Day 2 Puerto Vallarta, Boat Ride!

Well, Hans did make it in time, and we all started our next Mexican adventure together the next morning. We dressed for the beach and all hopped on a bus for the marina. Unfortunately, the bus took the most round-about way, and it took 45 minutes to reach the marina. Once there, we realized we were in the wrong place and had to take a taxi to get there on time. Despite being a little stressed out, we made ok, and soon boarded our boat, The Vallarta Sol (sun.)

We were immediately served a beautiful breakfast of watermelon, banana, cantaloupe, pineapple, a croissant, OJ, and coffee. As we chatted, we looked out the window at the view of the huge cruise ships stationed there and then at the beautiful beach as we started to ride out into the Pacific. We were all so excited still. Later we climbed up to the second floor of the boat to feel the breeze and get a better view. There were a couple other such excursion boats that we saw that day, but we really had the best one.

Our first stop was to go snorkeling near some small islands. I saw hundreds of brightly colored blue and yellow fish about 7-12 inches long swimming at my feet. I actually touched a few of them, too, by accident. That was thrilling.

Our second stop was at a beach, reached only boat, where we had lunch. I had some kind of fish, which was really good. Afterwards, a splashed around a bit in the water with Hans and then relaxed in the sun with the girls.

Unfortunately, Caitlin really burned herself the day before and had to be really careful. We had to board smaller boats to take us to and from our big boat, which for me, at times, was a little scary, because they so packed them full of people, but that just added to the excitement, really.

Our last stop was another private beach where we were given the option of horseback riding or hiking or just chilling on the beach. Hans, Caitlin, and Katlijn wanted to chill, but I wanted to hike. When I went on anyway, I guess they decided they didn’t want to miss anything, so they all followed. Hans and Caitlin actually decided to ride the horses, so Katlijn and I hiked together. She was really fun, and smart, too—she spoke Dutch (native language), English, Spanish, and some French, too. We walked by several indigenous-looking people selling all sort of tourist items—hats, bags, t-shirts, etc. At the end of the hike, we reached a little restaurant by a small pond/river with a waterfall. Although I was dry and not too excited about getting wet again, I couldn’t resist the opportunity we slide down the waterfall. It was definitely worth it!

As we relaxed on our way back to the marina, we took advantage of the bar, and sipped on Palomas (a Mexican traditional, my favorite, a grapefruit juice with tequila), Margaritas, and Sunsets (another fruity choice with I don’t know what…) We were all so happy that we had decided to take this ride!

Back at the marina, I spotted my own cruised ship, the Diamond Princess; Diamond because that’s my birthstone, and Princess because that’s what Sarah means! Haha!

After showering and all back at the hostal, we left for dinner. I considered staying behind to do homework, but I imagined I’d be depressed if I did, and anyway, Caitlin and Katlijn wouldn’t have it! On our way to Burger Paradise, we enjoyed all the street performers, including sand sculpturors (sp?), instrumentalists, sidewalk painters, people who balance stones on top of one another, and even what looked like “may pole” swingers (in little loin cloth-looking things…)

We all ate sandwiches which probably most resembled US food since we’ve been here. (I have pizza a few times, but it was really different, and they