Week Three Plus in Puerto Vallarta

Actually we have moved from Puerto Vallarta in the state of Jalisco to Bucarias in the state of Nayarit. We have moved from Villa Del Palmar Downtown, as it is referred to now, to Villa Del Palmar Flamingos. This is a much newer resort, opened in 2005, 20 years after they started building VDP Downtown. The rooms are much larger with 2 baths, a laundry room, huge kitchen and dining room and huge deck.

Hard to leave the deck. I do go to water aerobics daily and we go down to the spa at sunset.

Last bit of shopping with Alicia, our favorite beach peddler, before we left VDP Downtown. She has just what you want, as long as it is a sarong or a beach dress. I'm getting very tan. Even William, who stays out of the sun, is getting some color.

Watching for the sunset our first evening at Flamingos.

Not too bad.
The first time in the pool there were iguanas, pretty big ones, on the small grass islands in the pool. Haven't seen them since though.

This is a pretty big resort. We are up on the 6th floor of building one.

Yesterday we had a Tacatzo at this small but highly rated Taco restaurant and then walked a long dusty block to Mega, a huge grocery/super store. We stocked up and took a taxi back. Too far to walk to Mega, unlike Soriana in Plaza Caracol across the street from VDP Downtown.

Tomorrow morning we are heading out early to La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, on beyond Bucarias on the way to Punta Mita, for the Sunday Market and to stroll along the Marina.

Second Week in Puerto Vallarta

In the afternoon we go over to the beach side pool. Most day people have left and there are plenty of chairs available. We order drinks at the two for one happy hour prices and enjoy the last bits of sun. Also, shopping with our favorite beach peddler. Then on to the hot tub before dinner.

We made it down to the Oasis for a meal. Octopus tacos were not on the menu. This place is much larger than the tiny beach stand it was. I guess they have fought the big new high rise hotels for the right to be here next to the Rio Pitillal. Still pretty good and cheap.

We made it back before the rain hit. It rained pretty hard for a couple of hours. The water poured out of the balcony drain spouts and the paths were a bit flooded. We were cozy and safe. Lots of thunder and lightning.

Downtown at Coexist Bistro for lunch. After another shopping trip to the Municipal Market.

Walking back along the Malecon past a statue to dancers.

Downtown in the evening for Mardi Gras, upstairs at a Cuban restaurant, La Bodeguita Del Medio. Puerto Vallarta and Havana. Unclear where Hemingway hung out, but I am sure it was the restaurant in Havana. I keep trying to find good Cuban food. I am told it exists. Maybe in Cuba.

 After dark we are treated to a Gay Pride Parade. Hard to take pictures of a parade especially in the dark. The crowd was light here at the start of the Malecon. Tables around us had come prepared with masks and beads. We had plenty we could have brought, if we has thought about it.

Last meal from the chicken dinner from the Pollo shop across the street. Chicken salad tostada for lunch. We had two dinners and two lunches from that huge chicken and fixings. We now have tons of leftovers from our trip to the new Argentinian restaurant across the street. The servings of meat were huge. The Circus that was in the lot next to it has left to be replaced by a huge carnival. Kid magnet. 

First Week in Puerto Vallarta

I need to write something after a week in Mexico. But mostly we have been relaxing. The weather here has been quite mild. High 70's and low 80's. An old neighbor, Chief, from Canada, like many of the people here, complained that it was not hot enough. Saw him wearing a jacket once. The average age here looks to be over 50.

The front of the resort has been remodeled. They took down building seven which was next to the street and put in big fountains.

 The rooms have updated furniture and a bright Mexican color scheme. The first resort, to the left front, Villa del Mar, which had fixed week, fixed room, ownership will eventually be taken down and replaced with higher rise buildings. The owners had 30 year ownership and they are not being offered any renewal. It was built in the 80's.

On our 4th floor balcony

Just the two of us.

We went grocery shopping right away across the street. I have to remember that the grocery store has been Soriana for at least 20 years. When we first came it was Gigante. I like the Soriana. Good produce and good prices. We took a cab home as we planned. Because we bought too much for William to carry.

We've eaten out a few times. Usually saving half the meal for another time. I still have half the prime rib in the frig.

After the first day I have managed water aerobics every day.

Today I couldn't because of the Fiesta last night. I should never have a tequila shot and two margaritas. Ouch. But it was my idea to go. The dancing was fun, but we were tired and left before the mariachi band was done.

We made it downtown once so far. I did a bit of shopping in the big Municipal Market. We plan to go back Friday. Walking down from the Rio Cuale, we passed Langostinos, site of the grand Baker Borden wedding reception, but didn't stop.

 We were heading for La Palapa, a very old and high ranking restaurant.  The appetizer I had of barbecued octopus was fantastic.

La Palapa

This new pier reminded us of the lovely Sundial Bridge in Redding.

This large wall is around a school. It is decorated is mosaics all over. Individuals and businesses donated to the decor.
 No Urbanos just means no city traffic.

We still need to walk down the beach to the Oasis. I remember the octopus tacos I scared Leah with. Very delicious.