Living in Puerto Vallarta would not be the same without these top 5 things. This list consists of stuff which I appreciate the most. It is what makes my regular life here enjoyable and practical, especially was not able to appreciate such things during life back home in Montreal.
1. Health Care
To begin, I never waited more than 5 minutes at the Hospital to see a doctor and for only $30 US. No triage, no waiting and VIP service in a designed Hospital with all the High Tech Equipment. Or get a house call for $100 US if you are too sick to go to the ER. We get world class Health Care services here for a fraction of the cost. You can see almost any types of specialists in just a couple of days’ notice!
What about getting a text on your IPhone from the dentist at 9:30 pm to set up an appointment for the next day? Yes it did happen to me and the next day I got a hug when I walk into the clinic. They put a relaxing video, a little blanket on my legs with the AC and got the work done in the most professional manner I have ever seen!
2. Beaches
I don’t go to the beach that much but when I do I always feel like a King! Everywhere I go I find a comfortable chair, an umbrella, a little table and background music. Some beach clubs go a step further and provide a nice fluffy towel. Add to that the best food and Margaritas served to you just like in a restaurant and you got yourself a real treat!
Most waiters will check on you regularly to make sure you have enough shade or that your glass is not empty. And if you feel like it, get a foot massage while watching your loved one playing in the ocean. This is like a Royal Treatment!
3. Climate
I lived in Canada all my life with glacial winters of – 30 degrees! Puerto Vallarta gets about 320 days of sunshine per year with an average temperature of 27 degrees. Enough said!
4. People and Culture
Voted the friendliest city in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, Puerto Vallarta retains the charm of a colonial Mexican village, with cobblestone streets, enchanting cathedrals and public sculptures. People are so nice here we sometime think it’s not real but it is! Just walk down the street and count how many times a stranger will say “Hola” to you.
The thing I love the most about the people here is that everything starts with a “YES”. Whatever you asked, most probably the answer will be positive. A big difference in the way we are accustomed to be treated in North America.
5. Food
Fruits and vegetables are abundant in Puerto Vallarta and really low-priced. There are many markets where you can buy fresh local products including fish, seafood, chicken and tortillas. Going to the market is an experience in itself and a lot of fun.
In Vallarta we still have pick-up trucks driving down the streets with a megaphone on the roof offering anything from shrimps to strawberries to tamales. It’s always fun to run outside the house to buy something directly from the farmers.
Over 688 restaurants serve a wide range of international cuisine, from Mexican to Italian, French to Argentine, German to Japanese, in settings ranging from funky beach palapas, or on the hills with fabulous views, to elegant candlelit castles. Really we’re got it all here and always with a smile. This doesn’t include the thousands of Taco Stands you will find all over town.
I could add a few more things I love about living in Mexico:
- Run on the Malecon in the morning
- The mechanic will come to your house to pick up your car
- Get a car wash while shopping at Walmart for $3 bucks
- Do your grocery shopping 24 hours a day
- Eat at Taco stands all night long
- Never wait to get a Taxi or City Bus
- See a movie for $4 dollars in 3D!
- Never get stuck in traffic
- No prescription needed to buy most drugs
- Get a Tequila bottle for only $12 dollar!
Let us know your experiences and why you love Puerto Vallarta! Just write below and share your comments with us.
