PUERTO VALLARTA........................
This city has changed my mind ...................about a country.
It was 28 years in making but extremely well worth the wait. Now, three consecutive years in going to this wonderful, friendly city by the sea, I yearn for a return. Just a 4 hour trip by air from Seattle and I am in a Margarita type of heaven. So many things to say about this city. No matter where you go, who you speak with, friendliness is on their mind. Could it be ....................because they depend on tourist. I say not. Their friendliness seems to be sincere and it's very welcoming.
Once you're able to maneuver the way through the waiting taxi drivers as you exit customs, you'll find sunshine. The one thing I have learned, is that bargaining is acceptable all over Mexico but you have to be reasonable in your negotiations. Going so low is not acceptable and could loose a deal totally. Another tip is always, always get the cost of a cab ride before you actually enter the cab. If you are at a hotel ask the bellhop what the approximate cost should be to your destination. Confirm this price with your driver..............just to make sure. If your final destination changes while you are driving ask to see if there is an additional cost. I have found that if the final destination is just a few blocks away you can bargain for the additional distance to be included. There are no taxi's, that I am aware of, with a meter in them. Tip properly, not only in cabs but to the bellhop, who opens the door for you to the servers. I always carry a lot of dollar bills just for those occasions. What few pesos I end up with also goes for tips. Canadian and USD are always much appreciated. Due to previous experience, I am still a little quezy in drinking the tap water but bottle water is supplied in room, restaurants and wherever and whenever you ask. With this in mind..........just drink tequila, it will kill all germs. According to local sources the water purification system in very modern and takes care of everything...............my bad experience still plays tricks with my head. Stay safe.
FRIENDLY VALLARTA RESORT AND SPAWe prefer the ALL INCLUSIVE hotels, and what they offer. For one price, which some can find a little expensive, it will include of course your very nicely decorated room with private extremely clean bath, shower either tub/shower combo or standup shower , with a bar for those unsteady soles. All shower amendities and hair dryer. Same electrical as USA/Canada. All rooms have TVs and some have small refrigerators or kitchen facilities. If you need a frig. just ask for it, just incase you need it to store medical supplies. The all inclusive offer food, usually at three or more buffets or food shops scattered around, along with a coffee bar and perhaps two drink bars. Just the thought of not having to carry money around all the time is attractive to me. Food is available usually starting at 0800 to midnight. Never been awake longer than that so don't really know what's available. The drinks are somewhat watered down which just means you have to have two to equal one. Guess you could ask for a double, then the ratio would change somewhat to 1/2=1. Cool drinks seem so nice during the hot days, but the headache that follows feels .........................terrible.
On the beach side you have umbrellas or little grass covered huts. I prefer the little grass covered hut and then just pull my lounge chair out into the sun area. I found that some people get up at 0500 run out with their towels to block certain chairs both poolside and on the beach. Go back to bed for a couple of hours, have breakfest, go shopping and then still have their umbrella or little hut ready for them when they want. Such a practice is a little rude but apparently quite acceptable since I have never seen any fist fights ................so far. The friendly pool and beach staff will always be able to find you a spot and just seem to be able to find chairs and umbrellas as needed. Don't forget to show your appreciation thought by throwing them a dollar or so.
Early March brings the spring break crowd from USA colleges. Some kids........needless to say get a little wild, but on the most part I found them to be very polite and even willing to talk to us old people. Matter of fact, Margot was asked to join a group in the pool and later on I found her spraying sun tan lotion of some young dude. Was the mother factor or is she turning into a cougar. Anyway, activities turn to the younger set once the crowd arrives. From water aerobics and zuma lessons to riding the bull, and pool bubble baths.
They have it all. Beachside BBQS, beachside dancing, open mike night, beach volleyball.
This year, they set one pool aside just for the spring break crowd........so that the old folks and the kids could enjoy the bigger pool. Music plays constantly, drinks are readily available throughout the day, all one has to do is raise their hand and hail a passing waiter. There is always a "drink of the day" usually something very imaginable and always contains Tequila. My favorite turned out to be the "alligator" a mixture of tequila, fruit juice and a little vodka.
I introduced them to my favorite " the Stiletto" half amaretto half baileys cream
THE MALECON (city promenade)
Downtown Puerto Vallarta is simply that. Stores of all types selling everything to everybody. Restaurants, bars, small coffee shops, including Starbucks. Walk the Malecon, a boardwalk like promenade with the beach and ocean on one side and stores of all types on the other. We were introduced to one particular small restaurant and bar 3 years ago by a good SAS friend we all know. Dave Woodcock and his wife Marisela, told us about this one. It is located on the Malecon, owned by a Swede from very northern Sweden on the Finnish border. He is a master of master chefs studied in Switzerland and has worked all over Europe and now owns, I believe 2 or 3 restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. His name is Ulf Henriksson .This one is "ViteA ". Sits right on the Malecon with both inside and outside seating. Cuisine is Mexican American absolutely delicious. If and whenever you drop by and ask to talk with Ulf, he makes it a point to visit your table. For any Scandinavians, this gives him a little time to keep up with his Scandinavian language. Of course he also speaks Spanish (Mexican) and I found that he is quite interesting to talk to.
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A great place to sit, have a wine..............or whatever and watch the sunset.
You can also enjoy some of the entertainment provided by free-lancers doing their thing in front of the café. When they finish their act, give them a few pesos. They will appreciate it.
You can always find Ulf at either of his restaurants.
The Malecon is a must do when in Puerto Vallarta. This approximate mile long promenade runs thru old town and up to the romantic area.
THINGS TO DO
Puerto Vallarta offers many things to do from shopping to tours in the jungle area, to zip lining to riding the balloon .
Like fishing ? Then try your hand at some great deep sea fishing for swordfish or dolphin.Act II brings you new guest acts every week in March. Enjoy som great theatre.
Visit the Palm Cabaret for some good excitement or the Royal Opera House for good Opera.
SOME PERTINENT FACTS
Currency is the Mexican peso but Canadian and USD are accepted widely.
Buses charge 8.00 pesos per leg and a new ticket must be bought each time to change bus.
Taxis have set rates within defined zones of the town. Like I said, do not enter a taxi without agreeing on the price with the driver first.
Tipping is usually 10%-15% of the bill at restaurants and bars. Bellboys, taxis,waiters, maids, etc depend on the service.
Suggest taking a good city tour to familiarize yourself with the town.................or just enjoy walking around. The city is advertise as.............a safe place.
NOW, before the wall is built make your way to Puerto Vallarta and get one of those T-shirts shown above.
Finally, Let me ask you to click on the below link for extra stuff. (click on the link once, then click a second time)
https://youtu.be/m73mhRz0SDM
(thanks Dave Fenwick for this little donation)
Enjoy and welcome to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Vito
