Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - With the US media often opting for ratings rather than facts, the 'mediated reality' presented to Americans is that all of Mexico is ridden with violence and unsafe to visit. That's why we decided to re-release the 'Simply Puerto Vallarta' video series that was created in 2010 to highlight all of the great people, places and things our safe and beautiful city has to offer. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Hubert Vicars, who, along with his wife Polly, enriched the lives of many while living out their golden years on the golden sands of Puerto Vallarta.

Polly and Hubert Vicars retired south of the border long before it became trendy, astounding family and friends.

"They thought I was crazy," said Hubert, "My family took bets with each other as to how long we would stay."

"For me they weren't too surprised," laughs Polly, "I've always been kinda nutty, but they couldn't believe that Hubert was gonna move down here."

From the moment they arrived in Puerto Vallarta, 1988, it was love at first sight and they bought the condo they still live in after only three days in the city. They enjoy the climate, their boat and lots of ocean swimming.

There is an estimated one-million Americans living in Mexico and that number is expected to rise as baby boomers retire. In the September/October 2010 issue of AARP magazine, Puerto Vallarta was rated as the number one place to retire abroad.

Polly believes the AARP article is 22 years too late because when they retired in Puerto Vallarta there were not a lot of Americans living in the city. She thinks its a wonderful recognition for the area and agrees with it whole heartedly.

Moving to a foreign country produces many challenges, but the Vicars took it all in stride. They strongly recommend learning Spanish, even though you can get by without knowing it. Learning the language will help you enjoy the culture even more.

There are many reasons why people emigrate from the US to Mexico. The Vicars suggest doing some research before settling in a new country.

"Hubert and I have gone around the world twice," says Polly, "We checked out many places where we could possibly retire, and there's no place like Puerto Vallarta." She says the people make the difference and the fact that they can fly to the US within a couple of hours. Polly also states that they could not live in the United States on what they live on here and says it is the best place in the world to retire.

Whether it is the climate, personal atmosphere or cost of living, Puerto Vallarta is the first choice for many North American retirees. The Vicars have a lot of friends, Mexicans and Americans, here in Vallarta and they thoroughly enjoy their life south of the border.