Photo Dump: Part 1

We had a grand old time but I didn't end up with very many pictures (ok, there are a lot but they are mostly of flowers) but these should illustrate just how beautiful it was. 

Daniel's family has been going to Mexico for vacation every year for the last 20 or so years (amazing right?) Usually they spend about 3-4 weeks in the same hotel in Rincon de Guayabitos which is a 1.5 hour bus ride from Puerto Vallarta. Rincon is a seriously laid back town that is a local travel destination. Think 72 degrees and sunny in the middle of winter, what more could you want? This was my first time on the family vacation so it was neat to see all the things Daniel remembers as a little kid and eat all of the food he is always raving about. 

The hotel we stayed at is called Los Ayala. It is a cute little collection of bungalows (two bedroom apartments) on the beach. Super secure and safe.  

We were greeted by the local security guard.

Things have definitely changed over the years. This year there was a great little coffee shop where you could get the Starbucks equivalent for 25 pesos (which is about $2). I loved the super bright painted chairs. 

 It was definitely a mix of dilapidation and new construction but that made it even more charming.

One of my favorite walks was going up to the cross on the hill. Daniel and his family would walk there 2-3 times a trip every year (it was about a 30 minute walk from the hotel) and they watched it develop over the years. One old man takes care of it and has built it up entirely on donations.  He is a pretty strict Catholic.

As you climbed the hill you walked through the stations of the cross.

It was quite the climb.

But the view from the top was absolutely amazing. 

 The beach was always full of people and birds. Everywhere was delicious food.

The flowers were my favorite part. I never knew bougainvillea came in so many amazing colors.

It was a great week with the entire family. We tied the trip in with a trip to my parents so more pictures to come tomorrow!

How was everyone else's week? I feel totally out of the loop.
Cheers!