Feb-1993

In the early 90’s, both Robert and I would venture to different destinations as we both shared the same desire for traveling.  Seeing different places, meeting different people and learning about different cultures made us more than just co-workers.   A good friend you can travel with and trust made it all that more enjoyable.  In February 1993, Robert, Camille, myself and my wife traveled to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

We rented a spacious condominium at La Jolla De Mismaloya which allowed both couples to have their own rooms,  massive living area and  ideal location.

When travelling with others that share the same interests, it not only makes it more fun and safe, but can monetarily be more advantageous. A very expensive rental can suddenly be much more affordable.

While speaking to locals and trying to get the true sense of how they live, we wanted to experience some local restaurant that was furthest from the average McDonald’s chain.  We were told the most authentic restaurant in the area, coincidentally named, would be Tony’s Restaurant.  The locals warned us that although  the restaurant was not aesthetically pleasing, the food had to be tasted and the atmosphere had to be felt.  They were correct in both!  The location made us swallow in disbelief , while the food itself was unbelievably tasty. At first look, the restaurant seemed a run down home in the middle of the jungle perched next to the side of a mountain.  The closer we walked, it was clear it was run by a local family that had a passion for gastronomical delights.

Food was great, drinks were cold, atmosphere was great.  Once again, the true local eateries is where one should dine to get a sense of the city and culture you’re visiting.

To visit the jungle terrain, we decided in renting a jeep and headed for El Eden.  At the time, we had no clue that this exotic location with streams, cliffs, greenery and jungle feel was a famous location that was used as the set for many scenes in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most famous “Predator” movie.

While walking through the knee high ravine, we can’t help think of what possible creature may lay beneath the waters.  At one point we come across a huge rock that was used as a sled and we slide straight into the lagoon.  To tell you the truth, I was very amazed that Anna followed through and became extremely adventurous.  I guess when we’re young, we can afford in being foolish.

As the trip was coming to an end, we had one last item on our “to do” list.  We had to experience the local sport of Bullfighting at La Paloma Plaza de Toros.  As we’re purchasing our tickets, you can sense the carnival like atmosphere with all locals gathering.  As the combat between man and animal is drawing closer, you can’t help feel the intensity in the air.  The matador’s bright color attire and their arrogant walk becomes a simple display of focus, intensity and fear.

Just feet away from our seats, we see the bull strapped and closed in an iron cage in dire need of exploding through the gate.  Game ON!  Bull is released and attacks the brave matador standing in the middle of the ring.  Waving his bright cape, he steers the bull to his humiliation and complete tiredness.  Not knowing the rules nor reason of this sport, it was quite disturbing and heartless of what this bull was being put through.  The matador occasionally punctures and leaves a small sword on the bull’s back. To make matters worse, we then see this soldier-like figure on a huge horse pointing an over-sized sword at the bull.  Both in a straight line opposite to each other, time seems to have stopped.  As no sound was heard for this split moment, the soldier signals his horse to race towards the bull and lunges the sword right between the bull’s shoulder blades.  A well timed and perfect release, the bull was killed.  We did find this completely disturbing but were somewhat relieved when a local told us that all the beef from the bull is donated to local charities and food banks.

With one day remaining, we wanted to make sure it was spent on the beach with the sun beating down on us.  Something about a beach and ocean that soothes the body, mind and soul.

Feb-1993