Mexico Memories

The signs of summer drawing to a close are everywhere. School is back in session, my tan is fading, Labor Day is less than a week away, and it's already been a month since my summer vacation! It's never too late to share some vacation photos and memories though, is it? 

Kelly and I spent the last week of July in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico, which is a beach resort town north of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It was a much-needed getaway for both of us and the perfect vacation, full of lots of R&R and long, lazy days spent poolside in the sun.

When we departed I had only a vague idea about where exactly we'd be staying and almost no details about our accommodations. Early summer is very busy for me at work, so in the weeks and months leading up to our trip I was too focused on my numerous looming deadlines to even ask for details about our plans. These three things pretty well sum up most of what I knew: 

• Vacation 
• Mexico 
• House by the beach  

I was more than pleasantly surprised when we arrived! This is where we spent a week together with three other couples we know. 

The back of the house. 

Poolside - not a bad view!

The first half of this year was busy, stressful and oftentimes overwhelming for both of us, and June was an extremely full and intense month. We were both in serious need of some time away to relax and recharge. As soon as we arrived and walked outside to look at the ocean, I felt all of the stress and pressure of the previous 7 months slip away. 

Yes, this was as serene and relaxing as it looks.
The perfect spot for reading, relaxing or napping.

We spent most of our days doing a whole lot of nothing, which was great. Mornings consisted mostly of drinking coffee, reading, walks on the beach, swimming, lounging by the pool and watching the ocean, surfers, and others enjoying the beach and water. The resident caretakers made us delicious fresh ceviche, salsa, and guacamole that we snacked on every day. Most afternoons brought rain and thunderstorms, which we liked to watch roll in over the ocean and listen to from the open doors and windows as we took shelter inside. Although, one day we did get caught in a major tropical downpour riding bikes back from an outing for gelato. I consumed lots of gelato on the trip, but at least we rode bikes to and from the gelato shop to help burn off some of the calories! And, of course there was plenty of cold Pacifico on hand, which I consider a beachside vacation necessity! 

A favorite spot for morning coffee and evening sunset watching. 

Sunset view from poolside.

All in all, it was a perfect vacation. We were able to relax and enjoy each other and our time together with very few interruptions or distractions. Wi-fi reception at the house was spotty, which made me think about how much of an intrusion being constantly connected to and focused on electronics can be to really connecting with those we love. It was a good reminder to make a conscious effort to unplug and focus on being more fully present in my daily life back home. I think that's what vacations are best for - disconnecting from daily distractions and reconnecting with ourselves, our lives, and the people and things that fill up our hearts and make us happy and content. 

Taken on July 25, 2016, a year from the day we first met.