A Rare Leisurely Vacation
This summer we took a 3-week long vacation which included a road trip and a one-week cruise from Los Angeles to Mexico. We started driving from Vancouver down to Los Angeles and then boarded a cruise ship headed to Mexico with stops in Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallerta. Once we arrived back on shore in LA, we drove to Las Vegas and stayed a few nights, then drove to Portland and back home to Vancouver, Canada.
The cruise to Mexico was unforgettable. I rarely take leisurely vacations, almost all of my travels have included lots of activities and sightseeing. On the cruise, we spent a lot of time lounging in the sun, eating nonstop and enjoying the view of the ocean from our bed. Of course, I had my laptop with me because I was worried I would get bored so I worked on a few blog posts but mostly, I told myself to just relax and enjoy the moment. It wasn’t too hard actually 🙂 Listening to the waves crashing in the ocean on our balcony was hypnotic. I took a lot of much needed naps.
Bottom: View of land’s end from our room balcony. Make sure you sail Port Side if you want to catch this view on your way into Cabos. Our ship was tendered so we enjoyed this iconic view for 2 days.
First time having afternoon tea on a cruise ship.
A completely unobstructed sunset from the stern.
Cabos San Lucas and Puerto Vallerta
Our cruise itinerary had stops in both Cabos San Lucas and Puerto Vallerta. Cabos definitely stood out in my mind for it’s beautiful beaches and the view of the iconic Land’s End from most of the places we visited. It was scorching hot in July so it was a welcome relief to jump into cool beach waters. It had a cooling effect on us but was also warm and inviting at the same time. I wish Vancouver beaches were warm like that all year round.
Super warm waters at Medano Beach overlooking Land’s End.
The beautiful patio view from the Hacienda-Cocina-y-Cantina-Resort
Made two new friends in Cabos.
Our next stop in Mexico was the more urban city of Puerto Vallerta. We took a short excursion to the Island of Caleta which is about one hour away by boat. There, we had a memorable dinner on the beach, just steps away from wildlife like pelicans and crabs in their natural habitat, while a live violinist was playing in the background. After dinner, we watched a very popular show called Rhythms of the Night. I would liken it to a Mexican version of Cirque du Soleil but with less complicated acrobatic maneuvers and more fire.
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When we stepped off the boat, a lizard welcomed us to the island of Caleta.
Took a one-hour boat ride to the island of Caletas.
Watching the pelicans and crabs on the rocks from our table.
Shopping in Puerto Vallerta
Left: The beautiful Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Puerto Vallarta. Right: Downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Los Angeles, Las Vegas & Portland
We ended our Mexico cruise back in Long Beach and we drove back up to Vancouver making stops in Las Vegas and Portland. I have been to Las Vegas on several occasions but it was my first time by car and thereby, giving me a surprising opportunity to see a water oasis in the middle of the dessert.
A day out in Santa Monica, California eating at the famed Sugar Fish.
My first Bouchono Bakery macarons! The bakery is located inside the Venetian on the Las Vegas strip.
An unexpected water oasis in the dessert – Walker Lake in Nevada.
Pix Patisserie in Portland is an acclaimed dessert shop serving sweets and macarons. This particular day, they had a variety of spirit based flavours to choose from.
Look at this amazing macaron flavours chart from Pix Macarons!
SEE MORE MACARON FILLING IDEAS HERE
Cocktail Macaron Templates
Since it was so hot and I was on vacation, I had a few drinks (I don’t normally drink) and mojitos were my favorite of all. Here is the cocktail inspired macaron project I made when I came home. I also included the template for you to download. It would be great with a spirit-infused macaron filling. (See my Baileys Chocolate Macaron Filling Recipe here)
Thanks for letting me share my little summer journey with you.
Until next time.
XOXO,
Mimi
The drinks that inspired this cocktail macaron project.
Free macaron templates for this project:
Available for download for Newsletter Subscribers. Just sign up for the newsletter and wait for the double opt-in confirmation email. Confirm your subscription and you’ll be sent the password to the member’s only area.
Other Travel Moments
Afternoon Tea at the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong
May 4th, 2015
Lisbon Trip - A Day Out in Belem
March 6th, 2017
Summer Activities Part 2: Alta Lake in Whistler & Nairn Falls Hike in Pemberton
July 23rd, 2017
Lisbon Trip - A Day Out in Sintra
March 7th, 2017
Tofino Getaway at the Wickaninnish Inn
May 26th, 2016
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