SAYULITA

Before I tell you about my last day trip to Sayulita, I thought I should tell you about my failed trip to Japan (you might have noticed, I am back in PV a lot earlier)  At the time I flew to LAX, my friends in Japan still wanted me to visit and assured me they were not near the nuclear plants (everyone else I knew told me I was insane).  Once I arrived at LAX I had four frantic messages telling me not to come.  There were no buses from the airport, the trains were infrequent and I would have to change trains in Tokyo (possibly stations).  My friend has been unable to buy gas and could not pick me up in any case and besides all the shaking, the electricity went on and off all day.  So after a few days of business and seeing friends, I flew home (yes, I do think that Mexico is going to be my home).

Puerto Vallarta is in the center of the Bay of Banderas (the largest bay in Mexico).  Sayulita is around the tip of the bay on the Pacific Ocean.  It takes almost two hours (yes, by bus) and you have to change buses.  I was anxious to see Sayulita, but was dreading the long bus ride.

The second bus actually had real cushioned fabric seats, so all the bumps and jogs were somewhat minimized.  After you pass the "hotel district"' you go through a few small towns and what looks like a Mexican Everglades.  Then the road turns into the mountains.  It is a jungle out there that I would love to see once the rains wash away all the dust on the trees and vines.  I was pretty much preoccupied with the passing view which made the long ride more tolerable.

The town of Sayulita resembles a small tropical Tijuana.  Some streets are just dirt and some of the cobble stoned streets are flooded.  They were building a new bridge over some sort of creek so we had to cross on a swinging bridge.  This "creek" was a muddy mess that looked more like a sewer.  Tourist shops line the streets and beach (they have the strangest idea what appeals to tourists).  Visitors are younger than usual, mainly because of the surfing.  Since it is on the Pacific, they get a good surf.  We strolled along the beach (stopped for a beer) then settled on Don Pedro;s for lunch.  It was the nicest looking restaurant I saw and sits just above the sand with a nice view.  Lunch was just okay.

After lunch we wandered around more of the town.  Check out the photo of the little lime green house.  It says it is a pharmacy.  One has to wonder what kind of drugs you might buy there.  The town has a decent square (with standard gazebo)  where street peddlers line up to sell you what ever they can.  It was a pleasant day, but much too touristy for me.  I prefer the tiny town of Boca (its cheaper) and doesn't have a sewer running through it.