The Famous Jardines Botanicos de Vallarta

While in Mexico, I had the opportunity to tour the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. There are nearly 80 acres of lush tropical foliage—most of it native-- at 1,300 feet above sea level, located about an hour outside of Puerto Vallarta. The rich diversity of flora and fauna-- most of which I didn’t even come close to recognizing—was mind boggling. And the colors were enough to put Pantone to shame!   

Everything was so lush and exuberant in its growth … it was a shock to recognize things I had only grown as small house plants looking more like “old growth” in their native environment.

Look Ma!  Free-range House Plants!

 And even the zinnias seemed to be on steroids.

The Botanical gardens also serve as a bird sanctuary. We observed hummingbirds and several species of jays feeding among the flowers. There were some spectacularly colored blackbirds with yellow patches on their shoulders, but even more yellow when they unfolded their wings to fly. Unfortunately, they were a bit camera shy and I didn’t get a good photo of them.

The Guinea hens where a different matter. Intent on some sort of mating ritual that seemed to include zigging and zagging around visitor’s legs, the Guinea hens were the opposite of shy. We had to keep from tripping over them.

But you don’t have to travel to the gardens to see spectacular floral displays. This was just a random tree, shading random street parking:

Only the Names Have Been Changed...

 

...To protect the innocent. Or the guilty. Whatever, I don’t judge.

Recently, a friend called and asked if I’d like to go to Puerto Vallarta with him. In July. For a “Dental Tourism.” Of course, I said no. Mexico? In July? With Dentists? (Sorry Dr. LeMert—no offense intended.) I hung up on his nonsense.

Then I called him back and said YES—because Mexico, a potentially heavily medicated friend, an opportunity to “pad my 401K”—because blackmail is such an ugly word—beach, pool, margaritas and nonsense? I’m IN!

My new friend 'Rita

 

The Weather in Vallarta was HOT—with an extra helping of humidity. After the first two days we stopped eating in all the cute little sidewalk cafes and started looking for restaurants that had their glass windows closed. Closed windows equal air conditioning—everyone knows that. And air conditioning in 90% humidity is a gift from God, be a shame to refuse it. Which is how we spent 10 days in Mexico eating Swedish food—because air conditioning.

About day eight, the weather was a little cooler, so we decided to mix it up a bit and walk a half mile away to a chic restaurant along the river, and sample their delicious menu—and their A/C. The food was delicious, the service was impeccable, the setting was beautiful. It begins to rain lightly—excellent! That should cool things off for a walk home!

It rained all through dinner. Actually, “rain” is not the correct word—apparently “cyclone warning” is more applicable. (Editior’s note: and THAT’S why you check your weather app, even when you’re on vacation.)  

Singing in the rain...

Any way—long story short, that’s how we came to be wading back to our hotel in the middle of a tropical deluge, belting out “Singing in the Rain” at the top of our lungs and only a hint of Tequila on “somebody’s” breath.

THE END. 

Unless Philip’s check doesn’t clear. Then I’ll have more stories to share.

"Philip"--possibly not his real name.