Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - We all make future plans but many never happen. Why? Are we afraid to take the first step? Whether you are planning to sometime retire, visit or move to Vallarta, make 2015 the year you take control and "just do it."

As you know, we accidentally wound up in Vallarta on our boat after cruising for 4-5 years and living onboard. We probably all have had events similar to ours but one day when we were at a boat show getting close to buying the boat, we learned Mike's best friend had a heart attack that morning and died at his desk. We ordered the boat, sold stuff and quit working. We knew many owners of similar long-range cruising boats that spent years "getting ready" and never left the dock.

Mexico has close to 2.0 mil expats from the US and Canada living here, and about 50,000 of them live around Vallarta, so you don't have to be a pioneer. Ask questions because many others have already done what you need to do and are willing to help. And yes, it's very safe in Vallarta. So make 2015 the year you get involved with Expats in Vallarta and either visit Vallarta, move here, or sign up for our events and make new friends.

Expats in Vallarta February Events

During the month of February, ExPats in Vallarta will be having two Happy Hour Gatherings at Langostinos from 5-7 pm. The first one will be on Tuesday, January 10th and the second on Tuesday the 24th. Langostinos is located on the beach just north of Los Muertos Pier. Come on down, relax, enjoy great food and mingle with other Expats. If you are a first timer, let us know when you come in the door and we will introduce you to other ExPats.

Make Reservations Now!

1. Go to expatsinvallarta.com and reserve under Upcoming Events, click on the date you wish to attend.

2. Send an email to sarajwise45(at)gmail.com. and tell us how many are coming.

Neighborhood Coffees will be held on Tuesday, February 3rd at 10 am at the Starbucks in Marina Vallarta (across the street from the Whale statue), and on Tuesday, February 17th at 10 am at the Starbucks in Nuevo Vallarta's Paradise Plaza. Grab a cup of coffee and come outside on the patio and meet other ExPats. Bring along your contact information to share with your new friends and neighbors. NO Reservations necessary for coffees.

Wine and Appetizer Evenings will be held on Friday, Feb. 6th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the 5 de Diciembre area, and on Friday, Feb. 20th from 6:30 to 8:30 in the Amapas area. Bring a bottle of wine or your favorite beverage and an appetizer to share with approximately 40 people and have an enjoyable, relaxing evening with fellow expats. Since these events are held in private homes, seating is limited and advance reservations are necessary. To make reservations email sarajwise45(at)gmail.com. These evenings fill up very quickly, so make your reservation today.

Special Event Dinners will be held on Thursday, Feb. 12th at Mama Rosa's. This is their original restaurant, located just a short walk up the hill on Leona Vicarioo #297 in downtown Puerto Vallarta behind Cafe del Artists. For a special ExPats price of $199 pesos per person, they'll be serving a delicious three-course meal. Tax and tip included. Drinks and drink tips are extra.

On Thursday, Feb. 26th, join us at Encanto Restaurant, located downtown at 518 Aquiles Serdan. Every time here is truly a memorable & wonderful evening. Dinner Choices are: Chili Rellenos $160 pesos per person; Chicken and Leeks $145 pesos per person; Spicy Orange Shrimp $220 pesos per person; and Filet of Fish $130 pesos per person. All dinners include Encanto's famous Garbage Salad. Tax and Tip included. Drinks and drink tips are extra.

These Special Event Dinners normally fill up in a couple of days. Email sarajwise45(at)gmail.com to make your reservation and arrange payment. No tickets sold at the door.

We're looking forward to seeing you at our February events!

The local group of Expats In Vallarta is open to all ExPat residents, visitors and investors from other countries. The purpose of the group is informal fellowship and assistance for ExPats around Vallarta for those considering the area. There is no membership fee or requirement; everyone pays for only what they use or consume.

For more information, to join the group, or for insight on what others have experienced during their move to Vallarta, visit ExpatsInVallarta.com.