Puerto Vallarta: Colloquialisms

Cuidado, Pescado

There are expressions; colloquialisms heard in Puerto Vallarta we always find amusing; twists of the language, same as we hear in English. Nada, nada, limonada translates to nothing, nothing, lemonade. It can mean a lot of things. Okay, Maguey (pronounced ma-gay) is simply you bet, or you got it. One phrase that stands out is Cuidado, Pescado. It means be careful and addresses a fish, but it’s spoken with sincerity. There are things to be careful of in Puerto Vallarta, and though some of them are not dangerous, others can be terminal. Like deadly. So let’s talk about some of them.

Number One on the List: Streets. When you’re walking in Puerto Vallarta, there is lovely merchandise to look at in the windows of stores; distractions like a palm cutter hoisting himself up a tree by means of a rope tied around his waist, with a machete in his hand; construction workers, dangling on the sides of buildings; people walking down the street dressed in less clothing than they should be. Watch your step; pay attention to where you’re going. The streets and sidewalks of Puerto Vallarta are old, which is part of the charm, but you can be tripped up if you aren’t careful. Cuidado, Pescado. Look both ways when stepping off the sidewalk. Look more than once. Buses, taxis, cars come around corners like a roller coaster ride, nonstop; it’s one thing in Puerto Vallarta that seems to be acquainted with speed…traffic. Pedestrians do not have the right-of-way in Mexico. Always hold the hands of children and be extra cautious with strollers.

Bugs. Use bug spray if you are staying in any area with a lot of lush plants (this includes hotels and areas surrounding pools). Mosquitoes are attracted to water, and where there are plants, there is water. Bug bites can make a person miserable, and sunburn doubles the sting. There are indeed spiders and scorpions; it’s rare to find them in hotels and timeshares since hotels are fumigated on a regular basis, but we advise not leaving towels and clothes on the floor. When staying near the jungle, we have always placed our shoes on a table if we aren’t wearing flip-flops. Better safe than sorry.

Sun. Keep covered… long sleeves, light linen. The beach is especially hazardous for the fair-skinned population. Pareos (sarongs) are available for as little as $100 pesos, which is a steal at about $6 US. They are light, comfortable and attractive. Use sunscreen and apply it after swimming, regardless of what the directions say.

Dogs and Cats. Rescuing is a charitable cause. We warn, however, the cats on the Rio Cuale are feral. Dogs on the beach without leashes and owners are usually too lazy to bother anyone but use caution. They may not be wild, but they might be desperate and frightened through no fault of their own.

Enjoy you stay in Puerto Vallarta and make lots of memories. We hope you take home many Spanish sayings but be sure to Cuidado, Pescado.

Que es cómo es.

Thanks to our Guest Blogger Adam Garcia for this great article!  (Opinions expressed are his own…)

About Vacation Villas of Mexico Founder, Vanessa Cole

The founder of the company, Vanessa Cole, lived in Puerto Vallarta for 10 years and in Cancun for 2 years. She has worked in Luxury Vacation Villa Rentals since 2001.

Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Vanessa earned a degree from the University of Texas in Austin, majoring in International Business and Latin American Studies.  Fluent in Spanish, she has worked and traveled all over Mexico and South America.

This is the type of experience you can count on to assist you with your vacation villa rental in Mexico…. [su_button url=”https://www.vacationvillasofmexico.com/contact-vacation-villas-of-mexico/” target=”blank” style=”glass” background=”#7796ab” size=”7″ wide=”yes” icon=”icon: calendar”]Contact Us Today![/su_button]