Honeymoon Part 2- Puerto Vallarta

Our first port was Puerto Vallarta on our 4th day. I wasn't too sure I was going to like it when I walked out on my balcony and could see WalMart and Sams Club when we docked. But it turned out to be really beautiful and a lot of fun. We spent the morning doing a little shopping at some shops right near the pier. We bought me some new sunglasses, because I left mine at home. Then we stopped by the coolest store, Del Sol. Everything in the store changes color in the sun! Most of it is black and white inside, but once the sun hits it-WHAM-awesome colors. My favorite thing was the nail polish! I had to buy two bottles- it was just too cool. Since Nathan is really into ceramics, we stopped by a few ceramic shops. We found the most gorgeous plate at one of the shops and decided that we were going to buy a new plate from every port.

After our little shopping excursion, we went back to ship for lunch and went and a took a dip in the pool. It was nice, because most of the people were off the boat exploring the city, so we had the pool practically all to ourselves. The water was pretty cold, so we wound up moving our party over to hot tub. It was really fun and relaxing.

Later in the afternoon, it was time for our very first shore excursion! I was excited because this was the one that I got to pick. We went on the sunset horseback excursion. It started with an hour long bus ride which wasn't super pleasant, because I don't think our bus had air conditioning. But we had the most awesome tour guide- Tony. He was soooo much fun, we just loved him! He helped to make the hour go by pretty fast. Once we got to the ranch, they got everyone on a horse.

This is Nathan and I our horses Pancho and El Mexicano

Nathan looking sexy in his riding helmet.

Me on my horsey.

The area where we were riding was really pretty. We crossed this creek a few times at different spots and apparently my horse was really thirsty; he always had to stop and get a drink. It was kind of funny. Nathan and I both wished that our horses went a little faster. We were on beginner horses so they moved at a nice steady pace. They did pick it up a bit when we got closer to the ranch again- they knew it was time to go home and eat. We were excited to eat too.

We had really yummy homemade chips, salsa, and guacamole as an appetizer and then some really delicious Mexican BBQ for dinner. They finished off the meal with some tequila shots-Nathan and I naturally declined- everyone thought that we were either crazy or underage. Nah, we're just Mormon. =p

After we ate dinner, we got see a really cool show performed by "local youngsters."

This guy could do AMAZING things with that rope. It was neat to watch.

And this little guy is like 10 years old and a Mariachi singer. I was so impressed- he was so cute and his voice was amazing.

This 6 year old boy was so adorable! His act was to make his horse dance to the music. It was really neat.

On the bus ride back to the ship, we had to take a ten minute pit stop because someone had left something at the ranch, and they were bringing it to the bus. Little did we know, the items forgotten were pictures of Nathan and I. We hadn't brought any cash with us, so we couldn't purchase the pictures that they took of us on our horses- but a secret someone in our group new we were on our honeymoon and paid for the pictures for us. It was a really awesome surprise- it was cool that a total stranger would do something so nice.

Our stay in Puerto Vallarta was totally fun and romantic!