Let’s Chat: Hola todos!

By Linda Tooth on February 26, 2025.

In Spanish, this means hello everyone.

As I mentioned last week, I am outside Puerto Vallarta on a solo trip enjoying sunshine and some much needed rest. I know some people were shocked that I chose to go by myself, but rest assured I chose a property that I have stayed at before. I know travelling on your own can be frightening for some but I embraced the chance to get away, and I have no regrets.

I’d like to share some of my experiences with you.

First of all, talk about leaving on a jet plane at the right time. When my flight left Calgary it was -39 with the wind chill. When I landed in Puerto Vallarta it was a balmy 28C. Now, I am no genius in math, but even I know that is a 67-degree difference. The temperature for the week I was here stayed around 28C. Now, getting home might be a bit challenging as my flight has been delayed by one day – so far.

I spent five full days beside the pool reading, doing word puzzles and listening to music while working on my tan.

During that time I tried introverting. Folks, it lasted one day. By day two, I had made friends at the pool with the most amazing couple from Ontario. Gary, who is 91, and his partner, 87-year-old Patricia were one of the highlights for me.

Their story about how they met and how they came together after losing their respective spouses is worthy of a book. Because of my flight delay I had the opportunity to meet Sylvia and Slyvie from Laurentides, Quebec.

They embraced their limited English and my very non-existent French speaking skills to teach me how to play a card game called 19-11. Those from Quebec are often misunderstood in the West, but I am telling you this couple was warm and welcoming. Sylvia even brought out family pictures on her phone and shared some of them with me.

Secondly, this world is a very small place. I went to a beachside buffet restaurant one night by myself and I could not believe it but two tables away was a former coworker I had not seen in years.

We spent some time getting caught up and I have seen her often during the week. I also met a couple from Shaunavon who had friends from Medicine Hat coming to join them. I now have new friends from Shaunavon and Medicine Hat.

Thirdly, and probably the most important experience on my holiday was my visit to the Purr Project no-kill feline shelter. This non-profit is run by volunteers who have either emigrated to Mexico or have left the north to spend winter months in the sunshine.

The facility is located outside Puerto Vallarta, and Linda, the shelter administrator, offered to pick me up from a determined location not far from my hotel. Now I know some are thinking, ‘Did you really get into a car with strangers?’ The answer is yes.

Two Americans and two Canadians greeted me and I jumped in the car. Puerto Vallarta, like many other locations, has an issue with feral/community cats. These people look after many and it was a privilege to see their facility.

I do not regret for one minute or dollar what it cost me to get away. I have had an amazing experience as a solo traveller.

Have a Meowtastic Day and keep reading.

Linda Tooth is a part-time communications instructor at Medicine Hat College

17
-16