Sayulita, Mexico

When we decided to do family Christmas in Mexico, we knew we wanted beach, but we didn´t want anything too touristy. Out of sheer dumb luck we decided on Sayulita (about 24 km north of Puerto Vallarta) because a family we met in Mexico 5 years ago happened to mention it as a place they like to go. Turns out, they were right. Sayulita is an amazing little Mexican town that has the perfect blend of tourist infrastructure with Mexican culture and charm. Unlike large touristsy areas, Mexican families and tourists are living side by side and shopping together in the local fruit stands and fish markets. While there is some ¨Hey Gringo, fishing trip/ jet ski" kind of pitches on a daily basis, it's not nearly as annoying or persistent as other places I have been. People are also willing to tolerate less than perfect Spanish, rather than jumping directly into English. The Sayulita beach faces north and is a little curved lagoon that is beautiful. 

Map for reference:

Life is pretty chill and we've learned that you can buy limes for 8-10 pesos per kilo, which is about 35 cents per pound. Limes are extremely useful for making margaritas or ceviche. Ceviche is actually surprisingly easy. Here is the recipe:

- 1 kg Mahi Mahi (Dorado)

- 1 red onion

-1 bushel cilantro

- salt to taste

- 10-15 limes. Enough to cover all the fish in lime juice

You let it sit for a few hours and the result is amazing.  

Preparation:

End result:

Our Christmas was a little unusual. It just doesn't feel like Christmas in Mexico. Plus, some of the more breakable gifts had been given early state-side. The result was a pretty pathetic wrap job all around. Turned out to be great gifts but the presentation was pretty funny. The green towel was still wet from me having just used it in the shower. 

Finally, little did we know when we rented our house on AirBnB that the house came with a Mexican Cat. This guy showed up the first day and has not left once. The neighbors say he comes over whenever there are americanos. Probably because americanos are soft and give him treats. This has been true so far for certain members of the family. Not naming any names, but it rhymes with Rad and Bulianne. 

 Took a stab at water-coloring said cat. First attempt ever with water colors, so pretty good considering.

And the original. 

Overall Sayulita has been amazing. Moving on shortly to Puerto Vallarta. We don't have any reservations so hoping that Hotel Tonight comes through. Otherwise, we may have to sleep on the streets with the cat.