“It's always been a great adventure”

Hi to our many old friends at the NH Krystal in Puerto Vallarta,

We have many happy memories of our vacations at the Krystal starting in 1995. Whenever we get together with the friends who've joined us in PV, the conversation always leads us to our great times there. From my husband Dick probably being the first person e who actually approached Shanti at the Krystal to tell her he'd like to buy a time share (Yes, really!!!), to the day we rented a jeep convertible and traveled north and south, with our friend chasing a straw hat that had blown off my husband Dick's head, and nearly being run down by a bus, to our trip down to Punta Peneta, needing gas and having only a $100 bill American (before credit cards were accepted in Mexico at the Pemex) and being rescued by a fellow American with change in pesos, to a recent trip to San Sebastian, when we were lost and ended up traveling through farm fields and driving through rivers to get back on the right track, it's always been a great adventure.

Our story starts in February of 1994 when I received a call from my daughter asking me where she could go to be somewhere warm on her birthday, which is February 12th. I opened the newspaper and saw an ad for Puerto Vallarta. The trip was a real bargain with a week's stay including airfare for two for $1,000 American. I recalled Puerto Vallarta from the movie "The Night of the Igauana" with Richard Burton and Ava Gardner. Also, notable was the romance between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, during the making of the film.  My daughter booked the trip, loved Puerto Vallarta, and so it's been ever since.

Our first trip was the week after Thanksgiving in 1995. Upon arriving at the airport, we were a little apprehensive about vacationing in Mexico, but upon our arrival at the Krystal, all our fears disappeared. The resort was so beautiful and comfortable and so much fun, it was like living a dream. Two years later, we brought friends with us, and again the next year, and again the next. In 2007 we purchased a time share, and another in 2008, so.............we now have the resources to entertain our friends in the grandest style every year. We love the many wonderful restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. Every year we try a few new ones, and always return to our favorite old ones, too.

The changes to the city in the past 15 years are remarkable, but I must admit I miss the real old Mexican touches that are beginning to disappear. I miss the cats and dogs wandering the streets, and especially the cats at the Krystal. But........that's progress, and I must admit, it's great to be able to purchase almost anything, with the exception of pretzels and chip dip, in Mexico that we can purchase at home.

We're looking forward to spending 5 weeks in Puerto Vallarta this year; and this year will be a milestone; our daughter and son-in-law will be joining us, along with their new little girl Ella, who was born May 26th. So......we've now come full circle, with the next generation of the family beginning to vacation at the NH Krystal.

My fondest memories are of the many fine staff members at the Krystal, some of whom have been serving us food and drinks since 1995. Ezekiel at the breakfast buffet still cooks me the best omelettes with everything (but hot peppers), and the bartenders at the pool, and the waiters in the restaurant, Ariste for one, still keep my morning coffee coming steadily. "Mas Coffee", are my favorite words in Spanish.

My best to all at the NH Krystal, and we're looking forward to seeing you in February.

Marianne Evans KIVC #9417