DAY 15---PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO

                                            

Our position at noon today is docked in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  Mostly sunny and 82F at noon.

Reminder::  You can click on the photos to enlarge them for better enjoyment.

BACKGROUND INFO:

        PV is a beach resort city on Mexico's Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Jalisco with a population of 220,000.    
        In the 1960's and 1970's PV became a major resort destination. In 1964 John Huston filmed "The Night of the Iguana" in a small town just south of it.  The US press gave extensive coverage which helped put it on the map.  After 1973 PV experienced rapid growth in global-brand luxury hotels and international resorts.  Now there are approximately 41 5 star and 4 star rated hotels.
        In 1982 the peso was devalued and PV became a bargain destination for tourists.  There was a rapid rise in tourism volume in the mid 1980's.  But with the development of the resort destinations in the early 1990's in Cancun and Ixtapa, PV's tourism slumped.
        Tourism has increased steadily over the waning years and makes up 50% of the city's economy.  High season here is from November to March.  Because of direct flights from the western US and Canada, it is a popular destination from these areas.  PV also has strong agriculture, industrial, and commercial sectors.  It is also a popular retirement destination for US and Canadian retirees.

LAST NIGHT:

                                             Smooth sailing during dinner in Sette Mari.

                                          Rebecca had a small order of the penne bolognese.

                                        Another huge veal parmesan for me.  VERY good.

TODAY:

                                                          Early morning sunrise

        I went up to the track on deck 12 for my hour of fast walking.  There was a fairly strong wind when going one direction so that made it a harder workout.  Maybe two desserts now tonight!

 The Diamond Princess is anchored for some reason.  When I checked the Princess website it appears the Diamond is not back in service until the end of November.

Look at the city as we approached.

                                                           Narrow entrance to the docks

                           Very tight fit to enter the docking area but Captain Aivo slipped us in.

                                                        The Disney "Wonder" cruise ship.

                                                                       The marina

Walmart and Sams taken from our ship.  It's just across the street.  I know most every crew member will be heading to it this afternoon during their break.  I gave Aries and Gail each a $20 bill today for their shopping.

 I had this quiche to start with.  A leek with gruyere cheese.  My entree was grilled salmon with a smokey hoisin barbeque sauce.  Steamed rice and buttered veggies.

After lunch I wasted my time and energy by leaving the ship to venture over to the Walmart.  They said what I wanted required a prescription (since when down here in Mexico???).  Did not carry Sudafed or the other items I was looking for.  For some silly reason I did not bring my Sams card.  Brought Costco card but not Sams.  So headed back to the cool comfort of the ship.  Lots of sweating so now I will have to take another shower.  It is 87 muggy degrees here this afternoon.

                                                   Our ship from Walmart parking lot.

              The port has docking space for 3 cruise ships.  This is the 3rd empty dock today.

From our balcony looking back out at the Pacific.  You can see the Diamond Princess anchored.

                     Our view from the balcony is looking into the boat marina area.

        We are not getting good tv news channels today as they are working intermittently.  Not sure why as can't see anything that would be blocking the satellite.  At 11am Rebecca went down to the fitness center to do her treadmill time for the first time in over 10 days.  She was late getting to Compass Rose where I was already eating.  Sitting behind us was Mike & Sherry whom we met on our 2010 world cruise.  They stopped on their way out to say hi.  I guess their suite is just a couple doors down from us.  Can't remember their last names.  Been too long.

        We will enjoy our cocktail hour in the suite again this evening.  I can make a Grey Goose martini (or two) and we still have two bottles of chardonnay in the frig for Rebecca.  Siva will bring our jalapeno poppers at 6pm.  Planning dinner in Compass Rose at 7.  Here is tonight's daily specials menu:   

            Below is the "always available" menu in case you don't care for the daily special.

Also "always available" sides and pastas.

               If you can't find anything to eat on these menus, then you are just to damn picky!!

I add these menus mainly for our son, Jeff, who will be joining us on October 25th for the last 9 night segment.  He's probably more interested in the desserts menu however!

        The show tonight is featuring a comedian, Phil Tag.  Not sure yet if we will attend.  I overheard two gentlemen talking as we were sailing in this morning.  They were saying how bad the two male production show singers were last night.  Glad we are not the only ones who think they suck.

        We sail this even at 8pm as it is just over 135 statute miles up to Mazatlan where we be docked by 7am tomorrow.