los jardines botanicos - the botanical gardens of puerto vallarta

Along the palms to pines highway sits los jardines botanicos - the botanical gardens of Puerto Vallarta - a nature lovers paradise, that makes a delightful outing for an afternoon. Just  30 minutes from Puerto Vallarta - amidst enchanting mountain scenery. The gardens 20 acres are filled with trails and flowering plants as well as one of the most visited collections of orchids in the country of Mexico.

Part of our entry fee included a complimentary beverage - a lovely and refreshing hibiscus cooler..... much appreciated after wandering through the grounds.  Hacienda De Oro - the on site restaurant which is engulfed in cascades of bougainvillea, is a pleasant place to enjoy some good food and views of the grounds and surrounding hillside. You can shop for plants at the nursery and the gift shop is filled with some unique botanical related items. At the time of our visit the gardens were hosting a bird watching event - so thrilling to spot birds in every color of the rainbow. A very unique environment and a wonderful place to enjoy an afternoon.

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visit vallarta botanicla garden

untouched by time - San Sebastian del Oeste

I recently had a delightful visit to the beautiful and very picturesque historic town of San Sebastian del Oeste. A charming 17th century colonial town, untouched by time, nestled deep within the Sierra Madre mountains. We traveled about 90 minutes by car from the beaches of Puerto Vallarta through pine tree forests and beautiful mountain scenery before reaching San Sebastian del Oeste.

The streets are cobbled, and the town is peaceful and well preserved  -  almost movie set perfect!

The day was spent wandering the streets shooting photos and exploring this charming town.
When hunger called, we stopped for lunch at Los Arcos de Sol - a restaurant and hotel on the main square, where we met the friendly owner Jesus. Born in San Sebastion, Jesus left to attend the university in Guadalajara, returning with an entrepenurial spirit to run the restaurant and hotel next door. We loved the homemade cookies that he had packaged and ready to take back to our room.

We checked in for one night at the El Pabellon Mexicano - a historic eleven room home -  turned hotel overlooking the plaza.

There are a handful of food and hotel options and an excellent website for planning a visit can be 

found here .

Photography: lorelle

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and to learn more about me.

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prague

around this time each year, i'am reminded of the year i spent in prague just before the christmas holidays. The holiday markets, the architecture, the romance of such an old historic city, watching the people prepare for the holiday was thrilling

i loved seeing these handmade marionettes with the garland and lights in the window
and the astronomical clock in the old town square which dates back to 1410 and the only one still in working order. at the hour, apostles or figures move around the exterior.

The markets were filled with fruits and vegetables, candies and cakes and the bustling people purchasing what they needed for their holiday meals. as we returned to the hotel the peaceful quiet that had come over the city, i thought this lovely holiday window said it all.

la degustation - bohemian dining in prague

for me, the highlight of my time in prague was dining at la degustation boheme bourgeoise
It was gastronomy heaven!!! a seven course tasting menu,  which you must allow a minimum of three hours to truly appreciate and enjoy the culinary art before you. the traditional bohemian tasting menu which changes daily and seasonally is based on historical Czech culinary art from the late 1800's. each of the seven courses is accompanied by a beautifully paired wine expertly chosen by the sommeliers. 

make sure to go with someone you really enjoy spending time with, and one that enjoys good food as it is pricey at over 200 per person, but well worth every penny!