Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Some people complain you do not notice the seasons changing in Puerto Vallarta, but spring had definitely come to the Banderas Bay area and you could not miss the flowering Primavera trees with their bright yellow flowers.

The Primavera trees also have a pale pink version that blooms a the same time. As Puerto Vallarta is north of the equator, the seasons are the same as the United States and Canada. There are spring flowers here as everywhere. The difference are perhaps more subtle but still noticeable.

The improvements to the Romantic Zone and historic area around the Market are almost complete - sidewalks are widened and planters are built and those along Basilio Badillo street are planted thanks to the hard working Puerto Vallarta Garden Club, with trees to provide shade, and bright pink Bougainvilleas and orange crown of thorns for a great splash of color.

The Los Muertos Beach Pier has been completely removed and the first machines are in place to start working on the new improved Pier. The Mercado - Marketplace roofs are mostly complete with new Tejas (tiles) and other upgrades.

Part of these improvements are also partly planned because Puerto Vallarta is co-hosting the 2011 Pan American Games along with Guadalajara, and Vallarta wants to look its best as this is sure to attract a significant number of visitors as spectators and contestants.

The Pan American Games are one of Mexico's largest major sporting events, scheduled for October, with four sporting events planned to be held in PV. The events are: deep water swimming and the triathlon which starts in the Marina. The sailing event at the Vallarta Yacht Club and the ever-popular spectator sport of Beach Volleyball, which is being held at the Pan American Volleyball Beach Stadium.

Elizabeth Taylor, one time resident and considered a special member Puerto Vallarta's family, passed away quietly in March. A tribute in her honor was held at Los Arcos Amphitheater in downtown Vallarta on March 27, 2011.

When Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton first started coming to Puerto Vallarta it was a very small town, or as some described it, "a sleepy little fishing village." Imagine suddenly Vallarta is the site of the filming of a movie and full of the glamorous jet setters and world-famous celebrities.

Then, as even now, the locals smiled and graciously welcomed them as they do with any visitor, perhaps that was why they loved it. Or it could be that they were treated special but never pestered. Of course the amazing natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta's jungle covered hills and the rustic cobblestone streets are reminiscent of Italy or perhaps Greece, who would not be charmed?

Elizabeth Taylor lived in Puerto Vallarta off and on for 11 years starting in 1963 when she accompanied Richard Burton when filming The Night of the Iguana. Burton bought her a romantic hillside villa for her birthday and they were very involved with their neighbors and changed many lives for the better.

The last weekend of March a huge 3 day fund raising event was held for the SPCA de PV and the Asilo San Juan Diego old folks' home. The first of the 3 day gala was a concert at Teatro Vallarta with young Jalisco tenor Jorge Jimenez, whose exceptional talent as a tenor has been compared to several legendary performers. His magical voice was showcased to perfection in Running with a Dream, which was the name of his debut concert, as well as the theme for the weekend's fundraising events.

On the second night, Saturday, March 26th, Phil Stewart hosted another glamorous evening at his beachfront villa on the South Shore. The Sunday, March 27th Brunch went from 11 am to midnight and was hosted by Yvonne of Casa Yvonneka in her glamorous villa in town.

The festive 3 day event was a huge success as it raised enough funds to build the much needed Shelter for the SPCA and the improvements planned at the Asilo San Juan Diego. It was also a wonderful success by the number of people who attended, some of whom flew in from out of town just for the event, and every one had a wonderful time.

There is no better way to forget the stress and hustle and bustle of everyday life than through escaping to a private villa or well appointed condo in Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit. So call Beston Properties at (213) 291-1594 from the US, send an email to info(at)bestonproperties.com or visit BestonProperties.com TODAY and let them help you plan your perfect vacation.

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