"Keep calm and carry on. You are on the fun side of the Wall"
- Slogan on T shirts sold everywhere here
We arrived in Puerto Vallarta this morning after a short flight. After locating our Air BnB we did what we usually do at any new location, we dumped our bags and went for a walk.
Puerto Vallarta, unlike many of the resort communities in Mexico, has an interesting history. There have always been both indigenous and Mexican people here in this area for centuries. They were likely drawn by the calm waters of the Bay of Banderas which the community sits on. Cortes made it this far and had a large battle with the indigenous tribes here before, as he did everywhere he went, wiping them out or using them for slave labor.
I know, I know...enough of that crap. Ok I will move on.
As we drove in to town our Uber driver was telling us that several of the resort communities such as Acapulco and Mazatlan have seen an uptick in violence but so far Puerto Vallarta has been spared. We are not sure what that means exactly. Fights over tables at Señor Frog's?
"It looks like Tampa, Florida or Key West ..with a Mexican twist", Colleen commented. As we drove in.
I think she is spot on with that description. If you are a fan of either of those locations, then you will love it. If you are not, then it can be a little jarring after what we saw in San Miguel de Allende. Every square inch is jammed with either retail tourist shops, eateries, or high rise condominiums. Some of these condos are quite elegant, others not so much.
The central Mexico highlands, where we were, has wonderful weather. No humidity, few insects, and temperatures in the 70's or low 80's. Here at the beach it is hotter and quite humid. There is a beautiful mountain range covered in Mexican jungle all around the city. It is very scenic.
Puerto Vallarta prides itself in being LGBT friendly. We are staying in the Zona Romantica neighborhood here in town. The locals refer to it as "The Gay District". We have found again and again in traveling, if there is a "Gay District" in a town, go there! Invariably the area is beautiful with great restaurants, trendy shops, and a pleasant atmosphere. We found that fact to be true here as well. The streets in this neighborhood are tree lined with bakeries, lovely eateries and away from the casinos and bar scene of the main drag along the beach.
Since Colleen and I have never been bar flies or party animals, even when were young, many of the highlights of Puerto Vallarta are lost on us. It is just "not our thing". That doesn't mean it is not a beautiful place to visit. So is Key West.
"Shut up!", Puerto Vallarta shouts, "We have a great beach!"
"Touche", I respond, "Touche."
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