February 2, 2015 - Puerto Vallarta

Last week we took a long bus ride into Puerto Vallarta (90 minutes) from La Cruz and spend the day wandering around the main waterfront area:  the Malecon.  Lots and lots of tourist shops selling everything imaginable.  The malecon is absolutely filled with fantastic sculptures and a wonderful view of Banderas Bay.  It makes for a fun day and a lot of photo-ops.

We explored a bit away from the tourist shops and found a delightful restaurant for lunch.  One of the best meals we have had in Mexico.  After our meal the waiter offered Kathy and I a shot of "fine sipping" tequila (free).  We accepted of course, and it was GREAT.  Nothing at all like the tequila we have back home.  It was smooth and sweet.  He offered us another free shot and we happily accepted another free sample.  As we walked away from the restaurant back to the waterfront we passed several shops selling booze.  We stopped at one to see if they have the brand we sampled and they did.  It was a mere $95 per bottle.  Yikes.  So we tried to leave.  After many attempts to leave, and reductions in the price, we still left.  But the price had dropped to just $50.  The lesson here is simple, don't buy anthing at face value in Mexico.  Bargain away, it's expected and a way of life here.

One of many sculptures along the waterfront in Puerto Vallarta

Another P.V. sculpture.  The waterfront is quite interesting.

A little jungle right in the middle of Puerto Vallarta.  

Puerto Vallarta is a big town, with lots of interesting architecture
and scenery.  There is no shortage of places to explore.  I wonder
what is at the top of these stairs?

This one is for Kevin.  Here, Cindy is eating Pooh.  Ha Ha Ha

Not sure if this was allowed.  Thankfully we didn't end up in a
Mexican prison after this  :-)  Just kidding, it was fine to climb this
sculpture

A different view of a previous picture.

P.V. is filled with great artwork.

This one was spectacular in person.

Kevin and Cindy taking a break from looking at sculptures.

A magnificent old church.

Pizza anyone.  A fleet of Domino's delivery vehicles.

Puerto Vallarta was a very nice day trip.  But after so many small villages along the way, it is very clear that what you see in the big tourist towns like Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, Acapulco, Mazatlan, etc. really has very little resemblance to the true lifestyle in mexico.  The tourist towns are great.  But, you need to get away from the resorts and shops to truly see what Mexico is all about.  In the small villages you will find hard working, honest people, who value family and children above all else.  Mexico is a wonderful country filled with wonderful people.