Aztecs at Cuates and Cuetes.

I'm certainly no expert on Aztec ceremonial dances but I do know they perform every year for the arrival of the Spring Equinox. For the second year in a row, we gathered with friends down on the beach at "Cuates and Cuetes" by the pier. The dancers were out in full regalia performing their ceremony in front of crowds of curious spectators. I have to say it's one of the best places and times for people watching and what's ironic is that the Aztecs are probably the more civilized of the guests. You are bound to see a veritable sea of humanity in front of the sea. Indeed!

Anyway, Linda, the world's most efficient waitress at "Cuates" was keeping all the patrons well-watered and Vallarta's reputation for gorgeous sunsets was upheld as that godly orange disk attempted to upstage the dancers. It was a spectacular sight and I felt fortunate to be apart of the gathering once again.

What? No Beach Vendors?

Everyone has been to the beaches of Vallarta and been disturbed time and time again by the steady stream of beach vendors asking you for the twentieth time, "You want braids?" or "silver?" or a picture with an iguana, but nobody is asking if you want to be left alone! It can get annoying, to say the least. There is salvation however and it's not too far away. Just a short drive down the Mismaloya highway is "Playa Conchas Chinas" and there you will find respite from most interruptions. It's a small beach but very few of the vendors from "Playa Los Muertos" will make the hike so you can actually read a chapter or two of your book or take a brief siesta. Depending on the conditions of the water you can snorkel, kayak or just listen to the waves. The day we went, we were lucky to see a couple of whales jumping not too far offshore--what a treat! If you want to drive to this special beach, take a right on Calle Sagitarius off the main road and head down the steep cobblestone drive. Rest and relaxation is still possible!

Sunday Morning Along the Malecon

One of the nicest things to do here in Vallarta on a Sunday morning is to get up and go for a long walk. After many forays over the years, I would suggest the following itinerary: First of all, get going earylish, say 8:30 am and park your car in front of the Sheraton Hotel since this is a good starting point and there's always lots of space. (Sunday is a great day since there's very little traffic and a clamer atmosphere in which to get into your groove. )

Once you get to the Buenaventura Hotel, take a right and head to the beach where you will pretty much have the sand and the sea to yourself. Stay on the beach as long as possible and eventually you will get to the fabulous sand sculptures right downtown. That's when you will have to return to the Malecon as the beach becomes insurpassable. Keep walking towards the Olas Altas are along the newer stretch of the Malecon and enjoy all the new sculptures such as the Merman and the dancing couple. I get a coffee to go right at the corner facing Parque Lazaro Cardenas and then make my way to Basillio Badillo where I hang left and head to "Johnny's Diner" for breakfast; they have the best omlettes and hash browns in town. I recommend the Mediterranean omlette with fresh basil, tomatoes and feta. It's really delicious and the gal in the kitchen knows what she's doing!