Today we went to and from Puerto Vallarta by bus. The bus system here works remarkably well, and the rides are cheap. It cost only 12 pesos to get to from Bucerias to the Marina in Puerto Vallarta (about a 35 minute ride, includes about 10 km of highway), 6-1/2 pesos to get downtown (about 15 minute ride, mostly urban). The exchange rate is about 11 or 12 pesos per Canadian dollar.
I can’t say that I feel altogether confident in the mechanical condition of the buses – yesterday on the way back from the Mega, I was sure I could smell gasoline and was hopeful that it was the vehicle in front of us. Today, a different bus, again a very strong smell of gasoline, most certainly from the bus itself. Being my usual paranoid self, I was watching carefully for any signs of fire, and noting my exit path. I tend to be silly that way. Thankfully, nothing bad happened, and we arrived at the Puerto Vallarta marina in good shape.
The signage and notices on the buses here of course is all in Spanish, so I don’t understand it. But on this bus, there were religious paintings of Jesus, his mother Mary, and the Sacred Heart. How interesting!
 |
| See sacred paintings along sides above windows |
| Note “Jesusito” at front above door |
| Check out the change tray beside the driver! |