The Culture (Mexico Part III)

 When we got off the beaten path the real fun began.  As we wandered around the marina we stumbled into a place that offered a 90 minute swim with dolphins.

   Three of the guys were up for it.  Dan had a great time especially in the free swim.

 We came back later that night and had dinner at Tacos El Muelle.  There was no menu.  The new owners simply started cooking sopes (that looked like these below)

with lots of different yummy toppings. They made us salads, delicious fresh grilled fish and shrimp. They made some yummy cinnamon bread like dessert served with cinnamon flavored Mexican coffee.  We were their main customers and they served us like kings and queens

 The owner and cook Fernado Torves who was an ex reality TV show host in Mexico City and below his lovely wife who was a TV news announcer went all out.  Here they are two weeks into their new business.

 We had fancier meals in lovely restaurants but this truly was a magical night with the most gracious of hosts.  We could have been eating in their private home.  Hospitality is definitely a gift of the Mexican people.

 Another evening at the marina in down town Puerto Vallarta

We enjoyed guacamole made table side by a shy young man

   Below was another gracious host/owner Christian Omar Romero@Tequila Guacamole who went completely out of his way to please us as customers. 

My fresh fish dinner that night as he promised was absolutely delicious...yum!!!

On our last day we took one more quick trip downtown.  In the square I found an amazing local artist that gave me some inspiration to tackle some of our local vineyard scenes. This was a commission for an American couple.

In the center square is a beautiful old church Our Lady of Guadalupe

gorgeous crown on top of the building

 

This is a view of the Marriott we stayed at for the last weekend.

Not nearly as upscale as our weekday resort, but non the less not too shabby.

 

poolside as the sun was setting

The hotel served a fabulous morning buffet.  I was intrigued with the local fare of fresh chips, steamed with salsa and topped with cheese, guacamole, fresh cilantro and a fried egg for breakfast.

I think this was fresh guava

Quesadilla with sautéed squash blossoms and fried plantains served on a freshly made tortilla with a side of spicy chili sauce was another intriguing breakfast selection.

the evening view

My last moment in the Mexican sun.  I cannot believe how much I enjoyed my visit to the Mexican Rivera.  I will return someday soon I hope...sooner than later. 

You are probably sick by now of my Mexican vacation, but hopefully I have finally got it out of my system for a bit and can now regroup and focus on Christmas ...