La Lancha Surfing Beach

After traveling most weekends all the way over to my favorite beach at Careyeros, I decided to check out the beach at La Lancha.  I had noticed in passing there were always about a dozen cars parked along the Punta Mita Highway at this location.  Wondering where these surfers were going and why had always intrigued me.  So yesterday I made the stop and explored the area myself.  There is severely restricted access to this beach as you have to sign in with a private security guard and you cannot gain access without a surf or boogie board.  I am thinking why is this so restricted, except that this must be private property along the highway.  But all beaches in Mexico are accessible to the public, so the property owners must just be trying to make things as difficult as possible?  We were we also informed that umbrellas, coolers, and chairs are not allowed!  What??
Since we already had our arms loaded with the beach equipment, he was kind enough to allow us to gain access with of it.  Then the walk is about 500 meters to beach along a dirt road, not difficult but a bit long.  We arrive at the beach and quickly see there a numerous surfers here and looking out into the water you could see what this beach is a favorite!   The waves roll out pretty far and allow you to ride the waves almost to shore.  But these seemed to surfer waves and I could never really catch a good boogie board wave, so unless you paddle way out I would not recommend it.
The beach is accessible  to the left quite a distance down until you end up into the area of another private home development and they seemed to have made things difficult for you to walk any further.   Great place to surf and watch surfers, but probably not a great beach to hang out and drink beers all day!

Sunday Morning Bike/Walk/Run on the Main Road in Puerto Vallarta

A little while ago, on February 12th, the City of Puerto Vallarta began to close the main road Medina Ascencio Blvd from the turn off to Centro (near the Main Sports Stadium) all the way to the entrance to Fluvial so that citizens and visitors can enjoy walking, running, jogging, or bike riding.  Today was my first day to ride the new open road area.  The traffic is re-routed along the laterals and the center is open to ride, walk, skip, jump, jog, run, sit, skate, and anything else you wish to do!  The road is closed to traffic every Sunday from 8am-1pm, and the route is 2.5km each way so a round trip is about 5km, perfect for that warm-up to run a 5km race if you are so inclined to do some day.
Modeled after the same program in Guadalajara and since last year in the Marina area, it is great to see the same thing happen in Puerto Vallarta.  Maybe one day it will be expanded and the route will be lengthened? I hope that one day bicycle lanes can be added to the roads around Puerto Vallarta as is so common in the USA, but these things always take time and the support of the community.  As the sidewalks are being replaced around the area, I see that small ramps are being installed not only for bicyclists, but for the handicapped as well.
I am sure part of that will be dependent on the number of people using the route, so get out there and enjoy it!!!

 

Guadalajara, Mexico- My 6th Trip!

Once again I was off to Guadalajara (GDL) last week for my 6th trip to this wonderful city since I moved to Mexico in December of 2009.  This trip was to visit the sons of my friend Pablo as well as do some shopping and the usual sight seeing of our favorite places.  We brought along another friend from the US who was a "virgin" visitor to GDL.  Upon arrival we checked into the Dali Plaza Hotel which has become my new favorite hotel at the right price of 475 pesos including breakfast for 1 person.  The room was similar to last time and on the 8th floor it was a great view of the city below.  The hotel is located right in the heart of the shopping area and about 1 1/2 blocks from the Main Cathedral of GDL.
After a quick lunch at the corner taco stand, we were off to orient our friend Andy and walked to the Main Cathedral, along the plazas all the way to San Juan de Dios (Indoor Flea Market) where we made some great purchases of shoes and leather products, and then finally over to Plaza Los Mariachis for a bucket of beers and a little rest.   We headed back to the hotel to freshen up, as dinner would be at my favorite restaurant 9 Esquinas (9 Corners) that have written about before here in my blog.  They specialize in traditional Mexican style of food preparation and their specialty is Goat and Lamb.  Great meal as always and even Andy decided to try the goat (chivo), and of course he loved it!
On uur next day Andy decided to do a double decker city bus tour, while Pablo and I went to visit an ex-coworker from Puerto Vallarta who had moved to GDL last year.  He was managing a small coffee bar/restaurant in Colonia Bugambillas inside a new shopping mall called Plaza Panoramica.  It is located high up the hill in the western part of GDL and has fantastic views of the city from high above.  The Plaza was built by a local developer and he built the shopping mall as a service to the surrounding community by offering all the things you would need when living around the area including 9 restaurants, bowling alley, laundry/dry cleaner, children's day care, movie theater (opening soon), spa, grocery, roof top amusement park, and underground parking!  It was all on 5 levels serviced by escalators and elevator......very nice!
We re-connected with Andy at the hotel and headed over to Tlaquepaque to do some shopping for items he was interested in bringing back to the USA and I found some wonderful handmade loafers for myself.
We had a great lunch at El Patio, another favorite restaurant of mine, as it has a great menu and always some entertainment including an all female Mariachi group.  After shopping and getting tired we enjoyed a few cocktails in the center square where there are many restaurants around a main raised patio.  Back to the hotel for a refresh and we are back out to check out the night life around the area including a gay bar.
Since this was Andy's first trip to GDL we let him decide if we would go back to Lake Chapala or enjoy the GDL Zoo that my ex-coworker had recommended to us the day before.  Since Pablo and I had not been to the Zoo, we all decided to make the visit on our final day.  For about 145 pesos we gained entrance to all parts of the Zoo including the train ride, safari excursion, the aquarium, and the Australian Outback area.    We oriented ourselves with the train ride around the park and I was immediately impressed with the cleanliness and upkeep of the Zoo.  Certainly as nice as any North American or European Zoo that I have been to....just smaller and not of such a grand scale.  Some of the most interesting aspects was the Monkey Land area where you were allowed inside a small spider monkey habitat and the monkeys interacted with the zoo visitors; the Safari Jeep ride where African animals were in an open range and you were allowed to hand-feed the Giraffes with carrots given to you by the guide; the Aquarium where you could feed the stingrays; and the Australian Outback area where Kangaroos were allowed to roam free in the area.  Well worth the visit and I will be going back to see it again when I have more time.
We are off back home to Puerto Vallarta around 2pm and make a quick stop in Tequila for a first time visit there.  It was also an interesting place as many of the Tequila manufacturers allow sampling of their tequilas and it is certainly the best place to buy tequila for the discounted prices offered there.
Back in PV, I began to think about the wonderful few days in GDL (as always) and how there seems to always be something new and interesting to see while I am visiting there.   Looking forward to trip #7 in the fall!

Hernia Surgery-The Mexican Option

After waiting for several years for a inguinal hernia repair, I finally got to the point where I needed to address the problem.  I re-met with Dr. Armando Joya Mungia a few months ago, to reconfirm my problem as it has been bothering me more and more.  He said the hernia probably got larger, so it is time to get it addressed, before it becomes a serious issue and requires emergency surgery.  Looking for a good period to accomplish it, arrange for my mother to come, and also allow time for recovery I scheduled it for the week of January 15th with my actual surgery date being the morning of January 17th.
Having no insurance either in Mexico or the US and even when I did have insurance and a $3000 USD deductible, the option here in Mexico for around $2000 USD was certainly going to be my choice.  No need to go back to the US for the surgery because I felt confident in Dr. Joya's surgical skill and he came highly recommended from Pam Thompson who's company www.healthcareresourcespv.com located in Puerto Vallarta provides an extensive database of physicians who not only speak English, they are highly recommended by Pam.
Finally, surgery day arrived and I was to check-in at 745am to complete the Amerimed Hospital paperwork required for admission to the hospital. The new Amerimed Hospital in PuertoVallarta has recently relocated to a brand new medical facility across from the entrance to the Marina neighborhood and Plaza Marina.  Dr. Joya used to be at Cornerstone Hospital but decided to move here because he wanted to be affiliated with the newest and best hospital in Puerto Vallarta.
By about 830am I was called to come into the pre-op preparation area behind the check-in desk.  I was met with a friendly nurse who spoke English and she prepared me by offering the typical hospital gown, testing my vitals, and inserting the IV catheter for preparation.  About 30 minutes later I was moved to the surgical ward on the 2nd floor and due to sterile conditions in that area, I was transferred to a surgical ward bed.  Then around the corner and I was into the operating room and transferred to the surgical table. The nurse who met me introduced herself and the anesthesiologist introduced himself upon transfer to the table.  I was not doing general anesthesia just a sleeping medication and an epidural.   After a few minutes I was gone and woke up in the recovery area about 2 hours later.   Being still very tired I closed my eyes again and  about 1200pm I was transferred to my room.  The room was a very nice private room with lounge chair, couch, flat screen TV, bathroom, and all of the usual medical devices at hand including oxygen, nurse call button, etc.
The plan was to have me out and on my way home by 7pm, so I rested in my room most of the day.   After a few hours I felt the need to urinate, so with staff help I went to the bathroom but felt faint and had to be assisted from the bathroom.  Immediately staff and the internist on call were present in the room as everyone was concerned about what had happened to me and after EKG, blood test, etc. it was determined that I probably had a slow heart rate due to some of the effects of anesthesia, however, I would be staying overnight for observation to make sure everything was okay.
So my mother decided to stay as well as she would just worry about me being at my condo and the couch in the room as satisfactory for her night's sleep as the hospital provided sheets, blanket, and pillows.
A few hours later I was given a small sandwich snack, sliced fruit, and hot tea for my evening meal.  The nurses were around and responsive when called, however, they were not a constant nag by waking me every 2 hours for some test or medication.  Dr. Joya had heard about my "problem" and he came by around 9pm to check on me and was very supportive and kind.  He told me that the procedure had gone well and he said that I had a "Pataloon Hernia" which is a combination of direct and indirect inguinal hernia in the same area.  That is probably why it was giving me so much more trouble in the last few months.   He assured that me made sure that the internal stitches and mesh would provide me great protection against any re-occurrence on my left side.
Physically I felt pretty good, still a bit lightheaded, but no real pain from surgery, just some normal aches and pains that from the procedure.  I took 2 pain medication injections  during my stay, but otherwise I was getting restless and uncomfortable with lying in bed so long!  I would be seeing Dr. Joya or his partner Dr. Espinosa in the morning for my release.   My night was fine as I found a comfortable position on my right side that allowed my to sleep as well as could be expected, being in a hospital and not home in one's own bed.
The next morning at around 830am Dr. Espinosa came to check on me and allowed me to check out in the next hour, checked my incision, and discussed my prescriptions for the next week.  I had already gotten some pain medication and antibiotics, but he decided to add an anti-inflammatory and a stomach acid medication to my list.   He told me he or Dr. Joya would see me on Tuesday at 1000am back at Amerimed to inspect the incision area.  I had the option of taking a shower in the bathroom, but decided I needed to go home and rest better there.  A friend of mine arrived around 1030am and we were on our way home with a stop at Farmacia Guadalajara to pickup the 2 additional medications.  My only complaint at the hospital was that no food or snacks were available for visitors or patients and one had to go outside the hospital to find something to eat or drink.
At home I walked up the one flight of stairs to my condo and felt no pain. With ice packs on 10 minutes every hour and then relaxing the rest of the day including a nap in the afternoon I was to bed early and took a couple of doses of pain medication.   The pain really only occurred during the transition from sitting to standing or lying to standing.  When I was laying down no pain.  The pain (burning sensation) seemed to be from an area above the incision, probably where the mesh was inserted and the repair done to the stomach muscles.
Day 2- I am up in the morning around 5am, to the bathroom, and some more pain medication and back to bed till the sun rose.  Today I am feeling pretty well and the only pain is in the same area.  Some more resting and a small walk to the pool area, things are going well.   Some additional pain during bowel movements, but otherwise I am feeling good!
Day 3-I am up this morning around 6am and feel that I will not need any more pain medication and keeping the ice going as I can remember it as it seems to sooth the area of the surgery.  Only the slight burning sensation in the area of the mesh when I move a certain way.
Day 4-Doing better each day and just taking it easy, walking around, keep the ice going
Day 5-Feel well enough to take my mother to the beach where we have to walk about 100 yards to get to the beach and all went well!  Did not go into the water, just got my feet wet!
Day 7-Back to the doctor as he wanted to take out the stitches, but decided to wait till the end of the week and took off the gauze and only placed a strip of tape over the incision.  Pain is minimal now and less each day.
Day 10-Back to the doctor for stitches removal and all the mesh pain is now gone.  Only had a few outside stitches as most of the stitches were done internally and they would dissolve on their on.  Just some tenderness in the incision area.  Hope to get back in the ocean water or pool, but have to wait another 10-14 days!  And certainly no lifting anything over 10 lbs for the next month.   All is well and I am certainly in less pain than I was before the surgery and that is always a great sign that I will recover just fine!

Puerto Vallarta Chamber Orchestra Concert

On Monday evening I decided to attend the annual Holiday Concert at the American School put on by the Puerto Vallarta Chamber Orchestra and Chorale.   Conducted by Donald Bieghler who many years of experience in conducting and teach music made the group come together for these events.  I have been looking for my classical symphonic 'fix' for a while now and took the opportunity to experience this group of volunteer musicians who perform only a couple of times per year in the area.   Made up of older full time and part time mostly expats they are from all walks of life but I think their common interest in playing classical music makes the group of about 30 musicians come together for these concerts at only 100 pesos per person.
The music ranged from classical holiday pieces by Bach to the usual classic American holiday songs such as "Deck the Halls", "O Holy Night", and "White Christmas".  The Chorale joined in a various songs and there were even a couple solos sung by their members.   A special treat was a medley of German Christmas songs sung by Kathy Overly and accompanied by a pair of recorders.
The show was entertaining mostly played by very talented musicians.  Sometimes the horn section was a little weak, but was quickly covered up by the rest of the group.   I would have loved to hear more classical music, but I understand that it was a holiday concert and all bases need to be covered.   I look forward to hearing them again in the Spring Concert!

Playa Tehuanmixtle

Another drive today south of Puerto Vallarta to the lovely town of El Tuito and beyond to the beaches of Cabo Corrientes had me going to the small fishing village of Tehuanmixtle.  Tehuanmixtle is located around the corner about 1 mile from Mayto Beach by keeping straight on the El Tuito to Mayto road and turning right down the steep road into the fishing village.   What makes this little village unique is that there are about 4 different restaurants to choose from and we decided to go to Cande's Place as the owner Candelano made a point of welcoming me to his village that he has been a part of for over 50 years!  He told us that his mother has been living here and had another restaurant down the beach a bit for over 120 years!
We were looking for some whole fresh Huachchinango (Red Snapper) and that is what we got!  Since the size of the fish were larger the server suggested we share one and I am glad we did!  That 2.2 kilo fish was huge and plenty for 3!  It was accompanied by pablano chile rice, salad, tortillas, and salsa.   It was wonderful and perfectly cooked with garlic and butter it just fell off the bone and we could not stop eating it!  After the wonderful lunch we moved over the beach side of the village and enjoyed some warming sun rays as it was a bit cool in the shade of the restaurant.
The village is very small on the steep down road and just provides a place to rest, enjoy lunch, and see some different views of the Cabo Corrientes area with miles and miles of beaches in the distant.  Tehuanmixtle is unique in that it is positioned in a very rocky area and has only a small beach, unlike Mayto and the other beaches around the area.
Located about 2 hours south of Puerto Vallarta this area is connected via a dirt road that is about 22 miles away from El Tuito.  The road continues to be improved and paved, but there is still plenty of dirt along the way.  The first 6.2 miles are paved, then dirt until a small town for 1 mile of paved, then back to dirt until you are about 4.5 miles away from Mayto, the road becomes paved again.   So plan on driving at least 1/2 the way on a dirt road that winds itself up and around the hills but steadily downhill to sea level.  El Tuito is at about 2000 feet of elevation, so you have to head back down to sea level.
Any good vehicle can make the drive, but take your time and do not rush.  There are some other small villages along the way and most have a place to stop and get a cold beverage.
It is easily a day trip but you have 4 hours total of driving back and forth.  Get out of PV and enjoy the other parts of Mexico, it is well worth the drive!

Car Legalization Part IV

LICENSE PLATES IN HAND!! We have finally come to the last chapter of my legalization process for my car here in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.   I did not receive the promised phone call  from Jalisco motor vehicle department, so after 2 weeks I returned and my paperwork was complete.  So now everything was ready for the next step which involved going to the Marina on an upcoming Wednesday for another VIN verification by the State of Jalisco.  It would be scheduled in about 10-14 days as these inspections are only completed on Wednesdays.  My date was given to me to report November 16, however, I already knew I was not going to be in town that day so I immediately asked for the following week.  No, that could not be changed now, only upon my return after the missed appointment date.
Back in town on November 17, so on November 18 went back and rescheduled the VIN verification appointment for November 30th at 8am.   After another 12 day wait, I reported at my scheduled time and I was about 15th in line as the line kept getting longer and longer.  I estimate that 90 people were told to report at the same time!  Now I am wondering how this is all going to happen with a day?
Of course the government officials do not show up till 830am and they begin the process of taking our prepared paper envelopes and asked where we had parked.  Most people like myself parked in the closest and free space, but no, we had to park around the corner in the Marina parking lot and pay.   So everyone moved their vehicles to the proper location.
After about 45 minutes everyone was told to go their vehicles and open the hoods and wait for the inspector to show up.  Within 15 minutes he did and verified the VIN by looking at the dashboard VIN and the one under the hood.  Close the hood and report back to the outdoor canopy area to receive your signed report.   Another 45 minutes later we are gathered together and told to pickup our envelopes and signed VIN verification report in the order that we were in line, so 15th was not too deep on the wait list.  We were also told we had 15 days to get the plates and do not rush over the Jalisco municipal building today to get your plates as it will take a long time.  Hooray!  I did not want to spend the rest of the day doing that as it was the end of the month, payday, and I knew it was be a long long wait!
Returned yesterday after the weekend and went back to the window I thought I needed to go back, but no I should just go to the cashier line.   After a short wait and about 30 minutes of typing info, going to back office twice to get approvals, I was done!!  Of course I had to pay some tax based upon the value of the car plus the license plates fee for a total of 6200 pesos.  I was not prepared to pay that much more, so luckily my debit card was acceptable; paid the fee and was handed the plates.  The plates also came with a registration card, registration sticker, and license plate sticker.  All of the stickers now means I have 4 different stickers on the car; federal import sticker, emissions sticker, registration sticker, and license plate number sticker that have to all go inside the car in various locations.
All told the process was expensive and not for the faint of heart, but I persevered and got it done after about 6 months of working the Mexican government system.  They did not beat me!!  The total cost including transportation costs to the border and all the fees federal and state would have to exceed  $2500 USD.  Below is a photo to prove to you I have them!!!!