Viva Mexico {part 1}

With all the news of drug cartels and violence lately, we weren't sure what to expect when we arrived in Mexico.  Lucky for us, Puerto Vallarta turned out to be one of the friendliest, most welcoming cities either of us has ever visited.  Many of the locals told us about how tourism has been declining lately due to misinformation about the cartels.  At no point did we ever feel threatened or in danger.  Everyone we met was friendly, polite, and helpful.  Granted, we spent most of our time at the resort (which, by the way, all-inclusive is definitely the way to go!), but even when we ventured into town, the people were friendly and polite.  Some even stopped us on the street to ask if we needed directions when we obviously looked a bit lost.

With stunning views, all food and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) included, pools, waterfalls, and a gorgeous beach, we found it hard to leave our resort.

But everyone - and I mean everyone - recommended we eat at a restaurant in town called Pipi's.  With such amazing recommendations, we had to try it out.  Let me tell you, Pipi's did not disappoint!  We ordered shrimp fajitas and immediately decided they were the best shrimp fajitas we've ever had.  Our server came over and made fresh guacamole at our table (which we quickly devoured) and sent over a chicken quesadilla on the house.  On top of the delicious food, we also got a personal serenade.  Some neighborhood musicians came in just as we were finishing our meal.  We weren't sure what to expect at first but they were so amazing The Boyfriend said he got chills!  After lunch, we headed over to the flea market to shop for souvenirs.  We didn't actually end up getting anything that day but I loved some of the little hand-painted dolls and trinkets on display.

We also ventured into a little town called Mismaloya, which is where our resort was actually located.  We had to pass through the town on the way to the zoo.  The city of Puerto Vallarta is full of condos, resorts, and tourtisty shops but Mismaloya was where we got a true taste of what towns in the area were like.  It was definitely a poorer town, with many rundown buildings and dogs running loose, but even here the people were friendly and kind.

Overall, we were quite impressed with the welcoming vibe of Puerto Vallarta.  Delicious food and endless margaritas/pina coladas/strawberry daquiris didn't hurt either!  Stay tuned tomorrow for photos from our trip to the zoo.  I took so many I have to save that trip for a post all its own!!

(And one last shot of the Puerto Vallarta coastline, just for good measure.)