd ever want to experience again, mind you!! Oh, nearly forgot! The next day we went back to Modeste's shop to tell her thank you for the discounts . . . and they told us that she would not be getting her commission "because one of us only worked part-time" . . . and that we should therefore pay the full price for the art!! Well, we got out of there pretty fast, the art was already packed away at the hotel . . . and we marked it all up to a new and different experience! Oo la la!!!
Although we both enjoyed the adventure of Puerto Vallarta . . . we have decided to never holiday again at this time of year, unless we go somewhere cooler. The heat and humidity just made it so we couldn't enjoy getting out and about. PV is also much more expensive than we are used to in Mazatlan. It is a resort town and the tourists will pay those prices. One interesting experience, we grabbed a taxi home from Centro one evening and I paid him 100pesos for a fare of 50pesos . . . he handed me a US$5 for change . . . he said he did not have pesos!!! I didn't want US money as I have no use for it at all in Mazatlan . . . so the porter changed it for us. But it just goes to show that PV is all about the tourist!!
The trip home on the bus was another adventure. The first half of the trip was through the mountains, up, down, around . . . ugg . . . my stomach did not like it too much!! For the second half, we thought we'd try a different bus line . . . it cost a few dollars less, and they promised us it was a First Class bus . . . well, I'm sure it was Economy because we stopped in every little village along the way, had five stops at inspection points, for immigration, police, I don't know what else . . . twice we had to get out of the bus, get our luggage out and have it inspected. (I've learned the secret, as the inspectors are all young boys, keep a box of tampons at the top of your bag . . . as soon as they see it they slam it shut and tell you to move on!!!). When finally we got to Mazatlan there was a gruesome accident where someone had been run over by a truck, the streets were blocked and traffic at a stand still . . . when we finally moved by, we could see the covered victim under the truck . . .
And now we are home again . . . and the most exciting thing . . . while I was gone, they got the internet fixed up and I actually have it in my apartment now!!
Sorry this was so long! Let me know if you made it to the end!!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Settling In
I've been back in Mazatlan for over a week. Things move slowly here. Still no internet in the apartment, but I'm managing okay using the neighbour's deck. I guess the major problem was that my fridge was not keeping anyting cold . . . my landlord told me to go buy a new one (he is still in the States). Going to buy a new fridge is easier said than done when you don't speak the language! Had my friend Lee go with me and we found a suitable one and arranged for delivery . . . then just had to wait several days. It arrived yesterday and they hauled it up the stairs, took the door off the apartment to get it in, and it slid right into the space, with no even a centimeter to spare! It is purring away, and I have some cold drinks to offer visitors now!
It is pretty quiet in Mazatlan right now. Many people go inland where it is a bit cooler and not so humid . . . so some of the shops are closed and there are not too many activities happening. I usually go out in the morning to do chores and then hang around inside, with Air Conditioning, in the afternoons!
My Mom and Dad gave me a week at thier time share in Puerto Vallarta so Lee and I are heading there on the bus on Saturday. I hope it might be a bit cooler there so we can spend the days exploring!!
You would never have known there was a Canadian Federal Election here!!! Of course, everyone is much more concerned with the US Election . . . and I must admit, it is way more exciting!
It is pretty quiet in Mazatlan right now. Many people go inland where it is a bit cooler and not so humid . . . so some of the shops are closed and there are not too many activities happening. I usually go out in the morning to do chores and then hang around inside, with Air Conditioning, in the afternoons!
My Mom and Dad gave me a week at thier time share in Puerto Vallarta so Lee and I are heading there on the bus on Saturday. I hope it might be a bit cooler there so we can spend the days exploring!!
You would never have known there was a Canadian Federal Election here!!! Of course, everyone is much more concerned with the US Election . . . and I must admit, it is way more exciting!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Back in Mazatlan!
I made it back, safe and sound, but not without adventure!!
I flew out of Victoria on Tuesday morning in the middle of that beastly wind storm . . . it was a horrible trip to Seattle. Seattle to LA was okay. LA to Maz was awful! Twenty minutes up in the air and they had a light go on in the cabin so we had to go back to LA. Circled for half an hour to burn up some fuel. Were met by ambulances, fire trucks, police cars . . . sure, they told us it was all standard procedure . . . but jeez, it sure scares the poop right out of you!
I seem to have gotten a cold just before leaving . . . and I'm still working on getting rid of it. I suppose travel and change of weather and just stress and exhaustion in general aren't helping at all!
Because of the problems with my flight from LA, I was three hours late getting in to Mazatlan. I was certainly blessed by an angel, as my friend Lee was to meet me at my new apartment with the keys . . . and there she was . . . sitting right at the door to the building, waiting for me knowing I'd show up eventually!
My first day here was spent unpacking, going to the bank, picking up a few groceries and finding an internet cafe. The internet in my apartment isn't working . . . will get that organised when the landlord gets back next week. Meanwhile, my neighbour arrived and he got it going on his deck, so I can now sit outside and check email.
It is very hot and humid here. I don't quite understand the humidity factor, but they say when they do some sort of mathimatical caluclation, using the temperature and the humidity, they get the "actual" temperature. (I think it is like the wind chill at home . . . makes it feel a heck of a lot colder that the thermometer says!) Anyway, with the humidity factor, it has been in the 120 degree range!!! Yikes!! However, I have Air Conditioning and fans in my apartment and it has great ventilation and I'm finding it not too uncomfortable. Of course, I don't go out much in the mid afternoon!
My friends and I met today and went for lunch to one of our favorite's, Lupe Loco, a palapa restaurant on the beach. There was a lovely light wind and it was very comfortable. So good to see the waves rolling in! Apparently, the waves were bigger than normal due to Hurricane Norbert which will be by passing us completely. However, they say Hurricane Odile might cause us a bit more problems . . . but nothing serious! So don't worry about me!!
I flew out of Victoria on Tuesday morning in the middle of that beastly wind storm . . . it was a horrible trip to Seattle. Seattle to LA was okay. LA to Maz was awful! Twenty minutes up in the air and they had a light go on in the cabin so we had to go back to LA. Circled for half an hour to burn up some fuel. Were met by ambulances, fire trucks, police cars . . . sure, they told us it was all standard procedure . . . but jeez, it sure scares the poop right out of you!
I seem to have gotten a cold just before leaving . . . and I'm still working on getting rid of it. I suppose travel and change of weather and just stress and exhaustion in general aren't helping at all!
Because of the problems with my flight from LA, I was three hours late getting in to Mazatlan. I was certainly blessed by an angel, as my friend Lee was to meet me at my new apartment with the keys . . . and there she was . . . sitting right at the door to the building, waiting for me knowing I'd show up eventually!
My first day here was spent unpacking, going to the bank, picking up a few groceries and finding an internet cafe. The internet in my apartment isn't working . . . will get that organised when the landlord gets back next week. Meanwhile, my neighbour arrived and he got it going on his deck, so I can now sit outside and check email.
It is very hot and humid here. I don't quite understand the humidity factor, but they say when they do some sort of mathimatical caluclation, using the temperature and the humidity, they get the "actual" temperature. (I think it is like the wind chill at home . . . makes it feel a heck of a lot colder that the thermometer says!) Anyway, with the humidity factor, it has been in the 120 degree range!!! Yikes!! However, I have Air Conditioning and fans in my apartment and it has great ventilation and I'm finding it not too uncomfortable. Of course, I don't go out much in the mid afternoon!
My friends and I met today and went for lunch to one of our favorite's, Lupe Loco, a palapa restaurant on the beach. There was a lovely light wind and it was very comfortable. So good to see the waves rolling in! Apparently, the waves were bigger than normal due to Hurricane Norbert which will be by passing us completely. However, they say Hurricane Odile might cause us a bit more problems . . . but nothing serious! So don't worry about me!!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Moving along!
Wow, how time flys! A lot has happened since my last post here . . . I hope to keep things a bit more current soon!
The summer is over . . . Victoria is cold and wet and gloomy . . . and I can't wait to get back to Mazatlan! I had a great summer . . . lots of work, lots of sailing and a wonderful visit with my son.
I didn't get to see nearly as much of Brodie and Danielle as I would have liked, but they were only here for 12 days and had lots of friends and other family to visit. The weather held long enough for us to enjoy a day sail out to Sidney Spit for breakfast. They are back in Coventry now, already ensconsed in Brodie's last year of his PhD.
Bob and I went out for my last sail of the season last week. We had hoped to be out for 10 days but the weather changed and neither of us are much into cold wet sailing! It was wonderful though, to be out in September, when most other sailers had given up for the year. We had several evenings where we were anchored in quiet bays with no other boats around. We saw some awesome sunsets and masses of stars. On our last day out in we saw whales in the distance and had dolphins frolicking around the boat as we crossed President's Channel. A great end to the last sailing trip of the year.
The last few days have been spent getting me organised to leave. It is amazing the amount of "stuff" one accumulates. I had to make several trips to Value Village and the condo storage unit in order to get things down to one suitcase!
My next post will be from Mazatlan. Once I get settled in there I'll get the last few weeks of photos up.
Enjoy your winter! I will!!!
The summer is over . . . Victoria is cold and wet and gloomy . . . and I can't wait to get back to Mazatlan! I had a great summer . . . lots of work, lots of sailing and a wonderful visit with my son.
I didn't get to see nearly as much of Brodie and Danielle as I would have liked, but they were only here for 12 days and had lots of friends and other family to visit. The weather held long enough for us to enjoy a day sail out to Sidney Spit for breakfast. They are back in Coventry now, already ensconsed in Brodie's last year of his PhD.
Bob and I went out for my last sail of the season last week. We had hoped to be out for 10 days but the weather changed and neither of us are much into cold wet sailing! It was wonderful though, to be out in September, when most other sailers had given up for the year. We had several evenings where we were anchored in quiet bays with no other boats around. We saw some awesome sunsets and masses of stars. On our last day out in we saw whales in the distance and had dolphins frolicking around the boat as we crossed President's Channel. A great end to the last sailing trip of the year.
The last few days have been spent getting me organised to leave. It is amazing the amount of "stuff" one accumulates. I had to make several trips to Value Village and the condo storage unit in order to get things down to one suitcase!
My next post will be from Mazatlan. Once I get settled in there I'll get the last few weeks of photos up.
Enjoy your winter! I will!!!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Back to work (just for a bit)!
We have been pretty busy! I worked until the end of August . . . really enjoyed this work contract which made it so much easier!!
The Classic Boat Festival was on in the Victoria Harbour that first weekend I was off. Bob was invited to crew on one of the beautiful old wooden sloops . . . he couldn't turn down an opportunity like that, so we didn't actually leave on our sailing holiday till the Sunday night. It was pretty late when we left so we just went to Russell Island, one of our favorite anchorages very close by. The next day we went around the west side of Salt Spring Island and across the Trinacolmi Channel to Montague Harbour on Galiano Island. We had quite a bit of rain but it was peaceful with many boaters gone home to get ready for school. On Tuesday we sailed up Trinacolmi Channel, thinking we'd anchor between Thetis and Kuper Island, but the wind was in the wrong direction so we crossed over to Reid Island and anchored in a little bay. We were the only boat and there were only a few houses . . . felt like we were in a great big world all by ourselves. We enjoyed it so much we stayed there two nights . . . Bob fishing (total frustration) and I read and read and read. We headed north again on Thursday with no real destination in mind . . . but we got up to Dodd's Narrows quite quickly and went through to Nanaimo Harbour. We thought we'd anchor out between Newcastle Island and Protection Island but found it really windy, crowded and just not quite what we were looking for so headed into the Marina. We were able to stock up on groceries, water, get some engine work dealt with . . . and it was a good thing we were at the dock as it was really windy for the next few days. Spent some enjoyable time with Bob's bro, Chris and his family. Bob met up with an old friend, Gunther, and since I had to go back to work on Monday, they decided to go sailing together! I've got photos of the sailing trip on the left under "My Newer Photos".
So, I hopped on the bus and they took off sailing. I'm at a new job, only 4-5 hours a day and only till the 17th . . . but then Brodie and Danielle will be visiting, home from Coventry . . . as well, I have lots of little odd jobs to get done to get organised for my flight back to Mazatlan on Oct 7. Yippee!!!
The Classic Boat Festival was on in the Victoria Harbour that first weekend I was off. Bob was invited to crew on one of the beautiful old wooden sloops . . . he couldn't turn down an opportunity like that, so we didn't actually leave on our sailing holiday till the Sunday night. It was pretty late when we left so we just went to Russell Island, one of our favorite anchorages very close by. The next day we went around the west side of Salt Spring Island and across the Trinacolmi Channel to Montague Harbour on Galiano Island. We had quite a bit of rain but it was peaceful with many boaters gone home to get ready for school. On Tuesday we sailed up Trinacolmi Channel, thinking we'd anchor between Thetis and Kuper Island, but the wind was in the wrong direction so we crossed over to Reid Island and anchored in a little bay. We were the only boat and there were only a few houses . . . felt like we were in a great big world all by ourselves. We enjoyed it so much we stayed there two nights . . . Bob fishing (total frustration) and I read and read and read. We headed north again on Thursday with no real destination in mind . . . but we got up to Dodd's Narrows quite quickly and went through to Nanaimo Harbour. We thought we'd anchor out between Newcastle Island and Protection Island but found it really windy, crowded and just not quite what we were looking for so headed into the Marina. We were able to stock up on groceries, water, get some engine work dealt with . . . and it was a good thing we were at the dock as it was really windy for the next few days. Spent some enjoyable time with Bob's bro, Chris and his family. Bob met up with an old friend, Gunther, and since I had to go back to work on Monday, they decided to go sailing together! I've got photos of the sailing trip on the left under "My Newer Photos".
So, I hopped on the bus and they took off sailing. I'm at a new job, only 4-5 hours a day and only till the 17th . . . but then Brodie and Danielle will be visiting, home from Coventry . . . as well, I have lots of little odd jobs to get done to get organised for my flight back to Mazatlan on Oct 7. Yippee!!!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Hurricane Bobbi!
It has been ages since I've blogged! I guess that is what happens when a person has to go to work 5 days a week! Anyway, I'll do a quick catch up! As I mentioned, I'm working everyday during the week, so we only get out sailing on the weekends. Bob is still doing bits and pieces of work on the boat so he is staying close to home most of the time too. Three weekends ago we went to a new anchorage that Don told us about. Wallace Island, just at the mouth of Fulford Harbour which is where the Salt Spring Island ferry docks. It was a delightful weekend, beautiful and sunny. A very peaceful anchorage with just a few boats and no rowdies. Bob went out fishing several times a day and I read several novels. The best part is that it is only about 1.5 hours from Sidney so we can go there nearly anytime.
Two weekends ago we went to Bedwell Harbour/Poet's Cove. The weather was not very nice and it was a very sloppy, wet ride over there. But it was Kimmy's birthday and we were invited to join them for lunch at the resort. We anchored out and we were pleased to see another Nonsuch! After lunch we went over to investigate who it was and were thrilled to see it was Murray and Sandy on Cat's Paw. We had hoped to see thier new boat at the Rendevous a few weeks earlier but didn't have time. So we enjoyed some wine and cheese with them while it poured outside. It was another choppy ride home but at least it didn't rain.
Last weekend, my friend Bobbi, from Mazatlan came up to Victoria for a 5 day visit! It was so awesome to see her . . . just wish the rest of the Mazatlan Ladies were able to come too . . . we would have had a great time! Bob had the boat at Salt Spring so Bobbi and I took the ferry over on Friday night, went to the market on Saturday morning and a sail Saturday afternoon before heading back to Victoria to feed the cat at my house sitting job. It was the last beautiful day we have had since, so we were pretty lucky! Bobbi loved Salt Spring and the boat . . . she got to steer nearly all the way home . . . and did a very good job! On Monday after work we had a few of my Victoria Ladies over for a potluck. They were all thrilled to be able to meet Bobbi. Bobbi made us Jambalaya and her Famous Bread Pudding with Kaluha Pecan sauce . . . and we managed to empty several bottles of wine. Bobbi left on the ferry back to Seattle on Tuesday morning . . . I felt like a hurricane had gone through Victoria! We had such a wonderful time! My only disappointment is that I forgot to take my camera out all weekend so I have no photos of her visit!
Now I'm back to work . . . but only one more week until this job is done. Looking forward to Brodie's visit in September!!!
Two weekends ago we went to Bedwell Harbour/Poet's Cove. The weather was not very nice and it was a very sloppy, wet ride over there. But it was Kimmy's birthday and we were invited to join them for lunch at the resort. We anchored out and we were pleased to see another Nonsuch! After lunch we went over to investigate who it was and were thrilled to see it was Murray and Sandy on Cat's Paw. We had hoped to see thier new boat at the Rendevous a few weeks earlier but didn't have time. So we enjoyed some wine and cheese with them while it poured outside. It was another choppy ride home but at least it didn't rain.
Last weekend, my friend Bobbi, from Mazatlan came up to Victoria for a 5 day visit! It was so awesome to see her . . . just wish the rest of the Mazatlan Ladies were able to come too . . . we would have had a great time! Bob had the boat at Salt Spring so Bobbi and I took the ferry over on Friday night, went to the market on Saturday morning and a sail Saturday afternoon before heading back to Victoria to feed the cat at my house sitting job. It was the last beautiful day we have had since, so we were pretty lucky! Bobbi loved Salt Spring and the boat . . . she got to steer nearly all the way home . . . and did a very good job! On Monday after work we had a few of my Victoria Ladies over for a potluck. They were all thrilled to be able to meet Bobbi. Bobbi made us Jambalaya and her Famous Bread Pudding with Kaluha Pecan sauce . . . and we managed to empty several bottles of wine. Bobbi left on the ferry back to Seattle on Tuesday morning . . . I felt like a hurricane had gone through Victoria! We had such a wonderful time! My only disappointment is that I forgot to take my camera out all weekend so I have no photos of her visit!
Now I'm back to work . . . but only one more week until this job is done. Looking forward to Brodie's visit in September!!!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Nonsuch Rendevouz
Bob worked very hard for the last two weeks, sanding, varnishing, stripping, waxing and polishing the boat. It was a huge job but well worth the effort as the boat looks so nice now. On Friday we left for the Nonsuch Rendevouz at Otter Bay, on North Pender Island. It was only a 1.5 hour trip, which was just as well, as the clouds rolled in and it was raining by the time we got there. The rain didn't last long and we had some nice warm weather for the rest of the weekend. It was great to see all the other Nonsuchs and all the people we had met over the previous years. There was 26 boats and about 50 people. So many people came to see Cat-Sass that we didn't get time to go see the other boats, so we ended up racing around on Sunday morning trying to see a few of the other boats. It was wonderful to see Respite (the 26 that Bob owned before he bought Cat-Sass). Rob and Elizabeth are taking good care of her. I was feeling kind of yukky on the way home so we didn't dally. It was sure awesome to see so many Nonsuchs sailing in the same area! We tried to tell everyone that Mazatlan would be a great place for the winter rendevouz but they decided on Vancouver! Silly, silly people! I'll have some new photos up in the next day or so.
I finished my last day of double shifts today . . . it will be nice to work 8 hours a day instead of 12! But it was sure nice for the savings account!
I finished my last day of double shifts today . . . it will be nice to work 8 hours a day instead of 12! But it was sure nice for the savings account!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
We are back in the water!
Cat-Sass was launched last Friday and brought back to it's usual berth in the Port of Sidney. We have spent the time since then working very hard on the woodwork and deck . . . it is really sparkling and looks great! I'll have some photos up soon in the "Newer Photos" link, in an album called "Cat-Sass".
I thought I was starting my new work contract tomorrow, but it turns out she only needs me to start on the Monday . . . that is great as we now have the whole weekend again. I was in town yesterday and today to deal with business appointments and such . . .
Every Thursday in the summer, the town of Sidney has thier local street Market. About five blocks of the main drag are shut off and hundreds of different vendors set up to sell their wares. It certainly isn't cheap . . . but lots of variety and interesting, artistic products. The best part is the food! We have a choice of Phillipino, local lamb, the best hamburgers, incredible sausage . . . and after we manage to choose one (or two) of those, we have to decide on what to have for desert . . . a couple of the local farms sell fresh fruit pies that are to die for, as well as every imaginable type of fresh local organic fruit. Lots of other baking too. We always look forward to dinner on Thursday!!
So, it is back to work for me next week . . . for the first week I'll be doing double shift (two law firms each day), probably 12 hours a day! Bob will probably head north in the sail boat and hopefully, I'll be able to meet up with him on a few of the weekends to hang out.
I thought I was starting my new work contract tomorrow, but it turns out she only needs me to start on the Monday . . . that is great as we now have the whole weekend again. I was in town yesterday and today to deal with business appointments and such . . .
Every Thursday in the summer, the town of Sidney has thier local street Market. About five blocks of the main drag are shut off and hundreds of different vendors set up to sell their wares. It certainly isn't cheap . . . but lots of variety and interesting, artistic products. The best part is the food! We have a choice of Phillipino, local lamb, the best hamburgers, incredible sausage . . . and after we manage to choose one (or two) of those, we have to decide on what to have for desert . . . a couple of the local farms sell fresh fruit pies that are to die for, as well as every imaginable type of fresh local organic fruit. Lots of other baking too. We always look forward to dinner on Thursday!!
So, it is back to work for me next week . . . for the first week I'll be doing double shift (two law firms each day), probably 12 hours a day! Bob will probably head north in the sail boat and hopefully, I'll be able to meet up with him on a few of the weekends to hang out.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Boat complications
I haven't written in a while as we haven't had internet access . . . I'm at an internet cafe waiting for Bob. The boat is still up on the hard, it has been 11 days now and it will probably still be up another three days. So much for my sailing vacation!! I have to be back in town on Tuesday to get ready for work! Oh well . . . we've kept very busy, working on the woodwork and the deck of the boat while the skilled labour work on the keel. Bob has been a real trooper, not loosing his cool or getting too frustrated through it all. They finally put the keel back on the boat today but now it has to cure and then they have to fibreglass it. It will definately be back in the water by Friday because they are closing the boat yard for a few days.
Through this all, we have been staying with my Mother and Father. They have really been a god send as otherwise we would have been staying in Victoria and we would have been spending a fortune on gas driving back and forth from Sidney several times a day.
Our saving grace is that Bob's sister, Jane, came for a visit from Toronto! We spent several days in Nanaimo with his brother and then several days in Victoria with his other sister. Bob hadn't seen Jane in 4 years so there was a lot of reminicing and I had never met Jane so I learned a lot :-)! We really had a great time! Jane is an awesome woman, I feel like I have gained a wonderful friend!
Anyway . . . that's about it for now! Hopefully my next post will report that we are back on the water!
Through this all, we have been staying with my Mother and Father. They have really been a god send as otherwise we would have been staying in Victoria and we would have been spending a fortune on gas driving back and forth from Sidney several times a day.
Our saving grace is that Bob's sister, Jane, came for a visit from Toronto! We spent several days in Nanaimo with his brother and then several days in Victoria with his other sister. Bob hadn't seen Jane in 4 years so there was a lot of reminicing and I had never met Jane so I learned a lot :-)! We really had a great time! Jane is an awesome woman, I feel like I have gained a wonderful friend!
Anyway . . . that's about it for now! Hopefully my next post will report that we are back on the water!
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