For how close Mexico is to California I really have not traveled there much. This made me excited to be able to get down there for work. We had scheduled in a few down days with no work right before the shoot so we would have time to relax and enjoy.
We stayed at Hacienda San Angel in Puerto Vallarta, a beautiful old Hacienda on a hill top converted to a boutique hotel. Each room is unique in shape and design. There are old artifacts and paintings through out the property collected from all over the world. The food was also incredible, from the fresh chips and guacamole, the dinner entrees and breakfast served to your room. It was located a few minutes walk from the boardwalk along the bay. The light that fell upon the hacienda during the evening made everything feel even more special.
On our second day off I decided to get out to a little surf town of Sayulita. I quickly found a store to rent a surfboard and went surfing in the warm tropical water for a few hours. It is so nice to just sit in the water with out a wetsuit. The guys at the surf shop recommended a lunch spot right on the beach I could get some fresh ceviche. After another surf session I grabbed a way to expensive taxi to where we would be working on Punta Mita.
The following week was spent working and sweating in the heat of the Mexican sun. The sunsets from where we were staying were incredible. The sun was huge and dipped right into the horizon, each night getting better and better. We were lucky to get to release a few turtle hatchlings into the ocean as well. The resort works with a local turtle conservation and has a program where guests get to release turtles into the ocean. It was a really special experience, and I hope the little turtles I released get to grow up and explore the ocean for many years. I am happy I got to experience Mexico through a little work and play. I definitely want to head back and enjoy it at a more leisurely pace.
