Epic 30x2 Birthday
A milestone birthday. A favorite destination - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. And 25+ friends from all parts of my life. Epic!
Arrivals
My friends flew in from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New York City, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and Washington, DC plus England.
Penthouse View
I’ve stayed several times at this 3-level penthouse condo in the Amapas neighborhood with breathtaking view of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay.
Catered Dinner
Chef Orlando Ceceña and his 6-person team catered my birthday dinner including a bar tender. Menu included an amazing skirt steak and grilled salmon with local flavors.
Birthday Group
We gathered together for a group picture after drinks, tour of the penthouse, dinner, and a birthday toast by my friends Daniel and Fernando. I thanked everyone for attending and the catering team for an amazing evening.
Chartered Boat
This year, we chartered a private boat hosted by the same Diana’s Tour which offers a popular LGBT-friendly tour on Thursdays. The thirteen of us had plenty of space on the 45-foot catamaran that normally has up to 50 people. We enjoyed an open bar, snacks, and lunch at a private beach restaurant plus snorkeling and swimming in Banderas Bay.
Sunset Dinner
With a little coordination and good luck, we gathered for dinner at La Palapa restaurant while the sun set over Banderas Bay.
Jungle Fun
A group of eight friends spent a fun morning speeding through the jungle, around tight turns, and over the longest vehicular suspension bridge.
Wet and Dusty
Bandanas and goggles were barely able to keep the dust out. Getting soaked is guaranteed. Fortunately, we’ve done this before and were prepared with our water proof phone cases, extra set of clothes, and a fun attitude.
Open Bar
We met up at Corner Bar for a 2-hour open bar with martinis, mocktail drinks, and music after a fun day of beach time, jungle adventure, or shopping.
Halloween
A few of my friends dressed up for Halloween. I was too tired and dusty to change. Maybe next year!
Day of the Dead
Right after Halloween, Mexico honors the dead on November 1 and 2. The La Catrina in Puerto Vallarta stands nearly 75 feet, making it the tallest in the world.
That’s a Wrap
We enjoyed a few extra days after everyone left, but after 12 days, it’s time to get back home.