quincytoo
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Posts posted by quincytoo
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WHat a great idea :) Love that!
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We actually love Bucerias (where is the Malecon there through? It's been a year since we were there, I remember the great wrap around market full of stands).
Shopping we have always found the prices better for gifts, Retinal-A, Gericaman (this amazing bug bite after-care, and most tequila's and Kaluha's)
Many a beach front restaurant (we really like Karen's Place).
We haven't bused there for about 2 years but think we paid about 25 pesos each way so 30 pesos now sounds right :)
I personally think it would make a great cruise day stop, especially if you have experianced PV a few times.
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We like giving as gifts lime squeezers that they use at the bars in Mexico.
http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq196/oro_imports/kitchen/101_3237.jpg
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We usually get them on A.Serdan at this great little Mexican hardware store just past La Ronda, they cost 75 pesos and last forever.
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We had a cruise stop in ACA in 2009 and loved it there.
There was a peaceful rally held that day but we had no issues with docking and spending a lovely day with a private tour guide.
The ship will not dock if there is a threat to danger to their clients.
We did stop in at a Fairmont resort and both Mr.QT and I remarked it would have been nice to have a day pass there. Amazing resort and beach.
I was just on the ACA Trip Advisor forum and it appears that all is quiet.
http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowForum-g150787-i177-Acapulco_Pacific_Coast.html
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Oh My! Do not get me started with Tripadvisor, where for nearly 1 year the #1 rated PV restaurant was the "Twisted Palm" ....an excellent bar that does not even offer food! When we e-mailed the TA editors their response was that they make no distinction between "bars" and "restaurants" even thought they call the category "restaurants." We certainly have no issue with MSN-Travelers Centro recommendations although not sure that the street food (which we like) meets the criteria of the OP. As to Barcelona Tapas, although we have long been a fan of Bill's creative menus (we really enjoyed his now defunct Agave Grill) we do have some mixed emotions. What is wonderful about PV is the huge assortment of eating venues with many different types of cuisine in all price ranges. In fact, my mouth is already watering when I think of returning to places like Polo's or Bravos (neither of which is open for lunch).
Hank
We just got back 14 days ago ( I am still covered in about 50 open bug bites but had the best two weeks ever).
We LOVED Bravos OMG it was incredible!!! We did go to Twisted Palms for their 50 pesos Martini Mondays....we ordered food from Derby Burgers as well as the Italian restaurant downstairs, apperently El Facos Taco stand OMG YUM is included in their delivery as well.
I agree that Twisted Palms should not be classified as a restuarant but that said we had a great night there and the slight hangover the next day was worth it.
The carrot cake at Bravos is worth the price of a flight down. Our meals were incredible there.
I would say for a cruise ship day I would skip Blue Shrimp and go to Dac Dicks or CYC. We have also had great cruise days in Mismaloya and Playa Los Acros hotel. I belive the day pass there is 150 pesos which is applied to food and drink. Pools, towels, showers, pool and beach waiter service and the food is good too :)
Trying to convince Mr.QT to do a quick cruise late Dec or early Jan.....sigh I am missing my home away from home :)
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In Puerto Vallarta Taxi fares are not negotiated, they are regulated through the Taxi union and are priced in zones. You need to know the price and the zones being crosses and when you get into the taxi say :I am going to such such and the zone price is $$" If they try to tell you it is higher then leave and get another taxi.
We tip taxi drivers when they carry any bags or go out of their way to do make the ride special like giving us some history or local insider knowledge about the area. If they are driving us from zone A to Zone B and there is no interaction of help we don't tip. It's not expected unless the driver helps out .
In restaurants and bars we tip 20%, less if the service is not good and more if the service is outstanding
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I agree with you here. Douglas/Yates is a pretty rough part of town.
I agree too and I live in Victoria
I was in front of the said shoppers last week
There was a young addict female clearly stung out waiting for her dealer
My heart broke she was so beautiful and young but clearly waiting for a fix
That stretch of Douglas is not great
I know compared to East Hastings it is a walk through a park
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For almost ten years now whenever I am in Puerto Vallarta I have been drinking the tap water and have consumed far too many Cazadore Margaritas to count. If the water there was bad I would have been flown home in a pine box.
Countdown is on till late Oct early Nov. :D
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It's always hot in Mexico. I've never been there when wasn't, spring or winter. It might rain on you, but it won't ever be chilly.
Actually I have been on two Jan Mex Rivera cruises where it was chilly. PV I went into the ocean very briefly at Mismaloya and Mazatlan I spent the whole time wrapped up in two towels trying to keep warm, no swimming in the ocean at all.
The other time spent the day at Los Muertos beach and I don't remember swimming, Mazatlan port was sadly skipped but it was chilly cruising back.
I have a transported from Minnesota friend living in PV the past 12 years and last few years she had to get hoodies,sweat pants and a down comforter sent down to her. She was cold.
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Oh, I do love that dish!!!! I could eat that, the Goat Cheese Souffle, and the Eggplant Parmigiana at every meal.
OMG YUM I could also eat those every meal
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Yes - I lived in Victoria for over 35 years and have gone to BHP many times: when I was a youth growing up there (Queenie the horse!), as a youth when I got my driver's license, and returned as a Mom with her own children. We knew the park was lovely but never stayed after dusk. ;)
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We were most likely there the same time both as children then as mothers with our children.
Queenie was lovely :) What great memories you have brought back :)
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Fisherman's wharf is about 8 blocks (see map below). As for fish and chips, hard to beat Barb's right at Fisherman's Wharf.
We used to love Barbs until two years ago when we discovered that the fish and chips right next to the fish shop (where you buy the fish to feed the seals) actually has better fish and chips. Fresher biggger pieces, the batter is really crisp and not too heavily battered, chips are great and the homemade tartar sauce and coleslaw are incredible. Don't quote me but I think their prices are cheaper the Barbs which is located a few stalls down.
Afterwards it is always nice to have an ice cream cone for dessert and walk around the house boats. Love the house that has all those cell phones, pagers and devices hung up on his house.
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We had our first mini suite last January on the Sapphire. I think that the bed mattresses are an upgrade and I think the bath towels are upgraded too. Can someone else verify this? I remember that the mattress felt much better than our previous interior room bed on the Sapphire.
Not on our Royal Mini Suite. Mr.Qt loved the bed I am pretty sure I had brusies after a week of sleeping on the bed.
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Since I've only had a minisuite once, my excitement overcame my standards. In fact, my excitement jumped my standards, dragged them into an alley, and beat the crap out of them.
OMG That was my Royal cruise last Jan.....was so excited Mr.QT booked a mini suite ...until I read what we got with a mini suite.....was warned about the headache in a glass..wasn't offered it so that was an Advil not taken.
Sofa and extra TV were nice except we never turned the extra TV on or sat on the sofa.
Loved the bathtub shower through...best extra :eek::rolleyes::cool:$300 USD ever spent.....(it was a flash sale he bought)
Next cruise we are back in a balcony upgrading to or a suite......:D
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Beacon Hill Park is all right, umm.. pretty but not really much to do there. I would not recommend walking through after dark, or even close to dusk - just my personal recommendation in concern for your safety. :) I guess I wouldn't make it a priority, is what I'm saying. If you want, you could take a horse and carriage ride through the part, that would be very pretty and romantic. I mean, since you mentioned it in your original post, you probably have your mind set of getting there, so yes go ahead - if you are fairly fit and don't mind the walk, you can get there at some point.
The Inner Harbour and the Parliament Buildings are very pretty at sunset and twilight so be sure to get some pictures but leave yourself time to get back to the ship.
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I so agree with you and I am a local Victorian but you wouldn't catch me near Beacon Hill park after dusk, not saying it is a bad spot of Victoria after dark but there is nothing of interest and yes for me safety would be a concern.
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Thanks, I couldnot find the exact date.
My Pleasure I now think it might have closed late April now. I think it reopens in Nov?
Just booked our fall trip a few days in Punta Minta and then a week at Vista del Sol late Oct/early Nov.
If you are around we should try to get a CC meet and great together :)
Can't wait to get back to my favourite place in the world.
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The gardens do take a few hours to go through....you could rush it and walk through fast but you would miss so much.
Personally I would save the Gardens for another trip and instead would cab or walk to Inner Harbour, explore the Empress and Government street.
Inner Harbour at dusk is a lovely site :)
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If you get the recipe PLEASE come back and post it here....it does sound yummy.
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OH DEAR! When is Dreams PV closing? I was hoping to go there one of my days in PV this year.:eek:
It closed early May
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That is a whole lot of Pesos!
I agree with Hank and MSN.
For less then half of the cost I would take the bus into Puerto Vallarta and explore that area. Perhaps take another bus to Boca or Mismaloya.
Los Muertos beach in the Southside of Puerto Vallarta has some pretty amazing beachfront restaurants where you could eat and drink like Kings and Queens for much less pesos with much better food.
If it is a pool you are wanting. Playa los Arcos hotel on Los Muertos beach does have a day charge. Last time we were there it was 150 pesos pp which fully went to food and drink ( we spent another 200 pesos on more drinks...we had fun :) Their margaritas are incredible, food is good too.)
You also get beach towels, pool usage, beach lounge usage. It won't be as huge or fancy as Hard Rock but we love it there.
Bonus that it is in the middle of Southside with the great beach and shopping.
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Wow, you're good at noticing the details. You'd think it would pretty easy for them to scan an old picture of one of their ships!
They aren't the best at editing the Patters either. My favorite goof-up was the amazing sale in the atrium, "Inch of God only .99 cents!". :D
>>>"Inch of God only .99 cents!". :D<<<<
Sorry I just had to laugh and wonder if there was a "naughty" movie made with that title! :eek:
I think they should have scanned an old picture as well. If I can scan a picture onto powerpoint then anyone can.
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Cafe de Olla on Basillo Badilla is a great Mexican restaurant where the locals eat and they serve great Margaritas :). It is on the South Side in the heart of PV. Panchos Tacos next door is also fabulous - tacos and quesadillas, a kind of 'fast food' place but infamous :D.
Actually the "locals" and the ex-pats that I know who live there don't eat at Cafe de Olla.......that said they do make a good breakfast and their double baked potatoes smell amazing as we eat next door at Panchos Tacos YUM :)
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Just thought Id better do an update following our wonderful cruise on Diamond Princess.
We were nervous, having not sailed with Princess for several years but she was beautiful. She sparkled, and was much nicer than we expected.
Our room was beautifully cared for by our steward who was always quick and discrete.
Service in the buffet was friendly and helpful - staff seemed very happy to assist, and nothing was too much trouble.
Service in the dining room in the evening varied between excellent, fast and efficient to poor, long winded and with cold food. But nothing could spoil our fabulous cruise.
Actually swam in the lovely conservatory pool which, unbelievably, was as warm as a bath - this was a first for us as normally the pools on cruise ships are freezing!
And the biggest plus factor for us, being so far away from home, was all that free Internet - the best service we've had on any ship - fast and SO easy to use. I logged in with my iPad anywhere on the ship with ease - a great perk for being Platinum, and now Elite!
Thank you for checking back in and posting about your lovely time :)
Diamond Princess will always have a soft spot in my heart as it was the cruise that Mr.QT booked with out telling and he had to drag me on kicking and screaming ( we had cruised on the NCL Spirit the year before and I HATED it so lumped all cruises into that one cruise). I got off the Diamond Princess asking when our next princess cruise was??
9 more Princess cruises later and looking to book the 11th :D
Yes as platinum we LOVE the free internet and in fact couldn't use up all our minutes on the Royal in Jan. Great perk, can't wait for the free laundry and mini bar LOL
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We were on the Royal this past Jan and in our ten Princess cruises this was in our top two cruises.
We didn't miss the central stairwells or the wrap around promenade. It is true the Caribe balcony on the Caribbean Princess was much larger then our Marina balcony but felt the Marina balcony was about the same size as the Balconies on the Sapphire Princess ( Aloha decks).
The food and service were great and we loved the expanded Horizon Court as well as Alfredos YUM.
We would cruise the Royal again in a heartbeat and are now looking at the Regal for next Jan.
What Resorts in Puerto Vallarta Resort Offer Day Passes?
in Mexican Riviera
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I agree with Ine and have read a review from Punta Minta Four Seasons where a reviewer went for brunch then tried to use the pool, towels and beach chairs, it didn't end with a happy ending at all.