That's all folks.

Tonight is my last night and subsequently this will be the last blog of the trip from Mexico. I have had a wonderful time here. It has given me a new perspective of life and what is TRULY important to me. People here just don't seem as stressed as we are in the states and I am sure they have just as much to be concerned about as we do if not more. I have realized that there are a lot of things that I can live without, like my cellphone, television and daily drama. It has been a blessing to be able to clear my head on a beach while improving my Spanish. There are a lot of things that will be left behind in Mexico. Worries, concerns and fears. Life is fragile and unpredictable and we have to make the best of the life we are given. Sometimes, you have to re-negotiate the life that you are given and re-evaluate where you think you should be . Make your life YOURS and not the life that you THINK that everyone expects you to have. Just enjoy where you are, while you are there, because you can NEVER get that time back.

Let your conscious be your guide.

I am now the Black Philosopher in Mexico. See what happens when you have peace and quiet. Just waiting on Oprah to discover me and make me famous like Dr. Phil.(lol) Adios.

Chuck E. Cheese Knockoff

There is a knockoff Chuck E. Cheese in Puerto Vallarta. It is Chucky Cheeze(hahahahahahaha) . They have a mouse, they have pizza, they have games, they sell beer, just like the one in the states. This commercial plays every 20 minutes or so and I was screaming with laughter when I first saw it. After two days I was finally able to get snapshots with my camera. I may have to videotape the commercial the next time it plays. I wonder if they have been pursued legally. On second thought, did the states get this idea from Mexico?

El día anterior en Puerto Vallarta.

Today is my last day in Puerto Vallarta and I made the best of it. I decided to give the bus one last chance. Afterall, from the hotel it is only 5.5 pesos. By the way, the current exchange rate is $1 usd = 10 pesos give or take a few pennies. So, the bus is cheap transportation. My main complaint about the bus is no air conditioning, so basically it is like a moving sauna. Ok, I made it to Wal-Mart and all I can say is oh my goodness, it was HUGE. It was a mix of our Wal-Mart, Whole-Foods and Sears. They sell refrigerators!!! They sell Liquor, not just wine and beer like the ones in the US. You can get a flat screen and a bottle of tequila. There was also a full service resturant owned by Wal-Mart. OUTRAGEOUS and there is a SAM's Warehouse next door. After my hour jaunt in Super Wal-Mart, I walked over to the mall. There is another OUTRAGEOUS department store called Liverpool. http://www.liverpool.com.mx/. Ok, they are a one stop shop too. They sell clothes, books, furniture, electronics, bikes, ATV's. liquor, etc etc etc. Went to see Hancock in Spanish which was fun. I sure some things were lost in translation. Oh another bus story. Yes it is cheap, but there is a reason. I had to wait 35 minutes to get a bus back to the hotel . This is why I have not gained any weight after all of the margaritas and ice cream. You sweat off ALL of the calories.

Uno más día en México.

Sólo tengo uno más día en México. Pienso ir a Wal-Mart, no pregúnteme por qué, pero solamente(justo) quiero ver lo que la tienda es en México. También planifico hacerlo a la playa y Melacon para decir ¡adiós! a todos mis nuevos amigos. Realmente he disfrutado de mi tiempo en Puerta Vallarta pero esto es el tiempo para mí para irse a casa. Esto ha sido una maravillosa experiencia y he aprendido mucho. No hay ningún lugar como la casa.

I ONLY HAVE ONE MORE DAY IN MEXICO. I THINK I AM GOING TO WAL-MART. DONT ASK ME WHY BUT I JUST WANT TO SEE THE STORE IN MEXICO. I ALSO PLAN ON GOING TO THE BEACH AND MELACON TO SAY GOODBYE TO MY NEW FRIENDS. I REALLY HAVE ENJOYED MY TIME IN PUERTA VALLARTA BUT IT IS TIME FOR ME TO GO HOME. THIS HAS BEEN A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE AND I HAVE LEARNED ALOT. BUT THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME.

Cena fabulosa.

Ok, I just had the best shrimp fajita's at the hotel restuarant. Just had to share that.

Primera noche en el Westin.

Finally made it to the Westin and it is beautiful. I have a great view of the ocean and pool from my room. It is in the Marina and absoultely beautiful. You can see the nightly firework show from the balconey. It is SO humid in Puerto Vallarta, that room has a portable unit to remove humidity from the room. The humidity is outragous. I will not vist PV, during June, July or August. I am told those are the humid months. The temp is about 88 but the humidity changes the feel of the heat.

Noche sobre la ciudad.

Tonight I went downtown with Yamila. She had to perform with the trio and I wanted to walk and meet new people. Parking in downtown is very hard to find. Yamila got tired of looking for parking at parked the car on this steep hill. I promise that I thought the car would roll down the hill and crush everything in its path. When I am sitting people watching; people seemed surprised to see me. I am beginning to wonder if I am just too beautiful or have they never seen a black person. Anyway from the stares I feel like a local celebrity. Tonight a little girl wanted to take a picture with me, which was kinda of funny and sweet. Naturally I obliged I am going to enjoy my 11 days of celebrity hood.(is that even a word?) Today I finally got to see a native tradition. There is a pole that is 200 feet off of the ground and there are 4 men that spin off of the pole and chant and play a whistle like instrument. This ritual initially was done to celebrate the harvest. Very interesting and there is no way I could be paid enough to spin down the pole. As usual, I had un elote y un helado (corn on the cob and ice cream, I am so addicted to both) The funny part is that I have not gained an ounce since I have been here and I have been eating and drinking way more here then I do at home. Maybe it is the heat and all the walking.

El Sabado

Today is Saturday and I slept until 10am. I know I am being a bum and I am loving it. Normally I can not sleep pass 6am, but something about the ocean and the heat I feel like I can sleep all day. Today I am going to play at the beach with Yamila. The ocean was so clear today that you coud see the bottom. If it was not so humid here, I would probably stay. But my hair can not stand the humidity. It is afro city for me.

una nueva bebida

Paco me presentó una nueva bebida hoy. Churro Negro. Esto es el coque, la tequila, y limon. Muy sabroso. (Paco introduced me to a new drink today. Churro Negro. It is coke, telquila and lime.) I will have to make this drink at my next get together.

El Viernes.

Today is Friday and I slept in. It is so nice not to have anywhere to go. I really needed the extra ZZZZZZZZZZ's. I had another wonderful breakfast. Francisco cut up grapefruit, placed it in fresh squeezed orange juice with a little bit of honey. It was really good. I will have to try that one when I get home. I am sitting at the table being spoiled by an view of the ocean and the ocean breeze. The sound of the ocean is so peaceful. This is the best stress management ever, too bad I can't bottle it. Yamila and Francisco are preparing the house for more guest and I am enjoying listening to them talk. I was going to schedule a Canopy Tour for today, but to be honest I am way too lazy to do anything. One major fact and this is big for me: I have not watched TV since I have been here. Can you believe NO YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. The ocean and the beautiful sunsets have been my TV.

I may venture into town later for lunch, but I am so relaxed that I may just wait for dinner.

Tequila vs. Coca-Cola

It is cheaper to have a margarita then a soft drink in Puerto Vallarta. A diet coke is 40 pesos. Two margarita's are 60 pesos. You now know what my beverage of choice will be the remainder of my stay.

Algo gracioso.

Something funny ,while I was exploring the city yesterday, I went to LENS which is a department store. I love to compare prices of items in different countries. Well, while cruising the women's section I ran across the funniest item. They sell butt pads. I almost hit the floor with laughter. I think that Mexican women like African American women are shapely enough without butt pads. I guess there must be a need for this product. After speaking with Yamila, I learned that a lot of women have butt implant surgery. i guess the Brazilian butt is desired all over the world.

El Jueves.

Today is my last formal day of class. I have learned a lot from Francisco and have had great conversation. I have learned a lot about him and Yamila. I really would like to purchase a piece of property here and have them manage it. They are such great host. Always checking to make sure you are ok, they make you feel like family. I will be sad when I leave.
Yamila made a great chicken, there is no real name so , we called it Pollo Yamila. It was so tasty( so tasty is one of Francisco's phrases) and to drink we had coconut water, so good. I really enjoy the natural waters here.
The weather is beautiful again. Everyday the weather channel says over cast, but everyday the sun has been out. It rains for 20-30 minutes in the evening.
Tomorrow is a free day and I have no idea what I am going to do. Probably will sleep late and play and lay by the pool. The idea of having nothing to do is wonderful. The best part about the trip is that fact that my phone is NOT ringing off the hook. The heart palpitations I was experiencing before I left are now non-existent. That speaks volumes.

Well, I am off for my last two hours of class. Hasta Luego.

Arrancadores de fuego.

More street performers. These guys were very good. Fire always keeps a crowd captivated. This show would never happen in Centinneal Park. Jugs of gas ,matches, and a crowd of people. Before it would be finished CNN would have reported a bomb threat. And the city would be locked down. Such a difference in Mexico. All of these elements create an amusing environment. Now back to the fire-starters, I could not tell if the guys flipping off the wall were part of the act. Maybe they were looking for their 15 minutes of fame.

One thing I have noticed in Puerta Vallarta is that the seems to be a lot of love and is extremely family oriented. Women greet each other with kisses and hold hands. Men hug and kiss each other. You see lots of family units together, Dad, Mom ,children and grandparents. Women openly breast feed in public.( Obviously they created the La Leche Club that we see in the states.) It was just nice seeing loving people out. Oh yeah, dont forget about those in love, they are the best. I thought Paris and Barcelona were the top two cities with ODA(open displays of attention), but I going to add Puerto Vallarta to that list. If I hear "mi amor one more time", I think I will scream.(LOL) Ok, Ok, I am slightly jealous. I am going to have to find someone to say that phrase to. Mexican men seem to like chocolate skin, so I may not have to look too far,(lol).

Hospitalidad de la calle

One thing that I love about Puerto Vallarta is that there always seems to be some type of activity. The comedians preforming free, the strolling musicians, the nightly fireworks show from the pirate boat. There is always some sort of activity. This evening there young adults dancing. Actually it looked like there were taking lessons. I have attached a clip.

Una Dia Buena

Today was just a beautiful day. It has been raining for 30 minutes everyday, but today was absoultely beautiful. It was so clear that you could see the bottom of the ocean.

Lessons went well today. I need to practice everyday. Maybe I will just move here, that way I will be forced to practice. Francisco is a great instructor and I am learning a lot. I only have one more day of official class. So far, this has been a great experience. Yamila prepared another great lunch. Considering that at home I don't cook, I am loving the fact that I have home cooked meals. My allergies were bothering me a little today so after class I had to take a nap, which I hated because it was so beautiful today. For some reason I was still on a Benadryl high. The medicine was having a hard time leaving my system I guess. Francisco and Yamila gave me a ride in town. ( Oh by the way, yesterday I paid 70 pesos for a taxi and today Franciso said that it should have been 50 pesos., I will be looking for that driver tomorrow, he owes me 20 pesos(LOL). I had a great dinner and good conversation with the waiter. They are so patient with me and my Spanish. This time next year I will be fluent and know all of the slangs. I explored the strip and the stores. I dont know why but I was fascinated with Woolworths today. Maybe because they are no longer in Atlanta.

Decided to try the bus again. All I can say is too hot and too many people. It was the last bus of the evening and packed.

El Martes

I was having such a good time, I forgot to write in my blog. Class is going well. I am really enjoying the private lessons.

Francisco and Yamila are the perfect host. I have experienced some great Mexican and Cuban meals since I have been here. They are really into natural and organic products, so I only have fresh squeezed juices. I am loving that. Yesterday it was orange juice and cantelope juice. I know it sounds weird but I really loved the cantelope juice.

After class, I did absoutely nothing but lay by the pool with my Ipod and read People magazine. Even in Mexico I need to stay abreast of the gossip.

After Monday's bus experience, I decided to take a taxi into town for dinner. It was 70 pesos vs. 6 pesos for the bus. Even though it was more, I will be taking taxis while at the beach house.

I had a good dinner, shrimp and Margaritas. Excellent conversations with men on the street. I guess I sort of stand out in Mexico(LOL) and everyone wants to test my spanish.

While walking and exploring, I ran into Francisco who was waiting on Yamila to finish singing. What a great husband. Once Yamila was finished we walked the boardwalk to get corn. In Mexico, they grill or boil the corn and put Mayo, cheese and chili powder on it. I had one sans mayo, cheese and chili powder but with butter, so good and fresh. Well, Francisco and Yamila bought a two corns for 30 pesos (15 a piece). Afterwards I asked them why they paid so much because the day before I bought corn for 10 pesos in the same area. They were shocked, so I guess this time the tourist did not get ripped off.

Puesta del sol hermosa.

The sunset this evening was beautiful.

Sobre la calle sola y el autobús.

Finally made it to town, after stopping for ice cream. I had lots of conversation today. The men are very friendly and was amused by my accent. I just walked and walked and walked and explored the city. Believe it or not I did not have a maragarita today(lol) Even though they are 2 for 1 on every corner. I met some really nice people today.

My intention was to walk back to the house, but as I started my trek back, it started raining. So, I got on the bus. I asked the driver to let me know when we got to Cuartos Villas since the stop button was broken. The driver agrees and I start chatting with the lady next to me. (One note about this bus route, there are no designated bus stops per se. The driver stops and pick-up wherever he sees people waving and he can pull over. In fact the driver never really stops completely when letting people off, it is more like a rolling stop.) Well, I miss the stop. Lucky me, what should have a 10 minute ride now turns into a 75 minute ride because I dont want to get off and pay 6 pesos again or get stranded in hopes of another bus stopping.

Unfortunately while on the bus I witnessed my first fatal Mexican accident. The roads have lots of sharp curves and hills and the car flipped over.

Hoy.

Today, I had class and it went well. Just hard to concentrate with the ocean in the background.(LOL) I know what a complaint to have. I need to practice my verb tenses. I had to read a composition that I wrote in Spanish out loud today( yes I had a flash back of the 1st grade and praying that the teacher would not call on me to read) But by hearing myself out loud it will help with my pronunciation.

Class is over everyday at 3pm and the rest of the day is free. I decided to walk to town, which is approx 2.5 miles. What the heck was I thinking. Ok, I can tell you. I was thinking it is sunny, I am in Mexico, I need the exercise and it is only 2.5 miles. What I did not factor in is the HUMDITY. No way to describe it. The first 1/2 a mile was bearable. Oh my goodness after that, I could have just melted. By the time I got into town, I had shed 3lbs and was sporting an AFRO but still cute.

Anoche.

Last night went out. Those of you that know me, know that on a Sunday night I would be in bed at 9pm(LOL). I went to see Yamila and the Trio perform. They are really good and I am not just saying that because I am staying at her home. She did not have a microphone and was very loud and clear. Must be the Latin blood(LOL). Yamila is from Cuba. Before the performance, Yamila and I went to one of her friends restaurants so she could introduce me and force me to speak Spanish. I struggled a little because they were speaking so fast; which is funny because I speak English SO FAST. Yamila went on to her performance and I stayed and attempted conversations with my new friends over a salad and margaritas. One of the chefs(Andreas) came and sat with me and was extremely patient as I was murdering his language. Actually it was not that bad. He would not let me pay for dinner. I tried, but he refused to even accept a tip. Later I walked around the corner and down the street to see Yamila perform. (Down the street in Mexico is 4 New York blocks!!! )

After Yamila's performance we went to an outside amphitheater, where comedians, mimes and various other street performers entertain the crowd for free. There is a lot of food vendors, selling water with pumpkin, papas fritas with hot sauce, grilled corn, cotton candy etc. Anyway it was all amusing and fun until SOMEHOW, I got selected out the crowd to be part of the entertainment. Acutally it was very funny. The mime selected people out of the audience to perform different things. All I can say is very interesting and you all missed my Mexican Theatrical Debut. Possibly, I missed my calling. It was a good evening and I did not get home until after 1am. I was exhausted, but glad I went out on my first night in Puerta Vallarta.

Delta Sucks!

My flight was a Delta/AeroMexico code share flight. So no slight to AeroMexico. OK, I love to support Delta. Was Platunum on the Airlines for many of years, but today I am a little perturb with them. For international flights, I am allowed TWO pieces of checked luggage and a carry on. Being that I am the supper packer, I had one checked bag and an oversized purse with my laptop. Well, this morning, I get in the hellacious, self-check speed line. What a joke. I thought the whole purpose of self check was to expediate the process. Nevertheless, I self check in the INTERNATIONAL line and then the Delta agents sends all self -check passengers to the 5000 person DOMESTIC self check baggage line. Needless to say I had several explitives flowing out of my mouth once I reached the Domestic side. But it gets better. After standing in line for 35 minutes to check my bag, the oh so rude, my airline just got out of bankruptcy, I dont care any more, my life must really suck agent weighs my ONE bag. 56 lbs.( I had just added my spanish course material to the bag) He says so matter of factly "that will be $80". Are you kidding me? I could not even hold back the laughter. I can check two bags totaling 100lbs for no extra charge but I must pay $80 for 6 lbs. I attempted to have a civily make my plea with the agent. That is 800 pesos, there was no way I was giving that to Delta. Maybe my diction was too clear, because he started rolling his eyes and neck. Ok, this is such an unattractive gesture for a man. Since I think I am too cute to do any jail time Iss, I took the books and a pair of shoes out of the bag and got the weight under 50lbs. I will be using my $80 for Margaritas this week.

ON A GOOD NOTE: I will say, the Pilot or AUTOPILOT landed the plane so smoothly if was like a babies bottom. Too bad that type of service is not throughout Delta. I guess that is why the pilots get paid the big bucks.

Yo Estoy aqui!

I am here in Puerto Vallarta and excited. Francisco and Yamila picked me from the airport. They are both wonderful. We are having 3/4 english 1/4 spanish converstions(LOL). Warming up to the week(hahaahahahahaha) We stopped and had lunch before coming to the beach house. Naturally, I had a margarita. It was so GOOD!!! and Marlin fish tacos for lunch. Muy Excelente. Fresh fish, not frozen you have got to love that.

The house is fabulous. I only wish you were all here. I have the downstairs bedroom which has sliding glass doors that open to the pool and the ocean/beach. Ok, I may never return. Tonight I will be falling asleep to the sounds of the ocean instead of the TV. The weather is wonderful, but a little humid, feels like Atlanta except with a breeze.

Ok, off to the beach for an afternoon swim.

Estoy salida de la mañana

I am leaving in the morning for Puerto Vallarta. I will be staying 7 days at Casa La Jollita which from the pictures seem beautiful. check it out http://www.freewebs.com/perladelsur25/ . Then from there on to the Westin Resort, thanks Pam. http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1090 .

And no, I am not getting paid to advertise.(LOL)

My full immersion program instructor will be Francisco Gonzalez. I am sure we will have great conversation this week. His wife , Yamilia sings in a Salsa Band, so I hope to see her perform.

I was so exhausted this week from quarter-close, that I have not had a chance to really be excited about this trip, but that is changing. Yesterday, I picked up some pesos and finished packing. I am the super packer. 11 days, 28 outfits(hahahaha, I want options, heck I need options.) 7 pair of shoes and 6 bathing suits ALL in one medium sized TravelPro suitcase under the 50lb airline weight requirement. I refused to pay $25 for an extra bag and $25 for weight overage, those funds could be used towards my entertainment in Mexico.

Well, I will keep everyone posted on the trip.

Adios.

Passport Fiasco

Last night I woke up in a frenzy. For some reason I thought I was at the airport unable to go to Mexico because I did not have my passport. I begin to look for my passport at MIDNIGHT. Everyone who knows me knows that I am So A-TYPE, so the fact that I could not locate my passport in my home office was a major event. Everything in my house has a place!!!! After about 30 minutes of looking for this 4 inch passport in an a 10 by 10 spotless room, I call my cousin Tasha in complete frustration and tears. She calmly asks me OVER and OVER again when was the last time I saw my passport and I keep frantically repeating OVER and OVER again that I must have thrown it away because it is NOT in my house. We all know that I am the shredder and no tolerance of clutter queen , so I am convinced Dream Sanitation has my passport. I completely rip apart my office, looking in the same file cabinet and closet for over an hour. At this point, my supportive cousin is online researching how to get a new passport expedited by Friday, (which I might add would have cost over $500). Out of complete frustration, I hung up with Tash and resolve that I am NOT going on this MUCH NEEDED trip. I decide to look for the 80th time in the same file cabinet and look through the same check boxes I had looked in and low and behold the PASSPORT is there.

Moral of the story: Don't look for ANYTHING when you are tired!!!!

Voy a Mexico.

I have been taking group & private Spanish lessons at Atlanta International Language Institute for almost a year ( Maria is the best instructor ever ) , trying to become bi-lingual, both for personal and professional reasons. I have been told that there is no better way to test my knowledge, but to do a full immersion program in a Spanish speaking country. So I am off to Puerta Vallarta, Mexico. I am both excited and a little nervous. I have traveled a lot over the years, but never on my own.

At the urging of my cousin, I am going to blog my experience.