KRYSTAL CLEAR IN PUERTO VALLARTA

It is Krystal clear…that a Puerto Vallarta vacation will be memorable for its warm sunshine, brilliant sunsets, lush mountains, pristine beaches, imaginative art, world-class cuisine and more…all in a tableau ranging from excitement to serenity. But for my wife, Doris, and me, it has been (and continues to be) most memorable for a different kind of warmth, the kind that comes from people.

Indeed, that was our immediate impression on our first visit 6 years ago.  Yes, we had been “warned” by veteran vacationers about experiencing the ubiquitous sales pitch, but we were so fascinated by the Krystal’s relaxed “village” atmosphere that we decided to sacrifice a few hours to learn about everything.

That’s when we met Alexandro Dagdug who, after a get-acquainted breakfast, took us on a tour of the facilities.  And it was on that tour that we learned from him about our mutual love for classical music which, in turn, led to a more philosophical conversation about the way culture shapes our lives.  And from that point, someone who started as a sales and marketing person, became a friend who has opened our eyes and hearts to Mexico and its people. This was a major breakthrough because we felt we were no longer tourists, but instead compadres, and of course it made sense to become owners.  Yes, we wanted to invest in coming back to something much more than a vacation place, but rather someplace that brought to life that old adage:  “Home is where the heart is.”

That “heart” is surely in abundance at the Krystal and Puerto Vallarta.  It’s found in Rosy Aguilar’s warm friendship in the office.  It’s found on your incomparable beach, where we need dark glasses to handle, not just the sun, but also the dazzling smiles of your non-stop waiters bringing refreshments.
It’s found on the Malecon, especially on Sundays, when we share that glorious promenade with local families…quite often three generations in one lively group.

It’s found on a Isla Cuale stroll, where the street vendors always preface their sales spiels by calling us “honeymooners” (which always makes this Golden Anniversary couple smile). In a word, it’s found everywhere…and it surely found its way into out hearts.

Sad to say, but there are some people in the U. S. A. who only have a surface view of Mexico, and too often equate that with booze-laden college kids on Spring break or, worse yet, illegal immigration and drug trafficking.  To those we say…remember, there are glass houses north of the border and, if you truly want to find the magic of Mexico, come to the Krystal and Puerto Vallarta… and it will find you.

Barry M. Schwartz