VISITING MEXICO
“Mexico is a mosaic of different realities and beauties” - Enrique Pena Nieto

Acapulco
City Sites
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Cliff Divers
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La Quebrada Cliffs

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Cliff divers assemble in front of the Blue Grotto

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Preparing to dive 100 feet to the water

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Swan dive

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Swan dive magnified!

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Hitting the "Gulch" which varies from 15-20 ft deep

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I couldn't believe how young these diver were

El Jarabe Tapatío
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The Folklórico is a traditional Mexican dance that emphasizes local folk culture

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China Poblana are the beautiful dresses worn by the women and charros are worn by the men

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El Jarabe Tapatío - The Mexican Hat Dance

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The vaquero. The Spanish pronunciation sounds like buckaroo

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The historical culture of the vaqueros is a performance of assorted lasso spinning tricks

The Fabulous Night Clubs
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Dance partner Shanez. We won the Salsa contest

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Fans of our dancing

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The dance floor of this nightclub hangs over a cliff

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Fireworks

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Her top is "paint"

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Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas - Cruise #10 (Apr 2017)
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Cajon de Pena
Cajón de Peña
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Cajón de Peña is a reservoir near Tomatlán. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre, it provides water to farms and ranches in the area through a complex system of irrigation canals

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Cajón de Peña stretches over 11 miles at its longest point

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Cajón de Peña is a fresh water reservoir located 75 miles south of Puerto Vallarta

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These ripples are created by the wind

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As you reach the reservoir, you will barely notice the small community of Cajón de Peña

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Cajón de Peña, population 40

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There are 9 different eateries in Cajón de Peña, possibly the most per capita (pop. 40) in the entire state

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No English spoken here

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Restaurant Conchita

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The menu includes lobina ceviche on tostadas, spicy prawn soup with artisan cotija cheese and striped bass served fried, whole or in finger-food medallions

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The church bell and sign to Hotel Rincón de la Ceiba
Hotel Rincón de la Ceiba
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Hotel Rincón de la Ceiba

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The casitas are named after flowers. We stayed at Casita Obelisco

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The bathroom is behind the curtain

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The shower

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This charming pergola was the perfect place to have lunch or play our table game

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The restaurant

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Mango tree

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Chacala
Village & Beach
 Mar de Jade
Chacala is a small fishing village and coconut plantation set in cove on the Pacific coast of Mexico

Mar de Jade
Chacala's half-mile bay is a favored beach destination for Mexican families especially during Semana Santa (Easter Week) and New Years

Mar de Jade
At Chacala's south end, a dense virgin rainforest grows down the flanks of a small collapsed volcano and plunges into the Pacific

Mar de Jade



Mar De Jade
 Mar de Jade
Mar De Jade is hidden-away between the tropical jungle
and the pristine beach of Chacala

Mar de Jade
This is one of the most pristine beaches along Mexico's
Pacific coastline; soft golden sand lined with coconut trees

Mar de Jade
Mar de Jade was born in the jungle
In 1980 Laura Del Valle, a Mexican doctor, built a lodge
for American medical students who volunteered to serve the Mexican poor

Mar de Jade


Mar de Jade


Mar de Jade
We stayed here

Mar de Jade


Mar de Jade


Mar de Jade


Mar de Jade


Mar de Jade
The spacious pavilion with teja roof (traditional Mexican tiles)

Mar de Jade


Mar de Jade
An inner dinning room welcomes guests to relax, read a book,
or play the piano inspired by the stunning views of Chacala Bay

Mar de Jade
The outdoor Bar 'La Palapa' offers homemade cocktails using
fresh ingredients from their garden, a selection of wines, beers and liquors

Mar de Jade
Chuck & Judith brought us to this lovely place

Mar de Jade


Mar de Jade
La Palapa also is a favorite place to enjoy a healthy juice in the morning

Mar de Jade


Mar de Jade


Mar de Jade


Mar de Jade
Beach facilities include chaise-lounge chairs, umbrellas
and a shady palapa (thatched roof) with hammocks

Mar de Jade
A Mexicsn family enjoying Chacala Bay

Mar de Jade
Joan, Judith & Chuck take to the water

Mar de Jade
Pelicans fishing for dinner

Mar de Jade


Mar de Jade


Mar de Jade


Mar de Jade


Mar de Jade


Mar de Jade
Palm tree seed pods

Mar de Jade
Coconut tree

Mar de Jade
Driftwood carving

Mar de Jade
The resident kitty

Mar de Jade
A Tequila Sunset
Enjoying a margarita made with fresh lime and the best tequila of Mexico

Conchas Chinas
At the Beach
 Conchas Chinas
Conchas Chinas means "Chinese Shells" referring to the type of shell found only on the beaches of Conchas Chinas

Conchas Chinas


c Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas

The Hills
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CasAmanda | Joan's brother's Villa

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Locals in Puerto Vallarta refer to Conchas Chinas as "The Hills"

Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


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Conchas Chinas


Mansions and Vistas
 Conchas Chinas
Paseo De Las Conchas Chinas is the road to the top of the mountain

Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas

The Vistas from the Top
Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas



El Tuito
Downtown
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A charming Mexican Publito nestled in the green hills of the Sierra Madres

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Cobblestone streets are common throughout Mexico

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The Countryside
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Federal Police
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Guadalajara
City Sites
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The Arcos del Milenio (the Arches of the 3rd Millenium), an architectural monument of six yellow metal arches

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La Minerva
The largest fountain/statue in the city of Guadalajara. Minerva is the Roman goddess of war, poetry, medicine, wisdom, commerce, and crafts

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The Stampede
This sculpture, located in the Glorieta de las Jicamas

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The Stampede was designed and forged in bronze by Jorge de la Peña

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Rotunda de las Jaliscenses Ilustres

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Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento is a Catholic church dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament

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"Niños Héroes
An imposing monument 50 metres high which honors the legend of 6 cadets who refused to surrender during the American invasion of 1847, this statue stands at the intersection of Avenidas Chapultepec and Niños Héroes. Made from pink canterra stone, it was crafted by Juan Olaguíbel

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Military Museum

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McDonald's McGolazo
$35 pesos, about $3 USD

La Cruz
Sunday Market in La Cruz
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This La Cruz vendor makes beautiful beaded necklaces

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Joan bought the necklace on the left


Beach & Boat Harbor
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La Cruz de Huanacaxtle

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Oso's Oyster Bar
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Oso's Oyster Bar in La Cruz Market

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Catch of the Day

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Mascota
City Sites
 Mascota, Mexico
Mascota was established in 1592 by early Spanish colonists looking for gold and silver


Mascota, Mexico
Mascota's central plaza

Mascota, Mexico
The name "Mascota" is from Teco and means "the place of deer and snakes"

Mascota, Mexico
The municipality of Mascota is located in the plateau of the Western Sierra Madre mountain chain

Mascota, Mexico
Unusual Palm trees

Mascota, Mexico
Cobblestone streets and colonial style houses

Mascota, Mexico
Virgin de los Dolores (Virgin of Sorrows) Church

Mascota, Mexico
A Baroque style, the church was completed in 1880 and took over 100 years to build

Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico
Preciosa Sangre de Cristo Temple

Mascota, Mexico
Construction began in the 19th century but the temple was never finished

Mascota, Mexico
The annual pilgrimages from Ameca to Talpa de Allende

Mascota, Mexico
Mascota’s main businesses near the plaza

Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico



A Beautiful Historic Hotel
 Mascota, Mexico
The courtyard at our hotel in Mascota

Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico
Our room is #4 on the second floor
Now This is a "key"

Mascota, Mexico
The key and lock looked ancient

Mascota, Mexico
And so was the room

Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico
Happy Hour

Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico
Napoleon Courvoisier

Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico


Dinner at El Tapanco
 Mascota, Mexico
El Tapanco

Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico
The chef welcomes us to El Tapanco. Say Cheese

Mascota, Mexico
An appetizer of 'panela de quesos' (panela cheese) with sausage, bread, salad and beans

Mascota, Mexico


Street Vendors
 Mascota, Mexico
Street food was popular at night

Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico
Al fresco dining on street food

Breakfast at Cafe Napoles
 Mascota, Mexico
Cafe Napoles is known for its cakes, cookies, sandwiches and designer coffees

Mascota, Mexico
During breakfast at Cafe Napoles
we felt the tremor of a 7.5 earthquake that rocked Acapulco and Mexico City

Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico


Nuevo Vallarta
Nuevo Vallarta
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The condos at Nuevo

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Nuevo has two golf courses

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Dinner at La Dolce Vita with Hank and Hinda

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Waiting for the shuttle

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Visiting with Hank and Hinda

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Charlie's angels

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Puerto Vallarta
The Malecon
 Puerto Vallarta
The Malecon

Puerto Vallarta


Puerto Vallarta


Puerto Vallarta


Puerto Vallarta


Puerto Vallarta


Puerto Vallarta


Puerto Vallarta


Puerto Vallarta


Puerto Vallarta
The Booze Cruise Vessel

Puerto Vallarta
Los Muertos Pier

Around Town
 Puerto Vallarta
Chuck & Judith have contributed to the beautification of Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta
Contributed by Chuck and Judith

Puerto Vallarta
Contributed by Chuck, Judith and their beloved pets Amanda, Fiona & Zoe

Puerto Vallarta
A bench contributed by Chuck and Judith

Puerto Vallarta


Puerto Vallarta


Puerto Vallarta


Puerto Vallarta
The Sculpture Garden

Puerto Vallarta
La Catrina We couldn't resist buying this Catrina Dancers

Puerto Vallarta


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The Saturday Market

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Puerto Vallarta's newest statue dedicated to the burros that helped build Puerto Vallarta

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Mismaloya Beach
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Los Muertos Pier

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La Palapa - You can have an umbrella and beach chair if you eat and drink here at La Palapa

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La Palapa

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Mismaloya Beach

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Navy patrol boat

Local Dinning
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Vitea Bistro on the Malecon

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Vitea Bistro

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La Dolce Vita Great Italian food expecially their pesto

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Trio Mediterranean Cuisine

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Trio

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Joe Jack's Fish Shack When you miss a great burger

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Upstairs at Joe Jack's

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Joe Jack's menu

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Joe Jack's fish

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Joe Jack's burger and frys

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Archies Wok Asian Fusion

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Bravo Great food but pricey

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Vista Grill A view of the city with your dinner

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The vista at The Vista Grill

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La Palapa On the beach

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El Brujo Seafood dishes authentic Mexican style

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Sadar dinner at Antonio's

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Night Life
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Cuates y Cuetes - A good place for a nitecap and music right next to Los Muertos Pier

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La Bodeguita Del Medio - Cuban Salsa dancing

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The Malecon at Night
 Puerto Vallarta


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Puerto Vallarta
The Malecon at night

Puerto Vallarta


Puerto Vallarta


Puerto Vallarta


Puerto Vallarta


Puerto Vallarta


Puerto Vallarta


Puerto Vallarta
Los Muertos at Night

Marina Vallarta
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Marina Vallarta Golf Club
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Marina Vallarta Club de Golf

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Par 3 'Signature hole

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Los Arcos
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Los Arcos

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San Sabastian
Around the Town
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12km of cobblestone road to San Sabastian

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San Sebastián del Oeste

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The Main Plaza

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A village made up of ancient haciendas and century-old homes that have aged gracefully

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Winding alleyways with the original stone pavements

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Plastered mud-brick walls, archways, attics and wooden and tile roofs constitute the town's distinctive traits

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Shopping in San Sabastian

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Coco's Place, Montebello
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Coco's Place The best Italian Food in Mexico!

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There is limited seating at Coco's

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Al fresco dinning at Coco's

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Church of Saint Sebastian
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The Church of Saint Sebastian's original construction was in 1608

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The Church of Saint Sebastian was designed in the Colonial Spanish Baroque style

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The Church of Saint Sebastian has notable architectural details including Corinthian columns and ceiling vault frescos

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Sayulita
Around Town
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A seaside surfer town often called the "crown jewel" of the Riviera Nayarit

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The Beach
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Talpa
Our Lady of Talpa Church
 Talpa, Mexico
Talpa's main attraction is the church called, Our Lady of Talpa built in the late 1700's

Talpa, Mexico
Basilica of Talpa de Allende

Talpa, Mexico


Talpa, Mexico


Pilgrimage to Talpa
 Talpa, Mexico
The pilgrimage to Talpa starts in Ameca, ascends to el Cerro del Obispo at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level and crosses the peak of Espinazo del Diablo

Talpa, Mexico
Talpa's La Chaparrita, The Little Short One, aka Our Lady of the Rosary

Talpa, Mexico
The Señora del Rosario is a 21 inch wooden figure which has become as popular as the Virgin of Guadalupe

Talpa, Mexico
Approximately two million people from all over Mexico walk to the town of Talpa to meet the Virgin of Talpa

Talpa, Mexico
Pilgrims at el Cerro del Obispo

The Sierra Madre Mountains
 Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico


Mascota, Mexico


Talpa, Mexico


Talpa, Mexico
Every year since the 17th century a pilgrimage to Talpa takes place through the Sierra Madres

Talpa, Mexico
The pilgrimage to Talpa starts in Ameca, ascends to el Cerro del Obispo at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level and crosses the peak of Espinazo del Diablo

Talpa, Mexico
Approximately two million people from all over Mexico travel to Talpa by foot, bike, car and bus

Talpa, Mexico



Tlaquepaque
Tlaquepaque
The city was designated "Pueblo Mágico" in 2018, one of the towns maintaining their historical character. It is a resort focused on the crafts of pottery, textiles and [blowing glass]. Its streets and walks are adorned with various Casonas of the last century in addition to colonial constructions
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Tlaquepaque town square

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Lined up for ice cream

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Shopping
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La Catrina
She can show herself dressed in an elaborate, festive way and/or appear in bare bones

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We bought the Catrina in the green dress on the left

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The Mexican's relationship with La Catrina is intimately tied with the history and culture of Mexico

Our Hotel
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The lovely courtyard

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Another 'gigantic' room key, reminissent of Mascota

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Happy hour in Tlaquepaque

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Breakfast is served here

Dinner at Casa Luna
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Getting used to reading menus in Spanish

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Al fresco dinning

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Tehumixtle
The Village
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A picturesque little fishing village set on a beautiful bay rich with fish, oysters, and lobster

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The Beach
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Around Town
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Cande's Restaurant
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Cande's is our favorite restaurant

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Cande

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Cande

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Cande's menu

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Fun times at Cande's

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No English spoken in Tehuamixtle

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Botanical Gardens
Botanical Gardens
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Hacienda de Oro At The Gardens
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See Video Making Salsa

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Now this is a "burrito!"

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Hotel Mayto
Hotel Mayto
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Mayto is a beautiful resort 2 hours south of Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Coast of Mexico

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Mayto Beach

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Mayto Beach is a virgin beach some 9 kilometers long

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Amanda

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Fiona

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Benjamin and Oliver

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Las Brisas Mayto Hotel
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Las Brisas Mayto Hotel

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The lake at Las Brisas Mayto

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Who would believe this lake exists so close to the ocean

El Rinconcito Hotel
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El Rinconcito Hotel

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The Villa Casa Amanda
Overview
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Joan's brother owns this spectacular villa in Conchas Chinas. See the spectacular views from the Grand Terrace and the infinity pool. Visit the Red Casita, Fionas Casita and the beautiful Zoe's Garden.

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From the left: Grand Terrace and Red Casita, Infinity Pool and Funicular,
Main House (4 floors) above and Gated Entrance below.

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The gated entrance at CasAmanda

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Arriving at the funicular landing

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View from the funicular landing

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Steps down to the Red Casita

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Left: Stairs between the Red Casita and the funicular
Right: Stairs between the funicular and the Grand Terrace

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The Grand Terrace sits above the Red Casita with both overlooking the pool

The Grand Terrace
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The Grand Terrace sits above the Red Casita

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The Grand Terrace

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Joan relaxing on the Grand Terrace

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The architect responsible for the Grand Terrace and Fiona's casita

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The housekeeper prepares dinner on the terrace

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View from the terrace

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Banderas Bay

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Cruise ship arriving in Puerta Vallarta

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The Lady of Vallarta

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Guest bathroom

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Fountain by the Grand Terrace

The Red Casita
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The Red Casita is a loft

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Lighted onyx bathroom sinks in the Red Casita

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Red Casita patio

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Red Casita patio

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Entrance to the Red Casita

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The Red Casita Fountain

Fiona's Casita
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Fiona's Casita

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Front Patio

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Kitchen

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Back Patio

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Conchas Chinas
Waterfall at Fiona's Casita

Zoe's Garden
 Conchas Chinas
The mosaic tile bridge

Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas
Waterfall at the bridge

Conchas Chinas
Zoe's Garden

Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas
Banyan Tree

Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas
The resident Iquana

Conchas Chinas


Conchas Chinas
Jade

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Banana Tree

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Banana bud

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Bananas

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Bananas

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Private Swimming Pool
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Steps from the red casitas to the pool

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Pool with funicular in the background

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Infinity pool

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Fountain in the pool

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Joan takes a swim

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A Pool deck sits below the pool

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View of the Pool deck from above

The Main House
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The Main House (top right) is 4 floors

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The Stairwell Outside

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Stairwell between 1st and 2nd floors

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Stairwell between 3rd and 4th floors

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The Main House First Floor

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Patio

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Office

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Office

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Guest bathroom

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Tub and artwork

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Antique Mirror collection

Second Floor
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Second floor kitchen

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Kitchen

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Kitchen

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Second Floor living room

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Artworks

Third Floor
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Third Floor Master bedroom

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Master bedroom

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Master bedroom deck

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Master bedroom makeup and art

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Art

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Master bath

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Fourth Floor
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Fourth Floor Art

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Fourth floor hallway, artwork and painted ceiling

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Guest Bedroom #1

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Guest Bedroom #2

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View from the fourth floor guest bedroom

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Looking down

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Outside entrance for 2nd and 3rd floors

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Third Floor Outside Entrance

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Condominium Pool & Gardens
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Artworks
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Main entrance tile mural

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Main entrance tile mural

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Welcome to CasAmanda sculpture

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La Catrina

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From the garden

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Magiscope sculptures: Feliciano Béjar explains his sculptures saying
"Some distort, some define, but always they give us a new vision"

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Steps between the Red Casita and Funicular Landing

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The Mariachi Wall

Conchas Chinas

Going To The Dogs
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Fiona

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Bejamin, Oliver, Amanda, Fiona

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Fiona & Amanda

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Videos
Mismaloya Beach, Puerto Vallarta


Jack's Fish Shack, Puerto Vallarta


CasaAmanda Tour
Joan's brother owns this spectacular villa in Conchas Chinas, Mexico.

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