1/28/2008 at 10:45 AM
Tags: It's Summer Somewhere, It's-Summer-Somewhere, Festivals, Culture (all tags)
Head to where it's sunny and warm this week and get there just in time for a different kind of festival. February 2 brings Dia de la Candelaria to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where locals celebrate with parades, bullfights and a blessing of the candles.
That's right, residents bring candles to the church to be blessed for use throughout the year. They also bring their icons of Niño Jesús (or Christ child), dressed in their best, to the church for an evening of celebration.
Want to check into somewhere easy in PV? Try Dreams Puerto Vallarta. Yes, it's an all-inclusive, but it's literally the best around. Forget cheesy wristbands and buffets. Dreams has movies on the beach at night and a la carte restaurants combined with dramatic views of the rock-edged beach on Banderas Bay.
Related Stories:
· Dreams Puerto Vallarta [HotelChatter]
· It's Summer Somewhere Coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: dfnitivo]
by sedona
10/03/2007 at 12:00 PM
Tags: Volunteer Travel (all tags)
We certainly can't hate on a relaxing spring break full of fun and fish tacos. But there's a better way to learn about the culture and experience the community south of the boarder: Volunteering at Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza--the Children's Shelter of Hope--in Puerto Vallarta.
The juvenile home houses an average of 45 children, ranging in age from 7 months to 13 years. Most have parents who are dead, in jail, involved in prostitution or who can't provide adequate care or safety for some other reason. Volunteers live off grounds but still get loads of hands on experience. They can practice their Spanish, participate in the day-to-day life of the children, work with crafts, chop potatoes and give morning baths.
Past volunteers say it's a rewarding, win-win experience:
Once I had names down and had proven myself as a trustworthy volunteer--meaning willing to pitch in on the chores--I realized that I wasn't making all of the cultural advances anymore.
Instead of asking questions, like "What is it about jalapenos?," I was answering questions, like "How big is Mickey Mouse in person?" Within weeks I was visiting the house on a more regular basis, greeted every time without fail by a flurry of hugs and immediately joining in on the events of the afternoon.
It may not be spring break, but that's okay: this way the hangover's not nearly as bad.
Related Stories:
· Children's Shelter of Hope [Official Site]
· Volunteer Travel coverage [Jaunted]
· Puerto Vallarta Hotels [HotelChatter]
by jnaw
12/21/2005 at 11:21 AM
Tags: Breakfast Around The World (all tags)
Meteorry believes he has found the world's best breakfast place, and judging form the photo we are inclined to agree.
The place: Memo's Casa de los Hot Cakes
The order: High Tech Choco Chip Hot Cakes served with Log Cabin syrup
Have a photo of a great breakfast from around the world? Upload it to the Jaunted/Flickr photo pool. If it looks tasty enough, we will post it here.
by markj
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