Ken and I decided that it was time for an adventure today so we headed off to explore Puerto Vallarta. Having been told that the bus system was good we walked down to the nearby plaza and were directed by helpful people to the best bus to take. It was a long and noisy ride, and surprisingly thing there are no announcements from the driver or signage as to what stop we were at. Eventually when the driver turned in the opposite direction to the waterfront and everyone else stood up we decided this must be where we get off, and we were right. Then we had to find the next bus to take us the rest of the way, but that was soon accomplished and a few minutes later Ken spotted familar landmarks and we were in Puerto Vallarta.
The Malecon is a pedestrian walkway along the waterfront with an array of quirky metal sculptures, sand sculptures, and performance artists plus street vendors, restaurants, stores and tourists milling about. We timed it just right as a performance was about to begin where men in costume climb a large pole, attach themselves to harnesses, then proceed to play musical instruments while hanging from their feet and spinning their way down to the beachfront. My description is inadequate but it was fun to watch the artistry and skill. Before they set off the hat was passed for tips.
Next we walked further along the Malecon and found the Naval Museum that my Aunt had recommended. It is a delightful little museum focused on significant Mexican naval incidents and contributions, with some artifacts and wooden models of ships including Columbus’ Pinta, Nina and Santa Maria. It is also air conditioned, and has bathrooms, both significant added benefits.
Next up was Tequila tasting at Oscar’s where Jose explained to us the requirements for a quality tequila, with 100% blue agave, multiple distillations, and storage in oak barrels. Quality and price depends on the length of time in the barrels. We tried all 4 of their tequilas plus their full variety of blends. Even though we did not buy any, our tip was clearly sufficient as Jose offered us a full shot of their best tequila before we left.
The next priority was to find a place to eat, and we headed away from the waterfront to search out something a bit less touristy and doubtless cheaper. We ended up finding a little counter at the side of the road, with one long table on the sidewalk for customers to mingle and enjoy their meals. And enjoy we did. Ken had the chimichanga and I had Tacos de Pescado full of delicious grilled white fish, chopped fresh veg and cheese. Our total bill was 160 pesos, just over C$11. We heard from others at the table that the owner used to have a full restaurant on the corner but when the landlord raised the rent too high, he moved to this location and has been doing a booming business.
Last up was to walk around more of the old town, referred to as the Romantic town, with cobblestone roads (attractive but hard on the feet and cars), high sidewalks indicating they must get torrential rains, and some beautiful buildings interspersed with more decrepit ones, and nightmarish electrical connections. Just how many wires can be run from one pole? The heat got to us after a while and we found a very pleasant shady spot by a stream to relax and have a beer, Mondelo Negra being our favourite here. So often in our travels we hear tourists asking for Bud Light, but we prefer to try local beers and food. Mostly it’s the right decision but not always.
Having worn ourselves out we opted to grab a cab back to Nuevo Vallarta and arrived back in time for a swim before sunset food followed by dinner on the balcony. It was a successful adventure.
Wandering with Wendy 