Puerto Vallarta
My first view of the city reminded me that it was just like many other tourist city’s, but to my amazement, I discovered that there was a Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club near the port where we had moored, which was a welcomed attraction for my wife and friends since they needed to replenish some toiletries and other items they wanted to buy.
As my wife and I started back to the ship, we stopped at a taxi stand, and inquired of the driver the cost of the tour to the old town and its highlights. The young man was very accommodating and gave us a long extended tour of the city both the new an old parts. Mile after mile, we went, going from the new architecture of beautiful buildings each story tell to the unique old city.
While the city is known for its sun, sand and surf around a beautiful bay, with a shoreline of nearly 25 miles it was not hard to see why it is one of the most popular tourist cities in Mexico. However, it was not the beach, but the history and old building that intrigued me. After a number of photo stops our driver took us to the famous Cathedral of our Lady Guadalupe. I thought it unusual that the church did not have a normal steeple, but rather on the top were top with a huge replica of a crown that had been worn by Carolotta, the wife of Mexico’s noted Emperor Maximilian.
The old town has retained its Mexican character and ambiance with its many miles of cobblestone streets and back avenues that reveal the authentic colonial town while overlooking the beautiful blue Bay.
The new town is about 3 miles near the Playa Del Oro where waterfront condominiums are in abundance. But give me the old town!
Puerto Vallarta's population is over 225,000. Puerto Vallarta is named after Ignacio Vallarta, a former governor of Jalisco. In Spanish, Puerto Vallaris often shortened to "Vallarta", while English speakers call the city P.V. for short. Puerto Vallarta is quite simply one of the most beautiful, cultured, luxurious vacation spots in all of Mexico, and indeed in the world. Here you will find the ultimate fusion of traditional Mexican culture, from bullfights to grilled marlin served beachside.
One fascinating thing I enjoyed was a beachfront sculpture display of the Lord’s Supper sculptured from the sand. The local Indian culture is prominent, with an abundance of crafts and local wares available to purchase.
This area was buzzing with activity as people visited many of the sites in the area.
“He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.” -- Ecclesiastes 3:11
Dr. Alton Loveless is the former CEO/President of Randall House Publications, Nashville, Tn.; He is a freelance writer and has written for assorted publications printed both nationally and internationally. To see photos and read other stories click on http://altonloveless.blogspot.com/
My first view of the city reminded me that it was just like many other tourist city’s, but to my amazement, I discovered that there was a Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club near the port where we had moored, which was a welcomed attraction for my wife and friends since they needed to replenish some toiletries and other items they wanted to buy.
As my wife and I started back to the ship, we stopped at a taxi stand, and inquired of the driver the cost of the tour to the old town and its highlights. The young man was very accommodating and gave us a long extended tour of the city both the new an old parts. Mile after mile, we went, going from the new architecture of beautiful buildings each story tell to the unique old city.
While the city is known for its sun, sand and surf around a beautiful bay, with a shoreline of nearly 25 miles it was not hard to see why it is one of the most popular tourist cities in Mexico. However, it was not the beach, but the history and old building that intrigued me. After a number of photo stops our driver took us to the famous Cathedral of our Lady Guadalupe. I thought it unusual that the church did not have a normal steeple, but rather on the top were top with a huge replica of a crown that had been worn by Carolotta, the wife of Mexico’s noted Emperor Maximilian.
The old town has retained its Mexican character and ambiance with its many miles of cobblestone streets and back avenues that reveal the authentic colonial town while overlooking the beautiful blue Bay.
The new town is about 3 miles near the Playa Del Oro where waterfront condominiums are in abundance. But give me the old town!
Puerto Vallarta's population is over 225,000. Puerto Vallarta is named after Ignacio Vallarta, a former governor of Jalisco. In Spanish, Puerto Vallaris often shortened to "Vallarta", while English speakers call the city P.V. for short. Puerto Vallarta is quite simply one of the most beautiful, cultured, luxurious vacation spots in all of Mexico, and indeed in the world. Here you will find the ultimate fusion of traditional Mexican culture, from bullfights to grilled marlin served beachside.
One fascinating thing I enjoyed was a beachfront sculpture display of the Lord’s Supper sculptured from the sand. The local Indian culture is prominent, with an abundance of crafts and local wares available to purchase.
This area was buzzing with activity as people visited many of the sites in the area.
“He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.” -- Ecclesiastes 3:11
Dr. Alton Loveless is the former CEO/President of Randall House Publications, Nashville, Tn.; He is a freelance writer and has written for assorted publications printed both nationally and internationally. To see photos and read other stories click on http://altonloveless.blogspot.com/
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