I am willing to conjecture that most readers of Vallarta Daily News are familiar with Tricia and Mike Lyman for various engaging reasons .
They were both correspondents for Vallarta Daily covering the Vallarta ; Nayarit Classic Rock Music Festival with Tricia writing and Mike as photographer .
This friendly couple uses their combined talents publishing their popular blog Lyman’s Journey, and last June they were invited to attend the International Living conference in Puerto Vallarta detailing their process of “country shopping” as Tricia likes to say. And excitingly were included this month in an article for Huffington Post featuring retired expat’s around the globe .
Tricia created and monitors two Facebook pages for the Vallarta community. Puerto Vallarta Everything You Need and Want to Know as well as Vallarta/Banderas Bay Buy and Sell. Both pages are extremely popular and useful .
Mike and Tricia had traveled separately to Vallarta before marrying in 2001 and together afterwords, so they were already devotee’s. Living on numerous acres and in a log house that Mike built in Washington state they dreamed of avoiding the harsh winters and living elsewhere six months of the year. Working in real estate this couple decided that the economic global downturn in 2008 was an opportunity for change, selling everything they pared their belongings into what would fit in a few suitcases and took flight .
The Lyman’s researched and developed a list of country’s to explore for three months at a time, in deciding where to create a new home base. The list included Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua. When I asked why Mexico specifically, Puerto Vallarta wasn’t on the short list, their reply was “we just thought it was too expensive”. When the other options didn’t work out Tricia and Mike decided to take a break from country shopping and spend five months in P.V. in December 2013 .
Always recording a budget the Lyman’s were surprised and delighted after their first month that Vallarta was indeed affordable and provided them with all the amenities they desired . The decision was made, Puerto Vallarta officially became their new home.
Mike and Tricia’s partial list of what makes Vallarta special and very compatible for them .
1. Mexican culture and architecture.
2. Beautiful sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.
3. Verdant mountains.
4. Friendly people. The synergy of locals, ex-pats and tourists .
5. Lovely beaches.
6. Reliable and fast internet.
7. Live entertainment.
8. Public transportation which includes access to other towns outside of Vallarta such as Sayulita.
9. Quality health care.
10. PVR international airport makes it easy to visit family and friends and vise versa.
A few favorite spots in P.V .
1. Los Muertos Brewing Co. for artisanal beers and pizza.
2. Nacho Daddys for live music and viewing sports.
3. Signature Lounge for happy hour.
4. Bravos for dinner.
Hgs!, ¡abrazos!