From my viewpoint on the terrace of an Old Town neighbourhood restaurant, I am reminded of the tropical paradise in which I live. To my right, the charming cobblestone street below, and along beside that, the Cuale River. We have had a few evenings of unseasonably early rain, and it seems to me that the river is already running a little higher than it was a short time ago. I hear cries of delight and spy two children playing in the river; one splashing around, and the other lying against some rocks, simply letting the current rush past him, luxuriating in the cool refreshment. Indeed, the weather has started to warm up, and with it has arrived the embracing humidity. The river, and the shade of its tree-lined banks, bring welcome reprieve on a hot day.
Looking almost straight ahead of me, I see the first magnificent building of Rivera Cuale, Model Unit Now Open! sign proudly displayed on its south side. I marvel at how far it has come along since I joined the Rivera Cuale team only seven months ago, when it was a mere shell of only four stories. Now, with its red, terra cotta tiled roof in place atop the building’s nine stories, its many varied terraces, and warm accents of colour, the building has really taken on character, and it is easy to see Rivera Cuale as homes. Not just “full-time residential condominiums”, but homes, in a most unique of locations, on the age-old banks of the treasured Cuale River, in a historic and culturally rich area of Puerto Vallarta, right in Old Town.
Beyond the building, to the north and east, the Sierra Madres swell with renewed life, their vegetation beginning to return to the beautiful lush green we associate with Puerto Vallarta’s balmy climate. And all around me, flowers are in bloom: buganvilias of the brightest fuchsia and many other plants for which I sadly do not know the names.
Streetlights are coming on, and locals are in the street, enjoying the cooler temperature of dusk. They are also enjoying the breeze…ahhh, the glorious breeze! No matter the time of year, the breeze is ever-present in this area, and I always enjoy arriving to work at Rivera Cuale just to experience it. Now “work” admittedly is a bit of a misnomer. What I actually do there, is look out upon the view of the enchanting town, the sparkling Bay of Banderas, the mountains and the tumbling river. I watch iguanas lazing about in the sun, birds posing stoically on the river stones, and butterflies fluttering by. I meet fantastic people from all around the world, show them around our award-winning project, answer their thought-provoking questions, and, when I am most fortunate, get to be a part of making one of their life’s dreams come true. I also have the pleasure of spending time with the amazing and caring people who also “work” at Rivera Cuale. I don’t know what one word really captures what I do there, but “work” does not seem to fit.
I am feeling uplifted that I am seeing more people in Vallarta, enjoying all that it has to offer. For a while there, frightened off by reports of pandemic influenza in Mexico, many hard-working folks who were planning a vacation in their beloved Puerto Vallarta chose to stay home, even though Puerto Vallarta was safe with no confirmed cases of the so-called “swine flu”. Yes indeed, people here are healthy and out and about. Life goes on as normal. Beaches are fresh and clean. People are parasailing, high above the ocean, high above any worries. Restaurants are open, and compared to a few weeks ago, many more tables are full of vacationers sampling the Mexican cuisine. Proprietors are very glad for business and are working ever so hard to ensure their customers’ good time. Airfares are low, accommodations are plentiful, and line-ups are non-existent! It is a fantastic time to visit Puerto Vallarta, have a well-deserved amazing holiday, and help give a much needed boost to the economy of this paradise that gives so much.
For those looking for real estate, this is also an excellent time to do some shopping! The dollar goes far here these days, and there is much living space to be had for the square foot dollar. Already there have been signs of recovery in the US market, and in Canada too, and the market surely has just about reached bottom by now. With forecasts of a strengthening economy in the latter half of 2009, who can say how much longer these fantastic real estate deals can be found in Puerto Vallarta? Yes, it is an ideal time to get into the real estate market, whether solely for investment, for a family vacation home, or for the full-time home you have been dreaming about for a much-anticipated retirement. Why not consider a quality home at Rivera Cuale? You are sure to be impressed! www.riveracuale.com.
Come on down to Puerto Vallarta! Your visit will be appreciated and you will be glad you made the trip!
Leanne Smith
I welcome your questions and comments!
