Hotel Encino, perfect location, cozy rooms, great staff!
While the rest of America was feasting on my friends (*sad face*), my turkey wings flew south for the week, returning to beloved Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco Mexico for 8 days of sunshine, smiles and cervezas. A quick flight and easy check-in at Hotel Encino and I felt right back "at home" among the tiendas, OXXO's and paleta carts. El sigh.
Beautiful painting by Pedro Miramonte at the Loft Galeria
My first adventure was to the ArtWalk on Wednesday night, similar to the 2nd Saturdays that I love so much in Sacramento. From 6 to 10 pm, the galleries in Puerto Vallarta stay open, offer gratis wine and tapas and show off amazing pieces from talented locals and artists nearby. I viewed some incredible art, met some wonderful people, and enjoyed the rustic spaces including the cobblestone floors in Galeria Uno.
Gathering with Michael Hayes, Ross and La Brigada chicos at Que?Pasa
Volunteering lately with Farm Sanctuary has brought me so much balance, joy and compassion in my life that I decided to extend this while out of the country. Prior to flying, I contacted Michael Hayes, owner of Que?Pasa, an eatery and Sports bar in Zona Romantica, from a link off Bandera News. Every Saturday Que?Pasa hosts La Brigada de la Basura (literally, Garbage Brigade): neighborhood kids gather to clean up the Rio Cuale, ending with a snack at Que?Pasa.
I am sure this will not be my last visit to Mexico, it is just too wonderful a place, with the allure of the beautiful landscape and climate, the color and pulse of the culture and, more than anything, the love and vibrancy of the people, especially those in Puerto Vallarta. Gracias, amgios, te amo mucho.
Niña bonita, princesa de la bolsa. So cute and sweet!
I arrived not know what to expect and (as if on cue) promptly at 11:30 am, 60 or so kids enthusiastically appeared, put on name tags and gloves, grabbed plastic bags and headed out to clean up their barrio. It was truly inspiring (and a bit humbling) to spend time with these kids: speaking Spanish, sharing laughs, helping one another and taking pride in where they live.
Amazing Bouganvillia (and one red azalea) at the Botanical Gardens
A trip to Mexico is fun with touristy things, so I booked some through Vallarta Adventures, including a day trip into the Sierra Madre mountains. A huge open-back excursion truck led to the Jardín Botánico, a queso-making establishment, the small town of El Tuito, a tortillaria, and a tequila factory - all the while enjoying the beautiful scenery native to Puerto Vallarta. Equally enjoyable was the boat excursion a few days later through Banderas Bay, past Los Arcos to Yelapa, a small village with a beautiful waterfall (exhilarating!) and relaxing, white sand beaches of Majahuitas. ¡Muy bonita!
1 minute later I was swimming under this waterfall. Fantastic!
1 minute later I was swimming under this waterfall. Fantastic!
Puerto Vallarta has some really great local restaurants and clubs for enjoyment both day and night. I returned to Mandala, as equally hot in November as it was in July - and discovered some new places like Club Roxy and La Bodeguita del Medio Mexico. Cuban dancing til dawn! Sizzling.
Lunchtime entertainment at Café Roma
For comida, I frequented Café Roma (linked from Bandera News) with fresh salads and fabulous service, and revisited my favorites La Posta PV for great Italian food and fantastic staff, plus Mi Querencia, where they made me a custom vegetarian molcajete. One adventurous evening I ventured out and enjoyed street food - simple but very satisfying (a grilled veggie quesadilla) Delicious food!
Dinner on the grill. Every few minutes they paused to watch futbol on the TV.
I am sure this will not be my last visit to Mexico, it is just too wonderful a place, with the allure of the beautiful landscape and climate, the color and pulse of the culture and, more than anything, the love and vibrancy of the people, especially those in Puerto Vallarta. Gracias, amgios, te amo mucho.
Dogs are everywhere. Visit Puerto Vallarta for puppy love and more. :)