I miss you Sayulita

Oh my gosh, I miss Sayulita and the vibe so much. I was afraid it would go away and I would settle back into life, but a month later I want to be back even more. Ashley

? :(

I have been home for a week and unfortunately getting back into the groove of my life as I knew it. I was depressed and not quite sure of what to do with myself the first week home. The only thing of real importance to me was to make sure I made it to work, which I did. I feel the pull of life gradually creeping back into me. Life meaning, I need to do this, we need to figure out this, I need to swap my schedule or pick up trips. The word "need" comes up a lot, but do I really "need" to do all this to make me content and happy. I was pretty content and happy in Mexico and I didn't need anything except food, water and my family. Yes, we were on a sort of vacation but it made me realize that we think we need to do this or that or have this or that when in all honesty we, or "I" don't. I was happy without all the clutter, news, stuff, noise. It was wonderful to just be present while we were there. "Present", because isn't the present really all we have?

I miss it, a lot, and I don't want to loose what I learned and how I felt when I was there. Ashley

Is Sayulita "All That Great"?

The quick answer to that question is "No". If you go to Sayulita with a certain image in your head I think you might be a bit disappointed. It is not a plush resort or a place where you can just vacation care free. It ain't Disney World or a resort in Puerto Vallarta. It can be crowded, loud, dirty, smelly, have too much traffic or be too slow and frustrating to many people. So what's the deal? What's the attraction? Why do people go back each year or even have made Sayulita home? It is a small, living, breathing, working Mexican coastal town. If you go to Sayulita to visit for a day or vacation for a month one should go and be willing to roll with the situation and have an experience. Locals and tourists mingle and exchange greetings, surfers hang out, drum circles jam, vendors sell, people smile, people yell, dogs wander, bands are loud, kids run, horns honk, electricity goes out, water can run out, roosters crow, you have to look before you step. Find a cold drink, sit in the plaza or pick a restaurant with a good view and just watch. One of most enjoyable things to do after dinner was to let our kids run in the town plaza and just watch as the town slowly shook off the day's heat and people came out to just sit and take in the evening. Such an experience to just watch the lights come on, the interactions take place, hear the languages spoken, see the nooks and crannies come alive all around us. To me, Sayulita is about "Living". I understand that better now after being there for more than just a week. It is a real place, with real people who really live there. If you go, learn some Spanish, be ready for the experience that is "Sayulita" and just roll with with what happens. Ozzy

Early Reflections and Observations

Well, we made it back yesterday with the kids and I sit here on a grey snowy day in Park City with a cup of coffee wondering if the last month really happened. I've only been back in the house and have already realized some things. We live in a small house by Park City standards and have always wanted to put an addition on. After living in a smaller space for so long, I now realize that we don't even use the space we have and much of the space we have is filled with things we really don't need. Why have "bigger" when you can have plenty if you live "smarter". Improving the space we have will certainly be our first effort when it is time. Food. I've already had stomach problems with the food here. Bulky, starchy, processed food that is always within easy reach is giving my insides problems. I noticed this the moment I sat down at a sandwich place in the airport and out of shear necessity, downed a crappy lunch. In Mexico we tended to eat fresh whole foods that we shopped for daily and had to be prepared and eaten quickly. It kept our energy levels consistent most of the time too. Anyway, it will be a day or so before getting back in the flow of things and I'm sure I will have additional observations.

Very sad not to have my rooftop view of town while having my morning java. Ozzy

Alex March 27, 2011 vs February 28th, 2011

Trace March 27th, 2011 vs February 28th, 2011

Not Over Yet

Ozzy and the kids are still in Mexico. Stay tuned for more.

Adios Sayulita

I don't really know what to say...What a month!! The culture shock and adjustment going home are going to be difficult. The time that we were able to spend together as a family on this adventure will be unforgettable. I have watched Alex and Trace become different, confident and strong little people. It has been awesome to hear them pick up the language and use it, the joy that they have every day and the friends they have made. We did have "moments" almost every day but they walked everywhere for a month, played hard, ate hard and slept hard. We pretty much ran them into the ground and they did really well.

I am very sad to leave. I am going to miss so much about this place. The vibe, the people, the friendliness, weather, fresh food and lots of it, mexico time, hanging at the beach every day with the family, sleeping in and cuddling with the kids every morning, doing yoga atop of the hill with 300 degree views of the ocean, the noise that I have become so accustomed to, such as the music, dogs and roosters all night long, not knowing what time it is and not caring, waking in the middle of the night to go downstairs outside to the bathroom and looking at the most beautiful sky.

Thank you John and Amy, Summer and Ragilio, for being there, taking care of us and helping us to navigate our way as well as all of the lunches, dinners and snacks your fed us and our children and to Nainoah, Kaikoah and Ava for being Alex and Traces friends, playing with them and sharing all of your toys.

Now, back to PC, snow and Delta. Damn

Happy Birthday Ozzy! Love, Ashley

Amigos

Alex has an uncanny ability to make friends in a matter of seconds no matter the language barrier. The Mexican girls love her. It is amazing to watch. She will go right up to any girl and within a minute they are fast friends and playing together. And are quick to include whatever siblings are available to join in the games. She made two new friends at the beach and they played for hours. Then tonight at the plaza she spotted a family and quickly sat with them and before we knew it she and the children are playing hide and seek. We just watch her work her magic and shake our heads, being very grateful that she is well liked.

Packing Up

It's hard to believe but we started to pack up today. Ashley is leaving tomorrow ahead of the rest of us since she can ride on one of the flights' "jump-seats" and ensure she gets home. The kids and I leave on Tuesday morning. A couple more nights here in town and then we say good-bye and go back to Park City and our snow covered house. Windy and warm is the forecast. Not sure what to think about that. No TV, no radio, small spaces, roosters and dogs waking us up every morning, shopping daily for fresh food, the always present sound of surf in the background... It will take at least two weeks for the kids to get the sand scrubbed from their bodies. Going to be an adjustment for sure. For now, two more days at least, adventuring on. Ozzy

Crossing the Street

Where we live our kids just don't get much practice with something as basic as "crossing the street". Just about the only time the kids have to deal with traffic, think about safety, yield to moving vehicles etc is when we go to the grocery store. Then we might have to watch out for a Range Rover driver talking on a cell phone cruising through the parking lot looking for premium parking that doesn't exist. Here, every moment that we spend out of our home we are on traffic alert. It's not that it's all that busy but it comes up on you faster, from many directions with less consideration for the pedestrian. Holding hands, walking in a single line, head on a swivel, listening, anticipating, reacting. Sidewalks don't always exist or are all that easy to navigate here. The kids don't quite have it down but they are learning very, very quickly. Trace seems to be more aware than Alex for some reason but they will both speak up to let all of us know what they see or hear coming. Anyway, valuable skills I hope the kids never ever forget 'cause I've seen some really idiot tourists that STILL don't have the smarts to cross the street and they just may not last very long down here. Ozzy

Catch of the day!

Alex Surfing

Manana, whatever!

I have been going non stop since the last blog entry. It all started with a play date with Summer and her mommy group here. Not your typical Park City play date. We piled our four kids and two dogs into the back of her Subaru and drove to BFE. Her friend owns land and put a trampoline on it so we went out there. First, we didn't know exactly where it was so we did some exploring. We finally found land that had a trampoline on it so figured it was the right spot, which it was. Put the kids through the fence and hey you have a play date. They got to hike, play in the riverbed climb a huge tree. It was pretty great. A lot of other stuff went on that I won't get into. So then we head out to dinner at one of the nicer places in town. Summer brings her dogs in and the kids are running around like crazy. We asked patrons if it was bothering them and they said not at all. Ozzy came down and found us but quickly left knowing I needed girl time. After running around the plaza and getting treats we headed home. Ozzy was psyched, he was able to have chill time on the beach with a full moon watching surfers in huge waves without kids.

Next day..not feeling too great but head out to the farmers market, which I love here, the beach, where we meet up with John and Amy and off to their house for a swim in a pool. Nice change from the beach. Margaritas, pizza and a movie. A nice change.

Sunday... off to Punta de Mita for family day. It is a beach about 10 minutes from here where the surf it supposedly better. I wouldn't know. So about 5 or 6 families from Sayulita, all gringos, are there with kids. It was really a fun time. We got to SUP, surf and John took Alex out on the surf board and had her sit on the front while he paddled and surfed. She loved it. Stay tuned for the video.

So, my manana got switched up a bit. I have had an awesome weekend though and it was worth it. We are going to have a day of rest tomorrow and stay home and hopefully take naps. It is a mexican holiday and spring break. Lots of people in town. And the kids are DONE! Ashley

Dog Poo Happens

Mexico has many dogs and cats that we don't necessarily have a home. As a result, freshly deposited and not so recently deposited doggy poo is found in a lot of places around town. Our children have a special talent for finding these little gifts and stepping in them, falling in them etc... usually right after a shower and as we are headed off to dinner. The other night we saw our friends, the Cawrses at a fantastic little taco place and within minutes Trace had one of his shoes covered. Johns daughter had also found the same pile and they had smeared a bit on their family golf cart. As I will tend to do, I got really frustrated with the whole situation. Kids are clean, just sat down for dinner and suddenly I'm looking for ways to scrape off crap from my son's shoe. Then there was John to the rescue. John and his family have had a home down here for the better part of 6 years and have learned a lot about living here and as a result, life in general. He calmly walked over to the kids, found a hose and just cleaned it up. "It's ok, dog poo happens" he said. Embarrassingly, I had to agree. Within half a minute John had cleaned up the situation and everyone was smiling again. I would have certainly fumed for much longer and had very little success getting over the situation. So, "dog poo happens" whether it's in Mexico or other places and there are other things in the world that happen that are much much worse. A lesson learned. Thanks John. Ozzy

Manana

My new favorite thought! I don't know what is wrong with me but I just don't want to do anything. I am usually addicted to iphoto but even that has gone by the way side. I wonder, is it because I don't HAVE to do anything. I also wonder is my motivation going to come back because I have to go back to work on the 31st for six days. Am I going to make it? I just want to lay on my bed in my palapa with the doors open, out of the sunshine with the fan running, looking through my walls, listening to the joyous sounds of Mexico and read. See picture.

I did very recently have a few days of wanting to be done with this trip. Though, after looking at my schedule for April and talking to Bee Bah on Skype I felt better. I just needed a connection with some things familiar. I have learned that I do love where I live, though I always have and I love it here. I guess I am pretty lucky in that aspect. I love talking and talking english to everyone I see. Though, hopefully one day I will be able to speak spanish so I can talk to everyone here. You can only talk so much to your husband and children while living in a one bedroom palapa and spending 24 hours a day with them. I know it sounds crazy but you run out of things to say even when you have had a bottle of wine.

Girlfriends are also good, as well as cell phones, so I can talk to my girlfriends, a car, gluten free bread and the occasional episode of The Bachelor. Ashley

Finally!

After two weeks Trace is finally warming up to the ocean. I don't know if it is him watching Alex "get it" on the boogie board or watching kids his size actually surf on a real surf board but he is getting there. He is only 3 1/2.

Thoughts of the day

-I am glad that I am forty, not competeting for with all the twenty somethings and not insecure about my body.
- I love being tan
- I love that to do sports here you have take off clothes instead of put more and more on.
- I just learned today that all vacations have to be at least a month. I JUST decompressed after two weeks and now I can relax, when I finally pull myself out of bed.
- Why is Trace in a deep conversation with this restaurant owner? What in the world could they be talking about?
- Alex is one tough chick in the ocean. She gets hammered by the waves and goes right back out.

Ashley

Punta Sayulita Surf Classic and Concert Under the Stars

We got up and headed down to the beach early on Saturday morning to watch our first surf competition...except the waves came up to about my ankles. The competitors gave it their best shot when there was a wave to catch but there wasn't a lot of action to be seen. The thing was that hardly anyone cared. The weather was beautiful, there was lots of food, drink and scenery to be had. One particular guy stood out to me during a particular heat. He had style, more than a few years on some of the competitors and every move he made was effortless. I came to find out that this guy was Gerry Lopez. Even a dumb, land-locked, east coast guy like me has heard of Gerry Lopez. Look him up. A legend. He made something out of nothing and it showed though people who have seen him REALLY surf said he didn't do very much. The lack of waves made the distance race much more manageable it seemed for the next competition. The race consisted of staying up on a board, paddling and running on the beach. It was tiring just watching and the fitness level of some of the competitors made me wish I had done a few more pushups this winter.

In the evening we attended a concert on the beach by a reggae artist named "Mishka". It was late and the kids didn't last long but the setting was one of my highlights so far. Under the stars with an ocean breeze, surf at our back, the town lit up and mom and dad grooving with the kids in the sand. Hope we have a few more moments like that still to come. Ozzy

Mishka-Punta Sayulita Surf Classic

Life is good! I really am enjoying having nothing to do, except for what I want to do. I do yoga every other day at a palapa that sits high on the hill and overlooks town and the ocean. I am not turning into a yogi but I have realized that I am one tense, tight body. After four classes, today I finally was able to relax, feel and be aware of my body.

Pooping has become an issue. Every time we get somewhere, like the beach, one of the kids has to poop and usually Ozzy runs them back home. Luckily it is close. Public bathrooms just aren't the norm around here. So yesterday Alex, Trace and I packed up for the beach with the intention to go to the doctor on the way. I am carrying a boogie board, sand toys and a large bag of towels, etc. We are siting in the doctors office and guess what? Trace has to poop. So we walk back home to poop. Once again, luckily it was close. We walk back to the doctor and now there is a line. So, instead we went to the beach. So, when Trace's foot falls off because of a spider bite I will tell him that it was his butts fault. We finally get to the beach and they are so tired from all the walking that we just lay on the towel and hang out which was nice.

Every morning when Alex and Trace wake up they either hang out together in her cot and talk or they both come into our bed. Alex mentioned this morning that she loves it when we are all in bed together. Trace keeps telling me that he doesn't want me to go to work. Good thing I don't have to, for a little while at least.

We went to the farmers market today. Summer, our host, helps put it on. Loved it!! I think I knew more people there than I do at the one in PC. Now, Alex and Trace are having another playdate. We are avoiding the beach today and staying high. Check out their friends on the pic of the day. They all get along so well and have lots of fun. I think they have more friends here than they do at home.

Huge weekend. Dinner tonight a a friends house, and Saturday and Sunday is the longboard surfing competition. They have set up a huge stage for a concert on the beach. This is a big deal. Surfers come from all over the world for this competition.

Dillon is doing awesome.

Thank you Anita and Shane for taking such good care of him and loving him as your own. And to Michael for taking him on a hike. I swear he is not going to want to come home. Ashley

Tsunami

We are living on really high ground in case something comes this way. The window of danger has already passed but we are still on the look out with no intentions of going to the beach today.

Flashing Lights in the Rear View Mirror

My friend, John, and I went into Puerto Vallarta to get some groceries at Costco and to pick up his family at the airport when flashing lights were spotted in this rear view mirror. Someone from the car was telling us over a loud speaker to "pull over" though it was in Spanish so I can't really say for sure. The officer came to the window and in a mix of Spanish and English told John what he had done wrong. I really didn't see John do anything that deserved being pulled over but certainly kept my mouth shut and recollected the many times I had seen a carload of Mexicans pulled over in Park City. Was the officer having a bad day, was he "profiling" or was there a very good reason to pull them over? Well, it turned out that John admitted that he really did coast through a red light and couldn't blame the officer for pulling him over. I was just too busy to looking around and talking notice. The officer gave John the choice of going to the station and paying the US equivalent of $100+ fine and pick up his drivers license or paying him right there and then. This way John could choose to get this done immediately and wouldn't have to make a special trip into Vallarta. John decided to pay the officer but only had about 90 pesos or 8 bucks in his wallet. The officer was less than impressed but since it would pay for his lunch so he took it and sent John on his way. Fine? Bribe? Maybe. The system in Mexico. si. Oscar Award goes to John for playing the dumb tourist who doesn't speak any Spanish or know his way around Puerto Vallarta.

Our Host Family

We are living in a rooftop palapa rented to us by a couple with kids the same age as Alex and Trace. The mom, Summer, is from Hawaii and the husband, Ragilio, is a local with deep family roots in town. It's been interesting to watch this family come and go and actually "live" in town. Summer is a grant writer for the University of Hawaii and Ragilio owns a surfboard repair shop in town. One business is tourism dependent and the other internet dependent. Their oldest boy goes to a local private school while their youngest is taken care of half days by a young local girl. Basically, no matter where you are, life happens. You work, care for the kids, shop, pay bills, play when you can etc. People often forget this when they visit a town that is tourism and recreation based. No different than our home in Park City. Ozzy

Local kids in the plaza

SUP in Sayulita-March 2011

Evening in Sayulita

FOOD, Day 6

One of the things I just can't get enough of down here is the local Mexican food. If Ashley would let me I would dine out on the street everyday. It sure ain't Taco Bell. Put together a fresh flour or corn tortilla, some beef, onions, guac, cilantro, good picante and something fantastic can happen. Folks emerge from places that are homes during the day and become transformed into front yard restaurants dotted with plastic chairs and tables during the evening. Last night the family went to a place called "Sayulita Street Taco". The whole family couldn't get enough. My new favorite by far. It's crazy to watch our picky kids keep asking for more when if we made the same meal in the US they would be looking for "something else". Refreshing change. Ozzy

No Mas, Day 5

I think the kids are toast, beaten down, tired, hungry, and have had a lot of sun. We went in search of gluten free food this morning and it was getting ugly, fast. I asked Alex if she wanted to go back home and play in the snow instead and she quickly said no and stepped it up. So we have decided on this Saturday to lay low, try to keep out of the sun. Thought Alex keeps asking to go to the beach to perfect her boogie boarding skills. They are playing with the kids down stairs so we actually are getting a break. Play date, Play date!!! Town is pretty busy with lots of weddings anyway so I am happy to be a hermit and stay away from the crowds since large groups of people are not my favorite thing.

We have run into about four families that are also here for an extended period of time and we hang out at the same area of the beach. Away from the surfers where the waves are much more kid friendly. So Alex made friends a few days ago with some kids. Surfers hang out in the water on their boards talking, resting, waiting. So yesterday I look out and Alex is on her board in the water with the other kids, talking, resting and waiting for that perfect wave. It was so cute. I can see her being a rad surfer chic, she definatley has the strength.

Yes, we still have Trace. He likes to dig in the sand. He really takes the time to watch, observe, listen. He is even picking up spanish and using it. He is very happy here. He is psyched on all the fruit he gets to eat.

Ozzy and I are well. Even though we are on semi vacation I have quickly learned that you still have to clean, cook, grocery shop every day, pay bills, parent. What is that saying? "Where you go, there you are?" or something like that.

I love this picture of Alex, in the foreground. If she keeps practicing she will be hanging with the real surfers in no time. Ashley

Day 5-Morning

Everyone slept in except Daddy. Just like at home I was up making coffee and checking things via computer. I think we turned a corner yesterday and this morning. I checked out a large potential job here in town and we finally started living in town like it was home vs living like tourists. In other words, the amount of Pacificos, tequila and wine was held to a minimum. As result we got a good night's sleep(as much as the roosters and dogs would allow) and are ready to explore again. Ozzy

Day 3

Alex was introduced to the boogie board today and is tearing it up. Her love of the ocean is huge, as well as her confidence level. Trace not so much. He got beat up on his first try and is now not so interested.
There are two boys who live in the house below our palapa so Alex and Trace like to wander down there to play with them and their toys. They are really adjusting to it here.
I love going to the market and leaving with a huge bag full of food that is $20 instead of $60. I also love walking everywhere and not filling up two gas guzzlers. The town is so small that it takes nothing to go out and grab something. Ashley

Day 2

Getting more comfortable in our Palapa and town. Kids slept in. They are so tired but so happy. Went to the beach again, this time mommy learned to "SUP" aka Stand Up Paddle. I did pretty good considering the waves, current and wind. Thanks to ballet and Tele skiing the balance came pretty easy. The kids are still learning to appreciate the "POWER" of water. Huge lesson!! Today I had a virgo moment. I was getting a little crazy and bitchy, (I know, you cannot imagine me bitchy) so, long story short, after going off on poor Ozzy I sent him to town to buy food. While he was gone I realized I was in disarray because I was not organized, didn't have what I needed here, etc. So I got organized the room and very small kitchen and cleaned and everything was fine. We have a small home here and it is actually more shelter than I originally thought, but it is a one room, stick shelter with a patio, outdoor kitchen and outdoor shower.
It is a little easier than car camping. We love it though and love being outside and pretty warm. It is cool at night though, jeans and sweater weather. Ashley

Thumbs up to Sayulita, day 1

First day in Mexico. The kids were psyched to be at the beach. Trace could not stop saying, "it is warm". He has been asking for months now when it is going to be summer. He is so in his element here. He struts around like he owns the place. And he is a totally different kid here. No whining. He is so observant of everything going on around him. It is pretty cool to watch. Alex is a bit lazy. It must be hard for a 5 year old to lug around 60 lbs of muscle. They both LOVE the water and are becoming very comfortable in it which scares the hell out of us. Actually they are both doing great with all the walking they have to do. I love it. Haven't moved this much since I can remember. Ashley

Sometimes It Just Doesn't Matter How Much Planning You Do

It was just one of those moments. We had planned, packed, traveled, prepared and left for our month long "Adventure" in Mexico. We arrived at the airport and Ashley looked at me and asked me where the bag with the passports was. I looked at her and thought she had to be kidding. She wasn't. The most important bag on the trip was sitting in a bedroom back at the house. A speed record trip back up to Park City and back, some persuasive discussion by Ashley with the ticket agent bought us some time and we checked in exactly 30 minutes before the flight left. If we didn't make this flight we had no idea when we might get here. Sometimes it doesn't matter how much planning one does, things can still go wrong. Maybe a lesson learned for future adventures.