It’s Been a While
Originally I was going to post this blog as my first return effort in writing. Sadly a close friend and brother from a different Mother passed away and I preempted this blog with a tribute to him. “Eight Miles High” shares my adventures with Tim when he lived with me as a senior in high school and our myriad of adventures after we graduated. He was endeared by many and truly loved by his family and this old man!
I have secured an Ocean cruise with Viking and will sail on October 30th from Venice to Barcelona on the Mediterranean Odyssey cruise for thirteen days. My companion on this cruise will be an old friend from Six Flags who has never sailed with Viking or in Europe before. I think she is more excited than I was on my first Viking River Cruise almost ten years ago! I can’t wait to see Kyle Barnaby Bryan’s reactions to this experience! Exactly one month from today we fly out of DFW to Philadelphia, Rome and finally arrive in Venice 20 hours and 5 minutes later. Yes we have a Gondola ride scheduled for our second day in Venice. This has been on my bucket list for decades.
For reference Kyle lives next door to Tim and helped Tim and I to get back together about a year before he was diagnosed. Below was my first effort in writing, encouraged by Kyle. Before discussions with her I thought my writing had ceased. Given the title I just realized it has a dual meaning. Not only have I not written in quite a while, but it’s been several years since I worked with Viking Cruise, the number one cruise line in River and Ocean cruise annually. I think it is like riding a bicycle, once you get back into the swing of things, it all comes flooding back and your excitement is elevated.
I know I haven’t published a blog in a couple of years. Obviously the pandemic prevented travel, but I also experienced a personal issue that sat me back for a while. I then decided to sell everything and move to Puerto Vallarta. I have found and begun a new life that truly wasn’t expected. Puerto Vallarta is filled with wonderful, kind and courteous people who have zero concern for the political struggles happening in the US. They treasure each day and move forward with a gusto and love that is very refreshing to this old man.
From Charro Days above conducted annually around the Mexican Independence Day on September 16th to Dia del Muertos on November 2nd each year, I have never seen a western culture that celebrates more than Mexico. Fortunately I secured an apartment in the Centro area and it is one block from the Malecon, where extensive pieces of bronze art are displayed and the most gorgeous sunsets I have ever seen transpire nightly. The photo below features one of the sulptures “The Rotunda of the Sea” by Alejandro Colunga in 1996, along with an average sunset! Ha!
There were at least twelve bronze and stone statues on the Malecon until another one was added in March of this year by Jim Demetro installed on Olas Atlas Beach entitled “Salud” which depicts a donkey holding a Margarita. He has several other works of art around the city and on the Malecon. Another item I love about Puerto Vallarta is the street art that is basically along the first four or five blocks from the ocean and along the beach in places.
Additionally I can’t begin to count the galleries in the city. I know of around ten within a block or two from apartment. You can find any price range. The photo below is of a mural on the side of the Tierra Huichol-Galeria Malecon, which features a vibrant and authentic 100% Mexican Wixarika art, which is one of Mexico’s oldest and still flourishing indigenous cultures. They live in the Sierra Madre of the states of Jalisco and Nayarit. I always stop and view their magnificent art as I pass by on my way home.
Additionally every night I am treated to magnificent firework displays that are visible from my balcony that overlooks Calle Morelos, my kitchen window and the terrace on the roof top. Apparently my video files are way too large for my website. I will have to investigate and find a remedy. In the meanwhile I will attach a still photo. My biggest issue is knowing exactly what time the fireworks will go off. Usually they are about an hour after sunset, but at times, especially during festivals or holidays they can wait until midnight or later.
One of the most treasured facts about living in Puerto Vallarta is the tremendous amount of different foods available. Within a block or two I have a Veggitalia, Italian, Seafood extraordinaire, Japanese Sushi, Peruvian, Continental, Ceviche, Traditional Mexican, Irish Pub, Fresh ground Hamburger, Oyster Grill, and a Vietnamese restaurant available. There are many high end restaurants also if your wallet is more full than mine. I occasionally experience them, but stick mostly to the restaurants around my apartment. I also tend to cook a great deal at home and save a few bucks. I have always loved to cook. The city also has a myriad of street food stands serving some of the best tacos I have ever eaten, along with infinite products.
These Shrimp tacos on blue corn tortillas are one of my favorites at Mi Querencia about 1/10th of a mile away. Incidentally they are an appetizer! Another great restaurant nearby is No Se Nada around the corner from my apartment. The ownership recently changed hands, but it’s still the same great staff and the food is still some of the best in Puerto Vallarta. The photo below is just an example of their fabulous food.
As I am going to No Se Nada this evening, I better begin getting ready. Thank you for your patronage and I am ready to go on my Viking Ocean Cruise and begin exploring new areas of the world. In just this cruise I will visit three countries for the first time along with four major cities in Italy that I have not had the pleasure of seeing. In just a little over a month look for photos and videos, as I am positive there will be a plethora! Ciao.
