After my grandmother died, my sister invited me to join her family on a trip to Mexico. They had a timeshare in Nuevo Vallarta, about a half hour from the airport in Puerto Vallarta. I fell in love with the town and all the communities sprawled along the Banderas Bay.
It was warm in February, the ocean was blue, the sand white, the people friendly, and best of all I was there with family. The next year I got invited back and two of my brothers joined us as well. That was a wild trip unlike the first time which was more relaxing. This time there was too much tequila, lots of exploring in the town of Puerto Vallarta, and I bought a timeshare with the Grand Myan now known as Vida Vacations.
Some 15 years and many trips later, I have built many memories and good times with family and friends. While I didn’t get there this winter, I plan to go back next January. Even though I can go to six different places in Mexico, I love the Nuevo Vallarta complex. It’s a beautiful resort set on about 500 acres, with an expansive mile-long beach front, a renowned golf course, tennis courts, three or four pools and 27 restaurants.
The Mexican culture is colorful, warm-hearted and affordable. I love the music, the food, the beer and tequila, and of course the people. They seem so relaxed even those who are working. Manana really does characterize Mexico. What surprised me about Banderas Bay is the water. It’s so blue and the beach is so white…it’s as lovely as Hawaii or Cannes, France without the long plane ride and twice the cost of living. A five-hour flight including an easy transfer in Dallas or Houston is very appealing. I found an-added-bonus with the interesting art galleries in Puerto Vallarta, along with a Jazz club, the Café des Artistes and even a live theatre. Sometimes the Voladores Papantla perform their flying dance on the town’s boardwalk or at a special event on the resort. The indigenous peoples of Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador started the tradition over 600 years ago in order to connect with their gods. It’s fascinating to watch and can be found on YouTube.
Another surprise about the Mexican Riviera, it’s full of Americans and Canadians. There is a mix of English, French and Spanish spoken in most public places so I’ve had the chance to practice some of my long-lost French. In the beginning you could never find a good glass of wine in Mexico, however that has changed at the resorts and upscale restaurants. I still prefer tequila or beer while I’m there. It’s good, plentiful and affordable. We had a nice meal in town at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company complete with films of Forest Gump.
The resorts put on good musical shows about the culture in different parts of the country as well as across the history of its development. They also host many activities such as ping-pong, pool, volleyball games, water-balloon fights and water aerobics daily. When my brothers join us, we are laughing so hard during water-aerobics it’s difficult not to pee your pants. My sister Laura and her daughter Rose love to paint at the resort. I came home the first year with a colorful whale to hold the paperclips on my desk and the signature iguana. These creatures are all over the resort and often get into the pools where they get nets and take them out. My brother-in-law Charles says I should embrace them because they keep the bugs down. My brother Don says they are called Mexican chickens because they are good to eat. I’m not sure I believe either of them.
Our resort has a very good spa and exercise room as well. You can use the sauna, steam room and whirlpools every day for Free. And they have a variety of services. Laura and I did venture out for a massage at the spa. It’s the first time I had eucalyptus steaming below where your face fits into that holder, a nice touch. Of course afterward you have to stop at the little café next door for an ice cream or coffee.
Tours outside the resort to Mexico’s historic villages, tequila farms or the Mayan ruins are fascinating as well. That however is for another story. For now, it’s Hasta Luego.