Puerto Vallarta Days 1 and 2

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If you have been following me for awhile, then you know that I go to Mexico pretty much yearly. Well ever since I have been dating Rory. I think in the almost 10 years that we have been together, we have missed one year and that was because I just had the girls a couple months prior. We have even brought the girls to Puerto Vallarta twice now. We had every intention on bringing them this time, but after consideration from the grandparents, we all decided to just have Rory and I go. And it was amazing. Of course we missed the girls, but it was very much needed and appreciated.

We left on Friday April 12th at 6 in the morning. And now I am singing Justin Timberlake's song Filthy. We flew into Phoenix and went into the American lounge for 4 hours. We watched some of the Master's, ate, read books and watched a bit of Netflix. Then we flew to Puerto Vallarta and for the first time in a long time, we didn't have ANY wait in Customs. 

We quickly got our luggage and made our way to the taxis. Word of advice, don't get a taxi inside the airport. At least go outside. They will try to tell you that you can't do that, but you can and should. It is way cheaper to go outside or even go across the highway (there is a walkway overpass) and get a taxi.

We took our taxi ride into the Zona Romantica which is the heart of PV. This is way past the hotels and near the Melancon (the boardwalk). We got settled into our condo, unpacked a bit and then headed next door to see Rory's family. We talked with them for about an hour or two and then headed off to watch the sunset and eat dinner. We also stopped at an ATM to get money. Another tip: get money out of an ATM and not the money exchange places. You get a better rate and usually only pay a dollar or two in fees compared to $10 or more in the exchange places.

For dinner, we went to Jorge's Hideaway Shrimp Shack. We go there every year and they always recognize us. It is a bit of a trek uphill, but amazing. We both got a blackberry margarita and shared a salad that had jicama, grapefruit, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, corn and balsamic dressing.

Then I got my favorite which is a spicy shrimp inside of a pineapple with pineapple chunks and some cheese. They pair it with a red rice and a salad.

Rory got this spicy shrimp dish with sauteed veggies and rice. It was sooooo good.

Then they gave us a complimentary drink after dinner. We were full and wanted to walk off some of the food, so we walked the Melancon. It was a Friday night, so it was busy, but warm and beautiful out. Then we made our way over to Bar La Playa which is a specialty cocktail bar that we found on our last trip. I got a drink called the Senorita which had vodka, hibicus and coconut water. So good. Rory got a mezcal drink.

Saturday morning we slept in and then headed to the roof top deck to do a little workout. We jump roped, did push-ups, fast walking and some yoga stretches. Then we showered, got ready and headed out to the farmer's market. We go every Saturday and it is amazing. They have great food and amazing vendors there. We picked up some bagels for ourselves and for Rory's great uncle. Plus we hung out with his cousins there. We ate some lunch there before saying goodbye to his cousins who had to leave for the airport.

After the farmers market, we went to a local brewery to pick up some beers for our condo. We did a taste testing at Monzon Brewing Co. and then brought 4 cans back to the condo.

Once we got back to the condo, we changed into our bathing suits and put on sunscreen. We read a bit and then headed up to the pool deck. I wore my new high waisted bathing suit.

 Bathing Suit

We spent about 3 hours at the pool reading, sunbathing and swimming. It was perfect. When we were finished, we cleaned up and then headed out for tacos at our most favorite hole in the wall, Pancho's Takos. We go to this place multiple times per trip. You have to get there about 30 minutes before opening or expect to wait up until an hour. They specialize in the al pastor tacos. Heaven!

Of course we ordered too much food. We got guacamole, grilled onions, a pepper and onion quesadilla and pastor tacos. All to share. Plus beers. And our total was about $16 with tip.

After eating, we walked the Melancon again and enjoyed the sunset.

Sand statues along the Melancon

And that concludes days 1 and 2! Stay tuned for more next week with even more food, drinks and fun.