Friends and all,

The adventure continues. After an exciting visit to the PV Walmart, what could possibly top that. Actually, I always dread the trip to acquire start up provisions, but then end up enjoying the trip. We always take a local bus out to the store, located about 15 minutes to the north, just across from where the cruise ships come in. I am always amazed out how many people on the cruise ship, immediately disembark and cross the busy highway for the security of an American icon! Anyway, for 13 pesos for the two of us, you get the ride of a life time. I have always wondered why Disney never put in the Mexican Bus Ride amusement. Most likely too dangerous! However, an advantage would be you could stuff 80 riders in a vehicle that holds 20.

So, being retired, like a bunch of the other lost souls with little else to amuse them, we wondered up one aisle and down the next. Actually, we have cut back on Walmart treats, mostly just paper products and large jars of condiments. In our declining years, we have come to not carry it all back on the bus, but build a 60 peso cab ride back into town. Then we sit down for a drink before making the long walk (crawl?) up the hill.

Did have a bit of lunch. Polley and I have noticed that since arriving, we have not been nearly as hungry as at home. May be the sea breeze and sun. Perhaps a new diet has been discovered. Of course, this is all followed by siesta, the most important time of the day.

About sunset, which happens about 6:30 p.m. this time of the year, we wander down near the sea for a drink and a bit of people watching. Last night we chose a small coffee, gelato beer spot and just sat and sipped on beer and watched the people go by.

The last couple of years the rolling Mexican food carts have moved down this direction and the crowds come to savor the local offerings.

While the gringos tend to stay a bit further south on the Malecon, the Mexicans gather near the food carts. It really is a delight to see the families stroll up and down while the kids and dogs race about madly, until a child falls and screams or a two dogs have a disagreement and a joyful romp turns into a snarling fight.

Then Polley and I, after our brief visit to El Patio de mi Casa last night, returned to try the food. I am not sure if I mentioned that when we walked in last night for the first time after the change of ownership, a waitress from two years ago, Evonne, was back at work. She not only remembered us, but immediately brought two glasses of red wine, our usual order. She is a delightful girl from Chile, who despite having nearly no English manages to understand us. Given the fact that we seldom understand ourselves, that is quite an accomplishment. Anyway, we ordered a starter, a cheese, Panela, with herbs, said to be "drowned in olive oil." Served hot with toasted bread, it was delicious. You can be looking forward to sampling it at our next gathering. Another new appetizer added to the Bowen's book of recipes! Following that large lump of cheese, were silly enough to order a pizza. It was delicious! It was salmon, goat cheese, capers, and, surprise, apples. It truly was amazing. The apples provided just a hint of sweetness that worked so nicely with the other ingredients.

As you can see, despite the blob of cheese sitting in our stomachs, we managed to eat half and took the remainder home for a lunch coming too our apartment soon.

The weather continues to be beautiful. NIce clear sky and bright shining stars last night as we sat at El Patio. Following the meal it was another walk up the hill. Our new apartment is a good 20 steps short of the record number of 84 our first two years. Our landlord does have some sympathy for the aging! More later.