Marzo 24
The five of us, Mom, Dad, Jeff, Christy and I had an interesting arrival. First of all our plane was delayed in Calgary for four hours. Something to do with a faulty hydraulic pump which they thought they might have to get from Vancouver. Then once we arrived in Mexico our cab had a flat tire in Cihuatlan. Got that fixed pretty quick and on our way again. My husband, Greg, decided he could only take one week from work so will meet us here next Friday. Bob, Cindy and the girls will
arrive
on Thursday. So the five of us have a week to get oriented and plan a
few excursions.
We checked in to our hotel early in the evening. We were not impressed. I'm sure it was a lovely spot 10 years ago, but it was becoming quite run-down and not cared for. It was right on the beach, and it had a great pool, but that's about all I can say in its favor. It just wasn't clean, and we didn't feel comfortable there. But we were hungry, and headed into town for something to eat. We ate our dinner (quesadillas and beer; the kids had licuados, which were sort of a fruit and milk concoction), and headed back for the hotel in the dark, then went straight to bed. I convinced myself it would look better in the morning.
It didn't.
The Next Day - Sabado, Marzo 25
After an early coffee Dad and I decided to look for greener pastures. We
walked around 
for an hour or so, until we spotted a place called Las Brisas.
It is right on the beach, in the center of town, and has a
balcony overlooking the ocean. Una vista del mar. There are four beds, a kitchen and a
bathroom. Also a very nice pool area, and community kitchen facility.
We talked with the fellow on the front desk and negotiated a price for our
two week stay. Now we just have to see if we can get our deposit back on
the place we are staying.
Just an aside here. I spoke NO spanish at all 5 months ago. But I found an on-line Spanish tutorial last September, and bought a few cassettes for my car. Dad does know more Spanish than I do, but he doesn't hear all that well. So, between the two of us, I was pretty proud of the way we were able to negotiate our change of address. Melaque is a Mexican beach town, not a resort. Very few people speak English. So knowing at least Some Spanish was very helpful...and fun!
We ate lunch at a little beachfront restaurant with tables set up in the sand, Cesar y Charly. "Dos cervasas por favor, Senor!" I always wanted to say that!
And then it was time for some BEACH TIME! The kids and I went to the beach, where we got "rocked" by the surf!
We had so much fun letting it pound
over us. Then we spent about 1/2 an hour by the pool, and then met Grandma
and Grandpa on the patio for happy hour.
Right in front of us a Mexican band started to play for a beach birthday
party! 
Dad and I joined them and
danced and danced in the sand. Their Grandpa offered Dad tequila, which he
gladly accepted. We took their picture, and they took ours.
Much fun!
In the meantime, Grandma 
was making friends with the "Coconut Man" from
next door. He whacks the coconuts with a machete, and puts a straw inside.
Instant Milkshake! Well, instant Coconut Juice, I guess. He'll add gin and
grenadine if you want. Maybe tomorrow.
Supper at Cesar y Charleys - Margaritas, shrimp, and Mom had Fish Soup (complete with the whole fish!)
Hit the sack about 9:30.
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