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 News from Around Banderas Bay | January 2008 
International Friendship Club Home Tours
 Pamela Thompson - PVNN
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Click to see flyer | | Visitors and locals alike can stroll through some of the most beautiful homes and gardens in the bay area to see first-hand what it's like to live in "Paradise." | | |
When you live here full time, especially for a very long time, we tend to forget what it is like to be a tourist - to "see through a tourist eyes" our beautiful Puerto Vallarta. I have recently discovered that this is absolutely a must do for us all!
I am embarrassed to say that I have never been to the Botanical Gardens! Of course, I kept meaning to, but it just hadn’t happened. As well, it had been ages since I had gone on the International Friendship Club’s Home Tours. Wow! I thought, I can do both on the same day & chose to attend the Thursday home tour that visits three homes and the Botanical Gardens.
Arriving at La Hacienda Restaurant (pick up point for the tours this year,) I tried to blend in with the tourists gathering to begin the day. (And, as well, added to my To-Do list to go to La Hacienda for breakfast sometime soon!) Boarding the clean, comfortable bus, I settled in, thoroughly enjoying myself feeling like I was ditching school.
The two docents gave informative information as we headed south, up the Mismaloya Highway and into Upper Conchas Chinas. Our first stop was Casa Tula which was more like visiting a fabulous museum than a house. Oohs and Aah’s were heard everywhere as the owner personally greeted us and welcomed us into his home. I felt like a true voyeur and had to put my hands into my pockets so I wouldn’t touch anything.
Off we went to the next home, Casa Bendix that had a totally different type of style with a bright and colorful décor everywhere you looked. The last home (actually a condo) behind the Oxxo station on the highway was tremendous. I am going to call Tropicasa because I want it!
Back on the bus and we were off to The Botanical Gardens. Words cannot describe how truly precious this hidden gem is. I felt like I had suddenly been sent back in time to when I was a little girl visiting my grandmother and her gardens. Bob, the gracious host and owner was welcoming and warm. The pizza is to die for. I didn’t want to leave. I want to live there too!
Do you ever have one of those days where you say, "Now THAT was a good day" and feel sort of warm and fuzzy. Sounds corny, but true. That is how my experience felt.
I so urge those of you that are here for the season to grab a friend and take the Home Tour. You will not regret it. If you have company and are looking for something other than a booze cruise to do with them, do the Home Tour! And, to top it off, 100% of your ticket price goes to charity!
IFC Home Tour Information
South Shore Home Tour:
Wednesdays – Homes Only
Thursdays - Homes and Botanical Gardens
Bus departs from La Hacienda Restaurant (Lazaro Cardenas #388) at 10:30 am – returns 2 pm
Tickets available from 8:30 am. Space is limited.
Price: $350 pesos or $35 USD per person
North Shore Home Tour:
Tuesday Only
Bus departs from La Paz Restaurant (Marina Vallarta, 1 block past Hospital Amerimed) at 10 am - returns at 3 pm
Tickets available from 8:30 am
Price: $550 pesos or $50 USD per person, including lunch
For more information, call the International Friendship Club at (322) 222-5466. |
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