Koningsdam adventure, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico...

Yesterday, I was back and forth all day deciding whether or not I would go ashore today when we visited Puerto Vallarta and when I got up early this morning to take photos as we sailed in, the die was pretty much cast.  I decided to take a taxi down to the Old Town to the beginning of the Malecón.  I planned a long walk coupled with a few photos along the way.  Walking the Puerto Vallarta Malecón is always a delightful experience that embodies the vibrant spirit of this coastal paradise. As you stroll along the scenic promenade, you’re greeted by stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore, and the fresh sea breezes. The Malecón is lined with art in the form of sculptures, murals, and benches where you can pause and soak in the beauty of your surroundings.  Today, I discovered something quite different than all my previous visits…  Lots of decorations left over from the Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead… Day of the Dead is celebrated in Puerto Vallarta from October 31 to November 2. The festivities begin on the evening of October 31, with the main celebrations occurring on November 1, known as Día de los Inocentes, to honor deceased children, and continuing on November 2, which is dedicated to adults.  One of the decorations, a skeletal woman which towered over the adjacent 4 story building…  That’s some serious decorations…  I was just snapping away at all the exhibits.  As I made my way down to Los Muertos Beach pier, numerous shops, restaurants, and cafés inviting me to explore local cuisine and crafts. The lively atmosphere offers opportunities for people-watching, where you can see both locals and tourists enjoying the vibrant ambiance. Street performers often entertain passersby, adding to the charm of the walk.  I caught a few photos along the way.  Arriving at the Los Muertos Beach pier, I always find myself captivated by its iconic design and the panoramic view of the coastline. This picturesque spot is perfect for taking photos.  As always, walking the Malecón to Los Muertos Beach pier made for a memorable experience filled with the rich culture and natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta.  The highlight of my trip downtown was provided by my Taxi driver Francisco…  Once we arrived at the beginning of the Malecón, I paid him, got out and was ready to go…  He went off to find another fare while I started to look around.  I decided to pull out my new iPhone 16Pro that I just got before I left and realized that I left it in the taxi.  I had no way of connecting with him or even tracing him down but just as I was feeling despair, here he comes driving up, waiving my phone at me…  What a fabulous person!!!  I was back to the ship by late morning and spent the rest of the day soaking up the sun in the 95-degree heat index…  What a day!!!