Retirement in Puerto Vallarta - Want to Learn Something in Your Spare Time?

Now that you've finally retired and have somethese classes are quite popular. (Author's
free time, perhaps you might be interested incommentary--Perhaps the meditation, yoga,
learning some things that you previously neverpilates, reflexology, etc. are truly effective, since
had time to learn. But first, you must decideso many participate in these classes; but all of my
where you want to gain this new knowledge andfriends do their meditating and stretching holding
with whom you want to gain it.on to the end of a golf club, tennis racket, or
The last place in the world that might come tofishing rod!)
mind for taking classes in the subject of yourArt classes-- Art galleries, studios, and malecon
choice would probably be some sleepy littleartists are located throughout Puerto Vallarta; so
Mexican fishing village!many that there is weekly art walk where
Back in early 1960's, Puerto Vallarta was just that,strollers can gather and check out the latest
a sleepy little Mexican fishing village, as portrayedartwork. Virtually all of these studios plus a
in "The Night of the Iguana". Well, things havenumber of local artists offer courses in oil painting,
changed south of the border; Vallarta is nowwater colors, charcoal, etc. plus sculpturing,
home to 350,000 inhabitants and growing daily. Ofcarving, ceramics, and every other form of art
the 350,000 people, we can only estimate thatimaginable. To anyone with the slightest degree of
50,000 are North Americans. With tens ofartistic talent and the desire to explore their
thousands of successful retirees in Vallarta, so tooabilities, Vallarta will be Paradise.
is an abundance of knowledge on just aboutCooking classes-- The most popular cooking
every subject imaginable. Chances are, no matterclasses are held during the week of the Puerto
what your area of interest might be, there areVallarta International Gourmet Festival, at which
retirees in Vallarta that possess expertise in thattime world famous chefs come to town to join
area and are willing and anxious to share it. Thus,with the chefs from the many five star
you will find classes in just about every area ofrestaurants in Vallarta. They put on cooking
interest, having fellow retirees as classmates.demonstrations, give structured cooking classes,
Below is what we believe to be, the first publishedhost wine tasting parties, and serve world class
list of classes on various subjects available incuisine to the attendees. Less well known, yet still
Puerto Vallarta. Surely some will be overlooked,very much enjoyed, are smaller cooking classes
however the purpose for the following list of 16held in certain boutique restaurants and of course,
subjects is to present a general idea of what isMexican food preparation classes are available
available for you to learn while living in Paradise. Iteverywhere.
begins with the most obvious, Spanish lessons,Acting classes--Puerto Vallarta has been the site
and continues through social activities, sports,for many movies, starting with "Night of the
health related activities, hobbies, and crafts.Iguana". Since that movie was filmed, there have
Spanish classes--Spanish can be studied in thebeen at least 70 additional films produced in
comfort of your home, at your desired pace, byVallarta including movies such as "Herbie Goes
employing any of the many professional tutorsBananas", "Predator", "Revenge", "Puerto Vallarta
available in town. Structured classes in Spanish areSqueeze", "Kill Bill", etc. Additionally, the Disney
offered in a number of schools as well as at theStudio is currently producing a film in Vallarta titled
University of Guadalajara branch campus located"South of the Border". Because of all the local
in Vallarta. For those desiring to be immersed infilming, the area is full of talented actors offering
Spanish lessons, there are one week to onetheater and acting classes to the local residents.
month courses available in remote areas outsideMany of these residents are selected as stand-ins
of Vallarta such as in Yalapa, a secluded beachfor the various films being shot in town while
reached only by a 45 minute water taxi ride fromothers act as thespians in local plays that are
Vallarta.produced for the pleasure of the residents.
Dance classes--You name it, they dance it inMusic & Singing classes--Due to the number
Vallarta. At this time, Tango and Salsa areof concerts and plays in the local theaters, there
probably the most popular classes, however Line,is always a demand for singers and musicians.
Square, Modern, Jazz, Ballroom, and even BalletConsequently, the professionals are always
dancing are taught every night in Vallarta. Yes, weavailable for music and singing lessons.
have a professional ballet instructor here; so guys,Writing workshops--The Puerto Vallarta Writers
don't forget to bring your slippers! Once you thinkGroup holds weekly meetings, often sponsoring
you're a pretty good dancer, we'll have youguest speakers in Vallarta. This organization
checked out by the two internationally renownedprovides aspiring authors with information required
dance contest judges that reside in Vallarta!to skillfully write and edit, information on markets
Cards classes--Cards are played every afternoonof interest, and techniques for getting their work
and evening all over town and therefore thepublished. Whether you're interested in writing
playing retirees are always looking for "freshpoems, articles, short stories, manuscripts , or
blood". Poker, Gin Rummy, Bridge, Canasta andbooks, this group of writers will be eager to assist
Thirty-One are most common, with instructions,you. Aside from this group, because the climate in
training, and tutoring given at every club.PV is perfect from November through May,
Mahjong classes--Whatever it is that they do withcertain other outside groups like BelleCora Press
the dice, tiles, cards, racks, and chips, Mahjonghold a couple workshops per year in town,
must be a lot of fun; there are Mahjong groups allbringing new talent and training to the local
over town. Again, each club offers lessons andresidents.
newcomers are always welcome.Photography workshops--A number of the
Golf & Tennis lessons--Professionals at allprofessional photographers in Vallarta give periodic
seven of the golf courses offer private as well asworkshops, concentrating on wildlife, marine life,
group lessons. From time to time, free golf clinicsnature, ocean views with the Sierra Madres as a
and beginner group lessons are also available. Thebackdrop, and of course, the beautiful people of
same holds true for tennis at all of the manyVallarta. Again, because of the magnificent climate,
tennis court complexes.outside groups like The Hamilton Workshops
Scuba Diving classes--Shops located on virtuallycome to Vallarta for their five day "bikini and
every beach and in many of the hotels offerlingerie fashion and glamour" workshop, where
scuba diving classes. The water, especially souththey teach the "hands on" aspects of lighting,
of town near Mismaloya and Los Arcos, is idealposing, and working with models. A little of
for exploring the abundance of colorful marine life.something for everybody in Paradise!
Exercise, Fitness, and Aerobics classes--BeautifulComputer training--Between the numerous cyber
health clubs and spas are located all over thecafés, computer maintenance and repair
Puerto Vallarta area, each offering a full range ofshops, and the internet providers, there are many
services including individual and group exerciseprofessionals in town anxious to assist in solving
programs, pampering, and diet control. They tailorany computer related problems. Working as
the exercise program for each member,tutors, they will come to your house and teach
demonstrating the proper use of equipment,you any aspect of computer technology that's of
including weight, frequency, duration and rotation.interest to you including digital photography,
These clubs also provide guidance on proper dietinternet usage, Microsoft programs, etc. Rates for
to be maintained in conjunction with the exercisetheir services are typically a third of what you
program.would pay in the States, if you could find
Yoga & Pilates classes--These classes, heldsomeone for home tutoring there.
daily all over town, are supposed to improve yourAs you can see, there are plenty of ways to put
mental and physical well being, increase flexibility,your brain to work while enjoying "la dolce vida" in
and strengthen muscles. Evidently these programsParadise. Additionally, there must be in excess of
work, or at least they're an enjoyable place toone hundred clubs, societies, and organizations
spend a couple hours socializing with friends,with members that are anxious to share their
because there are an awful lot of people inspecific knowledge with newcomers. So, if you're
Vallarta attending these classes.interested in learning something new or pursuing
Meditation classes-- Meditation classes are held inan area of interest that you always wanted to
most of the spas and even available every daybut didn't have the spare time, perhaps this is the
on the beaches. Evidently PV, with perfecttime and Puerto Vallarta, one of the most
weather throughout its seven month "highbeautiful resort destinations in the world, is the
season", is an ideal location for meditating becauseplace.