Still a Tourist in Puerto Vallarta

Decorations for the Grito de Delores celebration; start of the war for Mexico's independence.

Puerto Vallarta was my main destination of travel seven years before Dennis and I moved to the La Penita area. Even though I decided not to live in the city it is still one of my favorite places to be a tourist. I have favorite hangouts I like to visit and on most trips run into a friend or two on the street. There's always something new happening or being built; three Starbucks are now open; Home Depot is almost complete, Costco is being built and plans are in the works for more big box type retail. I'm not wild about these types of stores opening in PV but know we will spend money at one or more, especially Home Depot. The charm that I was so attracted to several years ago is diminishing. Sad to see the quaintness disappear.

Marigalante (great party boat)

However, sad as it is, when I have a chance to be a tourist in Old Town count me in. Two weeks ago two girl friends, Melanie and Kathy, and I went to Old Town for a girls' overnight get-a-way. Kathy needed to do an inspection of a multi-unit bungalow property in Old Town for a friend. In trade, we spent the night at the property as sole guests in a five unit bungalow.

After several stops on the way to the property we finally made it to our destination, Casa de Basilla (I think). Our 3rd floor unit had two bedrooms, two baths, kitchen, dining and living room. All the units are nicely decorated in Mexican motiff. From the balcony the view of the ocean and PV were beautiful. It was a great spot to dig into the snacks and cooler full of beer. A very relaxing afternoon.

Later with our appetites and thirsts quenched, we made our way to downtown PV to walk the malecon to view two new statues that were installed earlier this year. Besides window shopping, our first stop was Casa Tequila, an old stomping ground of Kathy's from two years back, and had a cold margarita. It was hot outside and the beverage was yummo. Next stop, the malacon. Two cruise ships were docked in the marina so the town was buzzing with tourists. With the exception of a crowded beach the malecon is the best spot to people watch.

After the malecon, it was on to CyC's to watch the sunset. A great beach bar/restaurant mostly catered by gringos. There I ran into Harold and Sue, good friends from Bucerius. We ended the night out on the town at CyC's with drinks and dinner on the beach while listening to good sax music.

At the end of the evening we headed back up the hill to our one night designation when the rain started and then poured by the time we arrived. It was unanimous that it was a perfect time for a swim on the 5th floor roof top pool. The swim was so refreshing and sleeping good as the rain continued throughout the night.

The next morning for breakfast it was back down the hill to my favorite spot, Memo's Pancake House. We later did a bit of retail therapy and window shopping. Of course, a trip to PV would not be complete without a stop to Sam's and/or Walmart on the way home.

Although short, the over night trip was great. Girlfriends know how to just let loose, talk about anything and laugh at everything. Old Town in Puerto Vallarta is the perfect spot to unwind.