Zona Romantica

I haven’t blogged for a bit because The General and I were enjoying a few days away in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This is not a hugely original vacation I realize but we’ve been once before and really enjoyed the fact that you can opt for a sleepy, somewhat predictable winter getaway or, you can easily choose to peel back the tourist-driven veneer that first presents itself. We are very fortunate since The General’s hermosa hermana [sister] now lives in Mexico for a goodly chunk of the year so she can be relied upon for insider tips, off-the-beaten track suggestions and where best to catch a ride on the quirky, yet extremely stimulating public transit system which on any single trip may include a throbbing, tribal drummer, ardent guitarist, (not known to one another) a pizza purveyor and, finally, a smallish dapper man (think: Mexican Poirot) who got on the bus, addressed us all passionately in Spanish for at least ten minutes and then handed out Chicklets.

(Si, Chicklets).

Afterwards, there was a friendly yet solemn collection, easily circumvented with a return of the Chicklets and a “no gracias.”

I did have the very real sense that we had been in attendance at a strange yet exotic party before we had even reached our destination.

(A few times I emitted an involuntary girlish yip as I bounced up to meet the ceiling and The General suggested that our bus had been kitted out with four square wheels.)

Locals occasionally slid their dark eyes towards me and smiled shyly, many cradling a bored, but well-dressed Chihuahua or two in their arms. Young children seemed to be universally content, happily curled around parents as we all hurtled along at top speed.
As well as the clubs, Happy Hours and a never-ending parade of fish-tacos and fresh salsa there is also a flourishing art community here with weavers, potters, and artists alike sharing street-space. Last time we visited we discovered a now favourite source for contemplation and hopeful beauty at the Galleria Dante a chic and thriving gallery where sunlight slants brightly through every angle of the airy building and the works on display are arresting, vivid and thought provoking, I found my eyes unexpectedly brimming a few times.

(This might also have been due to a lack of funds to make a significant purchase – oh, the curse of good taste – but regardless, the staff are friendly, poised, and keen to answer any questions with a refreshing lack of pretentiousness;) Already, I cannot wait to re-experience that quiet, still peace in the garden area here where tiny, unexpected wisps of Nag Champa incense  were unfurling as we moved in between the paintings.

It was heavenly.