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Embracing the Slope<\/h2>\n
I did some reading recently about Zen garden philosophy, and it turns out that slopes are actually perfect for creating stillness. <\/p>\n
Usually, people see a hill and think "that's a lot of work." <\/p>\n
But in Japanese design, a slope is a gift. <\/p>\n
It allows for layering and perspective. <\/p>\n
The secret spot I found today uses every inch of the incline. <\/p>\n
There are stone paths that wind downward, encouraging you to walk slowly and mindfully. <\/p>\n
I spent about twenty minutes just watching water trickle down a series of rocks. <\/p>\n
They say that in a true Zen garden, you should use odd numbers of rocks, 3, 5, or 7. <\/p>\n
I counted five large, smooth river stones near the entrance of this garden. <\/p>\n
It felt balanced. <\/p>\n
It felt intentional. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s exactly the kind of energy I needed to start my weekend. <\/p>\n
I\u2019ve written before about how much I love the morning vibe here, like in my post The Art of Solo Coffee: My Favorite Hidden Cafes in Old Town<\/a>, but this garden takes it to a whole new level.<\/p>\n Most people stay down by the beach, and I get it. <\/p>\n The ocean is AMAZING. <\/p>\n But the hills offer a different kind of luxury. <\/p>\n Up here, you get the breeze. <\/p>\n You get the privacy. <\/p>\n And you get the views that make your heart skip a beat. <\/p>\n I\u2019ve realized that when I rent apartments puerto vallarta<\/a>, I always prefer the ones that have a little bit of elevation. <\/p>\n Being able to look down over the red-tiled roofs of Old Town while the sun comes up is a spiritual experience. <\/p>\n It makes me feel connected to the history of the city. <\/p>\n The garden I found today has a simple wooden bench at the very top of the terrace. <\/p>\n When you sit there, the slope below you seems to disappear. <\/p>\n All you see is the greenery and the distant blue of the bay. <\/p>\n It is pure stillness.<\/p>\n If you are a solo traveler coming to PV, please do yourself a favor and go for a walk in the hills. <\/p>\n Don't just stick to the Malecon. <\/p>\n The side streets of the Zona Romantica are where the real soul of the city lives. <\/p>\n I found that my morning walk was the perfect way to clear my head. <\/p>\n I didn't check my phone once. <\/p>\n I didn't look at my emails. <\/p>\n I just breathed in the humid, floral air and enjoyed the quiet. <\/p>\n I highly recommend taking a small notebook with you. <\/p>\n I ended up writing three pages of thoughts just sitting on that garden bench. <\/p>\n If you want more ideas on how to spend quiet time here, check out my other post, Solo Escape: Finding My Zen in Old Town Puerto Vallarta<\/a>.<\/p>\n After my garden retreat, I headed back to my home base. <\/p>\n Having a space that feels like yours is so important when you are traveling solo. <\/p>\n I love a place with big windows and a lot of natural light. <\/p>\n There is nothing worse than a dark, cramped room when you are in a tropical paradise. <\/p>\n My current spot has these massive glass doors that let the outside in. <\/p>\n I can see the mountains from my bed. <\/p>\n It makes the whole experience feel seamless. <\/p>\n You go from a secret garden in the hills to a modern, comfortable living space without losing that "zen" feeling.<\/p>\n If you decide to go exploring the hills of Old Town, here is what I suggest:<\/p>\n First, wear good shoes. <\/p>\n The cobblestones are charming, but they are also uneven and can be slippery. <\/p>\n Second, go early. <\/p>\n By 11:00 AM, the sun is strong, and the climb will feel much harder than it actually is. <\/p>\n Third, bring water. <\/p>\n There aren't many shops once you get deep into the residential parts of the hills. <\/p>\n But best of all, bring an open mind. <\/p>\n Some of the best gardens and views are hidden behind unassuming gates or at the end of dead-end streets. <\/p>\n I\u2019ve found that the people living up here are incredibly friendly. <\/p>\n A simple "Buenos d\u00edas" goes a long way. <\/p>\n It\u2019s all part of the magic of living like a local.<\/p>\n I am so grateful to be here and to share these little discoveries with you. <\/p>\n Puerto Vallarta is a place that keeps giving if you know where to look. <\/p>\n If you want to see more of my daily adventures and the secret spots I find, you have to follow us! <\/p>\n Follow us on Instagram<\/a> for all the best photos and videos. <\/p>\nWhy the Hills are Calling<\/h2>\n
![\"Secret](\"https:\/\/cdn.marblism.com\/qWN-9KlIpAY.webp\")
<\/p>\nFinding Your Own Stillness<\/h2>\n
The Comforts of Home<\/h2>\n
![\"Bright](\"https:\/\/cdn.marblism.com\/j7cVJX8941l.webp\")
<\/p>\nPractical Tips for Your Hillside Adventure<\/h2>\n
![\"Modern](\"https:\/\/cdn.marblism.com\/vaVSGIHRDeW.webp\")
<\/p>\nLet's Stay Connected!<\/h2>\n