New Year in Puerto Vallarta

Happy New Year

As we hang on one another’s shoulders this year in Puerto Vallarta, bang our champagne mugs together, and sing Auld Lang Syne, let’s get ready for a fresh and friendly year.

Sadly this past year has had a lot of people at odds with one another and we’d like to see everyone, back in the homelands, and here in our own adopted territory, sharing good times and enjoying the fabulous life we are so lucky to have here in Puerto Vallarta.

Many of us have found Facebook to be a forum for voicing complaints. There are pages devoted to bellyaching and provocation. We readily admit we find ourselves sucked in to these rants, and more often than not, completely amused. However it might be more productive to stick to those alliances who cheerily share information of upcoming events, new changes in simple government policies that affect expats, alerts at the airport, new products at Costco and other stores, weather conditions and local entertainment.

If one has an issue with a proprietor; hotel or restaurant owner; local charity, for example, it will serve us all better to address the situation with that merchant rather than splash it all over social media, and has a greater likelihood of having a resolution, rather than hard feelings and even worse, effects on a business that is only doing the same as anyone else in town: trying to make a living and get ahead.

In the following New Year, I encourage my readers to engage in productive debate and not try solving the problems of Mexico and Puerto Vallarta; allowing the local government to do their job. If you feel you do have a legitimate complaint, there are proper channels. Find out what they are and follow through with diplomacy. A smile and kind words get you a long way here in Puerto Vallarta.

Que es cómo es!

Holiday Dinners in Puerto Vallarta

Holiday Dinners in Puerto Vallarta

We’ve recently been involved in conversations about scarcity and abundance of familiar foods during the holidays in Puerto Vallarta. We’ve talked about this before but there are always new and old ideas to share with newbies and also with faithful oldies.

This year, once again, turkeys seem to be the subject of discussion at cocktail hour; who’s having them, where to find them and how to cook them. Once was a time we couldn’t find a turkey in Puerto Vallarta but now they’re in every big box store. You’ll also find imported hams, cheeses and delights such as cranberry sauce. It’s not longer a matter of trying to duplicate what one would have prepared “back home.” Costco even has fresh bags of cranberries so you can still make your own, and ingredients such as walnuts and oranges are not scarce. On the other hand, you could try making other sauces that will delight your gourmands. Why not use papaya, mango, pomegranates, passion fruit, and make a compote that will go well with all meats.

Add some variety to your New Year’s Eve dinner. Consider tamales for your menu. They’re traditional and can be found everywhere. We actually buy ours from street vendors, have done so for a couple decades, and never had a problem. The work that goes into tamales can be left to someone else and leave you more time in the hammock.

Potatoes are always a problem. Those found in Puerto Vallarta are very high in sugar content. When mashed they end up soggy and pasty. The solution is to peel and cut them in half the previous day. Soak them overnight completely covered with water and about half cup of salt. Drain the water the next day, rinse well and cook as usual. You will feel like you are home for the holidays, if you so wish.

Vegetables are abundant here in Puerto Vallarta, fresh and basically organic. They aren’t as pretty as you will find in your fancy supermarkets in the north but they’re tasty and healthy. Carrots have robust flavor and are as pure as to leave orange stains on the cutting board. Brussels sprouts are smaller but bursting with tastiness and go well with

local cauliflower and broccoli. Chayote is a Mexican vegetable that can be treated and cooked like squash and is delicious with a bit of butter and desired amount of salt and pepper. Buen provecho!

Que es cómo es!

Clean Up Your Act!

Vallarta Vacation: Keep It Clean – Casa Yvonneka

We absolutely love when the city government steps up to help in the beautification of Puerto Vallarta. It happens in the stunning overhead decorations for the holidays and public entertainment around town, including our local Parque Lázaro Cárdenas and the Los Arcos Amphitheater, among other venues. It also occurs when authorities have an evening on the south end of the Malecón during the holidays, visit a fine dining establishment and have to step around piles of garbage. The holiday period generates vast amounts of trash and food waste. Visit the airport on any day from shortly after the North American Thanksgiving celebration, until the first week of January and the arrivals and departures of tourists is overwhelming. Indeed, the municipality can barely keep up with it. Lavanderías (drop off/pick up laundries) are piled high with vacationers’ sandy clothing items, WiFi connections are slow due to overload, pharmacies run out of key supplies, and garbage generates at an amazing rate.

This year, we are thrilled to discover Puerto Vallarta will increase garbage pickup for the Romantic Zone and that is a very big deal! This area of town is the most visited by tourists and it’s important we give off a good impression, rather than the scent of rotting oranges. We have bemoaned the state of the sidewalks in some years past in Puerto Vallarta, when leaving the beach and walking through the neighborhood, dodging piles of debris and the street dogs they attract. It’s simply not a great image and it’s so good to know that with other improvements, this is one of them.

Restaurants in a square grid between Insurgentes and the waterfront, and Aquiles Serdán and Pilitas will put their garbage out for an extra pick up at midnight, each night during these festive days. The rest of us will abide by our regular schedule of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on our respective collection days but how nice to know the places we walk will be kept clean. For the tourists but for us, too, since we get to live here.

Busloads of people, including many families, come to this special area of Puerto Vallarta, made famous by the Pier, the Statues on the Malecón, and the exclusive restaurants on the beach. We are happy to welcome them with pride.

Que es cómo es.

İProspero Año!

Vallarta Vacation – New Years In Mexico

We love New Year’s Eve in Puerto Vallarta. Everyone gets in on the act and the fun goes on all night long, with dancing in the streets and endless fireworks. There are so many great venues where you can hang out to say goodbye to the old year and greet the new. The beach at Los Muertos has always held a special draw for us, whether we go fancy, all dressed up, or jeans and t-shirts with tacos on the street for dinner. We’ve gone both routes, and from year to year, it can be a difficult decision, because both are a lot of fun. Many of the local restaurants on the beach have fixed menus and reservations are highly recommended. They plan accordingly and it’s a time of year for everyone to show off, too. Wherever you dine, you will most likely be served 12 grapes after your dinner, at midnight. You can munch on them while you watch the incredible fireworks display the entire length of the Bay of Banderas. Eat each grape, make a wish for the coming year, twelve months in all, and if you’re close enough to the church, gobble them down with the striking of the midnight bells. If you’re looking for love, don’t forget to wear your red underwear for good luck!

After the fireworks have ended, we love to walk down the Malecón with crowds who linger into the early morning hours. It will have cooled down considerably, sometimes getting as low as 60° F/15° C, so be prepared with a light jacket or wrap.

If the beach doesn’t interest you, there are fine dining establishments where reservations also are necessary, not along the beachfront, but those tucked in the back streets, away from much of the hubbub and noise. Entertainment is often the enticement for these venues and performances will be memorable.

An option we have participated in the past is the bonfires at the beach at Playa del Holi, which is adjacent to Peninsula, across the river, down a long dusty road. Locals set up canopies over tables, which are covered with elegant lacy cloths. Fine china and crystal are carried into the site during the daylight hours; candles and lanterns are lit after dark, and a New Year’s Eve feast ensues, usually around midnight. Barbeques dot the area

with low flames and delicious odors, music from portable devices mix with laughter and singing. Iceboxes full of beverages arrive full and depart empty.

The spirit of camaraderie that exists in Puerto Vallarta begins at the unfolding of each New Year with ringing bells, raised glasses and voices, dancing and singing, and a pyrotechnical show that few can rival. Enjoy, don’t drink and drive, and tip generously.

Que es cómo es

At Casa Yvonneka, paradise is found just off a simple cobblestone street. As you enter through a massive iron door, you walk through a stunning tropical garden to enter your own private oasis. From the moment you look across the infinity pool with its breathtaking views of Puerto Vallarta and Bay of Banderas, you see an exquisite property that has been thoughtfully planned to be your private island of comfort.  The spectacular villa has an elevator, and is fully air-conditioned and includes many luxurious details.

Casa Yvonneka in Puerto Vallarta features several indoor and outdoor living areas, a spacious terrace by the infinity pool with outdoor dining, multiple terraces and a gym. Our luxury Puerto Vallarta vacation rental villa is ready and waiting for you!

Foodie update Joe Jacks Fish Shack has reopened after a remodel and upgrade is back at their original location you know and love  on Basillio Badillo in the popular Romantic Zone.  It is also the Lucky 13^th year as one of Puerto Vallarta’s favorite restaurants.  The new look is the same as before just a bit better with menu changing on a regular basis but keeping the old favorites.

There are a couple other new faces in the restaurant scene as well  on Basillio Badillo as well the new jewel in the crown of Hacienda San Angel  Boutique Hotel, Restaurant of same name, The Iguana opened a year ago and the newest addition looking across at the dome of the Cathedral Nuestra Sra Guadalupe is La Capella with an international menu with an Italian theme.  The view from this space is truly breathtaking and like taking a trip to a magic place.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is a favorite tourist destination with something for everybody.  Puerto Vallarta has world class Golf, Gourmet Restaurants, great water sports and fishing, it is a natural paradise with great hiking, mountain biking, zip lines thru the jungle as well as great shopping, art galleries and is known as one of the friendliest cities in the world.  

At Casa Yvonneka, paradise is found just off a simple cobblestone street. As you enter through a massive iron door, you walk through a stunning tropical garden to enter your own private oasis. From the moment you look across the infinity pool with its breathtaking views of Puerto Vallarta and Bay of Banderas, you see an exquisite property that has been thoughtfully planned to be your private island of comfort.  The spectacular villa has an elevator, and is fully air-conditioned and includes many luxurious details.

Casa Yvonneka in Puerto Vallarta features several indoor and outdoor living areas, a spacious terrace by the infinity pool with outdoor dining, multiple terraces and a gym. Our luxury Puerto Vallarta vacation rental villa is ready and waiting for you!

Vallarta Vacation whats There To Do Here – Casa Yvonneka

Foodie update Joe Jacks Fish Shack has reopened after a remodel and upgrade is back at their original location you know and love  on Basillio Badillo in the popular Romantic Zone.  It is also the Lucky 13^th year as one of Puerto Vallarta’s favorite restaurants.  The new look is the same as before just a bit better with menu changing on a regular basis but keeping the old favorites.

There are a couple other new faces in the restaurant scene as well  on Basillio Badillo as well the new jewel in the crown of Hacienda San Angel  Boutique Hotel, Restaurant of same name, The Iguana opened a year ago and the newest addition looking across at the dome of the Cathedral Nuestra Sra Guadalupe is La Capella with an international menu with an Italian theme.  The view from this space is truly breathtaking and like taking a trip to a magic place.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is a favorite tourist destination with something for everybody.  Puerto Vallarta has world class Golf, Gourmet Restaurants, great water sports and fishing, it is a natural paradise with great hiking, mountain biking, zip lines thru the jungle as well as great shopping, art galleries and is known as one of the friendliest cities in the world.

At Casa Yvonneka, paradise is found just off a simple cobblestone street. As you enter through a massive iron door, you walk through a stunning tropical garden to enter your own private oasis. From the moment you look across the infinity pool with its breathtaking views of Puerto Vallarta and Bay of Banderas, you see an exquisite property that has been thoughtfully planned to be your private island of comfort.  The spectacular villa has an elevator, and is fully air-conditioned and includes many luxurious details.

Casa Yvonneka in Puerto Vallarta features several indoor and outdoor living areas, a spacious terrace by the infinity pool with outdoor dining, multiple terraces and a gym. Our luxury Puerto Vallarta vacation rental villa is ready and waiting for you!

Las Caletas

Vallarta Vacation Fabulous Caletas – Las Caletas at Casa Yvonneka

Over the years we have watched the magic grow at Las Caletas in Puerto Vallarta. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an evening of fun and wonderful entertainment with culture and glamour, we recommend Rythms of the Night at Las Caletas. This attraction is only reached by boat and reservations are necessary. Your realtor or rental agent will know how to help you purchase tickets from the company that own exclusive rights to this incredible desitination. Cruising from Puerto Vallarta, your vessel will take you down the coast, a short distance from the city with approximately 20 minutes travel time. There are many small settlements on the coastline and just like Las Caletas, they are often mistaken for islands, though they really are only accessible from the seaside. The highway is far above a steep incline, and those who come from inland only do so on foot or horseback.

As one can only reach Las Caletas from the water, the thrilling sight of mermaids greeting arrivals is just the beginning of an amazing adventure. If you should choose to go on the evening trip, torches light your way as you disembark and follow the path guided by regional flute music, to a performance venue like no other, a pyramid in the jungle where ancient Aztec dances are performed among fire, feathers and flora. Learn some history of the Mayans who once lived throughout Latin America. A buffet dinner is served, which we think is quite good, considering how difficult it can be to serve the masses and we have heard raves about this food from visitors.

Once occupied by the indigenous Chacala Indians, Puerto Vallarta later became the home of the famous Hollywood producer and director John Huston, who after living in Gringo Gulch in Puerto Vallarta, decided to build a private home in Las Caletas. Today only groundskeepers live there, the site of many parties of the stars in days gone by.

Tours in daylight hours unload tourists for a day at the beach, a gorgeous and relatively speaking, private area. Swimming, lunch, siesta in a hammock strung between tall palms are only part of the day. Ecological hikes of varying degrees, a visit to the spa, a fresh margarita from one of the jungle bars might round out your day.

Que es cómo es.

At Casa Yvonneka, paradise is found just off a simple cobblestone street. As you enter through a massive iron door, you walk through a stunning tropical garden to enter your own private oasis. From the moment you look across the infinity pool with its breathtaking views of Puerto Vallarta and Bay of Banderas, you see an exquisite property that has been thoughtfully planned to be your private island of comfort.  The spectacular villa has an elevator, and is fully air-conditioned and includes many luxurious details.

Casa Yvonneka in Puerto Vallarta features several indoor and outdoor living areas, a spacious terrace by the infinity pool with outdoor dining, multiple terraces and a gym. Our luxury Puerto Vallarta vacation rental villa is ready and waiting for you!

Vallarta Vacation: Celebrations

We love Christmas in Puerto Vallarta. If you normally go back to your hometown for the holidays, it’s time to make a change and stay in Puerto Vallarta in December. Invite your friends and family to come your way instead. The weather is perfect and there is so much to do, you will almost need to appoint an event coordinator.

The magic of the peregrinations and posadas will be lasting memories for everyone. Though Puerto Vallarta grows more modern every day, age old traditions will never fade. Starting on December 1st and continuing for twelve days, these peregrinations, or processions join people from various colonias (neighborhoods), local businesses and stores, hospitals, clubs (like Kiwanis), and schools. Simple and elaborate floats portray the story of the Virgin of Guadalupe, with a chosen maiden, a boy or young man in the character of Juan Diego, who had the first vision of Our Lady, and scores of roses, the symbol of this celebration. Villagers walk long distances and often with bare feet, to represent the original sojourn. It is a solemn and joyful occasion. We usually pick one day to have a lengthy dinner along the route and watch the proceedings. Locals of all ages, wee children to the elderly participate, and it’s not unusual to see some pushed along in wheelchairs over the rough cobblestones. Aztec dancers demonstrate their rituals with colorful costumes and charming chants. Bands march and choirs sing. Arms are laden with baskets to be delivered to the church and distributed to the needy. The last night is a huge celebration with fireworks at midnight, bells tolling and tens of thousands rejoicers filling the streets.

When all that excitement of the peregrinations is over, it’s time for posadas, which represent the search for a birthplace for the Christ child. Businesses show their gratitude to employees by throwing parties, in which no one works but the boss. It’s a fun night with gift exchanges, abundant food and drink, relaxation and everyone letting down their hair. This may be the night when employees receive their alginado, the

Christmas bonus that every employer is legally obligated to provide. In our small colonia, many homes light up for the evening, BBQ’s flaming in the streets, chairs all over the sidewalks and neighbors coming together to eat, drink, laugh and pray. These can involve the local parish, and once the merriment calms down a bit, a beautiful procession follows with people carrying candles and singing traditional songs.

This is our idea of Christmas. We love the spirit of camaraderie, generosity and peace.

Que es cómo es.

At Casa Yvonneka, paradise is found just off a simple cobblestone street. As you enter through a massive iron door, you walk through a stunning tropical garden to enter your own private oasis. From the moment you look across the infinity pool with its breathtaking views of Puerto Vallarta and Bay of Banderas, you see an exquisite property that has been thoughtfully planned to be your private island of comfort.  The spectacular villa has an elevator, and is fully air-conditioned and includes many luxurious details.

Casa Yvonneka in Puerto Vallarta features several indoor and outdoor living areas, a spacious terrace by the infinity pool with outdoor dining, multiple terraces and a gym. Our luxury Puerto Vallarta vacation rental villa is ready and waiting for you!