Sometimes Nice isn't easy!

Sometimes it does not pay to be nice!  Today was one of them!  Grrrrr!  Let's just say this writing is a means to alleviate some of the day's Hotel Drama and frustration!  I am sure I am not the only one that has had this happen! Comments welcome on this topic because I am curious...Here goes...

Tara's birthday falls on a three day weekend.   Always does. This year we thought we would venture over to Mendocino. it's a little over a four hour drive.  Tara works Friday so we thought we would get up early on Saturday, meander over to the coast slowly, stopping along the way at a couple of wineries and a brewery.  We know the area is very dog friendly so Fenway got to go as well.  

We had loved our stay at the Stanford Inn and Tara thought it a great idea for her birthday.  So my Tuesday began...I called to make a reservation.  The receptionist, Ann was a little scattered on the phone but that's okay.  First she noted that we were return guest and then she lost all our information. Still not a problem, we all have bad days.  I made my two night reservation in one of the mid level rooms (not cheap I might add) gave her my credit card information and she gave me confirmation.  She thanked me, said she looked forward to seeing us and we finished our conversation.  

Excited, I called Tara to tell her of our reservation.  Same room as we had stayed in last time!  I was just about to call back to schedule two massages when the phone rang.  "Hi, this is Ann," she began..."I have to cancel your reservation because it's a three night minimum on three day weekends!"
WHAT!  I had just noticed that I had received an email from them.  It was a CONFIRMATION email.  Now she was canceling!!  I asked why when you confirm can you call and cancel?!  She said that was the policy and it had come up after she had confirmed!  Does this make any sense to you? I asked to speak with a manager or the owners who had "signed" my confirmation email and she informed me no one was there.

Bewildered, I hung up.  I was mad!  I checked my credit card and sure enough they had even charged that for the one night required reservation holding fee!  After speaking with Tara, I called back and asked to speak with one of the owners or another manager.  This time Ann told me she was on the phone with the manager and that the manager would be calling me back from her house..."Let me get off of here so she can call you..."  We're getting somewhere, I thought. Surely no good business person would think this a positive way to run a business.  This was a hotel that prides itself on service and taking care of people?!  A business that thrives on having folks return to their establishment!!

Almost two hours past...thought I was "getting off the phone" so that this Manager could call me?  I began to wonder what phone number was on the registry.  Ann had been very scattered...who knew?  I called back.  At that time the Manager, Jill was coming into the office and took the phone. I began nicely.  Nice did nothing!!  The woman on the other end of the phone who called herself a manager had the customer service skills of a rattle snake!!  First, wouldn't you apologize and try and make this right?  Not her, she said her employee made and mistake and well, all humans make mistakes!!  I asked why I got a confirmation...you got it...A MISTAKE!!  Instead I was told why after this... would you even want to come here?  Really?  I get that mistakes happen, but I didn't make the mistake...Isn't customer sales about making good on ads or misprints or even "HUMAN ERROR"! I wasn't trying to do something wrong. I didn't do this...I was not the  untrained employee or glitch in the computer!! Wasn't it just last month that the airlines made good on $10 flights that were a computer error?  Heck, in this case I was attempting to spend well over $800 at their establishment when all would have been said and done! Funny, my Daddy used to say money talked ~ these days with customer service the way it is ~ I would tell him you can't even give money away!!

I would wager to bet that all their rooms do not fill up for the three night minimum during Memorial Day.  We are a Nation that is traveling less as gas prices rise and not everyone can afford hotel rooms that begin at over $200 a night for three nights.  Grant it; we could but we work we only had two nights and three days. That leads us back to my opening...at this distance who can expect folks to stay three nights without taking off work?!  Wouldn't Stanford Inn have been better booking one room for two nights at the premium price, selling us our cocktails that we always had when staying there, having us as guest at their restaurant, The Raven; and having us enjoy their relaxing spa massages?  Oh, not to mention that famous and effective advertisement campaign...WORD OF MOUTH.  We were repeat customers for goodness sake...even Fenway! They knew this was a special occasion and still they could not swallow their OWN mistake!  Bad business...gets a complaint made to the Better Business Bureau and a negative review in Trip Advisor!!  Saying, you know we blew it...let's make it right gets happy travelers and more repeat business!  Not to say a good Trip Advisor review and positive blogger!

As it is I have a bad taste in my mouth from this experience. We have a few spring trips planned; Healdsburg at Healdsburg Inn ~ A Four Sisters Inn for a weekend of wine at J Vinyards, where we are members ...and repeat guest (ha).  Also for a beach weekend in Monterey at The Sanctuary Beach Resort where we are again repeat guest...even our Baseball weekend has us repeating stays; and the last  adventure at that hotel had a down spot when our car was broken into during our 4th of July stay last year...But the Waterfront Hotel and Joie de Vive knew how to make a bad "mistake" that happened on their watch better...and we didn't even have to ask?!  I name drop only because good customer service gets folks coming back over and over... But these trips don't make Tara's birthday better...I'm still looking for "that perfect" place...it WAS confirmed...but now...the rattle snake bit!

Clearly, Where We Go; He Goes ~ Four Pawed Travel

We have a dog!  Or so it seems...if you were to ask any family member or friend they would tell you that we have a third person in our little "family unit. There is the two of us, two very spoiled felines and one four pawed fellow who "thinks he's another human" aka Fenway!  We got Fenway four years ago this past November. He was adorable, cuddly, and although a six week old puppy, huge.  He still is!  I call him sturdy, others, including Tara will tell you he is too big even for his English Labrador breed.  He doesn't care; he is still a lap dog. His beds (yes, plural) are probably more comfortable than most "real" humans... to him Costco beds are for travel and out on the front patio.  He prefers his beds be labeled Orvis, be tempur-pedic and have his name on them!  I confess to being the culprit to his cozy bed fetish...and he has three of them?!  So he's one of us ~ that means he goes where we go.  This is a dog that has never spent a night alone!  Let's say that rather than spoiled he is very savvy in Dog friendly lodging and eateries.  

I am certain if he could talk he would have long ago been blogging about where to go and where to steer clear of!  We have had a couple of places that even Fenway did not want to stay! We don't plan to mention them here...Let's focus on the favorites!  

Fenway's travels began when he was only eleven weeks.  On New Years day we all hopped in the car and headed to San Francisco so he could see the ocean!  At that point in his life, though marveled by the sounds and smells of ocean life he was too little and too afraid to get in...but he loved walking around the city and being oohed and awed at...He still does!  He has been back many times, walked in the Bay-to_Breakers, strolled through the Golden Gate Park and rolled in the succulents and sands of most SF beaches!  Since then,  Fenway has been a constant adventurer!  Wine tasting in both Napa and Sonoma, surfing in Monterey, clam digging at Mendocino, checking out the clean air of Tahoe, Brewery hopping through Oregon and Washington, kite flying at Cannon Beach,  even a little gold panning in the Sierra Nevada...to name a few!

Finding dog friendly hotels is pretty easy.  Web searches and apps are readily available.  Bring Fido.com and DogFriendly.com both offer easy and convenient directories for your phone, iPad and your computer.  Both are up to date and offer reviews.  One good thing to note is that most travelers with Four Paw companions have good taste!  Most tell it like it is!   The sites also give accurate information on weight limits and pet deposits!  

There are many "dog friendly" hotels but in our case we have to have one that does not discriminate over size!  At " a-lot-to-love" weight of over 115lbs you have to realize that size does matter!  Two names should be looked at first when traveling if you were to ask Fen... Joie de Vivre and Kimpton Hotels.  Competitors, at yes but only in some markets...both are found in most  major cities in California but Kimpton is far larger with more national locations.  Both have lots to offer a four pawed traveler!  We have stayed in numerous of both "chains" and never been dissatisfied.  Both offer different styles at each of their sites and are always clean, friendly go above and beyond for the Paw Crowd and well as the humans!  

Rather than go through every place we have taken our big boy...I thought I'd highlight some of the favorites.  Those places where you and your pooch may travel and where it was more than apparent Fenway had a doggy good time and so did we.  We like comfort, clean, uniqueness, good service and if possible, a balcony with a view...people as well as a dog need a place to daydream!  

We have traveled with Fenway to San Francisco numerous times and know you can't go wrong with Joie de Vivre.  Among our favorites are The Hotel Rex (say hello to Maximo if you visit) and Hotel VItale.  Hotel Rex is in the heart of down town with a library like setting.  You and your dog can sit in the study while you enjoy a light breakfast or small dinner.  Cocktails are served and their is a complementary wine hour!  During our visit we were joined by a wonderful couple from across the Bay who were staying the night after they went to a play. As usual Fenway got tons of attention.  Hotel Vitale is located on the Embarcadero waterfront and Financial District. It is very modern, with rooms decorated in perfect harmony and windows with breathtaking views of the Bay Bridge, Ferry Building and Embarcadero street way!  There is a bustling bar in the hotel with an upbeat eclectic atmosphere complete with outdoor patio for you and your dog. It's often cool in SF so the heaters are plenty and ready to light!  This hotel does not forget anything.  Think California dreams with lavender and river stones!  

For those traveling to the Mendocino area you will find it very dog friendly.  We chose to stay near the town itself but not directly in it...Stanford Lodge by the Sea.  We stayed in a gorgeous room overlooking the gardens and town.  It had a wood stove, everything one needed including a wet-bar and a little balcony to sit out on and enjoy the sites and smells.  There were walks and pathways to the river, gardens to explore and and animals to visit and enjoy.  Fen was a youngster and he was like a kid in a candy store here!  Best part of all; they allowed him to eat breakfast with us in their dining area!!  What could be better?  In Fen's case it was all the goodies they provided him, a bed, food dishes, HOMEMADE dog biscuits, toys and a sheet so he could get on the bed...well he used that and more!

Did I mention they make their own dog treats? 








We found that Fenway loved the ocean!  Okay so he's a Lab...guess that makes sense?! Monterey is a ocean lover's dream and is near by the dog loving community of Carmel! Although Fen has not stayed in the hotel itself we have eaten and drank at The Cypress Inn.  If staying directly in Carmel;  this 7th and Lincoln establishment is a must!  It has dog loving Doris Day in every corner, as this was her hotel.  She was a long time resident and  the greatest of Dog Ambassadors and Carmel embraces her endeavors.  The hotel's motto is that the dogs are the true guest and the humans just along with them!.  Dogs first...humans second!  Fen loved this place from the moment he walked into the courtyard and we had afternoon o'dorves and cocktails!  He simply made himself at home!

We enjoy staying out of the main area of Monterey a bit and usually gravitate north of Monterey.  Many hotels in the area are dog friendly. Last year after a number of stays we found the  Sanctuary Beach Resort.  Located in Marina, directly on the dunes this place has us going back this coming Easter!  One can stay in the main hotel  rooms OR Deluxe Ocean Front rooms or suites.  We chose the room rather that the suite because we don't need ALL that space...it always seems like a waste.  Turns out the "room" is perfect.  Right at the beach dunes' edge sits a small number of "duplexes".  Each with a suite on one side and a deluxe room (think studio) on the other.  Both have the same sized patio that has you touching the sand!  The room had the most comfy of beds, huge bathroom where two people could get ready at the same time without bothering the other...room service, a sitting area and the sound of the ocean!!  We couldn't ask for more...as for Fenway...he was in doggy Paradise!  He ran on the beach, romped in the waters, got a kite high in the air for me,

met a new friend and played for hours, 

hung out on the patio with the other Mom and tried to convince her to hand over the pizza we had delivered...

and was just as awed by the sunset as we were!  This place is amazing.  You are secluded...so much so that you get a little gulf cart to take you to and from your car to the room to the pool to the on site restaurant and bar!  This is one of those must stays for any dog or human.  They can be a little pricey, but look what you get!  Not a stale hotel room with no view!!  They also have great online specials and even better ones if you befriend them on Facebook!  





If traveling to Tahoe we have found that many places say they are dog friendly but they have all types of limitations.  We do not fit the under 15 pound dog and our dog likes to sit with you at patio seating.  This is not the custom in Tahoe.  However in Truckee...you know us laxed Californian's ~ we are able to have our boy with us.  We found a small hotel just outside of Truckee that we have been to a few times.  Dog friendly, Cedar House Sport Hotel is like walking into a little chalet in Europe!  Clean and modern its moderate furnishings make it fun, refreshing and roomy.  

Fen's been there a few times and feels perfectly at home!  Every time he has gone there has been a bed waiting for him, along with treats and balls.  Bouncy yellow tennis balls and a patio make a boy very happy!  There is a small bar area open outside when it's nice weather and an onsite restaurant, Stella.  

While traveling in Oregon, we found two hot spots that have "Man's best friend," written all over them.  The first was at Cannon Beach. Ocean Lodge; snug on the beach, steps from Haysack Rock is stunning.  Dogs can frolic ~without their leash~ on what seems like mile after mile of pristine sand and surf.  There are two options of pet friendly rooms; the suites on the first floor, with ocean views.  Problem with these are there is a mound between the hotel and the ocean. There really isn't an ocean view and the rooms are more costly.  We chose the studio that was steps away from the lodge but with no common walls or no one underneath.  At Ocean Lodge they pride themselves in honoring pet guest in ways large and small.  A small $19 pet fee for any sized dog with amenities like water bowls, treats, towels, a dog wash for that beach sand...and again a beach that beats all beaches to romp on!  

Really this is all a person or a dog could ever ask for in life!  Perfection!  










Last but certainly not least is one last favorite.  Kimpton property, The River Place Hotel in downtown Portland.  Walking distance from just about everywhere.  On the river's edge and gorgeous.  

This property was fit for dog and human royalty.  A must go place anyone staying in Portland ~ Dog or no dog.  Whether you just stroll the river, wander the harbor and eateries or simply enjoy watching folks crew the river, you will feel at peace here.  We sat with Fenway on the front porch and had drinks and watch the Oregonian's all out enjoying one of their few days of splendid sunshine!  The staff is friendly and helpful to everyone and always remember Fenway's name!  What a way to make a boy feel like a King...good thing because up in the room Tara was making him partake in girly activities!!

Other Honorable mentions of greatness in our journeys have been The Napa River Inn, that had many great dog friendly restaurants nearby and the river way to walk along.  Rooms were large and had a small balcony for our Fenway to again watch people go by.  

If you want to spend some big bucks...there's always The Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay.  It's as scenic as it gets and dogs are very welcome.  Problem is for the price Fenway thinks he should have been able to get off leash roll in the lush green and get sand everywhere. Not so!!

All hotels expect good behavior...this one just made him feel a little under dressed!  

Taking our best pal is our favorite way to travel and we are always reading and finding new places.  We hope you got some ideas ~ Fenway and I have been discussing this the entire time I've been writing.  He is excited to know we are revisiting Monterey and that he gets to go to a new spot in Healdsburg in April.  We will let you know how it goes!  In the mean time...hug your dog!  And remember dogs need vacations too!!  

Clearly the Taste of Home

My intention today was to write about Pet Friendly travel!  As you can see my taste buds have over ruled that notion!  That happens frequently!  Pretty certain you are now asking, "Where the hell is Scooters."?  More so, after you read the sign stating it's in Jarbo Gap, CA you are wondering, "Who the heck would ever want to go there?!" I know I thought the same thing!

About eight years ago we moved up to a little community outside of the Northern California towns of Chico, Paradise and Oroville.  Located along the Highway 70 Feather River Canyon, some 1,000 residents call either Concow or Yankee Hill home.  It depends on what side of the rode you are on as to where you live!  The local "convenient" store/gas station is nestled off the rode in Concow.  Less than a half mile on the other side of the rode is the Yankee Hill Hardware Store/Post Office.  Two miles past that is the Fire Station; now you are in Jarbo Gap! Look across the highway you will see Scooters... 11975 California Highway 70, to be exact!

Building up here in the forest brought fresh air, more land for less, equally fewer neighbors but it has a disadvantage...ONE SURE CAN'T GET A PIZZA DELIVERED!  We hadn't been up here too long before we had one of those nights where take out or a quick bite sounded enticing.  I knew there was a "Biker Hangout" about a mile up the road but the thought provoked a little fear in both Tara and I!  We aren't exactly the biker chick type but we have been known to poke our heads into crazy dives only to find mouth watering tasty morsels!  We prepared ourselves for the worst...in we went to this little spot called  Scooters !  This is not SOA's biker bar...quite the contrary...guess we should have read the word "Cafe" in their title!

Opening the glass doors of the little red building, we were quickly greeted by Bonnie; half of the husband/wife duo who own and run the "joint"!  Her hubby Dan was in the kitchen cooking up what turned out to be marvelous food!  

Scooters is our neighborhood burger and fries spot.  On Tuesdays it buck tacos.  If you're vegetarian, as Tara is, you're in luck they have items on their menu suited just for you!  Open at 10am you can also have breakfast hot off the griddle!  Omelets, thick sliced crispy bacon, you name it they cook it!  Cold beer, soda or a cup of hot coffee, they have it all right on the hill!

Friday nights Scooters becomes our entertainment establishment serving prime rib along side talented and local live entertainment!  Week day karaoke on the patio when it gets a bit warmer and always a smile!  

Sure Scooters sees its fair share of motorcycles; highway 70 is constantly flowing with bikers of all shapes and sizes; especially as the weather warms.   More often than not Scooters is the stopping point for weary bike riders on charity runs. The restaurant sponsors many a fund raiser for military, kids and families alike. 

With admission, I have been known to stop in at Scooters on those nights that Tara is out of town.  I can get my burger on! That's burger ground and personally made from Dan's ultimate mix of meats!  I often get a groan from Tara though when I confess my dinner adventure...per the cheese-aholic; Dan cooks up a darn good grilled cheese sandwich appropriately called The Trike!  Add a side of  house-made, thinly sliced fries and there's not much better!

                                           Truth is everything

at Scooters will delight the palate...from the chili burger (The Bagger) 

to the famous Fat Boy complete with their good ole' thick bacon!

This place rivals any place "down in the valley"!  I pretty much can't eat any ones fries after Dan's!  Perfect thickness, crispy yet airy in the center...the absolute spot on amount of salt...umm drooling here! 

So there you have it...even us "mountain dwellers" have a hot spot!  If you are ever out this way stop in and say hi to Dan and Bonnie; you won't be sorry you did.  Food to delight the taste buds and fill up the belly all with a side of Jarbo Gap Hospitality!  

Okay, that's it!  Enough writing I am off to get a burger!  Maybe tomorrow we'll talk Pet Friendly travel...oh...and by the way our dog Fenway is welcome to join us on Scooter's outside patio!!  

Clearly We Will Return

Okay; so I said I would be posting about the town of Puerto Vallarta yesterday.  Figured since it was President's Day, I would do nothing...that I did and I do nothing well!  Sorry about the delay but  I'm back and it's my goal to enlighten you about this little gem in Mexico!  I always hear folks rave about Cancun but I have to tell you....we spent eight days in Cancun two years ago and 'tho I did have a great time...it may not see me again...it just didn't have that intimate atmosphere to lull be back.  Puerto Vallarta on the other hand had us planning our next visit on the plane ride home!  The little village of PV wowed me.  I was staying in the Hilton Resort, located within a five minute taxi drive away...Five dollar ride or a 50 cent bus ride!  We decided to venture the city on a Saturday morning with the plan to rent scooters and tool around all day. That didn't happen. The cobblestone roads and rented scooters were trying enough in the busy weekend travel, we decided to travel to the rain forest area!  Rental scooters are not always in the best alignment! Add a scooter that pulls to the right, a narrow, winding downhill road and heavy traffic and you have the recipe for a disaster!  Let's just say, "I am lucky to be alive" and I know what it looks like to have a taxi almost run over my head!  Scooters returned and they had no scratches ~ and the exploration began!  

First off, PV is quaint, clean, charming and colorful!  It seems to be a place where folks visit and keep coming back!  It stretches the beach, has excellent restaurants, cheap drinks, friendly people, shopping and more!  It's a very eclectic crowd and made me wish all vacation spots had its diversity!  Initially a little known get away for Hollywood giants like John Houston, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton it has become a mecca for Canadian's, U.S. snowbirds seeking winter warmth, young and old, gay and straight.  Many have moved to become residents others return yearly.  Everyone; locals, returnees and tourist coexist with wonderful dynamics! Whether you are mid city, on the Malecon or in the Zona Romantica district this town has an abundance of good vibes!


We began our day having breakfast on the Malecon at Vieta's http://viteapv.com/  sitting outside people watching.  My all time favorite breakfast is Eggs Benedict.  Even though I cook it's not in my wheel well ; so whenever I am out, I order it.  Up until PV, my favorite for the past eight years has been at Fire Sign Cafe in Tahoe.  Well move over...Vieta's has taken over that top spot!   

  Okay so it wasn't the traditional

breakfast,  Tara had that and her's was equally as tasty!  Seems the huevos revueltos con totopos or Chilaquiles was equally the flavor burst for the pallet!   Just in case they ever read this..."I'LL BE BACK!"

Lots of restaurants to choose from and most just as good~ There was a lot of hype about Joe Jack's Crab Shack and it was probably my least favorite.  Tara is a non meat eater and they had little for her there.  Perhaps I ordered wrong but my fish tacos just didn't make me jump with joy but it may have been the timing...my camera had just survived a dropping and I was a little off!  Good thing that Nikon can take some jolts...first the scooter than...

One could say I ate my way through PV...there's food everywhere.  Try the local's shrimp on a stick!  

Tasty!!  

You might also want to try their food carts.  Street food is a booming business in PV.  They offer tours, with guides taking you to the best of the best or you can do it yourself.  Some of these places give new meaning to the local Taco Truck! http://www.vallartasource.com/street_food.php

You can even try out a delicious drink right on the corner.  Be brave and try it!!  How many fruits can one put in a drink...think of the nutrients?! 

We enjoyed eating in PV so much that we decided to skip the hotel food the following day and continue making our way through our new favorite beach town!  That night's dinner was highly recommended and it was excellent.  The Margarita Grill https://plus.google.com/111874992785404552413/about?gl=us&hl=en is an outside restaurant situated on a central corner under a thatch roof that will not disappoint.  From the moment your lips touch your hand mixed margarita or your server begins smashing ripe avocados at your table in the mort and pestle you will be relaxed, happy and glad you chose this hot spot!!  

Drinks are cheap almost everywhere you go...and nothing is better than a bucket of dollar beers, whether inside at a lively bar like The Cheeky Monkey http://www.cheekymonkeypv.com/    or outside beach side like Burro's Bar http://www.mexonline.com/burros.htm.  People watching is a must and if you are the friendly type you will meet all sorts of folk with just a little mingling!  If you are simply wanting to put your toes in the sand and watch the sun set, I highly recommend  purchasing a beer at the Oxxo (PV's 7/11 and they are everywhere) and pulling up a piece of sand.  We did this two nights in a row...the view is totally amazing!

Puerto Vallarta offers lots of shopping.  One can wander through the cobbled streets and find everything from high end shops to basic tourist traps.  Shopping brings about the other tourist trap...the Time Share Sharks!  From reviews I have read they are not as rampant as they used to be and for us they provided a little humor!  It was quite amusing that these staunch Mexican citizens have learned to adapt to their clientele...or Mexico has a larger gay population than I had realized.  Tara and I seem to look enough alike that some think we are sisters but the "Sharks" led with the opening line assuming we were a couple!  The friendly Mexican fellows would then add, "my husband and I..."  This tickled me because it may have been a ploy but these guys genuinely had found acceptance of the gay crowd that flock to their fine city!  I know if you bought into the time share sales these guys could be a pain in the butt, but the few that did catch our attention were fun and friendly!  Much better than the guys trolling the beach with their goods wanting you to buy...these folks were annoying!!

Once you get past the stores, I strongly urge you to hit the LOCAL Farmer's Market located in Parque Lazaro Cardenes  http://www.oldtownfm.com/pages/en/visit_the_market.html.  It's here you will most likely  find something you really want to take home.  Something one of a kind and made in Puerto Vallarta by the vendor who is selling it to you!  It's on Saturday's only but it's so worth the stroll!!  We came home with the most wonderful and useful reminder of our trip...A Color Pod made from local Palm waist.  We found these hand painted pods that were once headed to the land fill striking!  Kathryn has made recycling trendy, useful and art! Not only is she an artist but she is a transplant that has made PV her home.  Not only did we leave with a pod but we left feeling like we had made a friend.  http://colorpodpv.com/  Super Bowl Sunday saw ours holding the goods for guac!  

A  much more useful "trinket" to bring home than a refrigerator magnet!  These pods are waterproof and scooter proof!!   

Good food, good drink, good people, good stuff!  We were ready to come back before we ever left!  Bottom line...if you are seeking a get-away that is sun filled; maybe it's time to look at this side of Mexico rather than Cancun.  Sure the ocean is a different one, but its time zone is much closer for many vacationers, it offers a quaintness that Cancun is shy of...you can't help but be taken by this easy going community!!  

Have the tequila and Pacifica Light ready...We will be back next January!! 

  

The Clear Skies of PV

The many skies of Puerto Vallarta!  

Over Martin Luther King's holiday we decided to take a quick and warm get away!  It had come with a lot of thought.  We wanted good weather, but we wanted a closer time zone!  That made Cancun or the Caribbean out.  Cabo was an idea...but it soon became clear to us that PV was our destination!  
My spouse is in Pharma and has to stay away from home at least ten days each month.  With that comes hotels and points.  The thought was Hilton points could lead to a trip to Hawaii but my God, the Hawaii Hilton takes more points than any average person would ever gather!!  I looked into their web site and noticed an all-inclusive that had recently opened in PV.  We had enough points, it was new and free is good...no great!!  Room booked!!

That's when I began reading reviews.  That's when I began to get worried!  Some reviews were horrible!  Then I began to really read!  Folks were granting this hotel one star for its size, for the fact that they gave you canned beer at the pool side, that it was too quiet!!  The resort itself states it is small!  Bottled beer is not safe at pools...sometimes quiet is what you look for!  So we decided to think for ourselves!  

Our flight to PV got us there by 3pm and since all the flights arrive at the same time; it was chaos!   Same when entering any country!  I had read all the Trip Advisor hints such as how to avoid the time share fellows (they were not that bad....keep head down), how to walk out of the airport parking lot to the main road and hail a cab...easy and much cheaper ($5.00 to get to our hotel!).  We arrived, our upgraded room was ready!  Note to self:  when your hotel sends you emails prior to your trip, fill them out and send them back!  If reviews say things like make dinner reservations ahead of time ~ call the hotel and make the next few night's dinner reservations!  A vacation is to vacate thoughts...make that happen!!  


Into a gorgeous room we walked.  Hot tub on the balcony, claw foot in the bathroom, separate shower, great view!!  And again FREE!!  








We soon learned that PV is a hot spot in January for Canadian tourist!  They come down to get away from the freezing temps!  Can't blame them.  We felt quilty telling folks we had left a Northern California hot spell of mid 60's and 70's!  Crazy!  It quickly became apparent that this little gem of a hotel was perfect for us!  Yes, it was small but it had everything we needed...complete with all the food and alcohol one can consume...FREE!  Of course we thought of all those bad reviews...Hmmmm...yes we are in a different country...guess what they speak Spanish; something that pissed off many reviewers!  Yes beer was served at the pool in a can...a VERY COLD can!  I was quite happy to learn that Pacifica made a light beer! Who knew?!  I could not drink as fast as our server was delivering them...all for one $5.00 tip early in the morning! Kindness is such a valuable tool...we watched people boss the servers around, grunt and groan at them ~ basically ask them to kiss their ass ~ and then they wondered why they did not get big smiles and feel good service.  No complaints from us!  Throughout the long weekend we would discover that PV had tons to offer (all to be discussed later) but this little hotel could make one learn all about the act of relaxation!!

Italian food, Tapas, sushi, French, Brazilian and all American cuisine...sunsets to kill for, the sound of the ocean waves crashing against the shore...certainly good use of those Hilton Points!  Travelers out there you may want to give this some thought!!  More about the details tomorrow!! 

Finally getting with it...

Here goes nothing!  Back when no one was blogging, everyone said I should blog.  Well, as usual I never listen!  I find myself reading blogs, reviews, and articles about every place I travel, eat or even just drive through.  I read about everything!  Then I shuffle through the BS and biased opinions and make what I think is the "right" decision... Why?  Because I think many people write what they want you to hear, they often don't look at the situational picture, or they just don't know better.  Me...Let's just say I am not known for my shy, hold back approach.  I get in a lot of trouble for "telling it like I see it." I'm a photographer by trade and I guess verbally I believe in the same approach...showing what's really there!  So why not blog about what I see and add a few photos along the way!!  Hopefully both my words, thoughts, suggestions, and photos are "Clearly Candid".  Maybe even interesting, informative and fun.

About me...Small town girl, 53 years young.  Pretty average but with a twist.  You see, I am gay but have never really given it much thought.  I don't see me as different; why should you?  Chico, CA, where I grew up didn't seem to care that I was gay...I'm just CC;  so let's not make this blog about that.  But you have to know because I am married to a wonderful woman and she may be the topic from time to time and most certainly she is my traveling  companion!  I do have a BA in Public Administration and a Master's in Communication.  Never have used my education!  I am a photographer. I own a little business called "Clearly Candid Photography",  I have a camera with me everywhere I go.  It is my plan to use words and photos to take you along my journeys.  Join me in my discoveries! Tomorrow it's all about Puerto Vallarta our latest trip.  Best part of the trip was living!!

http://www.clearlycandid.com/