In Puerto Vallarta the Tourism Board  had  Mtra. Xaviera Gutierrez Ruiz and her driver, Manuel guide us
 on a motor tour of this bustling city of over 350,000 residents, and many tourists as well, since we arrived at the beginning of their high season which extends from November to April.
 Our  Driver Manuel  had been born and raised in the City and had some interesting facts about it and knew every side street and alley. First  was Malecon, the beach walk with its examples of Mexican sculpture. Then to the historic square and heart of the original town with its classic church "Our Lady of Guadalupe.'
 El Set Restaurant and Bar overlooks Mismeloya beach and it was here that the 1962 film "Night of the Iguana' was on location. Everyone agrees that this film put Puerto Vallarta on the map worldwide.
 Our first visit was on a press trip in 1979 and in Puerto Vallarta we stayed at the El Camino Real hotel, then the first high end luxury hotel there. Now such four and five star hotels abound in the region and were included as part of the tour as we followed the road that flanks what is the city's own riviera.
 Then Xaviera treated us to a wonderful luncheon at La Palapa Restaurant and Bar which literally is beachside with many tables spread on the beach.  Here we opened with cocktails.  For me a Pina Colada.   After our grand luncheon it was back to the dock  and our good bye to Xaviera and Manuel who had treated us so well.
 Our last view of the City was at 5 p.m. when, once again, this Writer was called upon to help Captain Rocco Lubrano get the Carnaval Miracle out of port. And of course we had to be up at 5:30 a.m. to help dock the ship in Long Beach. These long ship watches are very trying.