Puerto Vallarta - Travelling Downtown Independently November 2024

Surprised to see we are docked at berth number 2.  The NCL Bliss is at pier 3 and no ship is at 1.  Never have seen this before.

We wander off and walk to the terminal building.  There is also a small shuttle that transports guests for free, but it is only an 8 min walk. 

We refuse to walk the gauntlet of shops in the terminal.  So just as you are about to enter the duty free shop we head straight as if we are walking to the flea market.  Then we just walk along the street to the main drag to catch a bus.

It is busy at the stop.  It is very hot!  We are already tired.  When a taxi driver offers a ride and quotes us the right amount of $10 to the malecon we are in.  Now you can take the bus.  It is only 19 pesos.  But we are glad we took a taxi.

We stroll along the malecon.  It is nice to walk,  it is crazy busy.  Lots of people are on vacation due to Thanksgiving week.

After a few blocks we have had our fill of the crowds and we walk inland three blocks and then turn right and enjoy the quieter streets.

We pass the cathedral with all the tours getting ready to go in.  We pass.  We are on a mission, but not a religous mission.  

Our friend at home, Kim, use to live here.  She had her son here.  She told us the address and we thought, why not seek it out.  Up a hill, then up a staircase, then up another hill. And just pass Casa Kimberly, the iconic home of Elizabeth Taylor that Richard Burton bought her.  Then up more stairs.  Here it is!  Cool.

We stroll back down into town on a different street and cross Gringo Gulch in the Romantic Zone.  We do a bit of shopping, picking up 2 more glasses to match the ones we bought a few years ago.  And I got a cute pair of earrings.

Back into El Centro We spot some whales not far from the shore so we sit and enjoy the scene,  until a family stands right in front of us to watch too!  Why they stood right in front I have no idea.  There was tons of space.  Didn't help we are feeling grumpy.  Remember, little sleep, and we are hot.  So we stand up and start walking.

We decide to take a taxi back to the Walmart.  $10 again, woot woot, normally I am always frustrated with the taxis trying to scam the cruisers.  Maybe they are turning over a new leaf.

We walk into Walmart, along with a ton of crew.  We need to pick up some items.  Conditioner, moisturizer, sunscreen, soda, 2 bags of chips, Bernie is craving them.  And a few Xmas treats, oh and a bottle of wine and a six pack of Pacifico.  We have had no issue bringing on a bottle of wine or a six pack of beer.

We decide to venture to one of our favorite taco stands,  it is just up the street to the right of the Sam Club.  There is a market there, and the taco stand is on the south west corner.  I don't know the name but a lot of crew go there,  it isn't fancy.  Stools, narrow tables and a bag of napkins hangs from above.  

4 tacos, a Pepsi and a beer for 165 pesos.  We gave them 200 and so for $10 US we are stuffed.  

Puerto Vallarta

Happy Vallentine's Day.  Last night on our pillow as a card from Princess and two of the heart shapped chocolates.

Again this week we wake around 9:30!  Seems every PV day we sleep in.  We don't dock till 10 am but we arrive early and we get clearance around 9:50. 

The ship is decorated with hearts and Valentine decorations all over.  It is lovely and festive.  We have been handing out Valentine treats all week to the crew.

We head ashore around 11 and walk out to the WalMart to the bus stop to Bucerias.  As soon as we arrive there is a bus there and it is one of the AC buses.  Cost to Bucerias is 16 pesos each - just under a dollar each.

One thing we would do differently next time we sail to Mexico we would definately get Pesos.  Currently we have been using US dollar which is widely accepted.  Current exchange rate is 20% so $10 equals 200 pesos.  Exchange rate though at stores, restaurants, taxis etc varies from 18 - 13% ! 

Sure if we were just down for a week with three stops we probably would of just kept the US dollar but with 9 stops in Mexico we should of just gone to a bank and taken out Pesos.  Which would of been so much easier than working out the conversion all the time.

Right now we are converting Canadian to US (as US is used on ship) and then converting again to Pesos.  But again if you are American and coming here just for the 3 port stops you can easily get by with American you just will be dealing with poor exchange often.

Okay back to today.  We board the bus to Bucerias (it has Bucerias written on the side of the bus or windshield) which then goes to Sayulita.  It takes about 40 minutes to get there (still working on building that overpass).

We get off right near the square and we walk down to the beach and head back to El Buro where we went a few years ago.  We sit at a table that has an umbrella and a lounge chair. 

We order drinks and some food and enjoy the scenery.  The water is perfect - warmer than Mazatlan was a few weeks ago. 

Here we are asked if we want massages, tattoos, horeseback riding, parasailing and shown pretty much everything to buy by sellers walking by.

When we get the bill we notice it is added up wrong so they correct it.  I am going to say it was an honest mistake but it seems to be a regular occurance in some countries.  They give us an exchange of 18% so in total we get have a great meal and drinks for $30 US.

We walk back to the main square where there is a taxi stand.  We ask how much is it to the cruise port - 300 pesos.  Okay and as we wait for the taxi another couple arrives and they are going to the Marina (very close to the port but before the port) and they are quoted 250. 

He tries to get all four of us into his taxi to share and we all said what?  He then says 250 each then.  We all shake our head and say no we won't get squished in the small car to save 50 pesos (although the other couple would still pay the same). 

It is always hard when you are travelling because you just don't know what to expect in price. Or if you are being taken.  Although the price was minimal here it adds up.

It is just hard to know what a regular rate should be as they don't often post prices.  But always make sure you ask the price before you get in.

Well we are in the taxi and we are off and OMG it reminded me of the crazy ride from Port Everglades in Florida to the airport one time.  This driver was in and out of traffic all the way.  Took no time at all - maybe 20 minutes! 

We are dropped right off at the entrance to the pier and we wind our way thru the port - note they check your cruise card and your bag at the gate.  Then the ship checks your card, bings you in and checks your bag too.

Back in the cabin we shower and create a beach in the base of our shower.

We feel so much better after the shower and cleaning off all the sunscreen, salt, and sand.

Puerto Vallarta

We sleep so well that we don't wake up until 9 am; however we did go to bed rather later as we watched a movie.

Docking is scheduled for 10 am and we are the #1 pier. 

We head ashore to meet up with our friend Greg who retired from our work last October.  He and his wife Barb moved here a week later!

We had told him to meet us around 10:30 - 11 but of course we are there then, but we are on ship time.  Which is one hour behind.  So keep that in mind if you are meeting up.

A quick ride in a taxi and we are at their apartment.  A beautiful 2 bedroom 2 1/2 bath place overlooking the hill side with stunning views of the water.  Oh I could get use to this.

We enjoy their company and get to learn all about the ins and outs of moving down here as Canadians full time.  We have always thought about it as an option for us, now it only makes us think even harder about this option.

Later in the day we head down the hill to the malecon and have a great meal all together.

Around 5 we head back towards the ship and wander around a bit near the pier.

I wanted to see if we could easily access the beach near the ship.  And you can. 

Exit the pier area/shops.  There is another market/flea market in front of you when you exit and just keep going straight towards the hotel/apartment in front of you.  Turn right and there is a path that takes you right to the beach.

Now beaches in Mexico are all public.  Hotels will have a roped off area that they have lounge chairs that you can not access but you can lay your towel down and enjoy the beach.

I am sure there are restaurants/hotels that will allow to use their facilities for a fee or if you eat/drink there.

Back on board I take a few pictures. 

The issues with Share have been cleared up.  The extra charge has been removed and the discount of 15% for the wine has been applied. Mario the Head Waiter there took care of it all in the end and he was very professional and helpful.  We also had him take note for reservation for next sailing for six of us.

Then we head to Skywalker for a drink in the Elite lounge and dinner in Horizon Court.

Back in the cabin at 9:30 and we are beat - and we think enjoying a quiet night is what we need.

Puerto Vallarta

We don’t dock until 10 am and I am shocked when I wake at 9:30 am!  This cold is my excuse or maybe my body just really needs to rest.  

Have to say too that this cabin is so quiet! We are in an inside cabin forward on Baja deck. 

The only noise we tend to hear is when people gather outside their cabin and talk. So that is what woke us this morning and at first I was wondering who the heck is up talking but when I realized it was 9:30 I totally understand.

We are already pulling into the pier.  We are with the Island Princess and a Holland America ship (that left early).  We are docked at the newest part of the pier right across from the Liverpool Shopping Mall. 

this is taken the next sailing, but where this yacht is docked is where we docked this week right across from the Liverpool Mall

Exiting the pier is very quick and easy here as there are not tons of shops or buildings you have to go thru. Which you have to do if you are at the other two piers.  Here there are some tables/shops set up with stuff if you are interested but we just walk off at around 11 am and within five minutes we are on the main drag.

We turn right and walk down the street. Today my goal is to get a manicure.  We find a lovely spa that is located right beside the Starbucks – about five minutes walking from the pier.  

The spa is called Diamond Spa and I had an amazing manicure and all for just $15 US – I made sure to tip her well.

We flag down a taxi to take us to our next stop which is our favorite Seafood Restaurant – La Langosta Feliz – read our blogs from last year in May when we were here for two weeks.  This restaurant came recommended by a Captain we know and we are now hooked.  Oh and taxi was only $4 US – probably a bit more from the pier, maybe $5
First thing was a cold drink.  

For me a mango margarita, for Bernie a Pacifico.

Bernie gets the red snapper with garlic sauce. For me I get the shrimp (garlic and also coconut).  Huge portions!

After our great meal we decide to walk back to the main drag where we jump on a local bus to take us back to the pier.

We stop at Sorianas first (which is a large department/food store – we rather shop local than a large international store like Wal-Mart). 

We pick up a few necessary items and we are still looking for a few items for the crew.  So we walk over to Liverpool Mall but still no luck.  But we did score some yummy ice cream.

We are back on board around 5:30 and head to the cabin to watch a movie.  

All aboard is 7:30 and we don’t venture out till just past sail away.

Explorer’s Lounge is doing a Seinfeld Trivia – oh boy you would think after watching all the shows I would remember some of it. Nope we did pretty bad but it was fun to play with Lisa.

For dinner we are not too hungry so we just head up to the Horizon Court which is featuring a Mexican Buffet.  We don’t eat much (still full from lunch) but it hit the spot.

Bernie wants a martini but I am heading back to the cabin.

There is not much happening tonight.  In fact it feels deserted.  One activity is the Vocal Stylings of Cheaza who does a tribute to Whitney Houston.  Also happening tonight is Liars Club Gameshow; Country and Western Music Quiz and night.

Tomorrow is Mazatlan

Final Thoughts on All Inclusive Vacation

Our goal of this holiday was an inexpensive holiday where we could relax.  In the end those two goals were met.

Even though our original hotel was not a right fit, upgrading to the Riu Pacific Palace was the right decision.  It ended up costing us a bit more. In total the vacation cost us $4,000 in the end including spending money.  Since the resort was all inclusive the added cost of food and drinks was kept down.  

Like I have mentioned in previous blogs we use to travel to Mexico to all inclusive every year for two weeks before we really started cruising.  We had vacationed three times to Puerto Vallarta, two times to Huatulco, once to Manzanillo, Loretto, and Mazatlan.  So we knew the product. 

Since those holidays we have cruised extensively on over 60 cruises.  We really knew that product but found because of higher cruise prices and the low Canadian dollar and also because in May our cruise destinations were limited we chose to head back to Mexico.

I am going to break this overview into sections comparing the pros and cons and who does it better, cruises or all inclusives. This is based totally on our views and this last holiday, based on the 5th star Riu Pacific Palace

Room

• Hotel room is huge compare to ship.  But we really are not in the room much.  Love the large bathroom where both of us could easily get ready.  The deep soaker tub was a nice treat too.  
• We did find the hotel room to not be as clean as we would experience on ships.  

• Noticed spots of mold because of high humidity.  
• Room was normally quieter than on ships.  Here we did not hear the neighbors TV or loud conversations.  However because of noisy kids in the hallways (why parents think it is okay to let their child scream is beyond me) which carries onto the entire floor was a bit annoying.
• Overall the pluses on the hotel side outweigh the negatives of a small cabin. 
• Rooms on ships are very clean, functional and cleaned twice a day.  
• TV on ships has more options as this resort had no channels in English.
• Here we had free wifi throughout resort including our room which saved us at night.

• Each room here had complimentary mini bar, with sodas, water, beer and four hard alcohol bottles (which we did not partake in).  We had to get our own ice but that was just down the hall. 

view from balcony

• And of course every room had a balcony.  On a ship you have to pay more for that.  
• Note a room in this hotel that faced the courtyard would experience a lot more noise.

For me the rooms end up a tie in my eyes.  Ones positives negates the other's negatives. 

Food

• The food choices here were quite good but after a week it got quite repetitive.  With only one option for breakfast or lunch we found after a week we were bored.  
• Heading into town for a meal helped but added to the costs.
• Quality and presentation was quite impressive.  However we did find many cold items that should of been hot.  But that is not unique to resorts I have seen this on ships too.

• This resort had four a la carte restaurants and getting reservations was easy but limiting to only two times early or late seating.  I was very impressed with the meals here and especially the service. Also these meals were included in the vacation, unlike ships where it is an added cost.

• This resort did have a limited room service menu, even more limiting than on Princess.  We did partake and found it to be basic and cold. 
• Evening dinners often had themes and we're presented with an added flare. 
• For this category ships win hands down.  With ships having numerous places to get food and higher quality it wins out.  However you won't go hungry here.

Daytime Activities

• If you are a beach/pool person then you suit a resort vacation.  
• Daytime Activities revolve around the beach and pool.  Beach volleyball, pool volleyball, soccer, pool games, target practice, horseshoes, zumba, water aerobics happened even day.  Entertainment staff were very welcoming and enthusiastic and approachable. 
• Pool was always crowded and hard to get a lounge chair, yes chair hogs are found everywhere.

• The beach here was very large with lots of chairs and palm trees for shade.  Umbrellas also could be had for a nominal fee. 
• Of course there were excursions you could partake in with Vallarta Adventures being the sole provider.  We did not take any excursions but did venture out on our down quite easily by either walking, taxis, or bus.
• If you are not a pool/beach person this may not be a holiday for you as there isn't much else to do.  Plus the heat here is oppressive and you need to cool off.
• Activities are posted on a big board daily.  You are handed a calendar with evening activities but it does vary a bit week to week but most shows were repeated each week.
• This hands down goes to cruise travel where your options for activities is 200% more and includes sitting around pool and tanning if you wish.  But options for daytime activities on a ship can be but are not limited to: trivias, lectures, casino, shopping, bingo, martini demos, games, exercise classes, galley tours, and much much more.

Evening activities

• After spending a day at the beach we always retired to the room to shower and rest.  We dress for dinner and then what.  Often we would walk around the resort then end up at a bar.

• Evening shows were basic and quite amateur but I appreciate their effort.
• The shows are repeated each week so we got the same show the next week.  So even less to do.
• Once the show is done there is a disco but not much else.  The lobby bar did have a piano player at times and that was enjoyable.
• Of course it does depend where your resort is.  This one was a distance from any bars/restaurants in the city, but that would always be an option if you were closer.

Hands down ships win in this category.  Evening activities are 300% more than on land.  Activities on ships include but are not limited to:  Casino, entertainment act in Atrium, trivias, game shows, production show in main theater, comedians, dance/party band in a lounge, another live band in another venue, wine tastings, Movies Under the Stars, Disco and so much more.

Bar/Drinks

• Resort included all drinks.  Trust me you could really drink all the time if you wish.  
• Variety was not bad but much much less than on a ship.
• This was a higher end resort so the selection was bigger and better than the 3 star Jalisco.  
• Three were three types of wine!
• Many known brands of liquor were not available.
• Martinis here were like desserts and not in a good way. For example a Cosmo is not suppose to taste like you are drinking syrup.  And forget about getting a bramble - they just don't have the ingredients.

• I love a liqueur made in Mexico called Damiana but this resort didn't have it - had to go to a bar in town to get it.
• Overall I found the drinks to be fair but not great.  They did the trick but at my age I drink more for the pleasure of the taste not the alcohol. Oh to be young again.

Hands down ships win here. With so many different bars featuring so many different drinks - here is the martini menu - here is the wine menu - here is the bar menus.  Yes on the ship you have to pay for your drinks but I would rather pay for a good drink then have a poor drink included.

Cost

• We did get an amazing deal for this all inclusive vacation. So for the price at this time of year this was a better value.
• However during more prime time (like when we travel to the Caribbean in January) resort vacations are much more expensive. I can often get a 20 day cruise for what I would pay for a two week AI resort.  
• We did tip waiters, maids, bartenders and servers but in the end that came in less than the normal cruise daily tips.  Plus we usually tip more on the ship.
• This is very subjective and there are a lot of variables.  
• Overall I still feel cruising is a better value. But you can get some great deals for all inclusives too.

Resort/Ship

• The resort was beautiful. Right on the beach with stunning views. Very ornate, and a little like I was in Venice or something. Not really my taste but for a holiday it was fine.

• Lots of space with beautiful manicured gardens.  
• Large pools, with swim up bar, lounges in the pool, tons of lounge chairs.

• Spa, large buffet, four a la carte restaurants, large theater/bar, lobby bar and huge lobby.  
• The dreaded sand flies/noseeums loved us and bit us often.  Sure on a cruise when you visit a port you can get bitten but once on board it is rare.
• Thankfully this resort did not have timeshare sellers. But a short walk down the beach, or the sidewalk had someone approaching you constantly with timeshare (or what they now call Vacation Clubs). If you could keep walking that was great, but if you were waiting for something (like the bus) they would not let up. 

Even though the hotel is lovely cruises win out because they have so much more but it is not a fair comparison as if a hotel had as many guests as a ship it would be much bigger too. So both are great.

Demographics

• At this resort in May there were mainly couples of varying ages. Lots of families. Many kids, more than what I see on Princess ships when we travel during off season.  
• Many British come here thru a charter agency. Quite a few Canadians and Americans too.
• We felt comfortable here with regards to demographics and it was nice to meet others.
• Because guest arrive and depart all the time it was hard to connect with guest like you do on a ship where everyone arrives/leaves at the same time. You just have longer to make deeper connections.  
• On weekends lots of families from all over Mexico would arrive for a mini break.  But there were a lot more families/kids at the Riu Jalisco/Riu Vallarta (especially from US/Canada).

Over all I would give this to Cruise ships. I like the demographics on ships. The line I pick is Princess which fits our needs age wise. We tend to travel in off peak times so we don't encounter many children. We love kids, but don't really want to travel with a lot of them.  

I missed the camaraderie you get from connecting with fellow cruise passengers over a coffee/meal/or even sitting beside them at a show. This just didn't really happy at the resort, and if you did connect with someone they were leaving the next day.

Staff

• Jobs at these resorts are coveted and their employees are very loyal and work extremely hard. Most do not make that much in wages. A tip is what they strive for and augments their paychecks. They work extremely hard for a tip.  Certainly more than the average Canadian waiter does (my opinion of course). Waiters here would see you and ask you to sit in their section and then would have your drink of preference ready for you when you came back with your food.  
• They work long hours too and I know for at least this resort they were given one day off a week, which doesn't always happen.
• Most that served the guests spoke very good English, I was impressed.

Of course cruise staff are similar and work very hard too. Have to say the resort staff category is a tie.  

Dress

• I was happy to be going to a resort and get to live in sandals and t shirts for two weeks. Including dining in whatever I wanted. Note you couldn't wear tank tops or bathing suits into dining area at night and it was enforced (unlike ships' dress code).  
• But after a few days of being casual, I did miss dressing for dinner and making it an event. Now I am not saying formal dress, but just nice pants and a blouse and heading out for a nice evening. Although there were many who did dress for dinner (usually the ladies) but most did not.
• Most days we were in bathing suits/shorts/t-shirt which was okay for the first few days but found I got tired of it after that.
• Really missed having self serve laundry service (that you do have on Princess ships). And of course we are elite so we get free laundry. The resort did have laundry service but it was expensive so we made a visit to the laundromat after one week, which cost us 220 pesos. 

So overall for two weeks I would say I prefer cruises for dress. But for a week's vacation I would be okay at a resort and the casual atmosphere.

So who is the winner.  Well for each person it will be different. Both are great holidays.  It really comes down to what you like.

Based on our preferences we certainly prefer cruising for many of the above reasons.  

Ultimately the all inclusive vacation was just a bit too boring for us.  Spending every day at the beach, and nights wandering around with nothing to do just wasn't a fit for us.

We missed the quality in food, drink, and the demographics of cruises.

Will we do another all inclusive, well I will never say never. But I know we LOVE Mexico and we will be back but I think if we do head back we would just book an apartment and air and do our own things for meals/drinks/entertainment.

Sorry this was so long.  Thanks for following.  And of course this is just our experience and our preference.  

Second to Last Day

We are slow to get moving today.  After coffee and some breakfast and posting to my blog we hit the beach to our usual spot.

We have not sat around the pool at all for a few reasons.  First chair hogs are not only on ships.  Somehow even first thing there are towels laying over chairs with nothing else.  Second it is just way too hot around the pool.  There are a scattering of umbrellas but not enough and the wind is much stronger by the water which helps keep us cool.  Lastly the pool by mid day does not look good.  A visible film of yuck is noticeable and that is only what we see!

Love our PacSafe portable safe.  It comes in handy at the beach when we go for lunch.  We put items it and lock it up and attach to lounge chair knowing it is safe.

When we come back to the room our room is partially cleaned but the bathroom has not been cleaned.  We have bath towels but no face clothes no extra bar of soap, and counter and floor are dirty.  No towel animal today in fact only part of the old one is laying on it's side.  Looks like they started then someone else came and completed but missed a bunch.

Normally I could accept but our room did not get cleaned at all yesterday.  Around 10 am housekeeping did knock but we said give us ten minutes.  We spent six hours at the beach then and came back to a room not touched at all.  Of course now is not the time to clean it so we just call down for more towels and let it slide.  But today we are annoyed.  We had been tipping everyday too.  So that doesn't work.

We both say we miss the great service we get from cabin stewards on ships who clean our room twice.  But worried that could change.  Have you heard that Carnival Ships you are asked by your steward whether you want your room cleaned in the morning or evening.   Yes only once a day.

We shower and relax in the room.  We watch Michael Moore's latest movie - loved it. You can watch it for free on YouTube.

Originally we had discussed going into Bucerias for dinner but Bernie insists we head back to the Happy Lobster for dinner.

A cab there is 230 pesos and takes about a half hour.  Heavy traffic and a very talkative driver passes the time.

Once at the restaurant Bernie gets a Bernie and I get a mango Margarita.  HUGE.

Bernie gets the catfish again and I order coconut shrimp and garlic shrimp, they agree  to do half and half.  I am stuffed!

It was a great meal and wonderful experience.  Definitely glad we found this place.

We opt to walk back to the main street.  Sun is just setting and I need to walk a bit.

Sidewalks here are more like obstacle courses and with it getting darker we need to pay attention.  Oh Bernie adds the drinks and the effects of them may also be an issue.

We come across a baseball game and decide to sit and watch for about a half hour.

We walk along the main street to the Malecon and the area is busy.  We stop to watch the Papantla or flying bird men.  To learn more Here is a link.

We wander around and agree around 10 that we have had enough.  We get a cab back, but thus ride had me grabbing Benrie's hand.  Crazy driver... felt like I was back in Fort Lauderdale in a taxi.  They are crazy too.

Back at the hotel we walk around to see what is happening.  Not much except the Mexican Folklore show.  So back to the room and we crash shortly thereafter.

Lobby bar

Tomorrow is our last day.  We have mixed emotions.  We are ready to go back, we will miss Mexico.  Don't really want to go back to the day to day grind, but miss our bed.

Thanks for following.

Sunday Stroll on the Malecon

Oh what a day.  You know those days when you wake up and feel like you should just stay in bed.  That was our day.

We had a good sleep. Woke feeling rested.

And I was even hungry!  So we went down for breakfast around 9 am.  It was very pleasant, not too busy.  We took a seat outside and enjoyed our meal.

Now is where I start to feel myself getting bitten.  Now if something bites then I know it will bite me! In humid conditions little sand flies, or midges, or noseeums. .. they go by various names often attack me.  Happens in the Caribbean, Florida, Panama.  But usually I am limited with exposure there.

But early morning or around dusk they come out!  So back in the room I take a look and I have five bites around my ankles.  Oh don't scratch!  I drop an antihistamine and that helps but we need to get some bug spray.

Not sure what to do today.  We have had two full days on the beach and I feel like we need a day off.  So we agree to head into Puerto Vallarta for a lovely Sunday afternoon.

We walk out to the main road, about 20 minute walk, instead of waiting for the bus. Bernie makes me laugh as he says usually the bus comes around the top of the hour. Really I say, there is no schedule here!

As soon as we get to the main highway a bus is approaching.  He beeps the horn, I raise my hand and it stops.  Sure glad our system is not like that at home we would never get anywhere.  The bus system here is sort of private.  The government takes a percentage and issues paper tickets for proof of payment.  But the driver runs his own bus and runs only on bus routes where they can make money.  So you get a ton of buses on the busy areas but if you are on the outskirts forget it.  And needless to say buses fight for passengers.  Speeding to pass the bus in front so they can get more fares.

We pay 13 pesos each to ride to the Sheraton where we get off and then walk towards to the Malecon.  It is busy here, lots of people out for the day with the family.  It is lovely to see so many families here who are out together.

Oh forgot to mention as we rode in there was a fire in the field off the highway.  It was quite large.  Not sure how it started but with the dry weater, high temperature I am sure it could turn ugly quick.  Firefighters were there dealing with.

Back to the Malecon and picture taking.  We stroll for a few hours.  We are melting!

We stop for a bite to eat and a cold beverage or two.

Have to say as a woman I have been approached a few times by men whenever Bernie is away (like using the washroom) and I am waiting for him.  I handle it but really don't like it.  Feel like an object and heck this guy that was hitting on me could be my son!  Yuck.  Don't think I would felt comfortable visiting here on my own as a woman.

Then we walk around a bit more and around 430 we are ready to head back.  We decide to take a taxi back.  We go to a stand and always ask the price before getting in.  We know the price should be around 230 to 250 pesos.  Guy says $25 US, we say what in pesos and he says 500!  Wow and we walk away.  Then another guy says 250 and we say okay and get in.

It is frustrating, and Mexico is not unique to this either we have this happen in the Caribbean too.  But you always feel like you need to know the fare and you have a hard time trusting people.  Just wish they had the fares posted and that is it!

Back at the hotel we try and nap but there is too much noise coming from around us with people coming and going.

Tonight we dine at the Asian restaurant and I am looking forward to it.

Hard to believe we have only a few days left, but honestly I am ready to go home.  I miss home.  But I know once I get there I will miss Mexico.

Beach and Two Specialty Restaurants

It has been two days since I have written a blog post.  Main reason for not writing is not much exciting has happened.  This whole trip was about relaxing and enjoying the beach and sun.

This is exactly what we have done.

Every day we wake and put on our swimsuits, lather on the sunscreen, grab some beach towels and head to the beach where we either situate ourselves under a palm tree or get an umbrella.

We have lunch at the buffet and then back to the beach.

A few drinks.  And playing in the water.

Back to the room for a shower and usually a short nap.  A day lounging at the beach is tiring.

Dress for dinner and eat, wander around the resort, sometimeso watch the show.  But the shows are the same each week so we have seen them all.

Usually back to the he room by 11, even by 10 and watch some TV or movie from our tablet and then sleep.

The food here is higher quality and selection than the last resort.  The servers also have smaller sections so they are on top of things when it comes to beverages and clearing plates.

We dined the last two nights in the specialty restaurants.  First it was Krystal which is a fusion restaurant.

You can't wear shorts here and everyone looks nice here in their dresses and nice shirts.

The restaurant is not large and not every table is filled.  We are given a glasses of sparkling wine as soon as we enter.

Then when we sit we are offered wine, or beer.

A trio of appetizers comes out and it is just the right size.

For my starter I get a mushroom ragout served over a potato mash and a poached egg.  Very good and filing.

My entrée is a lobster risotto.  Beautiful dish, but the dish was way too salty and could only manage a few bites.  Actually I have found many items here to be overly salty.  It is a personal taste so others may find it fine.

Dessert was a chocolate cake with a cream sauce poured on it.  It was just okay, rather dry, the sauce helped but not enough.  Left half of it.

Last night we ate at the steakhouse.  If you remember we dined at the steakhouse at the Riu Jallisco and we ended up leaving early.

Tonight we again are offered a drink upon arriving.  Sat at a table for two and service is very good.  There are two servers, two assistants and the hostess helping out.

No waits for drinks or clearing plates.  These meals do feel special here.

Theyou serve a lovely Caesar salad with warm rolls.  Then comes a trio of ceviche of varying spices.  One octopus, one scallops, and one shrimp.

I get the sirloin steak and it is cooked perfectlyrics and very flavourful.  It is served with stacked vegetables, potato wedges and three side sauces.

For dessert a plate comes out with pastries to share.  A fudge brownie, tartlet, a chocolate truffle and a glass of hazelnut liqueur.

We really enjoyed the meal.  I can't get over how different the specialty meals are here compared to the Riu Jallisco.  There it was packed, noisy and service felt rushed and disjointed.

After dinner both nights we tend to wander around hand in hand for a short stroll. The resort isn't large so we can't go very far.  This is where I wish the resort was closer to some action so we could walk there.  Just to get out and stroll, see others and other scenery.

Both nights we are back in the room early.  We watch a movie - The Danish Girl that I put on  my tablet earlier.  We also watch the news from home and YouTube videos. We can also watch some of our favorite TV shows thru our cable providers app and TV on demand.

This has been our saving grace in the evening and thankfully this resort has free wifi so we can do this.

The resort is busier as it is the weekend but even when full it doesn't feel crazy. There are a few families here and it is lovely to see the kids.  Times sure have changed.  My parents never could afford to take us to a place like this.

It is Sunday morning when I am writing this.  We have just come back from breakfast.

One thing that is driving ,experience crazy are these small bugs.  I believe they are called midges or no seums that bite early in the day or at night.  They love me!  I must have 20 bites throughout my body.  I have antihistamines so I have been taking them to help with the itch and swelling, plus it is helping where I got stung by the bee.  Gee this trip is the trio of Vickie being eaten alive.

We are very relaxed and not sure what we will do today.  Not sure if we are back to the beach or not.  Maybe we should head out today and explore.  Stay tuned.