First of all, let me just give a quick shout out to Mexico … specifically the state of Jalisco. People there are on it! Like for real. Every vendor, small shop, restaurant, resort … every place we visited has someone being johnny on the spot with hand sanitizer and a quick temperature read before allowing you to enter their establishment. And everyone was so incredibly thankful to have us there, spending money, promoting the economy … really, it was amazing.

Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding area was our hangout spot, and yes, we stayed at a great resort and were lucky enough to visit another one, but since I’m not going to be reviewing the places here, I’m not going to get to specific … just know this: if you’re looking to visit the area do your research on the accommodations and make sure it’s actually on the beach. A number of places aren’t open, even if they “appear” to be. I highly recommend calling first. 

That’s right. Brush up on your Spanish and pick up the damn phone. Seriously.

The food … I mean yea, there’s a McDonalds and a Starbucks but really? You’re in fricking Mexico. Let the street vendors offer you tequila and grilled poblanos. Take them. Eat them. Savor it all and don’t you dare go to the golden arches. And don’t be a wuss. You’re perfectly fine eating their food. No one’s trying to poison you. As for water … umm yea, I spent a small fortune on bottled water but hey, some habits are everlasting : ) (OK, yes, I did go to Starbucks … again, some habits are everlasting.)

As for getting there, I’ll throw another shout out here to United Airlines. No, it wasn’t the absolute best travel day, but the airline did everything it could to make it as safe and easy as possible. I felt secure. I felt safe. And I was pleasantly surprised by the attention and ease of the staff from gate agents to flight attendants. Caveat, we did get upgraded to first class both ways but hey, I stuck by United Airlines and travelled enough with them last year that I can honestly say I deserved it. So thank you, United, if you’re reading this. 

And then there’s the getting back into the country part …

Admittedly, I was nervous. As all get out. But it was easy peasy. Just follow the damn directions peeps. Most airlines, and resorts let alone the embassy, have exact directions posted on what you need to do. We had COVID-19 tests we took with us, and 72 hours before boarding our return flight, we got online and a proctor watched us take and develop the test and then sent the negative results to our phones. TIP! Make sure you have a computer with a video option AND a smartphone!! We used the Navica app and it was really easy.

So I hope you take the plunge and get back out there soon. Note, both Eric and I are fully vaccinated and have been since December. Yes, I felt more comfortable traveling knowing this and no, I wouldn’t have traveled if we weren’t. But, soon enough peeps, you too will be vaccinated so start making plans and do tell, where will you go first?

DISCLAIMER: Our recipes are just that, ours. Some are modified versions of dishes we’ve had elsewhere or old-favorites that contained animal proteins that we replaced with plant-based options, while others are a concentrated effort of trial and error. But all are intended to be altered by you and made to suit your tastes. So if you want more garlic or none at all, go for it. You do you ; ) Now for the serious part … periodically this site does offer health, nutrition and exercise information. The information provided is not intended as medical advice and is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice given by a licensed physician or other health-care professional. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, consult your physician and never delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have read on this site. The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.