The main reason for building a new pier (other than to put more Mexican to work) is that the old pier was one height and could only accommodate a few vessels. Beyond the circle are three docks all at different heights to for small, medium and large ships. It is also a fishing pier, but mainly it is used for walking. It is located at Los Muertos Beach (which is Puerto Vallarta's most popular beach.
My first shots (during daylight) were taken a few days before the official opening of the pier. You will notice that all the metal rails are covered with plastic wrap. I was told that this was to keep it shiny until the inauguration. Metal pits very quickly in our humid climate. You can guess what it will look like in a year. I thought they should paint the railing, but NO! Still it is very impressive and a definite asset to the town. I must say that there have been a lot of improvements since I moved here.
The new sidewalks were definitely necessary. Of course during the two years they were digging up and laying new sidewalks the street continued to deteriorate. Pot holes were everywhere (some big enough to lose a Volkswagen in). The sidewalks were supposed to be done for the underground wiring system. Of course not a single building has been connected to it (poles, cables and wires still clutter the streets). I later learned the real reason for the concrete sidewalk. The mayor's father owned a concrete company. Guess who got the contract? (I know you already guessed). Puerto Vallarta also began a new tunnel a few years ago. It too is now complete (not sure who got that contract, but I could guess). It is larger and better lit than the old one. Once the new tunnel opened it, they closed the old one for repairs, but one day we will have a tunnel with two lanes, going in each direction. You cannot believe the traffic jams that occur when an accident occurs in the tunnel. You see in Mexico the cars cannot be moved until each party arrives at a financial arrangement. If no agreement is settled upon, both cars will be impounded (you do not want to be in an accident here).
The best part of the sidewalks are all the planter that were added. Most have primavera trees (beautiful yellow blossoms early in Spring) and bougainvillea vines. Some streets have added palm trees with that yellow vine that is so popular here. Along with the planters the city has added some trash containers and ash tray. This pleased me even more than the all the planting. You will notice that the trees are growing up into the wiring which was to be taken down almost two years ago. They also planned new ornate street lights, but that is only partially completed. In some areas, if the street lamps are installed they will have to go up through the newly installed red tile awning. All awning are exactly the same (one company got the contract for the whole city even though each owner had to pay for them. Mexico lives on graft and corruption.
My friend Nancy decided to make reservations at a beach front restaurant for opening night of the pier. Of course no one knew at what time this would take place, but since fireworks were included (they always are) we were pretty sure it would occur after dark. Her sister and husband were here for a short visit and they invited me to join them. Since Nancy has lived here for several years, she knew to go back that day and ask about our reservation. Sure enough, they had no 7:30 or 8:00 reservations and if we were not there by 5:00, but table would be given away. Nancy called me and I met them shortly after 5:00.
To our surprise and delight, the inauguration had just started. Various people spoke and they turned the lights on the pier. It is quite beautiful and various colors float over the entire pier and sail. Even before sunset the pirate ship arrived full of fire works. (It is normally at stationed at the Marina and does fire works every night for the cruise ships.) Before the sun had set the fireworks started. I can't really get good shots for my camera has a delay and often the display was gone. I did the best I could. Everything was over by 7:30 so we were all delighted they did not honor our 8:00 reservation.
I have included some shots of B. Badillo to show you the planters and trees (could not get a good shot because of the traffic). The trees are over two years old and my blood this Spring. I also included a facade that one hotel just finished. The doors and shutters are all fake. The entire facade was done to hide the air conditioning system. Some times the Mexican's get it right. (Not often, but sometimes!)
