In 2014, we decided to take a break from tradition. After spending Christmas with our children, we chose to ring in the New Year in Mexico. We purchased an all-inclusive package at a beach resort, packed our bags, and the day after Christmas, we were off.
I’ve been to Mexico before, but Puerto Vallarta is by far my favorite destination. We arrived in the evening and were greeted with lush cocktails beautifully adorned with colorful umbrellas. After checking in, we wasted no time getting the festivities started dinner at one of the resort’s many restaurants, followed by a featured show, and ending the night with a peaceful walk along the beach.
After long winters in Colorado, the heat and sunshine were exactly what I needed. The next morning, after breakfast, we decided to head downtown to experience the local culture. We took two buses from the resort. The first was no different from any bus in the U.S. The second, however, was a completely different story, run-down, loud, and extremely wobbly. It felt more like riding a tractor. Most of the passengers were locals commuting to and from work, with the occasional tourist trying to figure out, in broken Spanish, where they were going.
Downtown, or El Centro, while touristy, had an old-world charm typical of the region. The Catholic church in the middle of the square featured a Gothic design with an alluring spiritual presence. The surrounding shops were filled with local merchandise, from bathing suits to handmade artifacts. My favorites were the skull sculptures that adorned many venues, streets, and architectural displays. Their gory nature, vibrant colors, and skilled craftsmanship made them fascinating conversation pieces for travelers who collect unique treasures. These sculptures represent the Mexican tradition of El Día de los Muertos. Made of clay and dressed in elaborate costumes depicting popular characters or themes, they are truly captivating.
As we wandered through the streets soaking in the culture, we stumbled upon an outdoor bar in the middle of the square known to locals as the Circle Bar. I don’t think I’d ever had cocktails like those before. Made with fresh fruit and herbs, just two were enough to make me very happy. The conversation flowed easily, and we learned a lot from the locals, who probably got a kick out of yuppie tourists like us.
Finding food afterward was an adventure in itself. Along the boardwalk, vendors cooked authentic cuisine that was absolutely out of this world. The flavors, the energy, and the warmth of the cooks made the experience about much more than eating, it was about sharing a meal in a vibrant, welcoming environment.
Unsure whether buses were still running, we took a cab back to the resort. Once there, we sat on the beach, not wanting to let go of the exhilaration, energy, and drive the locals had so humbly and graciously shared with us that day. The rest of the vacation was enjoyable, the usual poolside lounging, beach activities, and plenty of eating and drinking. Still, my fondest memory will always be that single day spent in downtown Puerto Vallarta, a town full of vitality and liveliness, where culture and diversity are embraced with open arms.
