PHOTO ALBUM/COLLECTION: https://photos.app.goo.gl/7YVVreVFAuJyumWE8
The BIG surprise,
Quest and May had absolutely no idea that their Mom’s were arriving, along with the rest of their families.
We had all decided to turn the arrival into a great, big, surprise for the children. The Mom’s and family were on their way, 1st Atlanta and then Puerto Vallarta.
I knew my girls were excited! Mainly to see their babies, but also for a much needed holiday with their partners.
We thought the hotel lobby would be a good place for the surprise. 1st we made up the excuse that we had decided it would be a nice idea to do the day’s reading assignment in the comfort of the lobby. The kids didn’t really share our enthusiasm. They reluctantly walked there with us. Took turns reading to us, then sulkily agreed to read a bit more. One hour later nobody had arrived….
Unfortunately nobody showed up…. So we guessed there must have been delays. Back to Aeeshah we went, the kids thinking we would get ready for pool time… We had a cup of tea, they had a snack of cookies. Next told them we needed to go back to the lobby as there was a query about our next trip that we needed answered. It was by then just after 3:30, the plane had landed just after noon. We had finally had a message that they were there checking in. Back to the lobby we trapsed with 2 fed up Grandchildren. I was standing in the middle the lobby with May when who should appear but her Mom – Kate.
May literally did a second and third look as if she thought she was hallucinating, seeing an apparition. She shrieked and jumped into Kate’s arms. Poor May was so over taken with emotions she was crying and hanging on to Kate, who was also overcome with emotions.
Meanwhile Quest who was with Papa, just behind us, saw his Mom and jumped at her, but he was angry at the same time as happy, emotionally shocked by her appearance and angry at being fooled by us. His looks towards us were thunderous.
Along with Chrissie was Ruben and his son Mason. Accompanying Kate was Josh. We all greeted each other and spent a few minutes chatting.
They all were exhausted and starving just as we had been upon arriving. We left them having drinks and ordering food in the beach bar. May and Quest stayed with their Moms while John and I returned to Aeeshah to pack their bags.
From then on our days became much quieter.
A visit to Aeeshah and Chico
Everyone came the next day to Aeeshah to see where May and Quest had been sleeping. Plus to see and hang out with our lad Chico.
Both Chrissie and Kate had met Chico and been on Aeeshah, but the others hadn’t.
Ruben seemed to find Aeeshah a really cool way to live and travel.
Everyone was over come with admiration for Chico and he reveled in it. He had praise, compliments, lots of loving and he enjoyed every minute. Until, he’d had enough and off he went to find a quiet corner.
Most days the group enjoyed the resort facilities, the pools, the beach the handy mall and all of their all inclusive meals.
Zipline day with Veranos Canopy Tour
It advertises as : “Fly hundreds of feet above the pristine coastal jungle of Puerto Vallarta on the largest zipline canopy tour on Earth. With 19 lines stretching over 2 miles, this world-famous experience pairs unparalleled views with the feeling of weightless wonder through some of our planet’s most breathtaking natural scenery.”
John went along with the group for this the 1st outing to the zip-line tour. (I didn’t go, due to my knee, but was told all about the day.)
This tour took them via a fast boat along the coastline of Banderas Bay to Boca de Tomatlan, where the facilities are found.
Everyone was very impressed with the scenery, the mountains, jungle, the views, the river and waterfalls.
1st they sped through the jungle heading uphill to the main facility in a large 4 by 4 vehicle. Apparently there was then, lots of uphill climbing involved, so I was wise not to go. John telling me they were all covered in sweat plus they had to carry their harnesses too. Chrissie telling me it was a mean climb, but worth it.
John who has zipped many times before told me this tour was the best. They did 18 zips all back and forth over a deep ravine between the mountains.
After zipping they enjoyed a great lunch at the Los Veranos Café. Perched alongside the Horcones River, the café offers wonderful views of the surrounding tropical paradise.
They were able to swim in the refreshing Horcones river and splash in the waterfalls. May loved it! Kate told me how cold, but, refreshing the river was to swim in.
There was also the opportunity to visit with the animals they had in the Animal Sanctuary.
A very large snake, monkeys, toucans, macaws, iguanas, turtles, tejóns, a small monkey and toucan and more.
Plus they got to hold a few as well. Kate and May both told of how they just loved this opportunity.
The group was then returned to the resort via the same boat ride. Along the way they saw turtles and had dolphin jumping alongside to boat. The children were all very impressed by the dolphins having never seen them in the wild and to see them jumping was amazing for them.
Golf and Market day
Ruben was keen on golfing on the resort’s: El Tigre Golf Club
“Golfing at El Tigre Golf Club in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico, offers a world-class championship experience with an 18-hole, Par 72 course designed by Robert Von Hagge, known for its challenging layout with 12 water hazards and five unique “beach” bunkers. The course, set amidst lush tropical vegetation, features a luxurious, hacienda-style clubhouse with spa facilities and dining. While considered one of Mexico’s most difficult courses, it provides a rewarding experience for golfers of all skill levels.”
Off Ruben and Josh went and they reported had an amazing day, They never said who won, so guess they both won.
We all, meanwhile set off to explore one of the markets:
Isla Cáale Flea Market
This large flea market is located by the northern shore of the Cuale River, flowing through downtown Puerto Vallarta. This market is the essence and tradition of this tourist destination, it has been operating for almost three decades on the banks of the Cuale River. There you can find pottery, jewelry, embroidered clothing, souvenirs, and much, much, more.
Upon 1st arriving neither Chrissie nor Kate had ever shopped in a market as such. John and I tried to coach them in the art of bargaining and being wise when pursuing around the different vendors and stalls. How you don’t show too much interest, just look around, then go back later to buy.
Meanwhile we also had all three children trying to barter as well. They each had funds they wanted to spend. Gifts to buy as well. For a time they were all off in different directions.
After a while, they all seemed to get the hang of it and were making their own purchases.
I do think we all had a fun time. I even got myself a lovely casual dress for around the boat.
We eventually came out at the waterfront where we decided it was time to say goodbye to the market and to walk the water front while having look around. Plus finding a place for lunch.
Kate was way laid by one of the vendors. She just couldn’t say an out right no to him as when she did he looked sad she told us later. So she started chatting and bargaining with him and ended up with some really lovely jewelry and at an excellent good price.
The three kids were stopped by a street artist who convinced Chrissie he would do a drawing with all 3 of them in it. So, they sat for him and the result was very, very, good. Chrissie was really happy with the piece too.
Lunch was in a very nice restaurant looking out over the sea front. We all enjoyed lunch. Kate and I loved our fish tacos.
A really fun day for everyone.
Vallarta Adventures, swimming with the dolphin
“Swim with dolphins and connect with them in a meaningful way through an experience designed to strengthen your bond with these intelligent creatures.”
“Engage in an educational session, listening to their clicks and whistles as you glide through the water. Wear a mask to admire their movements underwater, share a tender kiss or hug, and enjoy interactive moments that strengthen your bond.”
So It says in their advertisement.
May really, really wanted to swim with the dolphin so on their last morning they were off to Vallarta Adventures. They came back well happy and had an amazing experience with the dolphins.
Off they go
It was time to say goodbye. It had been a very successful holiday together. Of course I wish our son, Gavin and his family were there too. Maybe next time?
So how did everyone feel about their time in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico?
May: Word for word 😅
#1 Name 3 best/fav things you did and 2. Why were they fun
Number 1- May’s best experience her first response was: “The water park and the dolphins because I got to pat and swim with dolphins and play in the water park
Number 2- “Next was the Crocodile Sanctuary because we get to see the animals and tocans and lots of other things too.”
Number 3- “Zip lining was the next because we went on 19 zip lines and it was really exciting. We also held a snake, a monkey and a toucan.”
#2. Would you visit again?
“I would visit, maybe next year,” she said.
#3. What did you see that surprised you?
I was very surprised by the iguanas, the snake, the crocodiles, and the water slides.
#4. Did you like staying on Aeeshah?
“Yes and no because it was hot, but I liked it because I liked seeing Quest and Nana and Papa and also Chico. I loved Chico and when Papa read a story each night to us. I also loved Nana’s pasta.”
Quest:
#1 Name 3 best/fav things you did and 2. Why were they fun
Number 1- Is zip lineing.
Zip lining was fun because I’d never done it before and you went fast and there were lots of rides. Plus you could go upside down and spin around.
Number 2- The pools at the hotel
The pools were fun because the slides were fast and cool.
Number 3- Staying on the boat
Staying on the boat was fun cause I went fishing off the dock. And being with Papa and Nana and eating and living on the boat.
#2. Would you visit again?
“Yes, definately”
#3. What did you see that surprised you?
What surprised me were the crocodiles, the iguanas.
#4. Did you like staying on Aeeshah?
Yes, I loved staying on the boat. My favorite things were Chico and sleeping with Papa, even though he snored.
Chrissie:
#1. Tell me the 3 top, best, favorite times during the week. And why were they so amazing.
Number 1 – for me, HAS to be surprising Quest in the lobby on day one. He, we, were both, so emotional/excited to see each other.
Number 2 – The zip lining day was epic, definitely well worth the exhausting hike, the giant mosquitos and being pooed on by a flying pterodactyl aka pelican. It was an epic day!
Number 3 – Spending quality time together with everyone. It was such a lovely experience to all be together creating memories.
#2. How does Puerto Vallarta, Mexico rate as a holiday destination for you? Why?
– It rates a solid 8.5 out of 10, I loved how there is so much to do!
Ruben:
#1. Tell me the 3 top, best, favorite times during the week. And why were they so amazing.
Number 1 – Spending time with the family, it was great spending time with the kids and creating new memories.
Number 2 – Golfing at El Tigre club de Golf, it was like being in a “Beverly Hills” class/type golf course. It was awesome!
Number 3 – The amazing zip lining. It was a great, new, experience that none of us had done before. The views were incredible!
#2. How does Puerto Vallarta, Mexico rate as a holiday destination for you? Why?
– Going there to spend a family vacation. It is great destination. Attentive staff and everything you need is a walk away
Mason Philipe Araujo
#1. Name 3 best/fav things you did during your visit?
1. Zip-lining, because I liked the height and the speed I went zipping.
2. Playing in the pool, with all the water slides.
3. The different restaurants because the food tasted really, good.
#2. Why were they fun
It was fun because it was all a new experience!
#3. Would you visit again?
I would love to go back to Mexico!
#4. What did you see that surprised you?
The Iguanas surprised me.
Kate:
#1. Tell me the 3 top, best, favorite times during the week. And why were they so amazing.
Number 1 – for me was the zip lining. It was a beautiful experience up in the mountains and then swimming in the river. We also held monkeys and snakes for the first time.
Number 2 – The market was my second best, favorite time. Experiencing more of a local vibe while there. Getting so see all of the stunning hand made pottery work, paintings, and other authentic Mexican creations.
Number 3 – was using the resort facilities with our all inclusive reservation. Enjoying our daily pool outings, the stunning buffets we experienced, as well as the lovely local food. Plus seeing the hawk and his trainer every meal time at the restaurant. Loved the bird and thought it was so cool the way it was trained to see off other birds.
#2. How does Puerto Vallarta, Mexico rate as a holiday destination for you? Why?
It rates very high in with me. To experience something I have never experienced before. The beautiful people, amazing views and what made it extra special was that we got to hang with our family.
Josh:
#1. Tell me the 3 top, best, favorite times during the week. And why were they so amazing.
Number 1 – I really enjoyed the zip lining. The people were so friendly and very experienced. We zip lined 18 lines and also had a great experience. Then swimming in the fresh water of the river and eating the amazing local food. The tacos were to die for.
Number 2 – I enjoyed swimming with the dolphins, it’s been years since I have swam with them and touched them. The water park was great with seeing the animals and watching May having a blast.
Number 3 – Hanging around the pool and having to do aerobics and other activities the hotel had going on. Walking on the beach and and eating the local food was amazing. Spending time with Kate and May was all I needed.
#2. How does Puerto Vallarta, Mexico rate as a holiday destination for you? Why?
- It was a great Mexican destination as it reminds me of island life with a twist with the beautiful mountains and jungle. The wildlife was also amazing as I don’t see this at home! It really is a paradise away from home and offers so much.
- The thunder storms were a moment of artwork for me and I loved watching them almost daily.
“The greatest legacy we can leave our children is happy memories”.
