GYPSIES AND CHA CHA

This trip is winding down but still lots to do. Daily walks down the goat path get to the action by the shore --- a delicate balance, and shucks!

A challenge-climb is to the hilltop cross and mirador (viewpoint). It's a long way up with no road access, only trails of different difficulty. The amazing thing is it's a top-quality installation with better-than-average concrete, rails, and finish. Even more amazing --- it was all brought up on the backs of mules.

The climb is rewarded with spectacular views, although some go up just to lie down. The cross has an armed but oblivious guard. The 3-level lookout is open to whatever.

Enjoy the panoramic views, because you also have to eventually step down. There is/was a funicular to go up and down but it seems to be only for show, not working these days...

Other diversions include a bus out to Bucerias ("the place of divers"). Pleasant beach town but also overrun with more gringos (mostly Canadians!) than burros. The only diving these days is into margueritas.

 A funky open-air theatre has dozens of convincing tribute acts, from Patsy Cline to Blues Brothers to the one we saw --- Eric Clapton. Again, the owners and most of the acts are Canadian. Hmmm.

Much closer back in Vallarta, not to be upstaged  is a show place called Incanto. Huge variety of live music to choose from --- including the Blond Gypsies. Classic story of a couple who met while busking in Europe in the good old days. Fiery guitar, moody castanets, booming emotional voices. Ole!

More bird sightings. Water water everywhere but even birds need it unsalted. Hummingbirds dart around but defy our i-d'ing. Much easier to see is the grouse-size, rooster-cackling, blossom-eating chachalaca (aka "cha-cha").

Three Mexican myths (?) Yes, iguanas do grow on trees. Yes, scorpions do appear in the shower. Yes, we've been drinking the tap water for weeks now. How's your tap??

WE GOT HIGH IN VALLARTA

We had our last days at our first place in PV. Host Marcelo caught a 25 lb. yellow tail tuna out in the bay, bbq'd it, and doled it out to family, neighbours, dogs, and us. Canadian athletes started getting high in the medal count. There was an overdue haircut with Carmela. And the 14th was a dual Valentine's/Ring Day 2013 celebration.

But then we had to move to our second place, high up in the hills among the donkey paths. The trek starts at the shore road, slopes up steeper and steeper, then goes to a series of stairs and rock trials. Legs and cardio! Up, up, and up in the heat.

The Mardi Gras Parade was naughty and nice ---- but not one strand of beads was thrown?! Pat made up for this lack of love by scoring some heartfelt fabric (at 50% off).

High school groups from the States are down here for a sister-city jazz fest. Lots of enthusiasm but maybe not quite ready for prime time. And yesterday evening there was an attempt at a Guiness Record for the Most People Drinking Coffee At The Same Time. About ten thousand were needed to slurp together, but did they do it?

Back up Mount Aldama, the interior is a lot like our former place in Toronto. Large open concept, high lofted ceiling, spiral staircase, and only one door (the entrance) plus a discrete curtain. The good news/bad news is the totally open main wall --- not even a curtain. Great for an outdoor feeling but hot in the afternoon sun. The unique feature is the ladder-access "observatory". A bit creepy to climb but breezes and views at the top. Can you say agrophobia?

So we're high in Vallarta. But as they say, what goes up must also go down...