On our way home

At 40000 feet we have just crossed back into Canada

The rainy weather smartened up and we were able to walk the beach for awhile before going back to our room one last time. With checkout complete we spent more time on the beach except one of us stayed to watch our carry-on while the other walked.

Just before the bus came at 2:45 P.M. we changed into our travel clothes and from then on we have been in the hands of Nolitours and Air Transat with this time scoring seats in row 10 instead at the back like on our trip down.

What a great time we had....Too bad it is over  :(

Sat morning

We got up at 0630 to watch the sunrise. We got dressed, stepped outside the room and found ourselves in a pouring rainstorm courtesy of the tropical storm soooooo back to bed for me (yay!)

Presently enjoying our last breakfast and with the restaurant being not too busy yet Caro is having good conversations with the staff.Too fast for me to understand.

Last night in Bucerias

The remnants of a tropically storm nearby have made for a cloudy day with not even a second of sunshine.As we sit under a beach palapa at 7:30 P.M. it is lightly raining. This weather fits our moods as we are both sorry to leave from what has been for us a totally unexpected wonderful week.This place has a very good chance of being the first place we ever return to; not because the other places we've gone to in the past have been bad (on the contrary we've enjoyed them all) but because this area has many things to do, the hotel and it's  people were wonderful and we have just enjoyed the ambience. I believe this hotel may be the first place I can essentially do nothing if I want and not get bored.

Today we spent most of the day either walking on the beach, kayaking, or reading (and sleeping in my case) under a palapa. We couldn't go sailing as there was not even a hint of wind all day.

Tomorrow we leave the hotel at 2:45 so we do have time for some things.We are planning to get up at dawn to walk the beach and maybe go to some of the nearby shops if time permits. We have to be out of our room at noon but have full access to all the hotel services until we leave which includes a courtesy room.

Thursday night

After  a rain storm last night and cloudy brooding skies this morning we took a taxi to the Vallarta yacht club (oh to be really rich and own any of those boats!) and got on our previously purchased tour on a motorized sailboat going to Las Marietas islands for snorkelling and potential whale watching.

A two hour trip to the islands included two large sea turtles but not much else. We snorkled for quite a while on the north side of the island seeing a few fish. After that we did a slow motor around the island looking at birds as these islands are a national park. We stopped at a famous spot called (in Spanish) "lovers beach" where those who really wanted to go to the beach had to jump in the water and swim in, so you know we did it. A TOTALLY unexpected adventure as we swam under a large rock covered entrance and once on the little enclosed beach on the inside we investigated two other tunnels that lead to the ocean which we all went in to explore.WOW.AMAZING!!!

By the time the day was ending and we started our trip home the sky was only partly cloudy and it was beautiful out. We saw a  number of dolphins which was exciting.The captain shut down the motor for quite a while and the crew put up the sails.We enjoyed that sail too.We were back at our hotel just before sunset and tonight being Mexico night we had Mexican food for supper ( Caro LOVING IT). The photos below give an idea of our day. FANTASTIC!

Wednesday afternoon

Yesterday's sailing was lots of fun but too short (30 minutes). We spent the afternoon reading etc by the ocean. I still haven't been to the pool yet although it appears to be extremely popular with many of the guests here

We spent the afternoon under a palapa at the beach before heading to our previously reserved seating at the Brazilian restaurant. We were actually slightly disappointed with the food although the service was great. I think Lisa and Greg spoiled us with our birthday gifts when they took us to the Brazilian restaurant in Edmonton!!

The evening was spent chatting with a couple from Vancouver then catching the performance at the theatre which was quite good. The comic routines were very funny.

This morning after a looong walk on the beach we were eagerly awaiting another reserved  time slot sailing but the winds are wrong so no one is getting out on the water.

We have been swimming in the ocean or reading under a palapa again.

Tues morning

Second attempt on this entry  : (

This morning we got up at the crack  of da..  (eight) in order to make reservations.Caro got us reservations for the Italian restaurant tomorrow and I got us a 1 p.m. reservation for sailing.

We walked for an hour on the beach and saw a sea snake and a turtle as well as a couple of dead fish

After a small breakfast (still full from last night) we went kayaking.At one point a pelican flew just in front of us just above the ocean.Cool! Small fish were also jumping near us.

I snapped a photo of some people going sailing on the boat we are soon to go on.Gonna be FUN

What a night

The sunset cruise we had last night will be one of those memories we keep for a long time. It was without doubt one of the best nights of entertainment and food we have ever had.

It started at the Nuevo Vallarta marina at 6:30 just after sunset as about 120 of us boarded a catamaran for the one hour trip across the bay to the secluded Las Caletas beach.

Caro and I went to the top deck and sat outside for the voyage. With the "windchill" factor built in the temperature was probably 25. FANTASTIC!

Upon arrival we walked up torch and candle lit pathways to a theatre where we watched an stunning show including amazing acrobats and fire torches. A very well done show. Too bad cameras were not allowed.

There were 4 boats full of people at the show so those paying only for the show went back to their boats for the ride back. Those of us who had paid for the meal (2 boats) stayed behind. Caro and I had a table for two on the lowest level right next to the ocean. It was awesome!!!!

The meal was buffet and was also incredible and I suspect it may end up being the nicest meal of the week but time will tell.

The whole evening was spent in candle light and torches (this beach has no roads to it.Everything is brought in by boat)

By the time we got back to our hotel it was almost midnight.

Monday afternoon

We started off the day by walking to the supposed  "village" of Bucerias with the reality being we are really located in one big city all the way north from Puerto Vallarta.Nothing special about that "little village" so we caught a combi taxi to the first of our three stops as we looked for some water shoes and a small amount of candies for the kids; note kids , I can't swear it is all going to make it back to you.......just saying   : ) 

I took a photo (see below) of the local store where we looked for the water shoes.

I have to point out that we finally found the shoes in  that most Mexican style  store of   Mexico.................Walmart (sigh).

After a lunch we hit the beach.After a tremendous amount of whining and snivelling I convinced myself to join Caro in the ocean for a swim.Today the water, while very warm was tea coloured; weird.A check of the weather forcast was no storms for a few days so not sure why the water changed from the blue colour yesterday

Tonight is the sunset cruise.

Sunday night

What a relaxing day. I finished my book borrowed from Dad and started on another.

Another beautiful sunset which we watched from a beach palapa again. We probably spent 5 hours on the beach today.Caro bought an air mattress and used it quite a few times in the ocean.I didn't make it to the water today.

We went to the theatre again tonight but the show which was based on getting three couples up on stage and having them do stupid things to get laughs from the crowd was not my cup of tea so I left..Caro can tell me the rest when she gets back   : )

Tomorrow the plan is to walk about 20 minutes to the local town and tour around there followed by a supper/sunset cruise. Should be another awesome day.

Sunday at Royal Decameron Complex

After watching a very well done variety show last night comprised of 10 international singers and dancers we collasped in our Kingsize bed for a solid 10 hours of fabulous sleep.We woke up just in time for our Nolitours orientation. We decided to book 2 side trips for tomorrow and Thursday so we are looking forward to that.

This afternoon we are on the beach either swimming or writing blogs!

First night in Puerto Vallarta

After a long day which started at 0300 Caro and I arrived at the Puerto Vallarta airport after a great flight on an Air Transat  A 330 . Wow big plane and we were in steerage ( I.E. the back).

30 degrees today and humid.

The hotel is about a 4 star and although our room is out in the suburbs it's really not that far from the restaraunts or the beach.

Tonight after walking a km or two on the beach we settled in under a hotel beach  palapa to watch the sun go down over the ocean.Absolutely beautiful. It was so relaxing that Caro fell asleep on her lawnchair.

We have just finished supper and are waiting in the bedroom before we go back down  to see the live show in the theatre and try to hook up to the wi-fi.

Btw the Hockey Night in Canada game is on in the outdoor lobby and people are watching it.

Riviera Nayarit

One week to go before our next adventure. Presently relearning how to use my tablet and blogger.

Will be staying at Royal Decameron Complex just north of Puerto Vallarta in the Riviera Nayarit area (first time for us there ).

We are going on an all inclusive week via Air Transat and Nolitours.

Flight Home

Well the trip is almost over. We caught the plane on time in Rome and as I write this we are over a cloudy Labrador.

Some thoughts of this trip include how beautiful every place was and how neither of us has a favourite place because there was so many beautiful things that we saw.

The weather was sunny and hot for all three weeks except for 2 rainy days. Temperatures in the low 30's was the norm and hot evenings were typical enabling all the people to eat outside after 8 P.M. ( and no bugs either)

Our B+B in Cinque Terre had only a small fan for cooling so we slept with the balcony doors open.

Some sample costs were $8.65 for a big Mac (no we didn't eat any!), $3.45 for 500 ml of coke, small plate of spaghetti for $12.50 , $2.75 for a small bottle of water and finally the best value by far being local wine at $6.25 a bottle.

It was a wonderful trip to celebrate our 30th anniversary.

Update at Fort Saskatchewan

No problems in Toronto and we arrived on time in Edmonton

Dad picked us up and we were home by about 10 P.M. local time ( 0600 body time).As I write this it is 6:30 A.M. Alberta time and we are both awake already.

Fun with trains Part 2

Another interesting day...

After our final breakfast and looong walk back to our place we waited for the taxi to pick us up (part of the service of the B+B)

We caught the local train for Cinque Terre which took us to La Spezia where we caught the fast train going  directly to Roma Termini Station in Rome.
Well you know where this commentary is going right?

About 1 hour into our trip soon after we passed through Pisa just as we got to a small insignificant station in the middle of Italian nowhere this super fast, very modern sleek piece of machinery decided it wasn't having fun anymore and shuddered to a stop.Thirty minutes of banging etc brought us to the dreaded news over the intercom that the train was broken and we would all have to vacate it and go to the other station platform and wait for the regional train so that is what 200 of us did.And of course it was over 30 degrees again and the regional train didn't show up for 30 more minutes.Regional trains stop at MANY different local stations so we didn't get here until after 7 (were planning to be here at 4:30).

We found our B+B across the street then went to supper at a place we discovered last time we were here.

We had a wonderful trip but it is time to head home

The following photos were taken today with the first one being our not so  fast broken train
The last photo is especially for Charlie in Calgary.It is a photo of the tower in Pisa (not the leaning tower unfortunately   ha ha ha)

30th Anniversary supper

Even though it is a few days early we celebrated our 30th tonight in Monterosso.We had a fabulous meal at a seaside restaurant that stuffed us so much we couldn't finish it all. This meal was the completion of the gift that all our kids gave to us for fathers and mothers day.It was fabulous and I am sure we will bore you all with stories about tonight for years to come. THANKS again to all of you and we will see you soon.Did I mention it was fabulous???

Cinque Terre from a different angle

Today we decided to buy a boat ferry pass for the day enabling us to travel between the towns at our own pace. That pace turned out to be a little slower than yesterdays  : )

After another nice breakfast we came back to our place (breakfast is located about 1.5 km away from here) and got ready to go out for the day.

Ferry passes in hand we went to Riomaggiore first where we spent a couple of hours. She who must be obeyed actually wanted to climb up to a nice look out spot. I whined and snivelled until I got my way and so we stayed relatively close to sea level!

We spent time in 3 of the towns (the 4th is accessed from railroad or trails).

Upon our return we went to our place (about 400 metres from the main road then uuup 176 steps) S.W.M.B.O. (See above) decided she wanted to go swimming in the sea so 176 steps down and 400 meters later she enjoys her swim and I guard our stuff. A short time afterwards, 400 meters and 176 steps later we stagger back to our place to get ready for supper at a restaurant in the old town ( 176 steps down,......well you get picture)

Cinque Terre

A day full of accomplishments.

We took the train to the far south town  Riomaggiore to start our adventure.

The normal hiking trail between Riomaggiore and Manarola was closed but did that stop this pair of Shoppers Drug seniors (55 years old get the seniors discount right Vanessa?).NOOOOOOO it did not. We just took a Much Much harder trail over the mountain and down into Manarola.

A beautiful town as are all the villages here.

The main trail between Manarola and Corniglia was also closed but did that stop your intrepid adventurers???? Actually it did . A local guide told us that to get to Corniglia would take 3 hours on very steep trails over the mountain and in todays heat (32 degrees) it was foolish to go.With age comes wisdom....we took the train to Corniglia.

After visiting that town we hiked to Vernazza. Mein gott it was hot. We were going through the water like mad.We were starting to feel tired on this section and there were some times I was wondering about the wisdom that comes with age when it comes to our hiking madness.

The final hike was between Vernazza and our home base here in Monterosso.This hike pretty much finished us. Why don't they make these hiking trails levels and maybe pave them instead of using the ancient trails tat have conected the towns for centuries....I am just saying  : )

As  I write this we have been staying off our feet enjoying a bottle of wine on our balcony that looks down towards the ocean.

We hurt but we both have a great sense of accomplishment.The photos below give an idea of what we were  hiking through.

Fun with Trains

We left Venice on time and went across the north of Italy at a nice speed.

We travelled along on the south side of the Alps.

Everything was going smoothly as we got on to our intercity train in Milan.

And there we sat. Engine problems.After about an hour we were told to move over to another train. Thank goodness there was an Italian couple who helped as things were very confusing.

We got on the other train and went to Genoa and had to change trains again. The Italian couple were a tremendous help again.Coming into Genoa was beautiful

We got into Monterosso about 2 hours late.

The B+B people picked us up and drove us UP the hill to our room.

We got unloaded and then walked back down the hill to the seaside where we ate  a sea food supper (Thanks kids for the supper !!!)

As I write this we are sitting on our balcony enjoying a slight breeze (which is good because the room only has a fan).

Tomorrow we hike!!

Venice Tuesday night

After our break we walked to the Frari church.This church had some amazing artwork.I especially wanted to see the work of Titian. This church also has the memorial to  Titian.

After lots more walking we ended up near the first pedestrian bridge over the Grand Canal. Here we spent $14 for two beer but were able to watch the boats coming and going into the Grand Canal.After that we walked all the way home and again purchased our supper at the grocery store.

The photos below include a painting by Titian,his monument and a photo where we had our beer.

Venice Tuesday afternoon

It is Tuesday afternoon about 3 P.M. We are just back at the B+B to wash some clothes and get ready for our next adventure.

We started this morning with a visit to the Doge's Palace. These men were the leaders of the Venetian Empire and as such amassed huge fortunes.This palace was also the governmental headquarters for the empire. It was a worthwhile visit.

After a very quick bite of food we did a gondola  ride ("thanks kids , for the gift"). It was cool as we purposely chose quieter canals. We went by Marco Polo's house and Casanova's place as well.

Venice on Monday

We bought our train tickets to Cinque Terre first thing so I could email the next  B+B we are staying at so they can pick us up at the station.

We purchased a 12 hour pass for the water bus and we used it to our advantage. We did a complete tour of the Grand Canal first, then took another water bus to two outlying islands. The first is called Burano and this island is famous for lace work and houses painted differently. The second island is called Murano and is famous for its glass production. Both islands were wonderful.

The first photo is Burano and the second is Murano.

After getting back to Venice we proceeded to get lost over and over again. After a quick meal (over priced like everything else here) we made good use of our water bus pass and did another tour of the Grand Canal but this time it was dark and stormy with lots of lightning.

Our supper consisted of some wine,and a slice of pizza for me and a torta for Caro which we brought back to our "home"

Our thinking yesterday was that we had planned too much time for Venice but today we have changed our minds as we have a full day planned tomorrow.

Sunday night

Well we found our B+B with no problem and then proceeded to walk for about 5 hours getting lost on a continual basis in a city of tiny (TINY) roads and alleys ( did I mention the roads were tiny?)

Anyway prices for restaurants are nuts so we bought wine, cheese and buns and had supper on the terrace here.

Whoever said that Venice is swamped with tourists in the summer was absolutely correct.We were tripping over those foreigners ALL AFTERNOON.        JEESH        =) 

It took a little digging but we see that Lisa's team won bronze.I am absolutely positive it is because of the awesome coaching.Well done Lisa!!!