“Travels to a Different Time” : 5September1983: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: The Great Mexican Gringo Divide

Woke up to a spectacular view from the 16^th floor. Tropical vegetation with an abundance of palm trees. The hotel is about 15 yards from the Pacific Ocean. In the Bay of Banderas with mountains on both sides of the bay. The water is rough and is fed by two muddy rivers. A very different breakfast of scrambled eggs, refried black beans and salsa. $4.50. Walked along gringo gulch into town. For half the 2 km walk there were no sidewalks so it is walk on the edge of the road and hope the good graces of drivers protect you. Our end of town seems poverty stricken and raunchy. The tail end of rural squatters? What a dichotomy between gringos and locals. There is no such thing as a local restaurant a tourist would feel comfortable eating at. There are no Mexicans at tourist restaurants except for staff. How could a local eat at such expensive restaurants? Took a rest along gringo gulch and sat on a bench where two rivers flow on either side. Had a snack of shrimp, guacamole and a beer. Back home and out to dinner to the reputable and highly recommended “Moby Dick” a name only a gringo could appreciate. And the gringos, mostly “Yankees” were lined up. Avocado stuffed with shrimp, seafood soup, red snapper filet and a glass of overly sweet “Hidalgo” wine. A whopping $12!