Cha...Cha...Cha...Changes

As you probably gathered from my last post, Puerto Vallarta is a continually changing city.  And, yes, with a population of well over a quarter of a million it really is a city now. Certainly not the sleepy little fishing village that John Huston found when he began filming "Night Of The Iquana," and not even the same as it was last year.  Everywhere you look, it seems, things are changing.

The City, It Is A-Changin'








In most cases the changes result in something positive.  At least in my opinion.  Oh, there are those who would like to see Puerto Vallarta remain the same as whenever it was when they first arrivied.  But then they don't live here so they aren't worried about how a growing city has to change to accomodate growth and, yes, lure more tourists. And the permanent residents may not enjoy poor plumbing, electrical outages, clogged streets, and all the other things that short-term tourists might consider quaint.

But every once in awhile something changes that brings a tear to the Bar Man's eyes.  And this change was one of them.

My Dear La Gloria de Infierno


Well, from the outside it looks pretty much the same.  No loud music, though.  And a peek through the window revealed a disturbing sight.

A Sad Sight Indeed






Yes, one of my favorite dive bars, a place that has probably been here since before the arrival of Mr. Huston, is no more.  Rumor has it that it will be replaced by one of the omnipresent little Mexican 7-11 like stores that are popping up all over the place.  I will miss La Gloria de Infierno.

Is This The Future?


Luckily there are still hold-outs, and I am confident that, at least in my lifetime, there will always be these holdouts.

My Favorite Taco Stand


La Ballena Azul


Fresh Shucked Oysters From The Bay


Yes, change is inevitable, most of it good, some of it sad.  But isn't that like life itself.  And Puerto Vallarta is alive, and that is why I come back year after year.