R&R at PV

Puerta Vallerta - Mexico's gay capital! A magnet for North America/Canadians making it a tourist meca with a 80's sort of feel with a Mexican twist. So no more struggling with our Spanish, everyone seems to speaky da inglish in PV.  We also noticed that the local people are very different from the people residing inland. PV folk seem friendly enough as long as you are thinking of dinning at their eatery or drinking in their bar.
Our time here was lazy and battery re-charging which was most needed as since landing in Mexico it was go go go. Not complaining though as we were mucho glad to have absorbed so much of real "mexican life". Specially as, as with most countries, once you reach the coast line the real country's vibe disolves away into 2 for 1 and happy hour deals.
Minnesota Jeff's condominio is located within the old town part of PV, parked right on the beachside. Its won the 'best in bloom' building on the block. Flowers on every landing, terrace and balcony. All a bit of luxury for us - a roof-top pool, huge comfy bed (with no plastic cover!) a tv and even a stereo! Oh and a maid! Our balcony faced directly out onto the pacific, the dumpy waves echoed through the apartment. A flock of black pelicans, looking more like pterodactyls, feed just off shore, they flew passed our balcony before doing kamikaze diving into the sea for fish.

Locals say that Puerto Vallarta is fast becoming an international tourist destination.At the peak around 50,000 tourists arrive every month by air, thousands more by cruise ship, cars, and hourly buses that seem to all arrive and depart in unison even though they've arrived from a variety of distinations. Development is rapidly expanding both north and south of the city, though this is allowing the main old town area to maintain its village atmosphere. It's easy to see why many winter and permanent residents have been attracted from Canada and the USA as this part of town is picturesque with cobblestone streets and old whitewashed buildings. It's a city that's squeezed between palm covered mountains and the sea. It has restricted development along the water so at least you still get the feel the coast line still rules. The back drop mountains generate cooler breezes at night which seems to freshen everything up for the following lazy day.

We had a rare luxury that we haven't had since Asia, a meal out, and we went full tilt. Starting with large margaritas then pulling into a expensive looking place right on the beach. Good wine, good food, Fe in a frock, and me in a shirt. Our starter, guacamole, was made fresh at our table, the real deal. Followed up with shrimp and a bottle of South American extra cold white. Not a taco or pile of pasta in sight! Sunset wasn't too shabby either.