Mexican Riviera Cruise, Day 5: Puerto Vallarta

We arrived in Puerto Vallarta well rested and ready for the extra time we would be spending here. Puerto Vallarta is a huge city, but has a great deal of charm. It has fantastic beaches, rustic historic areas, lush jungle type foliage in places, wonderful restaurants and plenty of shopping. Our ship docked at Bahia de Banderas, which I learned was formed by an ancient volcano. This volcanic crater is now the second largest natural bay in North America and is the deepest bay in the world! I am really enjoying Puerto Vallarta, it is the best part of Mexico I have visited so far. (Yes, I am riding a donkey while holding a dog!)

above: beautiful beaches...

above left: This church was under renovations, but it was beautiful inside. The top of the tower has a crown supported by angels. above right: many of the shops displayed their merchandise from windows on the second floor.

above: There were plenty of great beachside restaurants

above: I like the "little gems" you can find just walking around, such as these arches by the beach, or the lamp posts with dolphins.

above: Puerto Vallarta has plenty of wonderful statues throughout the city.

The Private Villa...

Above: Relaxing at the private villa, nestled high into the hill.

above: the villa has beautiful grounds with lush tropical plants and a refreshing pool.

One of the verandas I enjoyed, with spectacular sweeping views of the beaches

Dr Wang at Sea
Day five: I was horrified to learn that there were Alaskan King Crab Legs on the dining room menu this evening. I thought these people were civilized on cruise ships. Don’t the chefs realize that it’s just not right to eat the underwater creatures? I mean, other than that miserable Jaws, what did any of us underwater creatures ever do to humans to deserve to be slaughtered and eaten?
-Dr Wang