Whale Watching in Mexico!
22 December 2014
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A Get Away to Puerto Vallarta for Three Months+
12/21/14
Hello Friends and Family,
We have been in PV for about a week now, and we like it! We are staying south of town in the "Romantic Zone", which is a blend of historic old buildings, cobblestone streets, with trendy new smaller scale condos/apartments, bars, restaurants, clubs, shops, etc. It is not like the cruise ship area or the hotel/resort zone which a friend called "a cultural wasteland". This is the most gay friendly (and safe) town in MX, and the Romantic Zone is the center of that, so there is a lot of art, trendy fashion, evening entertainment, music, and vibe, mixed with Mexican culture.
We just moved into the condo we are renting until April, but we have to temporarily move out for a week after Xmas because it was previously rented. It is brand new construction, with a large in-house gym, a long real lap pool for swimming, Jacuzzi, a great rooftop terrace, in a great neighborhood. And we got a great 3 month price on it. Check it out at Www.vrbo.com/604834
Since we won't have an apartment, for the week starting Dec 26, we will rent a car and explore the interior mountains near San Sebastian, and Mascota, 2 historic 18th century mining towns, 1 mile high in pine forests, now eco-destinations with nature hikes, wildlife, zip-lines, at a relaxing pace.
For NYE will stay at an all-inclusive cultural wasteland resort in PV for the party and fireworks. The International Fireworks competition is here for the holidays, with 6 countries competing for a week straight- should be cool.
We went on a snorkel trip and boat ride watching boobies (blue footed birds that is) and swam to the "hidden beach" in Marietas Marine preserve; you have to swim through a long arch tunnel to get to a beach surrounded by cliffs, like you are in a crater. Tomorrow we go on a whale watching excursion in the bay to see the humpbacks which winter here- lots of them.
Last night we ended up late at a locals club where we mixed our salsa moves and special MarkaRita style with club dancing and we had the crowd hooting and cheering us on- fun! Not bad for old farts.
There is a Lot to do here in PV. Open invitation to join us if you can. We have a full private 2nd bedroom and bathroom, so all you need is airfare to get here, and a swimsuit. Already taking reservations. It may not be aVida or even a boat, but it's not bad.
Happy Holidays and a Healthy Prosperous New Year to All!
With Love,
Mark and Rita