Once you understand these aspects of Mexico, everything changes. I have been blessed to spend a lot of time in Mexico City and Monterey for work. American colleagues always freak out when I go for long rambling walks in these cities. “It’s not safe” is the inevitable comment. I just shrug. They just don’t understand. I went to junior college in Oakland, CA. Not much phases me. But the contrasts that you point out here are really important for people to understand.
I live not in Puerto Vallarta, but rather in Merida, Yucatan. I fell in love with this part of Mexico on three visits in the 1980's, lived and worked here from 1998 to 2007, left for work in the US, and returned to my home here almost four years ago. Like you, I still have vivid memories of my first experiences with feelings of sanctuary and joy here -- and I am making new such memories. I have lived on three continents, various countries and states, and in both urban and rural areas; this is home though. I think you will discover that Puerto Vallarta recovers more quickly than you imagine -- Mexicans are a quietly stubborn and resourceful lot. I have no plans to return to the US. A t 78, this is home and where I will stay for whatever time is left.
Fiona, I was just remembering very fondly visiting Merida in 1986. I only stayed there for a few days in order to see some of the Yucatan’s major archeological sites. I had previously traveled in Peru, which wasn’t so easy in those days, and so I marveled at how safe, organized, and welcoming Merida and the region were. I can well understand your settling there and admire your discernment and foresight in making that happen. Enjoy!
Mike, so strange that this beautifully written piece, made me sad, and elated at the same time. Your writing, as well as your voice, speak volumes of vivid illustration. I’m so glad I found you on this platform. Thank you.
What a magical place- you capture its essence in a way that we can all feel. I loved the story of Emerita. Being content with the present and focused on life lived instead of life planned is a gift.
I loved Mexico when I spent about 6 weeks in the City going to the university. That was way back in 1967 though and Acapulco was the hot place to go. Puerto Vallarta was still a pueblo. Im currently an expat further south now though and still loving the people, the music, the culture; everything. The absence of violence has been worth the massive move. My 60 year old college Spanish is coming along. Life is good.
It’s telling that the gringos in Jalisco state were cared for and only property was damaged.
Thanks for this beautiful and accurate explanation about Vallarta and Mexico as a whole. We lived for 20 years near Vallarta and in San Miguel de Allende and always felt perfectly safe. You said it perfectly. Thanks.
Truth is surprisingly simple. I have a Slovakian friend who travels home under travel warnings, “it is great” she says, “no crowds. You just have to know where you are going”.
Beautifully, exquisitely written... " The Sierra Madre tumbled into the Pacific like it couldn’t help itself -"... I've never been there, but with your powerful 'word-painting' I feel as if I have... Hope Puerto Vallarta comes to see what happened there as something that needed to happen in order to return governance to its rightful leader : God...
That’s my favorite part of Vallarta…where the jungle crashes into the sea. That’s the first picture I post up at the top. Green falling into blue…glorious
Great article/tribute to PV. I’ve only been there once, at a resort, but it was a memorable vacation. I speak a little Spanish and work with an orphanage in Honduras, where I’ve visited over a dozen times, more guest and friend than tourist. There is a peace in both places that your article brought back to me. Your point about fear is excellent. It seems the US is stoking fear and creating a narrative about “those” countries, which “justifies” what they are doing to “those” people here. Like you, my friends worry when we visit. My mom, RIP, was convinced we’d die down there. I won’t say we aren’t cautious (so are Hondurans), but we have had many great “excursions”, as our goddaughter would say. The hardest part of the trip? Getting there on a certain airline!
Once you understand these aspects of Mexico, everything changes. I have been blessed to spend a lot of time in Mexico City and Monterey for work. American colleagues always freak out when I go for long rambling walks in these cities. “It’s not safe” is the inevitable comment. I just shrug. They just don’t understand. I went to junior college in Oakland, CA. Not much phases me. But the contrasts that you point out here are really important for people to understand.
Thanks Tamara. I’ve tried to explain it but not sure I captured it - or can. But I’m glad you can relate…and understand
I think you captured it very well. It was a very compelling read.
This was beautiful and also makes perfects sense.
Thank you Jacqueline🙏🏼
I live not in Puerto Vallarta, but rather in Merida, Yucatan. I fell in love with this part of Mexico on three visits in the 1980's, lived and worked here from 1998 to 2007, left for work in the US, and returned to my home here almost four years ago. Like you, I still have vivid memories of my first experiences with feelings of sanctuary and joy here -- and I am making new such memories. I have lived on three continents, various countries and states, and in both urban and rural areas; this is home though. I think you will discover that Puerto Vallarta recovers more quickly than you imagine -- Mexicans are a quietly stubborn and resourceful lot. I have no plans to return to the US. A t 78, this is home and where I will stay for whatever time is left.
Wonderful Fiona! Everyone in Vallarta feels like it’s already recovered. Thank you for your kind comments and for living an adventurous life! 🙏🏼
Fiona, I was just remembering very fondly visiting Merida in 1986. I only stayed there for a few days in order to see some of the Yucatan’s major archeological sites. I had previously traveled in Peru, which wasn’t so easy in those days, and so I marveled at how safe, organized, and welcoming Merida and the region were. I can well understand your settling there and admire your discernment and foresight in making that happen. Enjoy!
Mike, so strange that this beautifully written piece, made me sad, and elated at the same time. Your writing, as well as your voice, speak volumes of vivid illustration. I’m so glad I found you on this platform. Thank you.
Oh Wow. Thank you for those kind words Jane 🙏🏼
Just beautiful MIke. Thank you.
Thank you! 🙏🏼
100%
Beautiful truth.
Thank you for these words.
What a magical place- you capture its essence in a way that we can all feel. I loved the story of Emerita. Being content with the present and focused on life lived instead of life planned is a gift.
Wow, this was so excellently written, thank you !
Thank you Elizabeth 🙏🏼
Great article, Mike. I haven't been to either country, but you done a great job of making sure I know what you're speaking of.
I hope you get to meet Emerita again some day. God bless.
Thanks JJ. Me too 🙏🏼
I loved Mexico when I spent about 6 weeks in the City going to the university. That was way back in 1967 though and Acapulco was the hot place to go. Puerto Vallarta was still a pueblo. Im currently an expat further south now though and still loving the people, the music, the culture; everything. The absence of violence has been worth the massive move. My 60 year old college Spanish is coming along. Life is good.
It’s telling that the gringos in Jalisco state were cared for and only property was damaged.
I bet you’ve got some great stories! 🙏🏼
A few.
This is one is both gorgeous and a banger at the same time. Thanks, Mike. I appreciate you!
Thanks for this beautiful and accurate explanation about Vallarta and Mexico as a whole. We lived for 20 years near Vallarta and in San Miguel de Allende and always felt perfectly safe. You said it perfectly. Thanks.
I’m so glad there are people who know Mexico in a way I was hoping to capture…thank you 🙏🏼
Truth is surprisingly simple. I have a Slovakian friend who travels home under travel warnings, “it is great” she says, “no crowds. You just have to know where you are going”.
Beautifully, exquisitely written... " The Sierra Madre tumbled into the Pacific like it couldn’t help itself -"... I've never been there, but with your powerful 'word-painting' I feel as if I have... Hope Puerto Vallarta comes to see what happened there as something that needed to happen in order to return governance to its rightful leader : God...
That’s my favorite part of Vallarta…where the jungle crashes into the sea. That’s the first picture I post up at the top. Green falling into blue…glorious
Great article/tribute to PV. I’ve only been there once, at a resort, but it was a memorable vacation. I speak a little Spanish and work with an orphanage in Honduras, where I’ve visited over a dozen times, more guest and friend than tourist. There is a peace in both places that your article brought back to me. Your point about fear is excellent. It seems the US is stoking fear and creating a narrative about “those” countries, which “justifies” what they are doing to “those” people here. Like you, my friends worry when we visit. My mom, RIP, was convinced we’d die down there. I won’t say we aren’t cautious (so are Hondurans), but we have had many great “excursions”, as our goddaughter would say. The hardest part of the trip? Getting there on a certain airline!
Paz y bien Mike.