16 Comments

What an adventure! Thanks for sharing this with us. It sounds like you will remember this vacation for a long time.

The mechanics and wires remind me of a guy I knew who enjoyed tinkering with engines, from cars to bikes and lawnmowers, despite not being a mechanic. They used to call him the shade tree mechanic, as most of his work (free labor, of course, pay only for parts) took place under a shady tree.

Expand full comment

Hi, Caro! Thank you. Good description of the mechanics., these guys could have been shade tree mechanics for all we knew. We had a good trip though, for sure.

Expand full comment

Thanks for taking me along on this adventure, James. How exhilarating! I love how you saw the guys parasailing and just went for it. Sounds like it was a blast, something all will remember without a doubt.

We once experienced something similar when flying. We were in Scotland, had already boarded, and then were asked to get off the plane. We stood out on the tarmac for an hour or two, and then once the situation was handled we had to go back inside through security and check in. It was quite an ordeal!

Expand full comment

Hi, Justin! Thanks for coming along! : ) Your situation in Scotland was really bad. Wonder what it was? When flying, it's like the comedy routines - you can't just pull over and check out a problem. Once you are in the air, your options are limited.

Expand full comment

re: cockpit problems, I can relate. on the flight back from Palma we were sitting on the tarmac for an hour because of an aircon malfunction.... Pilot: "Nothing serious, the plane is fine but we can't take off until this is fixed, sorry." Uhh, wut? 😂

I dig the tune, too!

Expand full comment

Hi, Alexander! - "Pilot: "Nothing serious, the plane is fine but we can't take off until this is fixed, sorry." Uhh, wut?" - LOL. And what can you do about it but hope for the best. Thanks re the tune, and for subbing!

Expand full comment

What a great story! I love the attitude of the mechanics; just a small fire, no big deal, then nose around with some electrical tape and wire cutters-all good! (as they step off the plane!) It is hilarious except in the moment when you're in that seat!

The parasail is on my bucket list; sounds like a blast as well. Again, when you're arcing toward the water--mmh?! You want others to experience that but, you really described how not simple that is.

The cautionary warning about peppers-yes! I've dabbled there and it's more fun as an observer!

Man, you're so good at telling those tales and bringingj us along. A ton of fun, James Ron!

Expand full comment

Hi, JM! Looking back, I think the mechanics were so cool about the whole thing. I think you would enjoy the parasailing! Thank you very much for commenting, you made my day!

Expand full comment

Great story! I can say I have never tried parasailing and it's never going to happen. I'm afraid of heights. Jalapeños are a no-go for me too. Sounds like you had a good time.

Expand full comment

Hi, Matthew! I haven't sailed since - don't want to push my luck. : ) We had a fine trip. Thanks for writing!

Expand full comment

Hey Ron, I think this was one of the great trips, at the same time it was frightening. Every time I think of that incidence, my heart trembles with fear, and I'm so thankful that Kentaro wasn't injured. I was so naive back then, I guess I haven't changed much though, and didn't think of any possible mishap. We were young then, but we were to be their temporary parents. If it were now, I would probably kept them from flying. They were brave, weren't they? Kentaro took off again, and Akira did as well, even though it made him shaky seeing Kentaro pulled down to the water and tangled with the rope. I'm so grateful that God was with us. Thank you Lord!

Expand full comment

Hi, Shino! Yes, I'm sure we would rethink our actions now. We were lucky!

Expand full comment

Such a great adventure! And I am sure it provided Akira and Kentaro with a long-lasting, often-told memory! Nice one, James.

Expand full comment

Thanks, Sharron! I've heard from my brothers and they remember the trip. I was a good one!

Expand full comment

Very cool, and adventurous, James. I did the gliding thing once out of Puerto Vallarta, and it was fun. Careful of those jalapeños, they can get your. After twelve years living in Mexico, I've gotten more used to them, but some are hotter than others! Sounds like you had a good time. All the best.

Expand full comment

Hi Victor! We had a fine time. I have a hard time with the jalapenos and I like spicy food. Got into a hot one once and I am now wary. Take care.

Expand full comment