We have spent more time in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico than anywhere else on earth, except home. Our most recent trip showed that, in spite of some inevitable changes, much of the city retains the charm and culture that we so appreciate.

While going through some old files last week, I unearthed photos from one of our favorite trips there; with good friends Ron & Dario. Although we have traveled through all regions of Mexico with family, friends, and for a former job, I am not sure we have ever had more fun than on this particular trip. The first evening over dinner at Felipes, they immediately understood the draw of this amazing place.

The boys had never been to Mexico before, and it was a joy to show them the city we love, and discover some new places as well.

In spite of warnings from us, they chose to ignore the sunscreen, claiming they never burned. Of course, they never burn in OREGON! You can see from the photos below, they discovered they do burn.

Mornings sightseeing off the tourist path, lazy afternoons on the beach, and evenings wandering the nightlight of the Malecon; all were as entrancing as always.

Ahhh, Puerto Vallarta. A place I often think of as a second home. A place I hope to make home one day. Finding these old pictures was a certain blast from the past. It is hard to remember we were once that young!

It was a bittersweet trip. My mom had succumbed to cancer two months before and we planned the trip at the last minute as part of the healing process. Even as we rode in the taxi towards old town, I could feel the months of pent up stress leaving my body. Puerto Vallarta is a very special place in our life, and we were so glad to have shared it with great friends.