Mexico or bust

Thanks to Dad and Stacey

First I would like to thank Rick and Stacey for their hospitality while Melanie and I were staying with them. We had first class accomodations, use of their car, and complete comfort. They are taking care of our trouble-making cats which I already miss immensely. Gotta love that picture of Monkey with the toilet paper bow. Anyways, Thanks again you guys for helping us make this a reality. It took me almost an entire week to shake that Okie accent though, grr. Shout out to Charlie Redd, Caddio, Chris, Stan the Man (even though I didnt see him), and the rest of the band -- you guys sounded incredible. Full Flava Kings. Also, thanks to Mike, Matt ankd Karen for the great fun -- We had a sleep-over LAN gaming party, Woohoo!

Chacala

We have been in Guadalajara since last Tuesday and are having a wonderful time, but more about that later. Chacala was incredible. Although Tushar was unable to come down to hang out with us while we were there, his spirit and graciousness was with us the entire time. Among all of the little things he did, he hooked us up with an opportunity to hang out with the kids at the local school for a day and he introduced us to two of his friends, great people and who I consider friends of ours now, Shai and Shuli. He even called in a favor to one of his buddies in a neighboring town to come and give us surfing lessons. Here I am on the left about to catch a huge wave (not exactly Mavericks I guess). But I will say I went out the next day and the ocean was much angrier and I got my ass kicked by some good 8-9 foot waves off shore (didn't catch a single one, but many caught me...). I'm officially a surf bum now. Look out Santa Cruz when I get back into town...


We had an amazing experience and the perfect start to our journey in Chacala. The raw beauty of the nature as well as the people still exists here. I've never been somewhere where all the people and kids are so kind and hospitable. We both managed to get sick for 24 hours, but thankfully we each took turns each of the last 2 days. I can only wish that will be the worst of it (D, no V) in a private bathroom with an ocean view. My bowels have been back to normal for quite some time now...TMI? (no picture, you'll have to trust me).

I'd like to give shout outs to Lupe and Pablo, the people taking care of the place while we were there. They were so helpful, kind and caring. I will always remember them. They kept that place spotless -- It seemed a shame we didn't have more of a chance to get to know them when they weren't working -- they seemed like our surrogate grandparents or something.... More shout outs in Chacala to: Acela's restaurant, the best ceviche on the beach and the best service by far. The prices of course were amazing and the fish was great as well. The best salsa was at Chico's. The best overall dinner was at Majahua, which also had the best view up on the mountainside-- looked like a great spa as well. Best breakfast by far was at the cafe at Casa Pacifica guest house - fresh homeade bread, huge fruit bowls, and great french toast - with an incredible view as well. Thanks also to the taxi driver that ran with us for three block carrying one of our extremely heavy backpacks and Melanie's box of books (the encyclopedia britannica collection is coming in handy though) so we could catch the bus to Guadalajara. So many people that we hardly know going above and beyond for us -- it seems surreal. Thanks to all.

Like I said Guadalajara has been great. We're here for 2 more nights and I will write some about our stay here another time. Btw, Melanie and I are buying wedding rings to wear so we're not seen as immoral. One of the actual rules at the hotel we're staying in here states that any actions seen as immoral by management will result in immediate expulsion from the hotel. They stuck us in a room with two beds. I guess they don't care we've been together for 10 years. Anyways, we don't want to get kicked out on the streets, and who knows how many camera angles they have covered in this room so we're gonna get fake-married and no one is invited. :P

Hasta Pronto!

Chris