I could apologize for neglecting my blog the past several months. But in a way that seems narcissistic, as if assuming the world was lacking a certain 'je ne sais quoi' when I stopped filling it with my life updates. So I won't.
Arland and I were married on the 9th of May. It was a quiet ceremony in the Vancouver temple. We didn't have expensive caterers, extravagant decore or professional entertainment. But we had family, laughter and the best of friends. And isn't that when you really remember?
We had a wonderful time travelling. Although there were a few bumps in the road. Our travel agent didn't book our seats next to each other on the plane. Once seated, Arland innocently pointed back to his 'just married' wife a row back. Sitting apart while on your honeymoon was completely out of the question to the passenger next to him and we soon traded seats. That was a small concern considering our travel agent also didn't book us a room at our hotel. (I'm beginning to wonder if she understands the criteria of her job because she also apparently forgot we needed to get back to Edmonton and not live in Denver. Our flight connection in the states flew out for Alberta before we even left Mexico)
But for the most part we had a great time brushing up on Arland's Spanish in Puerto Vallarta. Apparently I need to learn some myself. One night we sat borrowing Starbuck's WiFi when a man approached Arland. He was dressed in a neat button-up shirt, slacks and coiffed hair (this is unusual for the average street vendor in Mexico). He spoke to Arland in Spanish. After a minute the man opens his wallet and gives Arland 500 pesos ($50). And then Arland walks away. Leaving me with this man. Sold for $50 on your honeymoon!! Turns out he wasn't getting rid of me that easily. He returned in a matter of minutes with a pizza. Apparently I was sitting with the Quality Inspector of Domino's for all of Mexico. He was seeing if us gringos are charged a different rate than locals. We sat and enjoyed our free authentic Mexican pizza (ham and pineapple)
We went on a couple of excursions. A Jungle tour and a live performance on an indigenous island lit by torches. Both were amazing. There was so much wonderful food. And ice cream every day folks! It's common knowledge you're allowed to get fat after you're married. We searched for hole-in-the-wall places that were the real deal. Our favorite spot was at an corner restaurant. Fresh hot tortillas, homemade horchata and divine pico de gallo. The family who owned the restaurant sat down at the table next to us and ate their own food. Sign of a good place to eat!
It all ended too soon. Leaving is always hard. But it was exciting to come back and start Real Life Part II: Marriage. Everyone was so great to us leading up to our wedding and after. So much love and support coming from so many people, some who we didn't even know. And so much generosity! People were thoughtful and sincere we have been awe-struck. Thank you to all who helped, in any way, and thank you to those who had us in their thoughts. It takes a village to outfit a newly-weds house!
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