Vivir una Vida Feliz

Moving to a new country is a profound experience. It’s akin to embarking on a new relationship filled with anticipation, uncertainty, and exhilarating possibilities. You’re excited about the new scenery, eager to embrace a different culture, and yet, nervous about the unknown challenges you'll face along the way.

You wonder if you’ll thrive or you’ll struggle. You wonder if this move will turn out to be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made or simply a curious detour in your life’s journey. For me, Puerto Vallarta has been exactly that. An adventure full of surprises, growth, and a lot of lessons learned.

It’s been almost five years since I decided to make Puerto Vallarta my home. My initial impression was that I knew what I was signing up for. After all, I’d done my research, learned a little Spanish, and envisioned a relaxed, beachy paradise. But the reality was far more nuanced.

I quickly realized I’d only scratched the surface of what it truly meant to live here. When I reflect on my journey, I often think about conversations with friends, especially a recent one where she asked me if I could tell my naive, overly optimistic self one piece of advice, what would it be? My response was simple but heartfelt: “Hold onto your sombrero, and maybe your sense of humor, because this is going to be one sweet, spicy, occasionally chaotic ride.”

Let’s start with the infamous moving day, as it’s the first, most tangible hurdle. I had envisioned those “perfect” pictures of boxes neatly packed, farewells exchanged with tearful hugs, and a smooth, seamless transition. Reality, however, was a whirlwind.

 It was chaos, littered with unintended delays, forgotten essentials, and last-minute surprises.

Despite meticulous planning, no amount of organization can prepare you fully for the unpredictability. Moving belongings across borders felt less like a straightforward transaction and more like trying to negotiate with a toddler. Customs officials scrutinized every item, questioning whether everything was properly declared, while my nervous attempts at Spanish and my frantic, hand-waving explanations only added to the comedic chaos.

There was the constant questioning. “Will this box make it through customs?” “Did I forget something important?” The process sometimes dragged on, with delays caused by paperwork mishaps or random inspections. Throughout this, I learned to pack essentials in my carry-on from here on out. Documents, a change of clothes, a few favorite items.

I also learned to stay calm amidst the frenzied moments, and this was so hard for me! But reminding myself that the journey from packing to arrival is rarely smooth, and that it’s all part of the story, worked better for me. And when things feel overwhelming, a little humour goes a long way.

Another considerable hurdle was language. I had some knowledge of Spanish, or so I thought. But Mexican Spanish is a rich, vibrant tapestry woven with slang, idioms, and regional expressions and pronunciations that sometimes trip up even the most confident speakers.

I vividly remember one instance where I intended to wish someone a “Feliz Año Nuevo” (Happy New Year). Instead, I accidentally blurted out something highly inappropriate because of a mispronunciation. The embarrassment was instant, but the laughter that followed made it all the more memorable.

Those moments, embarrassing at first, became cherished memories. They’re opportunities to learn, to connect, and to embrace the imperfections of language and culture.

You quickly discover that gestures, patience, and laughter are your best allies. Locals appreciate when you make an effort to speak their language, and a humble attitude endears you to everyone. Understanding a joke in Spanish, especially one that plays with local expressions, can be like uncovering a small treasure. It’s about the effort, the connection, and the shared experience that make life here so enriching.

The weather was another surprise. I knew it was hot, but I underestimated just how intense the sun could be, especially in the summer months. Although not originally from Louisiana, that’s where I came here from. So, I had convinced myself that “I got this” when it came to the heat and the humidity. But just one day of wandering outdoors in the glaring heat taught me that SPF 50 isn’t optional; it’s a necessity. The humidity here can make a perfectly presentable t-shirt turn into a soggy mess in minutes.

Then, there are those spontaneous tropical downpours. Those sudden, drenching showers that flood the streets faster than you can say “agua,” and leave you scrambling for cover. At first, these downpours felt inconvenient, but over time I learned to embrace them. They’re perfect excuses to slow down, sip a warm coffee at a nearby café, and marvel at the dance of rain on the rooftops. Lightweight, breathable clothing has become my everyday uniform.

Puerto Vallarta's culinary scene is better than average for food lovers. From tacos al pastor to freshly caught seafood to the sweetest mangoes, your palate will thank you. I wish I’d known just how addictive street food can be, with its fiery salsas and vibrant flavors that sometimes have a mind of their own. The local flavors add a richness to life that’s impossible to replicate elsewhere. Once you start exploring the local cuisine, it becomes an addiction, but one that’s both delicious and deeply satisfying.

In terms of costs, I initially assumed that Mexico would be significantly cheaper across the board. While it often is, I quickly learned that quality comes at a price.

Specialty coffee drinks, for example, can cost more here than they did back home, especially if you’re accustomed to the big chains. Renting a decent place to live wasn’t necessarily cheap either, especially if you want something reliable and centrally located. Utilities, your water, electricity, internet, can fluctuate unpredictably, so I recommend keeping a financial buffer just in case.

Grocery shopping was another lesson in balance. Basic produce like avocados and tomatoes are plentiful and affordable but imported goods and specialty items can quickly add up. Surprisingly, pantry staples I’d once considered inexpensive at home can be more costly here when imported. A good strategy is to focus on local, seasonal produce and swap out imported brands for local equivalents. Your wallet and your stomach will thank you.

Puerto Vallarta is world-famous for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, but what truly keeps this city alive are its community and culture. The “Pura Vida” spirit, that zest for life, is  palpable everywhere.

The locals are friendly, resilient, and eager to share their stories. Whether it’s an unexpected chat on the Malecón with a stranger, or exchanging stories with neighbours over tropical drinks, I quickly realized that community is the heart of PV. It’s a place where traditions are cherished, and everyone from artisans to retirees to digital nomads adds their own unique flavor to the city. The diversity of people coming here creates a rich mosaic of stories, backgrounds, and experiences, and these communal moments have a way of making you feel truly at home.

Getting around PV is surprisingly simple and charming. The buses are bright, noisy, and reliably cost-effective ways to explore the city’s many neighborhoods. Taxis, too, are readily available, but with their quirks. I remember one driver who shared his conspiracy theories about the government, and  another who offered me a discount for a giant stuffed raccoon I’d bought for my dog. Despite their eccentricities, they’re part of the city’s colourful character, and riding in them offers a glimpse into everyday life here.

Walking though Puerto Vallarta is perhaps the best way to discover its hidden gems. Narrow alleyways, vibrant markets, small cafes tucked into tranquil corners, they’re all waiting to be uncovered on foot. Every step offers a new surprise: a mural painted on a wall, a street artist creating remarkable designs, a small tienda selling handmade jewelry. Walking allows you to absorb the city’s rhythm and spot the details missed when zipping around in a taxi or bus. Plus, it’s a great way to work off those delicious tacos!

One unexpected joy is how many small, beautiful moments there are in daily life. Watching sunsets transform the sky into a watercolor masterpiece, listening to live mariachi bands on street corners, or stumbling upon secluded beach coves with nobody around, all of these experiences fill my everyday life with magic. Engaging with the local art scene, taking dance lessons, or simply enjoying an icy paleta on a hot afternoon, these are the little pleasures that deeply enrich my soul. These moments have become the true treasures of my living here.

Of course, life isn’t always perfect. Sometimes your Wi-Fi will cut out during a critical Zoom meeting, or you’ll forget your umbrella in a sudden rainstorm. The key is to embrace these imperfections with grace and humour.

I often remind myself of the local saying, “No pasa nada.” Nothing is a big deal. Each challenge is just another story to tell with a laugh later. Flexibility is your best friend. Whether adjusting your schedule around the weather or trying a new local dish on a whim, adapting with a positive attitude makes all the difference.

Humour, in particular, is a secret superpower, and I’m quite the expert! A smile and a light-hearted attitude help turn frustrations into memorable stories. After all, living here is about rolling with the punches, whether it’s dealing with unexpected rain or linguistic missteps.

Over time, I’ve come to see these moments as part of the adventure, adding character and depth to the experience. I wish I could tell my past self to relax, breathe, and savor every little moment, from the fiery sunsets to the lively conversations. And even the quirky inconveniences.

Moving to PV, or Mexico in general, is not about striving for perfection but about embracing a different pace of life. It’s a pace where mornings slowly dawn with a gentle breeze, afternoons invite you to relax and soak in the sunshine, and evenings burst into a kaleidoscope of colors with sunsets, laughter, and lively conversations.

The true beauty of living here lies in spontaneity. It’s in the joy of wandering through bustling fish markets and chatting with vendors about their freshest catch or sitting on a bench watching the waves roll in with a cold drink in hand. It’s about allowing yourself to be present, appreciating the simple pleasures from a quiet morning walk to an impromptu dance in the rain.

There's a freedom in this lifestyle that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s where the worries of time and schedule become secondary to the richness of experiences.

In the early days, I was often overwhelmed by the newness of everything, the language barriers, the different customs, the unfamiliar surroundings. But I gradually learned that it’s okay to stumble. Every mistake, every mispronounced word, every missed bus route was simply part of the learning process.

Over time, those missteps have become badges of honour. They’re now the stories I tell with a chuckle during dinners with friends. They remind me of how far I’ve come and how much richer life becomes when you embrace the imperfect moments.

Would I do it all over again? Absolutely. Every challenge has shaped me into someone more adaptable, more patient, and more open-minded. Each new friendship forged, each spicy meal tasted, and each sunset admired has become an integral part of my personal story here. I laugh at my early blunders now, from trying to navigate the local transportation to misunderstanding idiomatic expressions, and I cherish the genuine warmth of the community I’ve come to love.

For anyone contemplating a move to Mexico, my biggest piece of advice is to bring your sense of humour, your spirit of curiosity, and an open heart. Prepare to be surprised, sometimes delightfully and sometimes chaotically, by the unpredictable rhythm of life here. But rest assured, this country will give you so much more than you might expect. It offers a fresh perspective, meaningful connections, and a deeper understanding of your own resilience.

If I could go back and whisper a few words to my younger self, I’d tell her to pack an even bigger smile than she did, and to keep her heart more open for the unexpected. Because those surprises, both good and bad, are what make the journey unforgettable. Over time, Mexico has transformed from an out-of-towner’s adventure into a place where I feel deeply rooted and at home.

If I only knew then what I know now, I would have traveled lighter, and I don’t mean just in the number of suitcases I packed. I would have ditched the worries, the stress, and the need to control every detail. I would have known then that happiness isn’t about everything being perfectly planned; it’s about being present and appreciating each fleeting moment.

What I really needed was just a bigger heart and a willingness to say “sí” to whatever came my way. Because life is about small surprises, spontaneous dances, shared stories, and simple joys. It’s in these moments that life’s most beautiful experiences unfold. It’s when we let go and embrace the adventure.

Here’s to making your own unforgettable story. I hope it’s as lucky a story as mine has been in that it’s one rooted in a place where every day holds a new possibility, every sunset paints a new masterpiece, and every encounter enriches your soul.

Adventure begins with a little courage. What comes next is entirely up to you.