You've heard me say it before: Seattle is a dream-place to live...IF you can supplement the long grey winter with a bit of sun and warmth. AJ and I have been pretty successful satisfying this criteria. Our sunny jaunts have ranged from quick weekend trips to the beaches of southern California, to the steamy jungles and coral reefs halfway around the world in Indonesia.
This time we tried something in between. Together with the Blondes, we boarded a flight from Seattle to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Our destination: Sayulita, a tiny town about an hour north of the airport on a sun-drenched, palm-tree-lined stretch of coast. We really knew nothing of this place - we went purely because other friends had told us about it and gushed over its awesomeness.
The word awesome is used too many times to describe too many things these days. But in this instance it applies.
I think it was exactly what we all imagined, but somehow even better. The beach was a little sandier than imagined, the waves a little bigger, the jungle a little junglier. Town was big enough to wander through and find exquisite street-side taco stands. Shop vendors would invite you to browse their wares, but no hassle if not interested. Avocados were about a nickel, fresh-caught dorado was $3/lb, a dozen steaming tortillas cost a few pesos. We went through countless limes and grilled peppers. Tequila was cheap and cervezas were cheaper.
Nothing really exciting to report, which means the trip was successful - everything was easy and mellow. The days consisted of sleeping in, toast with avocado or a pastry from the muffin lady (who just showed up at the house most mornings!), paddle-boarding, body surfing, a walk in to town, a few tacos and a beer, siestas, back to the beach for a dip at sunset and another beer, back to the house for a grilling extravaganza, followed by margaritas and late night chats. Rinse, repeat.
We highly recommend a visit to Sayulita. All told, this was probably the easiest out of country experience we've had. And it was cheap. And it was refreshing. And it was warm. And it was awesome. Below are a few photos that will give you a taste of what the Mexican Riviera is all about.
our house
This ridiculousness was our house - Casa Verde.
Our open air living room.
And the dipping pool in the living room. Ocean peeking through the tree tops.
Stairs down to the bedrooms. I think houses that are basically outdoors are my new favorite kinds of houses.
The view from the top floor to our pool down below.
The only totally enclosed rooms in this house were the bedrooms - otherwise it was open and breezy, the way a house should be.
the neighborhood
The neighbors to our south.
Our street - Calle Chacalaca
Our neighbors up the hill.
Beach access - about a 2 minute walk from the casa.
This was one of my favorite casitas in the 'hood.
the beach
AJ and I rented stand up paddle boards for a few days - would do a late morning and sunset jaunt each day.
A little shade.
The beach in front of town.
The scene through the trees on the north beach.
The wild beach north of town around the point!
Looks a bit like Sea Ranch, doesn't it?
the town
the tropical plants
AJ and I took a hike through the jungle one afternoon - lush and gorgeous!
Lots of palms and greenery.
Yellow jungle flowers.
Bouganvillia everywhere and in all colors!
Classic intertwined jungle trees.
The palm in our yard.
the people!
Simon, Hala and AJ on the beach in front of town.
Faith in Sayulita!
J and A enjoying an afternoon siesta!
Sunny little Hala.
Cheers!
Bringin home the cerveza!
The Blonditos!
Afternoon hang out session in the living room.
Simon learns of sharks in the afternoon.
A good posse of people.
the food!
Salsas, avocados, tomatoes, peppers....all the things I love to eat!
A little lunch by the pool.
Street tacos and a Tecate - heaven.
Grilled fixins at home + margarita!
Enjoying some Pacificos while waiting for tacos at a little streetside stand.
the animals
These are just a few of the animals we saw in Sayulita - it was actually a pretty wild place. Here's what made the short list: countless whales jumping out of the water, newly hatched sea turtles headed to the water, bat rays with their wings flapping out of the water, endless schools of yellowfin tuna, frigates, iguanas, bats, and tons and tons of colorful butterflys.
and the sunsets
We caught some pretty spectacular sunsets - each was totally different.
AJ usually celebrates the beauty of a place by doing handstands in its presence.
Hala playin frisbee at the end of the day.
Simon gets attacked by a sneaker wave!
Cheers!
