Among the many highlights of my vacation just north of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico was--what else?--the food.

Every day, I helped myself to generous amounts of salsa and guacamole. This was not just any salsa and ordinary guacamole. No, this stuff was singing. The guacamole, a lush green, featured huge avocado chunks and a slight zest. The salsa, thick but composed of finely diced tomato and onion, sizzled with a hefty infusion of cilantro.

It got to the point where, since this was available at every lunch and dinner, I added it to nearly everything. I don't know how I can ever eat guacamole at home again. Now I know why my friend from Texas refuses to eat Mexican food in New York City.

Add Pacific sunsets, good company, fun times and great scenery, and it was a very nice vacation.