Goodbye, Puerto Vallarta

The last few days of packing to return home, saying goodbye to friends and "things" has kept me pretty busy. No more teacher meetings this week---just the fun things left to do!

Sunday night I went with Lucila to a Christmas concert by the Puerto Vallarta Chamber Orchestra and Choir. The music was enchanting and the choir sang Vivaldi`s "Gloria". Wine, cheese, coffee and pastries were available at the intermission and sitting in the outdoor music venue, with a light breeze blowing, and listening to the music made for a lovely evening.

Yesterday morning I went back the the Colegio to see the first, second and third grade Christmas program. Each group had learned a Christmas song and sang and danced to the music. They were all so cute with their costumes and smiles! Of course "my" group was the best!!

I was invited to a Christmas party yesterday afternoon for the supervisors in the public schools. It was hosted by the superintendent at her home. She lives in Mismamoya, a town just south of PV, in a beautiful condo on the ocean. She had a musician playing keyboards and singing during the party, and a wonderful comida with fish, rice, salad, mole sauce, and cake for dessert. We ate at tables on her patio overlooking the ocean. Quite a nice afternoon.

I have gone to the malecon and sat on a bench "people watching" and looking at the ocean; gone back to a favorite restaurant; walked along the Plaza Marina where I have shopped so often; and said goodbye to my wonderful friends at the laundry and the very nice man who has made my photo CDs for me. Tonight I am having dinner with my friend, Emma, and tomorrow night with my roommate, Aurora and her sister, Elva. This afternoon I say good bye to my friend Lety, who has been so kind and helpful to me.

All that is left to do is on Thursday morning, I will sit on my suitcases and hope that they close!! Then I go to the airport and wing my way home.

Living and teaching in Mexico has been a dream fulfilled. I have been so fortunate to have had the experience, to have met so many nice people, and hopefully, I have left the impression on the children I have taught that education is a very important thing for them. Also I will never forget the love and support from my family, friends, and church that kept me going while I was away.

Most people here have not said "adios" to me, but instead say "hasta luego", meaning "see you later". They say that I will come back. And maybe I will... someday.

Someone once said:

"Goodbyes are not forever,
Goodbyes are not the end.
They simply mean I`ll miss you
Until we meet again!"


Hasta luego.