Ahhh, sit back. take a load off, set a spell.

MARCH 3

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DIANE

I now know how elite athletes feel when plagued with a string of nagging injuries that keep them from playing the game they love and excel in. Just when a spranged ankle fades, a groin gets pulled. As the groin gets sorted out, a hamstring is strained, and so on. 

Well, that’s what is happening to us. We aren’t elite athletes, but we are semipro fun-seekers. This last month has not been filled with seeking fun. First, motion sickness grabbed Wanda for four days. Then she had her gum graft surgery requiring two weeks of recovery. Then I picked up the 48-hour stomach flu that resulted in a case of involuntary bulimia. Then my gum graft surgery put me down for two weeks. Then, I clumsily stubbed my toe, unsuccessfully running after a bus. What should have been no big deal turned into a big deal. My toe still hurts when I walk, and walking is fundamental to our adventures. 

In the meantime, Wanda picked up an infection. Here is where the Mexican Medical system shines. The lab test cost $16.59 US. The doctor’s consultation at the city’s emergency hospital ran $27.57 US. The three prescriptions added up to a whopping $56.95 US. Wanda’s infection is already fading away after one day. At home, it would have easily cost $1,500 or more.  

On the brighter side of life, our dental nightmare is officially over. I got my stitches removed on Wednesday, and the periodontist declared it a success. After giving me a clean bill of mouth-health, she declared, “Congratulations, your long journey is completed. I’ll see you next year for a cleaning.”

I can share a handful of random photos taken over the past month of convalescence. I played a couple of times with Jeff at the Sunshine bar. We took a couple of strolls here and there. Although we mostly ate mushy foods at home, we did get out once or twice for breakfast and supper. The mushy food thing was due to the gum grafts. We subsisted on a diet of refried beans, guacamole, creamy soups, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, yogurt, jello, and ice cream. 

To pass the time, I worked on another Vintage Ventures series - Spain 2017. I will send that out when we get back home. We RVed with my sister and brother-in-law for a month in Southern Spain. It was spectacular and fun to relive.

We are shooting for Sunday as our return to our Mexican fun. It will be the La Cruz Market and beach day at Playa Distiladaras. I can’t wait. 

Oh yeah, Today is my sister Diane’s birthday. It isn’t proper to reveal a lady’s age, but I will say that she is still a spry lady.

Our periodontist (left), Dr. Karla Lissete, and her sidekick. They restored our jaw bones and gums.

Dr. Lissete (left) and Dr. Mahogamy, my root canal and crown dentist. I asked the petite Dr. Mahogamy if she was 14 years old. She is 36! I have five crowns and hers is hands-down the best-fitting crown in my mouth. Hats off to her talent.

The receptionist that took our money.

Canadian co-owner, Kirk Siemens, is in charge of the 3D imaging.

We stumbled onto this bulk seeds and cereals outlet. I bought some delicious dried pears. In addition to seeds and cereals, they have spices, bags of different kinds of beans, mushrooms, etc.

We love the musicians that perform on the bus.

Wanda gets a kick out of the La Comer shopping carts that ride up the flat escalator. The wheels automatically and magically lock when the cart enters the escalator.

French toast, eggs, and ham. Wanda really got on this pancake, waffle, french toast thing.

Sopa Crema de Chile Poblano - Cream of Chile Poblano Soup. Chile poblano is a pepper. It is mild and delicious. After the croutons got soggy, it was perfect for my gum surgery.

This street taco kitchen, Los Dorados de Villa Birria, makes a wonderful marinated birria-style beef taco filling - shredded, tender, and flavorful.

I played with Jeff while Wanda recuperated. Will, Jeff's other guitar player, returned to Canada. He will be back in Bucerias next winter. Jeff also found a couple of great singers to sit in. I look forward to that now that I am back on my feet.

The waiter and bartender at the Sunshine Bar.

A street performer.

Junk art (my favorite) at the Bobchelero Restaurant.

These tree flowers only come out for a day or so in March.

Touching up the elementary school in downtown Bucerias.

Where do you start? This tangled mess is orderly compared to the tangled spaghetti we saw in India and Thailand.

Concrete and rebar is Mexico's most essential and prevalent building material.

Waffles and fruit at the Bobchelero Restaurant, home of the junk art.

Pancakes at La Palapa Beachside Restaurant.

Breakfast at Tiny's Coffee Shop.

The Thursday Chili Releno special at Pericos Restaurant Bar and Cafe. The special includes this plate, a giant margarita, and chips for 229 pesos ($12 US).

Dave and Wanda

Get Vaccinated To Save Lives.

Virtual Business Card

North America . Europe . Mexico . Asia . Product Reviews . Books & Maps

Please send us your thoughts and any errors we may have missed. We're on the road and cellular service is intermittent in the remote areas. As soon as we get online, we are eager to read all of your messages.

Message us: 715-252-6664 | 715-252-3326

Email: alloverthemaptravelventures@gmail.com