Puerto Vallarta 2008 in Review

It has only been a few short days that Russ and I have returned back from Puerto Vallarta, which now seems to be our annual trip south.

Though this was a shorter visit for me then expected, I still managed to get to points around Puerto Vallarta I thought I wouldn't get to. This time around Russ and myself ventured to the Gringo Gulch area of Puerto Vallarta famous for Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's home (Casa Kimberley and Casa Burton). This was the house that Richard Burton bought for Liz when he was filming "Night of the Iguana" back in '63.

Now websites say that Casa Kimberley [link] is now a bed and breakfast, but alas this can't be further from the truth. It is currently not occupied, falling apart, and no one lives there. I can say this because Russ and I actually paid a care-taker some money ($5) to get in and walk around. I have to say that the views were spectacular and was surprise to know that we could see the home from our balcony back at the condo.

The weather in Puerto Vallarta was definitely cooler than normal. I was surprised that at night time we had to actually bundle up and I had to wear a jacket.

This has been a strange month for them. Even the tourists weren't as many as years past. With that said, the construction of new buildings and condos in the old section are huge. I do hope that they don't build too much as the charm of the old section will be lost.

All and all a good trip and was able to connect with some old friends and meet some new ones as well. Hopefully we'll see them all again next year. :)

You can find more pictures of the trip on my flickr [link] page

UPDATE: Looks like my blog was picked up on Tourist Network [link] and translated into German. I'm not sure if it's a compliment or not.

From Arizona to Puerto Vallarta Mexico

After our sales training in Scottsdale AZ was over, my vacation officially started! 

I am now in Puerto Vallarta Mexico for 8 more days of sun and fun.  Although the first night I arrived I was surprised to see how cold it is here.  At night you really need a jacket to get around the city.  I was cold while having dinner last night at Joe's Fish Shack on the patio.  The food there was awesome as usual (Mahi, Mahi was yummy, yummy).

Today of course was a beach day and I was surprised to see the beach fairly empty.  I recall last year if you didn't make it to the beach by 12pm you didn't get yourself a palapas.  Now you can still find a palapas all day long.  You also don't see many Americans here now a days.  I'm wondering if the issues back in the US are resulting in less traffic down here.  Oh well maybe that is a good thing :)

Tonight we had dinner at the condo (roasted chicken) and just relaxing now getting ready to head out for the evening. I'll make sure I bring my jacket just to make sure I don't suffer like I did last night.

I'll have a magarita for all my friends back home!!! :)

Puerto Vallarta Day 2

Well we are here in Puerto Vallarta and doing exactly what I said, RELAXING!!!

The Condo is very nice, though there really isn't a view of anything. If you want a view you have to get up on a chair and look over. Don't mind the house right there, but look beyond and you have a view of the bay. The beach is only a short walk and we are within walking distance to all the shops and bars.

Definitely the city is changing, there is so much new construction, restoration happening now. The main boardwalk (the Melcon) is coming along wonderfully. I remember how it used to be the first time I was here (over 20 years ago) and to what it is now is amazing, boy just from a year ago is amazing. There are a few new sculptures up and it's always nice to see everyone walking around mid afternoon. The locals on the weekends just love coming down to the beach and hanging out.

I've started uploading a few of the pictures on Flickr, so please go and check them out.

I don't plan on blogging too much as I don't think we'll be doing alot, but you never know if I find something worth blogging about and mentioning, I'll definitely have a post.