For the last number of winters, we have been spending our time in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Needless to say many pictures were taken. Water, buildings, people, the surrounding country side and their very unique streets. They are cobblestone. The best way to experience what it is like to travel them is to take a taxi or bus. It is quite bone jarring, as their suspension is worn pretty thin. But it is also worth the few pesos. An adventure all to itself.
The streets offer up many intriguing photo opportunities. What follows is just a small sample. Enjoy.
This song was written in 1931 by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler and appeared in the 1932 film of the same name.
Parades can and do take many forms. They do not always include people. Ducks and geese are sometimes seen parading about, but their faces are all the same, and they do not respond well to the music. So we will stick with people, they do it best.
Last year Puerto Vallarta hosted the Folkloric Dance Festival. Dance troupes from Mexico, Chile, Peru and Columbia competed. But before that started, they put on a parade, and it was a dandy.
In keeping with this weeks photo challenge, the pics that follow are just a small sample of the colour and the talent that we were treated to.
This brilliant eye catcher is known as the primavera tree. It is very prominent in Puerto Vallarta at this time of year, even though it is not a native species to this country
These large trees are actually native to South America, and is the national flower of Brazil and Venezuela. Once the blooms are finished, leaves will emerge, usually in the rainy season.
Their sweet fragrance attracts both bees and hummingbirds, and the large flowers, 1-3″, are pollinated by visiting bats. The wood is also prized for it’s few knots and very straight grain.
When I saw the word for this weeks photo challenge, the title for this blog just popped into my head. The phrase really does not have anything to do with flowers ,but was uttered by Jackie Gleason in the 1963 movie Papa’s Delicate Condition.
BougainvilleaMexican Honey Suckle
Next week we plan a trip to the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens. This seems to have become an annual event, but one that never disappoints. Pictures to follow. Until then, cheers.
And now for a totally different kind of sweet. A child’s delight, and a dentists nightmare.
Pelicans are rather entertaining creatures. One of the few animals that is almost a caricature of itself.
Down on the beach in Puerto Vallarta this week while downing a cold one, we were entertained by a flock of pelicans on a feeding frenzy.
Having a front row seat, our cameras went into overtime. What follows is but a small sample of the pics that were taken.
This fellow was having difficulty swallowing a rather awkward piece from a cleaned fish. Their beak, over a foot long has smooth edges, but once the food is in the pouch, the tongue is controlled by a number of muscles that allow the pelican to manipulate the food. This one struggled for over 10 minutes before flying off.
Since our photo challenge this week deals with variations, I could not help but to add this fellow to the collection. Cheers.
While strolling around Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, it is easy to come across dwellings that have braved the elements over the decades. Most do better than others, but not if it is wood.
The preferred building materials here are steel and concrete. Wood is subject to the ravishes of wind, salt and insects, termites in particular. Come to think about it, some of the locals here look like they have had their fair share of battles with the environment. But that is a story for another blog.
These two pictures were taken last year while on our winter escape. I think they capture the essence of the photo challenge rather nicely.
Sad to say, our stay in Puerto Vallarta will come to an end in another week. But before we leave for our next adventure, I want to leave you with a few words and pictures. We found that being here nearly 4 months has had a very enlightening affect on both of us. The people of Mexico are not rich by our standards, but they are rich in so many other ways, and are anxious to share this wealth. It never is forced upon you, it just grows, until you come to the realization that something is different in how you feel and view your world around you.
They have so much they want to share; their wares, their stories, their culture, their way of life. But it doesn’t end there, they are also interested in you as a visitor to their country, where you are from, how long staying, what part of town, are you enjoying your stay. They go out of there way to make you welcome and comfortable. You become their friend, their amigo, you find yourself interacting with them. The following pics are just a small example of the opportunities we had to try an capture this.
This gentleman with a great face was selling hammocks.
Much new construction taking place in town.
Steel walkers.
Three of the fine waiters at Vitea’s restaurant.
Beer being delivered right on time.
Many Mexican families share the beach during the celebration of Semana Santa.
Mother and son enjoying the cool flow of the Cuale River.
A little break dancing on the Malecon.
“Breakin” in mid air.
More street music.
Slow day for hat sales.
A siesta can happen anytime, any place.
One of a number of hawkers selling silver.
One of a number of sketch artists who do caricatures.
On his way to a royal event.
This “ape” is promoting the Zoo bar and night club.
A few “armed” forces personnel.
Your typical delivery vehicle in Puerto Vallarta.
Sir, I have just the hat for you.
This lady was selling hats, fans, and tiny hand made dolls.
There is a texture here that just has to be experienced, to be absorbed. But that takes time. A couple of weeks here just wets your appetite. Hospitality is spoken here. It is a universal language, one that we all could experience and learn from. I am looking forward to home and our new adventure, and plan on bringing a bit of Mexico with us. We will be back next year. Until then, adios.
A dancer who will be participating in the 11th Puerto Vallarta Folkloric Dance Festival.
The streets of this town are all cobblestone. The sidewalks in the outlying areas are irregular and broken. Both require a level of diligence and stamina, not to mention solid footwear. The pictures that follow will illustrate my point.
With Semana Santa (Easter Celebrations) in full swing in Puerto Vallarta, the Malecon is full of vacationing Mexican families, and a diversity of the weird and wonderful sights that are always a part of the celebrations. For those who are willing to participate, there is a surprise at every turn, some very imagitive, some wild and scary .
My ventures there with Maggie over several days produced some very interesting encounters. Enjoy.
The pictures above are just a small example .of the varied building styles to be found in and around PV. It is an eclectic mix of Hispanic and contemporary styles, helping to retain the old world charm with that of current design. This can be seen in the Spanish influence on domes, courtyards and arches.
Construction today is designed to be earth quake smart and only sway and not crumble. Materials used are usually cement and steel, but some adobe materials can still be found in rural areas. These materials also act as a deterrent to termites of which a number of their nests can be seen in and around PV.
Teatro Causedo, 1922.The arch is a prominent feature in many structures
LIFE AS I SEE IT - with one eye closed. 