February 1, 2020. Playa Royale, Mexico. San Sebastian Excursion.

Today, Wendy and Ken hired a driver and guide and drove to the old town, San Sebastian. On Wednesday, Ken asked the men at the front desk about hiring a driver and they recommended Mario. So it was all arranged for Saturday. Wendy and Ken left at 9:00 and returned just before 5:00. They were pleased with their journey. Mario turned out to be an excellent guide. He has a degree in the tourist business and has been guiding people in the area of Puerto Vallarta for 20 years. His English was excellent and he gave interesting information about the area. On the way they stopped at a pastry shop and ate small pastries stuffed with mushrooms that they said were delicious. They both enjoyed the drive. Just seeing the homes and farms was interesting. San Sebastian has been a mining town for hundreds of years, well before the Spanish arrived and took over. At one time, the population approached 30,000. But the mines closed so now 700 folks live there along with many seasonal people who come to the mountains to get away from the heat. Wendy and Ken ate lunch there. On the way down the mountain they stopped at a coffee plantation and a tequila factory and they were able to watch the liquor distilled. Wendy and Ken invited me on the excursion but Ken and I had taken the journey several years ago so I stayed home. They were happy with Mario and happy with the whole excursion. Rita and Ian are thinking they will hire Mario next week. Also, San Sebastian has improved with more old homes restored. Progress has been made in San Sebastian.