The Kitty-Fishy-Kitschy Bench
Most of the year Melanie and Travis Henderson live in Sherwood Park, Alberta. But like many people, they have a huge soft spot for Vallarta and its sweet, easy going personality. Having spent a good bit of their leisure time over the years in Vallarta, they started looking toward the future, and it made sense to buy a second home here. Fast forward and Travis is now retired, spending winters in Vallarta at their place in Zona Romantica. So Melanie sponsored their bench as a surprise for him, a way of celebrating their life together, and sharing with their “second home” town.
The design of the bench has 3 elements to it:
Kitty
Oreo, the tuxedo cat… he represents Travis and Melanie’s love of animals. When in Vallarta, they volunteer with “Friends of PV Animals” in support of the cats and dogs at the municipal shelter. They share their love by walking dogs and whatever else needs done around the shelter. Though Oreo is the only kitty depicted on the bench, his likeness honors all 3 of their best feline friends, all of whom have now crossed the rainbow bridge.
Fishy
One of the main reasons that Travis spends winters in Vallarta is the spectacular fishing to be had in the Bay of Banderas. People come from all over the world to fish these waters. So if you’re into fishing like Travis is into fishing, it’s a total win to have it available on the daily right outside your front door. He loves to catch a big, beautiful fish (or 3) and make a delicious ceviche with the spoils of the day. The dorado and tuna jumping out of the water represent Travis’s passion for fishing.
Kitschy
In Vallarta there are many family owned eateries. These are tiny little hole-in-the-wall places with a few tables, homemade tortillas, and a basic menu offering the usual staples like chilaquiles, tacos, quesadillas, and tostadas. Though each place has their own unique flair, they often have a few things in common, such as the brightly colored tablecloths on those few cozy tables. Though the patterns and colorways vary, these tablecloths are as much a staple as the beans on their menu or those incredible handmade tortillas that abuela makes. The vibrant colors along the bottom of the bench are an homage to that cute and kitschy part of Vallarta’s story.
About The Tiles
The custom tiles reflect Travis and Melanie’s names, each set of parents, and their beloved kitty friends too: Oreo, Missy Cat, and Cocoa Puff.
Melanie says it was a joy to watch the bench being made, and they love visiting it. She sends a huge thank you to Natasha for her creativity and talent (we all do). She hopes that people love hanging out on their bench… it’s the perfect shady place… and sitting with their big tuxedo cat and the jumping fish.
You’ll find the Kitty Fishy Kitschy bench on the north edge of the park, near the #WeLovePV bench and the Ode To Music bench.