Fun to the MEX

Part1

The uniqueness of going on a cruise is as crystal clear as the waters off the Mexican Riviera: The voyage is a destination in itself. The port stops are just gravy.

When I was in high school, one of my favorite shows was the Love Boat, with "Captain Stubing." One of the Love Boat’s stops was Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, then a quaint seaside resort village where Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor had a home.

Twenty-five years later I find myself going to Puerto Vallarta on a cruise ship – the Diamond Princess – which belongs to the same line as the Pacific Princess, which starred in the Love Boat series.

Larger and more multi-faceted than the Love Boat, the Diamond Princess can host up to 4,160 "souls," – 2,900 passengers and 1,135 crew, 440 of whom are Filipino. It has at least seven restaurants, a theater, a gym and a spa.

Upon the invitation of Princess Cruises (represented in the Philippines by Cruise Professionals, Inc.), my sister Dr. Geraldine Mayor of Philadelphia and I sailed from Los Angeles’ Port San Pedro to a seven-day cruise to Puerto Vallarta, the busy port of Mazatlan and the scenic Cabo San Lucas, all in the Mexican Riviera.

It was, as the Diamond Princess’ name suggests, a multifaceted voyage that sparkled with lots of sun, sea and silver (yup, Mexico glitters).

Filipinos will immediately find a bond with Mexicans – we share the same Spanish colonial heritage, the same religion, the same fiesta atmosphere even in the humblest of pueblos (Mexicans are friendly and talk in the endearing accent of Speedy Gonzalez, the cartoon character), and even the same currency (the peso). Alas, the Mexican peso is worth 10 to a dollar! In tourist shops, the peso sign is likewise $!

The weather at this time of year is extremely pleasant – think of Tagaytay weather but with lots of sun.

Among the must-sees in Puerto Vallarta (which reminded my sister of Vigan, except that Puerto Vallarta has a nearby beach) are as varied as night and day – the handmade (by farmers) Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral and Casa Kimberley, the love nest of Burton and Taylor.

Visit a tequila factory, as we did in Villa Engracia, one of Mexico’s 11 remaining haciendas. See first hand how tequila is made from the Agave cactus and learn the right way to enjoy it. According to our hacienda guide, the best way to enjoy tequila is to inhale and exhale first, take the tequila straight up, then inhale and exhale again. I tried it and all I could say is Ole!

Also make time to visit a tile factory or shop for ceramics either at the Malecon (Boardwalk) or the tiangge-style stalls near the pier itself. Mexican tiles and ceramics (the plates are irresistible) reflect the temperament of the people – fiery, lively and colorful!

According to our guide Arturo, you can haggle with the natives but not too much (meaning from 10 to 20 percent only). They feel insulted when you cut down the price by 50 percent. But my sister disproved this. She would get silver jewelry for half the price and the vendors would still be smiling as she left the shop.

(To be continued)