I'm not cold! Day 1 trip report

Hi all. First off let me say thank you to this board. Your info had been invaluable.

We woke up to two inches of snow; not a bad way to say adios to Utah. Our flight from SLC to LAX via United was uneventful. Peggy R at United linked our Alaska flight, making our flight international so we didn't have to pay any baggage fees. Big Twitter shout out to Peggy R.

Once we landed at LAX we headed straight to the United Club. We sipped on Screwdrivers and Bloody Mary's while waiting for our flight on Alaska. You can't beat free drinks.

Alaska to Zihua, again uneventful, just like I like it. Funny story. So I am sitting next to this gentleman who's from the same city in Nor Cal as is one of my best friends. I casually ask him if he knows her and he does! He'd been emailing her about baseball info for his son. It's a crazy small world. Is Guerrero always this green? Flying over was beautiful. Landing was easy. I could feel the warmth immediately.

The minute we stepped off the plane and the hot wonderful air of Mexico enveloped us and we were in pure vacation mode. Customs was a breeze. Green lights for all my friends. Is the X-ray machine newer? I don't remember that from 2008. I practiced my Spanglish and everyone was very patient. Very.

Ulises picked us up from the airport. Thank you for the contact info. He was very sweet and patient, made sure we were okay getting pesos at the ATM at Commercial Mexicana and found what we needed in the store. What we needed ended up being 2 cases of Pacifioc, 2 cases of water, bread, pastries, meat, cheese, chips, and fruit. Perfect. Easy. On our way to Casa Contenta at La Casa Que Ve Al Mar. The store was out of lemons and limes. Odd. As I sit here and write we forgot coffee. Major vacation foul. Looks like I'll have to head down to the beach for some. Darn.

When we arrived the electricity was out which meant the elevators were out. The fellas as well as the property manager hiked up to the fourth floor with our bags and groceries. No biggie, we opened the windows and let the wonderful breeze of Zihua take over. It's Mexico. It's amazing. No lights and all. Happy happy.

We're are at Casa Contenta and the condo is exactly as described. Beautiful view but a little blocked by the building in front of us. We have a good view of the water but nothing like staying right on La Ropa. Not sure if I'd stay off the beach again but it's early yet. The condo is clean and well stocked, has wifi and the beds are so comfortable. Full kitchen and a washer/dryer which I wasn't expecting. It even has laundry detergent. Our friends love it too.

After settling in and drinking a few beers, checking out the infinity pools, we walked down to La Ropa. We walked down the mighty steep heart attack hill, turned right at the Dolphin statue and viola, there we were.. The walk took about 5-7 minutes, just as the condo owners described.

We decided to eat at Paty's as I remember them having some very good fish tacos. We grabbed a table and stuck our feet in the sand. Life is good. Watched the sun set. We made it for dos por uno. Our bill for an order of guacamole. 2 fish tacos, chicken tacos, 2 beers, 2 piña coladas, a diet coke and ceviche (but they didn't call it that) was $416 pesos. Stayed forever. Had musicians sing to us. My Way by Sinatra is excellent in Spanish by the way. Dug our feet into the sand a little deeper. Took it in. Grateful to be here. Grateful to be with my love and our friends. Strolled the beach after dinner and then headed back to the condo. Taxi was 40 pesos and well worth it to avoid heart attack hill.

Back in the condo, it was straight to the deck, beer, water, beer, water, good conversation, music, and finally lights out. It was warm and wonderful and no need for the AC.

I'd love to share photos but not sure how to post them here.

Side hello to Dee if you're reading. She lives here at La Casa Que Ve Al Mar and has the most gorgeous suntan. Nice lady too.