Room With A View, Travel Outfit & More
It just doesn’t get much better than this…
We arrived in Nuevo Vallarta (a few miles north of Puerto Vallarta) a little after noon on Saturday. BIL and SIL were waiting with some bubbly and snacks…
They’re here on their boat, which is docked in the nearby marina. We relaxed on deck for a bit while we waited for our room to be ready, then spent the rest of the afternoon doing a little grocery shopping and getting settled in. We have an excellent view from our balcony!
The next morning we set off bright and early to visit the Sunday mercado in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. It’s 30 minutes north of where we’re staying.
Hat | Tunic | Tank | Pants | Bag | Sandals
At the last minute, I swapped out the hat for the one I’m wearing, because it can be folded flat. I was cool and comfortable all morning, even when the sun came out and it warmed up. The sandals were very comfortable for a few hours of walking!
I was so impressed with the mercado! There was an abundance of local artisans and locally made products. And there seems to be a lot of environmental awareness reflected in the offerings too.
At the Sunday mercado…
This glass artist has some beautifully colorful creations…
There were a lot of artisans who work with recycled materials. This sculptor uses found items and scraps of metal in his work. (I was so impressed with the Millenium Falcon, I didn’t notice the more “adult” content of some of his pieces… 😂)
Aluminum pull-tab accessories have been around for decades, but this guy takes the medium to a whole ‘nother level! (After I posted this on Instagram, many of you asked about the bags. I didn’t get his information when we were at the booth, but will research.)
This is Donzi. She’s a lovely and charming woman who makes reusable food covers with cotton fabric scraps and wax from her own beehives! These are SO much better than any I’ve seen before. I bought a few sets. She says she’ll ship anywhere, so if you’re interested you can contact her at [email protected]. Her Facebook page is HERE. (She showed us something else really cool you can do with these; look for details in a future post.)
The “butterflies made from plastic bottles” was the booth next to hers, didn’t get any photos of those, as they were still setting up.
The food offerings were very eclectic, and there were lots of organic, vegan, and/or locally sourced options.
There’s also a huge fresh fish market with many different vendor stalls.
And fresh flowers…
By the time we were halfway through the market, the crowds had increased so it was more difficult getting photos. We bought some fresh croissants 🥐 (yes!), fresh guacamole, and some lovely berries. I also bought some Moringa tea, which not only is supposed to have health benefits, but is very refreshing when served iced.
Beach time…
By the afternoon, we were ready for some quality beach time. Some folks at the next palapa said they’d been seeing whales just offshore. We’ll be going out for a sail later this week, and hope to do some whale-watching as well!
Do you like to visit the local markets when you travel?
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Yes to local markets when staying in a place with a fridge! It;s a great way to discover what’s available that’s different from where we live. It all looks gorgeous, have a wonderful relaxing week!
I will always go to a market if I can, and in another country, even the grocery store can be fascinating.
Years ago, we were in Mexico in February, and saw so many whales off shore that it began to seem ordinary. I hope that you get that opportunity.
Glad you are enjoying your trip! I’m wondering if the crowds seem down due to the Coronavirus scare.
Not at all…in fact it seems more crowded where we’re staying than I’ve ever seen it before. We do notice many food and other service workers wearing gloves, and the occasional mask. I think there’s awareness, but not worry.
We returned two weeks ago from ten days in Playa Del Carmen. The Coronavirus is not hurting the tourist trade down there at all.
We like to go to the open air markets. There is a huge area they call Fifth Street one block from our hotel where we shopped quite a bit.
Yes! We always shop the local markets when we travel. Such a great variety of foods that we don’t necessarily see in NJ and I love the contact with local people and the ability to connect over food. It is such a joy to discover something new to enjoy!
which color hat did you get Susan? I haven’t been to Mexico since 1969–I can’t believe you’re buying fresh berries in the marketplace!! Couldn’t do that back in the day. I’m liking your color purse too–those Lo & Sons Pearl purses are fabulous! I have three!!
Hi Sally, I bought the Natural color. Really like this hat!!
If you are near Bucerias, check out My Mexican Kitchen and take a cooking class. Edgar and Travis are so fun and creative! Bucerias is only a 20 minute cab ride from Neuvo Vallarta. We always take a class when we are there…. http://www.mymexicankitchen.com/about
Yes! Shopping at the local markets is so much fun. And when I use my purchases once I get home it reminds me of a great vacation. Looks like a fun place. Have a wonderful time!
Yes, I like to visit them as well. We are going to Santa Fe, NM in late spring and I intend to visit their market. Always cool to meet people who have a love and passion for what they do. I often think of the attention, detail and time they take into the display of their goods. Have a wonderful time. Such good deals on travel right now but hard to know what to do with the unknown Coronavirus and it’s implications.
That fish looks so tasty! If travelling, I try to have somewhere with at least a small fridge and somewhere I can cook or at least prepare espresso. Fridge also for bubbly water and white wine! I agree with Ellen about supermarkets; while some products are global, the emphasis can change from culture to culture.
Love the pictures. I was last there 10 years ago and have very fond memories. Bought a beautiful silver belt and a couple of necklaces at a shop in a side street. Still wear them! I collect vintage Mexican silver.
Your trip looks fantastic! What hotel are you staying at in Nuevo Vallarta? It looks beautiful, also love your beach look. Are you feeling safe in Mexico? I have been wanting to make a trip down south, but have felt it was not safe.
Thanks, we’re at Paradise Village. Feels VERY safe here.
That is so cool to see as we stayed at this resort a few years ago. We loved it there! Looking forward to seeing more pictures. Have a fun vacation!
So beautiful – thanks for sharing all those photos!!!
Have a lovely holiday dear. Looks like all the ingredients for it are there.
Greetje
You look so happy and relaxed in your photo. Hope you, hubs and BIL and SIL have a great vacation. Keep the photos coming.
What a beautiful travel!!!