Live Local

Little Caballero Practicing With His Lasso

By Diane Duncan

Even though I am not living in PV yet, I have been going there during the winter for the past 20 yrs and always stay in Old Town. I try to ‘live local’, not as a tourist, by going ‘off-pavement’ as much as possible. There are a number of us who are there about the same time each winter that when we meet up we try to share information on any new ‘finds’ we have come across – the best fish tacos, tamales, comida corida, etc.

A few years ago four of us drove up north zigzagging inland stopping to watch the men and boy caballeros practicing for the rodeo and on the way back came upon a dirt road leading to a remote public beach area known to locals (just north of the airport runway). There were a couple of beach cafes with palapas, tables and chairs on a great stretch of beach. We opted for the whole snapper so it took some time since it is cooked over an open fire pit and they had to get the fire going but we enjoyed fresh limonada and cerveza while waiting. The dinner was served on a huge platter with the whole fish surrounded by salad, beans, rice, and guacamole. It was one of the girl’s 65th birthday and what a great day we day – a delicious meal, walking a beautiful stretch of beach, sitting around visiting and eating – all the while with our toes in the sand and not another person in site.

Lunch on a remote stretch of beach north of the airport runway

I recommend you venture out….take the local bus north to Bucerias or south to Boca de Tomatlan. The ride is cheap and you will probably find yourself being entertained by someone with a guitar making beautiful music while you enjoy the fun of the ride and the beautiful scenery. Walk the back streets of Puerto Vallarta and visit the little eateries, Tortillarias, fish markets and Mini-Supers full of fresh baked bolillos, fresh pineapple, mango, limes and home-made candies. We always carry a soft backpack so we can fill it up with our goodies as we go along.

Remember, that little old man or lady walking down the street or running the market lives here . . . it is their town. Show them the courtesy of a ‘buenas dias’, you will find it goes a long way!