With its two first days beautifully sunny until approximately 6pm, the month of April appeared to remind us that this year is no exception and time flies...
The first news of the month was that our good friend Robert Nelson, author of the book Boomers in Paradise: Living in Puerto Vallarta, is going back to California. I am happy for him as, according to his own feedback, I also believe that the opportunities being presented to him, will definitely contribute to a greater intensity in all areas of his life, and in an integrated fashion, that makes it even better. As a farewell gesture, he kindly invited Ada Colorina and myself to merrily chat at Daiquiri Dick’s, his favorite restaurant. Thank you Robert for your friendship, I recognize you as a gentleman, and for contributing with your book so that every day a larger number of foreign visitors decide to make Puerto Vallarta their retirement home, and most of all, like you, enrich us with their significant participation in our community.
I want to profit from this opportunity to mention that the food and service at Daiquiri Dick’swere excellent. In front of one of the most popular beaches; flanked by a simple wrought-iron fence of very good taste, the place maintains its aroma of exclusivity, offering a serene class ambiance and tropical cheerfulness. This is one of the few restaurants that, due to its constant effort to maintain high quality standards and reasonable prices, has kept for over twenty years its position as one of the favorites and most prestigious in the city. My recognition to Peter & Tari Bowman, as well as their team of collaborators headed by their renowned Chef Ignacio Uribe Moreno.
After our reunion Ada and I decided to promenade along the new malecón, and while we encountered some acquaintances, among the sound of music performed by various groups on the beach and the aromas from what was being cooked at several stands of typical dishes and seafood, I shot some pictures of emblematic scenes, such as hats and jewelry vendors; colorful stands of arts and crafts and much more. I toured the whole malecón bearing witness to, despite the traffic and the new and luxurious condo developments, exclusive boutiques and jewelries, and great new entertainment centers; although quite different from twenty years ago, the small-town essence still perspires through the streets of our Puerto Vallarta. Passing through the main square, I was pleased to confirm that the almond-tree under which I wrote my first essay about our port is still in the same spot!... thank God.
Talking about new places… it turns out that after more than thirty years, the shape of the corner of Paseo Díaz Ordaz & Pipila (malecón), will change forever as Carlos O’brian’s ―the restaurant-bar that was the destination king for decades― is no longer, and probably never to return. What seemed impossible happened. We must thank all those like: León Rosales, Jorge “El Pirata”, Alex, Billy, Juan y Rogelio Soza, “Pirri”, “Tacón”, “Chuchín”, “Chinchulín”, “Meño”, “Balam”, Marco Polo, Pedro Moch, Chef “El Brujo”, Raúl, “Chocho”, Fernando Herrera, Lalo “La Tripa”, Pepe “Simón”, among many others who, in their own time, with their unbreakable passion for service with an upbeat and fascinating care, marked the difference in excellence in service, contributing a great deal to turn Puerto Vallarta into Mexico’s friendliest destination. Believe it or not, there was a time when Carlos O’brian’s by itself was the reason why many international personalities ―aboard their private jets― arrived in our port to dine, dance, partake with the rest of the world without prejudices, sleep a little, maybe go fishing or lie on the beach, to then return to their cities of origin. I attest to it because on more than one occasion I personally catered to them!... If you do not believe me, there is “María Conchita Alonso” and “Julio Iglesias”, among others, who will not let me lie. With all respect to present restaurateurs, I can proudly say that during the golden years of Puerto Vallarta, Carlos O’brian’s, besides being the best school, was the epicenter of the action and the very vibrant heart of the town… Viva Carlos O’brian’s!
Electoral ambiance! yes, that is what is being experienced in our port. Next July 5th – as every three years – we Vallartenses will elect a new city mayor. As always, although there are several contending parties, the electoral battle will intensify mainly among the PRI & PAN parties. Given the present international context, and the fact that our main means of resources is tourism. business, this time we voters have the responsibility, as never before, of questioning the candidates and ponder deeply on their answers, mainly on what pertains to a new path and attitude towards marketing our rich and marvelous destination. With a worldwide financial crisis and the sprouting of a swine-flu virus almost paralyzing our economic activity, the challenge for the new administration looms as great as never before in our Puerto Vallarta.
On the other hand, what some weeks ago was a source of discomfort among owners of shops and restaurants on the sidewalk along the malecón, has now become a great and productive idea for them all. Our authorities began the enlargement of the sidewalk in front of the malecón and the main problem were the bothersome works, which impeded the transit of pedestrians for some weeks, nonetheless, since the reopening of phase one, one could tell it was a magnificent idea, since through the morning and noon this sidewalk is favored by shade, and now that it is wider, visitors prefer to walk the sidewalk instead of the malecón.. and who do you think are the first to benefit from this? Well, the complainers! Who are now being quite quiet. I am personally not sure I like the new visual effect, though I must recognize it was definitely an intelligent move that we now must preserve.
The 11th International Fireworks Symposium was held in our destination and during the week before last a great fireworks celebration ignited awe and cheers among the whole population. Vallartenses and visitors enjoyed this spectacular and noisy exhibition of castles and fireworks at its maximum. All participants of the International Symposium were fascinated with our port and the kindness of our people and have become new promoters of our Puerto Vallarta.
We cannot avoid feeling sad and taken aback by the appearance of a virus that has now reached world proportions. Even though no cases of influenza have been reported in our Puerto Vallarta and surroundings, the emergency exists and we are taking all necessary measures to prevent further transmission of the infection; such as cancelling some events, closing movie theaters and schools, among others, to avoid crowds. One common feature is that most of the country is responding responsibly and obeying the directions of our government, in order to protect everyone’s health, which now, more than ever, is our number one priority.
April has ended in a most stunning manner, however, amidst uncertainty a new month facing us with challenges and opportunities has begun, I personally trust God will show us the blessings he bestows those of us who turn to Him in search of shelter and wisdom within this trial. Email to a friend
May God fill you all with His indescribable peace…
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The first news of the month was that our good friend 
After our reunion Ada and I decided to promenade along the new malecón, and while we encountered some acquaintances, among the sound of music performed by various groups on the beach and the aromas from what was being cooked at several stands of typical dishes and seafood, I shot some pictures of emblematic scenes, such as hats and jewelry vendors; colorful stands of arts and crafts and much more. I toured the whole malecón bearing witness to, despite the traffic and the new and luxurious condo developments, exclusive boutiques and jewelries, and great new entertainment centers; although quite different from twenty years ago, the small-town essence still perspires through the streets of our Puerto Vallarta. Passing through the main square, I was pleased to confirm that the almond-tree under which I wrote my first essay about our port is still in the same spot!... thank God. 
On the other hand, what some weeks ago was a source of discomfort among owners of shops and restaurants on the sidewalk along the malecón, has now become a great and productive idea for them all. Our authorities began the enlargement of the sidewalk in front of the malecón and the main problem were the bothersome works, which impeded the transit of pedestrians for some weeks, nonetheless, since the reopening of phase one, one could tell it was a magnificent idea, since through the morning and noon this sidewalk is favored by shade, and now that it is wider, visitors prefer to walk the sidewalk instead of the malecón.. and who do you think are the first to benefit from this? Well, the complainers! Who are now being quite quiet. I am personally not sure I like the new visual effect, though I must recognize it was definitely an intelligent move that we now must preserve.