Everything Mexican Culture in Punta Perula

Hola from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! We are just over our half way mark on 24 Days in Mexico and wanted to step back from the beach to share our journey with you. Read about everything below or watch a short slide show of photos we have put together:

Everything Mexican Culture in Punta Perula from Michelle Davies on Vimeo.

It is so hard to wrap up the past 12 days of wonder in one little blog post, but here goes...

Our first stop was Crown Paradise which was a fantastic resort for Everything Kids. The water park was spectacular and it seemed every aspect of the resort was created with kids in mind.

Then we moved on to Dreams which was Everything Romance. Tenderness and romance were around every corner at Dreams. The view from our room took my breath away.

We have written full reviews on both resorts which include video reviews. However, each time I try to upload the large file, my connection keeps timing out. I will update this post including links to reviews once we get back.

After Dreams, my in-laws picked us up to make the 2 hour journey south to their piece of paradise on the beach in a little fishing village called Punta Perula. You can walk from one of town to the next in about 30 mins.

3 years ago, they purchased a piece of land overgrown with weeds and littered with garbage. Last year, part of our Mexican journey included camping out on their property while we cleared and prepared the land for building. We had a wonderful little set-up with outdoor everything - showers, cooking, sink, toilet.

This year brought an entirely different experience. Behold Casa Davies! Kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms - incredible. Building in MX is always a challenge with communication and the simple “manana” (tomorrow) attitude of the workers. When we arrived, the plumbing was not yet complete, but by the time we left, we (really) enjoyed a hot shower. Its wonderful to get back to basics and discover how much you really appreciate things like flush toilets and hot showers.

I love the Mexican culture. Pure joy shines through no matter what their circumstances are. No problema is their mantra. Watching the mexican children smile, laugh and play even though they have very little possessions reminds me of what is important in life.

Their strong sense of family overrides everything. Family happiness and health come before self. Their souls are deep wells of giving. One woman’s life: She works at a tile store, lifting heavy, heavy piles of tiles while raising children, helping with homework, shuttling to school on the back of her bike, cooking, cleaning and back to work again. There seems to be no “me time” in Mexico. I know that we often carry roles of doing “everything”, but we have help. We have modern conveniences. The Mexican people inspire me to give more.

People often questioned me about safety when we share our Mexican story. Especially last year when we were camping with no locks. The integrity of the people in Perula is deep and true. We left out computers, iPhones, DSs, money, you name it. They would never even think of taking a thing - even though they have very little. Our 7 year old would walk to the store and back by himself. (This would never happen at home.)

And party! Do the Mexicans know how to party! While we were there, the local soccer team won the championship. Yes, they have a soccer team, a local band, tradesmen in addition to local fishermen. I was amazed at the abundance of talent gathered in this tiny group of people.

Back to the party -- when they won the championship, they threw a big party with free flowing beer, food, dance and music. Music is a big part of Mexican culture. Loud and lots. If there is a reason to party, they will find it. Kids are always part of the party. Trampolines, pinatas, fireworks, candy and dance bring constant giggles.

For Christams, we decorated a palm tree and Santa found us in the middle of nowhere in our little bit of paradise. Turns out, the tooth fairy also knows where Perula is!

Mother nature has truly blessed this piece of the world. Incredible raw and stunning beauty flows everywhere we went. The untouched beaches, the meticulous agriculture, luscious plants that thrive with no water for months a time...

Our children love letting their imagination and senses run wild with their discoveries. Chasing crabs, finding pet lizards, geckos, hermit crabs and even jelly fish. We missed the manta rays this year, but last year they were spectacular to watch. Our son would boogie board while our daughter would dance with the waves all day. Sea kayaking was an exciting adventure for both children with many ocean discoveries. The sunrise, sunset and stars brought us all such a deep sense of peace and awe every day.

Now back in Puerto Vallarta, my in-laws offered us a wonderful gift! We are staying with them for a week in the beautiful Velas Vallarta resort. Back to manicured luxury and pampered relaxation. Both worlds offer so much to enjoy. I feel so thankful and blessed to be able to experience Everything Mexico!

Next stop - the brand new Marival Residences and World Spa! Until then - Adios Amigas / Amigos!