Happy New Year 2009!

Wow, what a fabulous night we had last night. We went out with eight of our neighbours for dinner on the beach. It was just off the town square and a great location, especially as we were able to walk there. We had a table set up on the beach with linen napkins and tablecloths (a rarity around here), candles and sand in our toes. Kids were going table to table selling the largest sparklers I've ever seen. Nancy bought a bunch to light at midnight.

After dinner we walked a block to the Twisted Rose Bar where they had no cover and free entertainment all evening. We met another seven neighbours there so we all sat together. The bar had a ten piece mariachi band, followed by an Aztec group dressed in traditional costume who performed fire dancing. At this point it was around 11:15 so most of us left to walk up the road to the big bonfire on the beach close to our place. A group of our neighbours have known each other for years because they all RV'd together. The RV park is right on the beach about two blocks from us. Every year they have a big bonfire on the beach to ring in the New Year. They also have a sound system set up so we could listen to Auld Lang Syne.

When we arrived, the bonfire was huge and the pre-celebration fireworks were already being set off. We had a panoramic view of the entire Bay of Banderas. There are probably hundreds of hotels and resorts all around the bay and every one of them has a fireworks show at midnight. It was spectacular! We were sort of in the middle of the bay and I literally did not know which way to turn as the fireworks were in every direction.

Today we were up early, even though we didn't get to bed until 2:30, because our Victoria friends and current housesitters, Bob and Joyce are in town. Well, actually, they are staying about 15 minutes north of us in Punta de Mita. They arrived yesterday and shame on them, are staying in a resort rather than with us. They very kindly brought us a few items from our list of things to bring from home. We picked them up at 11 am and took them on a wee tour of Bucerias, then a few hours here enjoying the 28C weather. I've just taken them back to their resort. Next week, they are coming for a sleepover and we will take them into Puerto Vallarta to shop and sightsee.

We have had a wonderful start to our New Year. Hope all of you have had as well. We are wishing all of you health, prosperity and melting snow!