When you live together 24/7 in a small space, it’s incredibly difficult to surprise your spouse. How do you sneak out and make your way to a nondescript store without your absence being noticed? What do you answer when asked “Where have you been?” Or, how do you order a gift online without an address? When we were house sitting, there was an opportunity to intercept the mailman and hide the package, but now that we travel full-time in Zesty again, I was at a loss about what to get or do for Mark’s birthday on March 1st. Believe it or not, but it was stressing me out. It’s one of the few events we celebrate, so it has to be done in style, despite my husband saying he didn’t care.
Ever since we’ve owned our Mercedes Sprinter Westfalia camper van, Mark has wanted to change the Dodge grill with the Mercedes one. These two engines are exactly the same, but for some reason, the van was “branded” as a Dodge when imported from Germany in 2005. The little Dodge emblem on the hood was immediately replaced, only costing a few dollars. But the grill replacement was vetoed by me. $70 for something cosmetic? That money would be better spent elsewhere on the van. After 1.5 years in our possession, Zesty was still driving around as a half Dodge/half Mercedes. Mark was getting antsy. He found the Mercedes grill on sale, and I said: ”Great! That’ll be your birthday gift.” I have to agree, our van looks much better now.
Installing the new Mercedes grill
Yet, a car part doesn’t constitute a good birthday gift. We decided to buy a pair of zip-off pants from Amazon for him (they are actually called “convertible pants”), but the order and delivery got totally messed up. We eventually found a solution to use a “real” address to receive them (thank you, Ingrid), but this wouldn’t happen until a week after the birthday. Then, after a grocery shopping spree, I encouraged Mark to stay in the van, while I went back inside to find some goodies for him, and a birthday card. Phew! The only task left was finding quiet and alone time on March 1st, to write the card and wrap the consumables.
Still, I wasn’t pleased with the solution for Mark’s special day and I wanted to take my husband out to dinner. But we were camped in the middle of nowhere in Southern Arizona. The answer came after reading the road sign “Puerto Peñasco: 65 miles”. Let’s go to Mexico for Mark’s birthday weekend! So, we bought four days of Mexican liability insurance for our camper (US$36), crossed the southern border, obtained tourist visas (free for up to one week in the free zone of Sonora state), and went out for lunch and dinner in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico.
A mariachi band entered the restaurant during dinner. Here is a video to capture the ambiance:
We explored this resort town (also called Rocky Point), popular with US spring breakers who – luckily – hadn’t shown up yet, stared out over the Sea of Cortez, went for a walk on the beach and in the estuary, biked around, and relaxed.
Not bad for a birthday break and a change of scenery. Only one time before, I opted for the “tourist for one day” b-day gift in the capital of Curacao when we were sailing in the Caribbean and it was a memorable and fun day as well. You can read about that experience here. I think we have figured out what works as the perfect gift for couples who live in close quarters and rarely splurge!
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March 13, 2019 at 17:02
Liesbet
Well done! It looks like Mark had a great time.
Laura
March 13, 2019 at 17:34
He did! Thanks, Laura.
March 13, 2019 at 17:13
Wow, what a great gift! It’s hard enough surprising Paul sometimes… I can’t imagine doing that while living in a van. A side trip to Mexico is a perfect way to relax and celebrate (good thing that you missed the crazy spring breakers… were we ever that young?) By the way, I agree that the front grill looks so much better now!
March 13, 2019 at 17:36
And, the longer you are together as a couple, the harder it becomes to find and buy gifts, right? Plus, we both feel like we have EVERYTHING. As I’m sure you’ll agree, Janis, experiences seem to be the best gift of them all. And, our presence, of course. 🙂
March 13, 2019 at 17:13
A view of the Sea of Cortez sounds like the perfect birthday gift, Liesbet. Well done! Happy birthday to Mark. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos. And yay! Your post popped up in my WP Reader. All is well in Word Press. Safe travels!
March 13, 2019 at 17:37
Happy to read that the post showed up, Jill! Technology is becoming a bit unreliable these days… Facebook seems to be down today. Thanks for the birthday wishes, and you are so right about that sea view! We love the desert, but we are always excited to see the ocean. 🙂
March 13, 2019 at 17:40
Happy Birthday to Mark! What a wonderful birthday experience. It sounds (and looks) amazing!!
March 13, 2019 at 18:12
Thanks, Donna. It was a splurge and fun! 🙂
March 13, 2019 at 17:58
Mark looks so happy with his new grill! What a fun birthday – kind of wish we had stopped in Puerto Peñasco now. We don’t really do much for birthdays, but we both have birthdays in the summer when we are in the Cabbagetown/house sitting phase of our wanderings and our friends usually want to do something. This year is a milestone year for Greg, though – he will be 60 — so I need to plan something good. BTW – the video doesn’t show up on the blog.
March 13, 2019 at 18:16
To be honest, Puerto Penasco wasn’t all that special, especially compared to other parts of Mexico! You didn’t miss much. We just wanted a quick Mexico fix and it was perfect for that. Yep, 60 is a big birthday coming up. Maybe you and your friends can stick your heads together for a nice surprise for Greg.
Thanks for letting me know about the video not showing up. I did check it in “preview” on my laptop and it seemed to work before I posted. But, it didn’t on my iPad after you pointed this out. All fixed now. For memory-sake, you can listen to a different mariachi band, Duwan. 🙂 Also, I am enjoying the merits of unlimited data and fixing things quickly!
March 13, 2019 at 18:30
Love the new MB grill! Glad you enjoyed your little Mexican jaunt.
March 13, 2019 at 22:05
I thought you’d appreciate the grill swap, Leslie. Poor Mark has been wanting to do this since day one! 🙂
March 14, 2019 at 05:27
Ideally, we would have both that could be easily rotated to use the MB one when in nice neighborhoods but the Dodge one when you find yourself in some less than desirable places so as not to look too rich. 😉
March 14, 2019 at 11:01
One of the reasons I didn’t want to swap the grill initially was because we had plans to take Zesty to South America. For that, I wanted to keep the Dodge grill. Then again, there are Mercedes Sprinter cargo vans all over the world…
March 13, 2019 at 19:40
I’d say you gave him a great birthday!
Bet it is tough getting mail…
March 13, 2019 at 22:09
How will I do better next year, right? 🙂
And, you’re right, Alex, getting mail living on the road is tricky. Important documents go to our residency address at my in-laws, who will send it on to us once in a while. For that, and for packages, we use general delivery at a post office we “plan” to pass. But… when orders are shipped by UPS, we have a problem, as the post office doesn’t accept mail from UPS. We’d need a physical address to receive packages via UPS or FedEx. Hence, a house sit once in a while makes a whole lot of sense.
March 13, 2019 at 19:44
You were certainly relentless in your search for the perfect gift, and it seems you found it! What a fun and unique idea you had, and even though it wasn’t the most popular of Mexican destinations, at least it was different! The views out over the Sea of Cortez would have been enough for me.
March 13, 2019 at 22:11
We definitely went for “different” and a change of scenery – and cheaper food and drinks. 🙂 You and I both seem to have a love for the water. How are you doing with your travel plans involving that blue water, Lexie? Anything exciting planned?
March 18, 2019 at 08:09
I’m going to the opposite of blue water later this month (Bhutan!) – very excited.
March 18, 2019 at 14:52
Wow! That sounds exotic and different. I’m looking forward to photos and stories once you’re back. Enjoy your trip to Bhutan, Lexie!
March 14, 2019 at 05:51
That IS a perfect gift. You two obviously enjoy being together, but a bit of a change of scenery is always nice on a special day. I’m kinda like Mark in that I don’t want anything “special’ done for my birthday. I get really shy about it. (I’m a Pisces also, maybe that’s part of the problem – haha). But if NOTHING is done specially for my birthday, I get disappointed and a bit down. Not easy for my family members. I think a day away is a perfect solution.
But here, in NE, we still have cold white stuff on the ground and the weather is not conducive to a day trip. It may have to be in our imaginations – over a glass of wine at our favorite restaurant. Sigh. So much for originality. 🙂
March 14, 2019 at 11:05
I hear you, Pam. I’d say to Mark, don’t do anything special for my birthday, and – honestly – I do have everything I need from a material standpoint, but not having something different happen on my birthday would be really disappointing! This happened one year, when we were in Puerto arico on our sailboat. Nothing worked out and my special day was miserable. Since then, though, I have no complaints. 🙂
I agree a day away from the ordinary might be the solution in your case. When is your birthday? Did it already happen? You could go to the Boston Aquarium, or some indoor spa or other warm “exhibition”…
March 14, 2019 at 12:08
My birthday is tomorrow! The “Ides of March.” I teach in the morning, and truly, spending time with my creative writing students is a wonderful positive experience – and always an adventure. My guy always runs out in the morning and (secretly, he thinks) buys me a b.d. card from CVS. It’s hysterical, but the cards are always sweet and heartfelt. I’ll wait and see if any other “surprises” are in store. 🙂
March 14, 2019 at 12:21
That is so sweet! 🙂
Happy birthday and have a wonderful day tomorrow, with students, your guy, and any surprise that comes your way! Xxx
March 14, 2019 at 07:40
You obviously love your guy. I believe Mark was as happy with the Mercedes emblem as he was with the zip-off pants and the trip south of the border. (Car pride, a guy thing, maybe.)
Thanks for the mariachi band clip. I listened to it as I read your sweet post, Liesbet. 🙂
March 14, 2019 at 11:09
We have our ups and downs, but the last months – after we quit the business – have been good! I’d say Mark had a good deal going, as I couldn’t figure out what would be the best gift, so he experienced a few. Did you know I have a hard time with decisions? 🙂
March 14, 2019 at 07:48
Sounds like you accomplished your goal and Mark had an enjoyable birthday. Glad I could help with the package delivery.
March 14, 2019 at 11:10
Goal accomplished, indeed! Now, I can worry about next year… Well, not really. Not yet. Thanks again for all the help and offering us a little reprieve from the road.
March 14, 2019 at 08:43
Hi Liesbet! And happy birthday Mark! Good for you for pulling off a fun and “out-of-the-ordinary” birthday weekend. That’s exactly what I enjoy doing as well. We have never been to Puerto Peñasco in spite of having been to Mexico over a hundred times. We usually just go south to Rosarito instead but one of these days will have to head that way…just to check it out. Glad your living in experience is also going well. ~Kathy
March 14, 2019 at 11:13
Hi Kathy! After being in San Diego this winter, we contemplated hopping south to Rosarito. I’m sure it has more to offer than Puerto Penasco. I wouldn’t go out of my way to check that town out. It’s so easy when one can cross over the border back and forth, without having to worry about tourist cards and vehicle permits. Did you buy liability insurance for the year for your car?
March 14, 2019 at 09:56
Wow, Liesbet, you arranged an amazing, fun, thoughtful birthday for your husband. The grill is a great gift idea. Not necessarily something you need, but, something you want. A new adventure, especially when you are together 24/7 is a great idea. I love the photos, especially of the ocean. Something tells me your husband would have enjoyed his day anywhere, since he was with you. I wish your husband many more birthdays.🙂
March 14, 2019 at 11:16
Thanks for the wishes! I have to admit that Mark took part in the arrangement making, Erica. And, you are right, the difference between a gift and any other expense (in our case) is that the gift focuses on “wanting” and our other expenses on “needing”. Hurrah for gifts. 🙂
March 14, 2019 at 16:58
Happy belated birthday to Mark! I’m glad you both had such a good time.
March 15, 2019 at 17:07
Thanks, Anabel! It was so nice to relax for a couple of days. (Due to not having internet.)
March 14, 2019 at 21:43
A trip to Mexico and a Mercedes Grill? How ever will you top that next year, Liesbet? Gorgeous pics, so glad you had a good time. I’m glad you enjoyed a shot of Tequila with Al and Ingrid, we had a blast with them and now feel like we were there in spirit(s) with you. Wish Mark a happy birthday from me and Hans!
March 15, 2019 at 17:10
Good point, Terri, how will I top that gift next year? 🙂 Also, reading your comment “A trip to Mexico and a Mercedes grill”, it sure makes me feel rich, to be able to afford all that! Yet, we did all this on a budget, as always. Perceptions, right? Mark says “thank you” for the wishes. I’m glad you all had such a nice time together with Ingrid and Al as well.
March 15, 2019 at 00:55
I had the same sort of problem buying chocolate for Valentine’s Day- a silly occasion which we really don’t celebrate, but he does have a weakness for chocolate. 🙂 🙂 But a birthday is far more special and I’m glad it worked out in the end. I always use birthdays as an excuse to go somewhere nice for a few days, because Mick is totally a home bird. 🙁
March 15, 2019 at 17:36
Hi Jo! That’s why I love birthdays. They are a fanatastic excuse to spend money, do something special, go out to dinner, or in my case, not do anything all day! And, in your case, go away for a few days. Because, on our birthdays, we are queens! 🙂 And, any request (within reason) has to be granted.
March 15, 2019 at 03:34
What a brilliant idea! I have to say that I will always opt for a trip for my birthday given the chance or choice! And sometimes it works out that way making for a very memorable birthday ~ because one remembers the trip way more than any gift. Looks like you guys had a very fun birthday celebration. Just getting to the ocean is always a treat.
And I guess if you own a Mercedes you may as well show it off!!
You did well Liesbet!
Peta
March 15, 2019 at 17:41
You are so right with that birthday statement, Peta! I remember all the birthdays (of me and of Mark) on which we visited a memorable place or island or city. And, I usually practice my memory thinking what we did on our previous birthdays and when it was during a house sit, I barely remember!
Your Mercedes comment made me laugh. I doubt anyone with a Mercedes work truck would show it off. But we sure love our Mercedes home! 🙂
March 15, 2019 at 06:21
Liesbet,
Although our/my life is adventurous and full of travels, I do envy your free spirit for roaming. What a life you have–so full of adventure. I hope you’re writing a book. The birthday celebration weekend sounded wonderful–nothing life Mexico, its people and food.
March 15, 2019 at 17:45
Mexico is a fascinating place, for sure. We spent six months there in 2006, when we drove a truck camper down to Panama and back (that was not planned, but happened organically), so this was just a little “reacquainting”. As you know, the “real” Mexico is elsewhere.
And, yes, I am actually writing a book. My memoir is called “Plunge – Riding the Waves of a Life Less Ordinary” (as of now) and I’m in the final editing stages. How did you know? 🙂
March 15, 2019 at 09:17
Happy Birthday, Mark! He’s a lucky man. As always, I love the photos of your birthday excursion down south. Looks like you both had a great time. Gee, I never thought about how difficult it would be to order anything and have it delivered if you didn’t have a permanent residence. So glad things worked out. My husband likes those zipper-off pants, too. All best to both of you!
March 15, 2019 at 17:48
Hi Victoria! Thanks for the birthday wishes. I like those zip-off pants as well. We actually ended up sending them back and will reorder them (in a different size) once we have another address again. Probably in April at some point. Living the life we choose comes with ups and downs, and challenges not well-known to people living in a house. One day, I might do a post about that as well. 🙂
March 15, 2019 at 22:54
Happy Birthday to Mark and you did choose a great birthday gift 🙂 Food and a good outlook are tops with us for birthday celebrations. Great views for a park up!!
March 17, 2019 at 10:40
Thanks, Suz! Food is key, especially on birthdays. 🙂 But, Mark’s the cook, which gets me in trouble on his birthday.
March 16, 2019 at 07:00
Good for you. It’s the unexpected and often ‘arranged at the last minute’ gifts like the trip you did to Mexico that are the ones that turn out the best. I’m glad you guys went out to celebrate Mark’s birthday and actually did something. All too often, birthdays can tend to get wasted because nothing is done (say he who hates his own birthday).
Thanks for sharing the day with us, Liesbet.
March 17, 2019 at 10:44
Sorry to hear you hate your own birthday, Hugh! I think it should be the best day of the year – a day on which nothing “needs” to happen and “everything” is allowed! I’d take advantage of that. 🙂 Sometimes a small surprise can do the trick, or enjoyment of just being spoiled. I like it that Mark takes care of everything on my birthday and I’m quite happy doing nothing in the household or work-wise if possible. You should try it some time!
Yes, I love our flexible nature. It often leads to good things. And, the sense of freedom can’t be beat.
March 18, 2019 at 03:59
Christmas Eve has always been my special day, Liesbet. I’ve never enjoyed the thought of getting older, although I don’t allow that thought to spoil my enjoyment of life. I enjoy every single minute because time is something so precious to all of us. I much rather help people celebrate their own birthday than celebrate my own. I guess I don’t enjoy being the centre of attention. But that’s just me!
March 18, 2019 at 14:51
Celebrating other people’s birthdays is fun, especially the gift giving part! And, I hear you – and totally agree – with the preciousness of time and enjoying every day. Like you, I am not a fan of getting older (it’s why I never know my age off the top of my head, I need to calculate) and because of that, I appreciate every new day. Consciously.
March 16, 2019 at 09:14
Happy belated birthday to Mark! What a fun way to celebrate his birthday! One of the great things about van living is that you can pick up and do things like that at the drop of a hat.
March 17, 2019 at 10:46
So true, Ellen. We love the freedom we have in our van. The flexibility is more prominent than on a sailboat, where the weather is always king. That being said, we do miss the tropics! We don’t seem to find all-year nice temperatures anymore. Mmmm, maybe I’m forgetting that it gets hot and humid in the tropical summers?
March 16, 2019 at 15:45
This seems like a welcome break from routine, Liesbet! I loved watching the band in the restaurant.
It’s important to treat the ones we love to a special something now and then.
March 17, 2019 at 10:53
I’m glad you liked the mariachi band, Nancy. There’s nothing quite like it to convey the Mexican spirit! Yes, we should spoil our loved ones once in a while. Even though Mark and I live a different lifestyle than most, there is some routine to it, especially when on a budget. So, this was a nice and simple little getaway.
March 17, 2019 at 17:33
Happy Birthday to Mark! What a brilliant idea Liesbet. I guess i had not thought about the close quarters and the inability to ever surprise each other. Very good point. Looks like a lovely spot to escape too and well worth a bit of added expense.
March 18, 2019 at 14:49
Hi Sue! Mark thanks you for the birthday wishes. There are a lot of “small” adjustments that happen when you live on the road full-time as opposed to living in a house (or at a house sit). Right now, we are looking forward to making pizza (and granola) in an oven again and drinking alcoholic beverages with ice cubes, at the next house sit. 🙂 We do miss not having an oven. A freezer, we really can live without.
March 18, 2019 at 23:28
What an amazing gift(s) and adventure! Thanks for taking us along. I love the video and the photos of the gorgeous beach.
I loved Curaçao. While not the new home I’d hoped it to be, it was a wonderful place to visit. I still miss it.
March 22, 2019 at 10:33
Hi JH! One of these days I’d like to hear the Curacao story. Ideally in person. In our opinion, the Caribbean offers much nicer islands than Curacao, so maybe that’s what’s in your future. 🙂
March 20, 2019 at 12:06
What a wonderful idea. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
March 22, 2019 at 10:39
Thanks, Anna.
March 22, 2019 at 12:47
Belated happy birthday to Mark and what a lovely way to celebrate with a few days in Mexico! 🎈🎉 This post didn’t appear in my reader and I’m glad I found it now 🙂💖 xxx
March 23, 2019 at 20:49
Hi Xenia! Sorry to hear about the Reader problem. Someone else mentioned that to me as well over a week ago, but all seems fine now. Another temporary WordPress hiccup maybe? I hope this won’t be an occurring problem. Thanks for the wishes!
March 23, 2019 at 20:50
Oh, I posted another blog on Friday. It might be a good test to see whether that one showed up…
March 24, 2019 at 06:57
Thank you Liesbet, I’ve just found this one near the bottom of the Reader! xxx
April 6, 2019 at 00:15
How nice that you can just pop across the border into Mexico for a birthday weekend!
Jude
April 6, 2019 at 22:13
It was a special birthday weekend for Mark, Jude. I have no idea how to top that one next year. 🙂 We always seem to enjoy experiences more than material goods when it comes to gifts. Or with anything really. Mexico seems much further away now. But, we are in New Mexico, so that counts for something.