Sun and Sea

Why do I do this to myself? I totally do intend to get these posts done in a timely manner, and they are far easier to write when everything is fresh in my mind, but, here I am, nearly two months later – trying to catch up! Sigh and groan. Anyhow…Puerto Vallarta…love it! Okay, okay, maybe a bit more detail…

The airport had grown a fair amount in the thirty years since the Husband had been here

I loved the one hour flight from Mexico City to Puerto Vallarta. That’s just about a perfect flight time – about the point I decide I’m all done with this flying nonsense it’s over. Works for me. Plus, our apartment was very nearly perfect. It was missing a couple things that I find to be basic supplies in the kitchen, but other than that it was amazing: location, space, decor, best bed/bedding/pillows, all of it. I could live in that apartment! It was in the Francia neighborhood, which was about a half an hour walk to old town. Close enough without having to deal with being there. Cobblestones look cool but they can be a pain to walk on. And trip on. We also had a plethora of amazing restaurants within just a few blocks of home. The best bit? Fifteen minutes up the road was the best and nicest supermarket I have ever been to in Mexico – with a Costco in the same area. Heaven!

View from our rooftop

And, here I am…two MORE months later without having finished this post. Good thing nobody reads it RIGHT?

My biggest helpful hint for Puerto Vallarta (all of Mexico, lots of Europe, etc)? Don’t look at your phone while walking. Not even to quickly glance at the map to make certain you are on the right street. Four months later I’m still dealing with the pain – good thing I already needed a new knee. My time frame may be sped up a bit due to that fall. My pride will never recover.

Amphitheatre in Old Town
Gorgeous, unique benches lined the plaza
I loved this sidewalk in Old Town
Along the malecon
A completely awesome sand sculpture
There was all kinds of art along the malecon. I particularly liked these statues.

We ate far too much good food too, including a spectacular anniversary dinner right on the beach. The Husband outdid himself on that one. Most every meal that we ate out was memorable – that is really saying something. I think our favorite though was La Colonia Burger in our neighborhood – most definitely the best hamburger I’ve ever had. If you find yourself in PV…go to this place!

Burger at La Colonia…perfection. That brown crispy layer is the cheese. So so good.
Daniella and Eric, the owners and masterminds behind La Colonia

Being Mexico, there is a fair amount of wonkiness to Puerto Vallarta. Sidewalks that suddenly end, stop signs are not even a suggestion, bizarre stairs…the list goes on. However, it is gorgeous, the people are gracious and just being there made me smile.

These stairs defy explanation
And then there is this…

We walked a lot, bought some unique items for friends and family and just enjoyed beach time. It was a wonderful month, after which we headed to Louisiana for some Grandson time. Then home to Washington to eagerly await the birth of another Grandson (he arrived on June 27th)! We took a couple of weeks to visit the oldest Son and crew, now based at Pearl Harbor. Darn…we had to go to Hawaii. Even though we were home for several months it still didn’t feel like enough time with every one.

Fresh churros are a beautiful thing! This stand was way too close to our apartment.

I promise to try to be better at this blogging thing. Operative word…try.