Farewell beautiful Puerto Vallarta …until next time!

We came into Puerto Vallarta heavy with exhaustion, urchins in our feet and aches in our belly. Now, two weeks later we are stronger and healthier than ever. Potentially as healthy as we’ve ever been. The following is a list that, not only contributed to our health increasing factors, but also painted the beautiful picture of our Vallarta reality.

• Our parents came to the rescue with more than just hospitality. Their great little Casa is situated in a local part of Vallarta and provided a massive dose of rest and coolness. Like Rivendell, one gets the feeling that time behaves differently here. As we would sit in the court yard having food and conversation or worked on our various projects inside, the days would simply melt away comfortably. This Casita de Laggner acted as a cool, nice smelling refuge to refuel our health. Thanks Mama and Papa Laggs, this wouldn’t have worked without your support!!

• In close conjunction with Casita de Laggner was the little market store across the street. With roughly the square footage of a bedroom, it had an impressive and consistent culinary supply of pure Mexican deliciousness. At any given moment we could pick up fresh tortillas, avocados (and other fruit and veggies, but most importantly avocados), fresh baked rolls, milk or cilantro. It was there to supply us with the healthy, local and fresh nourishment we needed. Gracias por los abbarotes delicioso, vecino!

• My parents have been blessed with an exceptional and talented roommate. One could write a book about Argelia, but for this purpose, most importantly, she is an exceptional Yoga teacher. Instead of paying rent, she teaches three classes a week on the terrace. Her instructional talent is worth much more than money ever could buy. She is a truly dedicated Yogi and Buddhist and her nurturing and positive energy was both powerful and contagious. She contributed greatly to our well-being and it was a heart breaking parting upon our departure. Muchismas gracias Argelia, por abrir tu corazon para nosotros y nuestros ojos a tu mundo de yoga (Paul helped with that translation. Thanks buddy)

• Of course the group wouldn’t have been what it was without the lively and positive addition of Jakob’s girlfriend Sarah. Or “Sox” for short. She’s on her own worldly adventure, but we were lucky enough to cross paths and hence created the vivacious crew that roamed the streets of Vallarta! There are few people as driven and productive as Sarah and between Jakob and Sarah, the world is at their mercy. She, along with two others started a non-profit organization called “Breaking Ground” in Cameroon (where she spent a total of some 2 years). Again, there is not enough space here to write about the incredible mission and success of Breaking Grounds (a reflection of Sarah’s ambition and drive), but please have a look and if possible contribute to her organization at www.breaking-ground.org It was great to have her company in PV and we look forward to seeing her in our final destination in Costa Rica.

Needless to say, Vallarta was a great experience on many levels for all of us, but the time came when we had to move on, which we have (as I write this we are at the next local, some 100 miles south). Our sail south continues with new vitality and new company too: Jade Wa’hoo has known us for half of our lives and we’ve considered him family for many years now. We’re excited to have his wisdom and knowledge on board for the next 12 days or so. The fact that he’s 60 years young and has never been sailing before is only a miniscule reflection of his driven life and he’s had lots of impact on how Jakob and I lead our lives. Another thing: he is shaman. With his three braids (one from his head and two from his beard) and tattooed ears, he not only looks the part, he was born into it. But his story is much too long to tell here. If you want to find out what he has to offer and who he is, check out www.shamanic.net