|
I'm not sure of rate increases from Dec-March.
Scott Parks
sparks@svimail.sccd.ctc.edu
December 2000
Is "Alice's Restaurant" and we have the best Pizzas and Hamburgers in town.
Please stay in touch. Thank You.
alicesrestaurant@barradnavidad.com
www.geocities.com/barradnavidad
December 2000
We have eaten at Alice's Restaurant and enjoyed. We didn't have pizza or hamburger though. -Tom
Dan Lou Grogan
danlou@olynet.com
December 2000
A good place for breakfast was across the road from Judy's Restaurant, at a house, no sign open only in the morning run by a very friendly Mexican gal who speaks very good English and was a wealth of information. We are heading back for two weeks in early January, this time without the kids and this time we are flying to Manzanillo. I have two questions:
1). I've heard that Aero California is notorious for losing luggage is that true and if so any suggestions as to precautions, and 2). Where can I get a map of Melaque. Wishing you and all your readers many happy memories in Melaque and area!
Suzanne in B.C. Canada
schneide@junction.net
December 2000
For the luggage, make sure you have contact information both on a tag outside and on something on the inside. You could take a change of clothes and a few necessities in a carryon bag. Have the address and phone number of the hotel where you will be staying with you (rather than in your luggage) so you can have the airline deliver your luggage when they finally locate it. -Tom
There was no money exchange (casa's de cambio) at the airport and the taxi stand took US money. $29 to Melaque. They give you a ticket for the taxis outside.
Arriving in Melaque the banks close at 1pm (9-1) so needed a motel/hotel that would accept US dollar, most will. The nightly prices of hotels in the central beach area was $32-12. Most people that are staying for awhile rent by the month and those range from $100-300 for a 1-2 bedroom apartment, usually within two blocks of the beach.
The town is oriented east-west rather than north-south. The sun rises on one end of the beach and sets on he other.
Melaque is a working class town and the majority of beach tourists are Mexican. Barra de Navidad is smaller but looks more like a tourist destination with more trees, newly paved streets and a larger ratio of hotels, bars and tourist shops. The beach has been washed away (it's coming back) in Barra so there are less beach vendors. Melaque has quite a few but they are mellow and tend to remember you (saying no) after a few days.
The places to meet people (Canadians and Americans) are Bigotes any time after noon and Bananarama. Bigotes is a beach restaurant/bar with happy hour from 1-6, good music, nice family that owns it ... and good food. Bananarama is a breakfast place open from 7am-1pm with good coffee (Starbucks they say), fruit bowl or various egg breakfasts.
Things to do:
A day snorkel trip with Ray ($100 pesos) in the back of his pickup to Tenicatita (about 40 minute trip), minimum 5 people - we went with 8. Very nice beach, good food at the palapas. He brings you back via Boca de Iguanas for body surfing and La Manzanillo to see the Crocodiles (caimans). Ray has reasonably good snorkeling equipment included in the price. He also rents mountain bikes. Ask about him at Bananarama.
Walk the beach to Barra, about 2 miles.
Walk over the hill to Cuastecomates.
Take Spanish lessons with Sharon three times a week (Mon, Wen, Fri). Beginners start about 10am - for 1.5 hours for 30 pesos. I just walked in look for it and they asked me to sit down. The "school" is on the grounds of La Paloma, about 5 blocks east of downtown. She also has intermediate and advanced classes.
Surfo Bar has good service and an active pool table.
Bring lots of cotton clothes but laundries (lavandaria) are cheap and good. Easy to go through 2-3 sets of clothes a day.
Meal and beer costs; Average dinner is $6-8, Lunch $2-5, Beer 50-120pesos. One night we bought a half chicken, beans and rice (to go) for about $5 - and took it to Bigotes to add the beer. It fed four with a beautiful sunset.
So am I going back .. you bet! Still scratching my mosquito bytes ... so yes they are there!
Scott Parks
sparks99@uswest.net
December 2000
Thank you for any suggestions that you could provide.
Vern Crawford
Alberta, Canada
western@telusplanet.net
December 2000
I expect they are all very busy at this time of year. La Paloma does have email and they speak English there. February is the high season, and I would expect that some but not all of the hotels will be full. -Tom
In mid December I posted a message to Tom that indicated I was having some trouble getting responses to my inquiries. In that message I included the name of La Paloma. Shortly after sending the message La Paloma did contact me via e-mail and fax. Although they did not have accommodations available for the dates we wanted they voluntarily checked on another location (also not available). Even though I have not been to La Paloma all indications are that the owners operate in a very professional manner and make every attempt to communicate with prospective clients. Good news Tom, we have booked at the Hotel Monterrey. We were about to give up on staying at Melaque when we got a very helpful and encouraging e-mail from one of your contributors. We phoned Hotel Monterrey a couple of times until we were able to speak to Ivonne Garcia. She was very accommodating and spoke good English. We received confirmation by e-mail and fax. When you are trying to book at any of the accommodations I would suggest that you not take for granted that your fax or e-mail will be answered, especially if it is a busy time of the year. Allow yourself plenty of time to make arrangements and be patient for a few days (7-10) for a reply. Telephone, probably the best. -Vern Crawford
Cheryl Halkyard
selltile@home.com
December 2000
Susanna
rojafrog@hotmail.com
December 2000
No Tenacatita was not burnt. That happened when I was there. The rumor is that someone wants to put in a large development and the federales were going to burn the palapas to move everybody out. The locals had a demonstration in anticipation scheduled for a Tuesday and the federales moved in the Monday before. The whole area was closed off including highway 200 for about a day ... and then everything was back to normal (almost). But it is another ejido land dispute. -Scott Parks, sparks@svimail.sccd.ctc.edu
Does anybody really know what happened there? My Mom lives in Melaque and she doesn't know. I am planning a trip there with 3 friends next week and so am curious if we can even go there, either by the Mary Choy or with Ray. -Dan Lou Grogan, danlou@olynet.com
Ví tu pagina de eden.com [ahora tomzap.com], esta muy bien realizada, sobre los destinos turisticos de ésta región, Agradesco que gente como tú, promueban a esta región. El motivo por el cual te mando este correo, es para informarte que los numeros telefonicos que tienes en la pagina del hotel estan mal, asi mismo te informo, que el hotel fue remodelado, para brindar un mejor servicio, y creeme que lo estamos dando.
posteriormente te enviare fotografias para que las coloques.
Te envio los nuevos numeros, para que los coloques en tu web site.
01 335 55085
01 335 55730
Maria Luisa Merino Arroyo
Gerente del hotel Royale Costa Sur
costasur@ciber.net.mx
December 2000
Brad Smith
Club Felix was THE social gathering place of Barra and the place just won't be the same without him holding court at his beloved hole in the wall. It's hard to imagine walking down the street and not seeing him sitting there with his many friends.
Tom, all my best to you are my fellow readers of your page. I was sad to hear of Felix passing away. Shared many an early morning coffee with him and some interesting afternoons as well. Without him and Mary many people will be lost. susanna, rojafrog@hotmail.com
I just received a phone call from Barra this A.M. 12/21/00 that Tio Felix Luna has passed away after his recent illness. His brother Ed Luna from Modesto, Ca. was present visiting him. He is survived by brothers Angel of Barra, Ed from Modeso, California USA, and a sister Jaunna also of Barra. With deepest respects, Jerry, jjsonke@juno.com
Felix Luna Passed Away
Felix Luna, who was a popular fellow with many visitors to Barra de Navidad, passed away last night [December 20, 2000].
veritas_53@hotmail.com
December 21, 2000
I once saw him ride his bike out to buy more beer, wobbling all the way down the cobblestone streets to the store. He successfully made it back with the 20 cervezas precariously perched on the handlebars of his bike, only to wipe out at the last minute. His payload was destroyed but he laughed, he cussed, he relieved himself and then got right back on his bike to get more! Via con Dios Felix, you will be missed by all that knew you. Barry, cruzeros@home.com
Likes La Paloma Oceanfront Retreat y Ray's Tours
Hola! I have just returned from Melaque and want to add my praise for Richard and Nancy Lennie for opening their doors to fellow travelers. This is my 3rd stay at La Paloma and enjoyed every second of it. They are a wonderful couple with an overwhelming capacity for generosity and kindness. I have to agree, also, with another visitor's comments on Ray's tours to Tenacatita. The man is a professional tour guide with the flare of Crocodile Dundee!! He really knows his stuff and is well worth the pittance he charges for a full day of excitement and discovery.
I also enjoyed another new "find" this year. That was the Surf Taco just up the road from Umbitos's fabulous "hole-in-the-wall" eatery. It was new for me but a great place to eat on the cheap.
We had a very successful day of fishing Dorado on a boat chartered from Captain Colo out of Barra. We caught 5 large and larger fish and managed to feed all of the guests at La Paloma as well as half the town of Melaque with the fillets cut by Pancho, our guide and outfitter. Again, Nancy and Richard supplied a Bar-B-Q pit, instructions, and ingredients for our fish fiesta in their usual cordial style. I encourage any visitor to the area to sample life at La Paloma at least once. I'm already pestering them for a return booking in the near future!!
I pray that the area stays as simple and uncomplicated for many years and that the "improvement of progress" takes a bypass around Melaque San Patricio for at least the next millennium.
Michael Laderoute
Toronto, Canada
laderm2@tdbank.ca
12/19/00
Ed
EdwinMartinez@compaq.net
December 2000
Julie
jilani@juno.com
December 2000
I think the Crazy Cactus rents the boogie boards & fins. The Bogavante is being rebuilt. -Tom
Fax number from Canada, 011 52 368 43482
Reservationes Guadalajara
Re: Bungalows Orientales
Attn: Tanys
Apparently they own the Orientales and they do speak English. They will respond within a day and at least you know you have a reservation!
I hope this helps others.
Barbara Armitage
hawnella@sd22.bc.ca
December 2000
Tourists come to Mexico to experience the ambiance and color of Mexico. We do NOT come there to be assaulted by Pepsi advertising. We are actively sending out the word to every travel resource we know how irritated we are with this and advising people to by-pass Pepsi de Navidad.
Mary Dempcy and Rene Tihista
rene@guayabitos.com
December 2000
Why do people like Marcy Demcy and Rene Tihista feel the need to harm the town of Barra de Navidad just because they are upset with the Pepsi advertising? Trying to drive away tourists is awfully spiteful and harms everyone in the town not just the business people that accepted an awning or boat canopy for free. Besides this happened not too long ago with Coca-cola and most of that has disappeared. Where in the world do people get the idea that they are helping anybody with this sort of judgemental garbage. Barra is probably better off without them. - Brad Smith, veritas_53@hotmail.com
I don't like seeing signs all around either, but I do like the idea of spending the advertising dollars on something useful. You can't sit in the shade of a TV commercial. -Tom
michelle-plasko@home.com
December 2000
Ian McLellan
mclellan@island.net
December 2000
Tennis El Palmar: A Slice of Heaven South of the Border
Imagine yourself lying on a sandy white beach, sipping a cold cerveza. Your most important decision of the day --- play tennis or just lounge on the beach? Welcome to one of Mexico's best-kept secrets---Tennis El Palmar---a tennis beach resort in Melaque and Cihuatlan, Mexico, 200 miles south of Puerto Vallarta.
Guests are cohosted by the families LaPointe of Melaque, and Salas of Cihuatlan. Leopoldo Salas is the 76 year old family patriarch; son Polo, a former top ten player in Mexico, will arrange matches with locals and visitors on four fine red clay courts. So it's mornings at the courts, afternoons on miles of beaches, swimming in the warm blue waters and meeting the friendly, easygoing people.
"The people are what make it," says co-owner John LaPointe. They're wonderful warm and open. They take you in." Everybody ends up going away with a bit of a friendship." A variety of open air beachfront restuarants serve the local fare and offer lazy seaside hammocks to rest your tennis weary body. A band of wandering mariachis may pause to serenade you or you can enjoy the many colorful outdoor markets nearby. For information on this cross-cultural experience, call (250) 213 7115 or Mexico 011 52 335 56263.
We got a ground level room facing the ocean. (rooms 1,2, 3 or 4) Outdoor patio, three beds and a full kitchen with fridge, stove, etc. The room rate was $60 Canadian a night over 5 nights. It was a great location for the kids. At hotel Hermosa there is a manager there named Pablo who speaks very good English. We were right next door to a great restaurant called Ceasar and Charleys. The kids were happy having some 'down time' in the sun. My son literally spent hours in the ocean on a boogie board and body surfing. My 15 yr old daughter who loves to shop found a great 'exclusive clothes boutique' called Normas Boutique. (the clerks in the store were great - they spoke no English but with a lot of 'charades' and an English-Spanish dictionary, we had a lot of fun) It is on the bus route between Barra and Melaque. (we just hopped off the bus when we saw it)
The restaurant Flor Morena in Melaque gave the kids a chance to experience real Mexican food - the shrimp pazole on Sundays is incredible and very reasonable in price. The other restaurant which was outstanding in Melaque was Alcatraz (upstairs). Maya's restaurant was gourmet food with a breathtaking setting on the ocean (perfect for a romantic dinner) a bit pricey but worth it. Melaque and Barra is a great choice to take your kids if you want them to experience a taste of 'real' Mexico and it is also still an affordable destination.!!
Carolyn.Higham@gems3.gov.bc.ca
December 2000
Francisco Gomez Tapia
GOMEZFRANCISCO22@aol.com
December 2000
Joe Brennan
New Brunswick, Canada
Joseph.Brennan@gnb.ca
December 2000
Do people in Canada have ATM cards? (automatic teller machine) -Tom
But of course we have ATM's. Access through credit cards, debit cards, bank cards as elsewhere. We may be "north" but really little difference in use of technology for monetary transactions and communications. -Joe
Good. That is THE best way to get pesos. No waiting; no trying to figure out when the bank is open; no cheques to purchase. Just put your card in a Mexican ATM machine and pesos come right out of your bank account at the bank rate of exchange--the best you can get. Your bank will most likely charge you for using the machine on a per use basis so it makes sense to take out a large amount each transaction. Check with the bank that issued your card to see what the charge is. There is not a bank or an ATM machine in Barra, but there is in Melaque. There are also banks and ATM machines in Cihuatlán on the way from the airport. Although the ATM card is the best way, it doesn't hurt to have a backup plan-a little cash, a couple of traveler's cheques, a major credit card. -Tom
Tom, It is pretty mandatory to keep a few pesos on hand, sometimes the ATMs go down for a few days at a time, and unless things have changed since July, only the bank will take a credit card, and if they are closed the same time the machine is down, you have a problem. Usually not a major problem, but heavy holidays and weekends, it does not hurt to have a little backup. - Sincerely, Judy, from Restaurant Judys, Locajudy@aol.com.
I endorse the comments from Tom the webmaster of the Huatulco pages. Do forget the old advice about changing Canadian money into US dollars for Mexico. ATM machines are far easier to use, and cheaper. They are making travel cheques obsolete. It's useful to have a bit of U.S. currency in small bills, strictly as back-up.
You can also use credit cards to borrow money through ATMs (as long as the card has a PIN number -- and PINs should be no longer than four digits.) This process incurs high interest charges. Your bank will probably charge you for using the debit card outside its own bank machine network, the same as back in Canada. The Royal Bank charges me $3 Can. for an international transaction. That's still cheaper than commission charges, as long as a substantial amount of money is withdrawn at one time. As well, the money is changed at the wholesale rate, cheaper than any bank will sell currency over the counter.
The peso currently costs in the neighbourhood of 16 cents Can. and has stayed around that rate most of 2000. - John Laycock, Windsor, Ont., JLaycock@WIN.Southam.ca.
I am seeking suggestions for a clean, budget-priced room in a child-friendly environment anywhere in the area - I have no preference town-wise and am open to suggestions in the entire area Barra/Melaque/La Manzanilla/Cuastecomates. (I have stayed in Barra on three previous, childless visits.)
My wish list would have a pool, a safe play area, walking distance to the beach and the company of people who understand and enjoy young children. I am certainly prepared to be flexible. I would appreciate receiving your suggestions and personal experiences.
Brenda Mason
mason@travel-net.com
December 2000
Thanks,
Charlie Palmer
cpalmer@sonic.net
December 2000
chuck.davis@metrokc.gov
December 2000
Nancy Lennie at La Paloma Oceanfront Retreat and Art Center provides us the number for Bungalows Laguna del Tule: (3)355-5395.
My wife and I are joining another friend down there from December 30, 2000 to about January 7th, 2001. The flight is arranged, but I fear that I may have left the hotel arrangements too late. We have contacted Hotel Ramon and Marcia but both of them are booked up during that time period. One of them had written back and suggested Larisa's place (a new B&B?) in Melaque. However, Larisa's rates were not at all comparable -$73US per couple vs. the $25 - $40 at the other two places.
So, my question: does anyone know who else I should contact for just a nice little hotel in about the $30 - $50 US price range? Any and all comments will be appreciated.
Lorne Mack
Winnipeg, Canada
specialt@sprint.ca
December 2000
Carolyn
British Columbia, Canada
cpirani@home.com
December 2000
We visited many of your recommended high spots and were never disappointed. We would like to add a new spot to your list to visit.
We lucked into a new restaurant at Cuastacomotes called Cap'taine Pelican Restaurant and Bar. Gabriel Astie, originally from France, and his wife Michelle, originally from Quebec, offer a unique menu with a nice French touch featuring shellfish, pastas and crepes.
This is a fun spot to spend a day at the beach and they are more than happy to set up a table for you, keep an eye on your things, and enjoy a friendly chat in English, Spanish, or French. They plan to offer scuba, deep sea fishing, scenery tours and kayaks. Good luck to them.
Wynn and Bernadette Rimstad
Montreal Canada
rimstad@sympatico.ca
December 2000
Finally can you provide me with any information and cost of a taxi between P.V. and Barra. Thank you very much.
John Knowlton
john.knowlton@utoronto.ca
December 2000
Some of the bus companies have their schedules online. I have links to them as well as all I know (and more) about bus travel here: trans.html#bus
Taxi between P.V. and Barra? I don't think it has been done. It's a 4-hour ride.
I must mention that transportation as well as other tourist services is maxed out during Christmas/New Years and Easter holidays in Mexico. A sleeping bag is a nice thing to have in a bus station. -Tom
Hi Tom, In answer to the taxi between P.V. and Barra, I hired one almost always, from the airport or downtown P.V. It is not cheap, but different drivers will usually negotiate the price. When you have lots of luggage, it is much easier sometimes, than the bus. I must admit the taxi route is not for the faint of heart though. Those drivers put race car drivers to shame! Judy of rest. Judys, Locajudy@aol.com.
Thanks...Kelly
Kelly.Barton@gems5.gov.bc.ca
December 2000
Yes, there are laundries in both Barra de Navidad and Melaque. They do it for you, it is not self-service. Why don't you stop in at Crazy Cactus and ask Tracy to recommend which is doing the better job at present? -John M Williams
Available Jan. 3 - til Jan 20.
Available Feb 5 - March 11.
daily and weekly rates.
Please do write me about other dates or other apartments. This is the only over which I have any influence or knowledge.
Bonnie Gibson
bonnie@easyspanish.com
Amiga's: Spanish Lesson's in Paradise
December 2000
Looking for Stuart Van Niekerk
I sincerely hope you will be able to help me or put me in touch with someone who can help me. My son Stuart Van Niekerk has been staying in the Tenacatita community for the past three months and I have been in contact with him via e-mail until 3 weeks ago when the correspondence stopped. He is supposed to be coming to South Africa (where I live) in the next week and he needs to contact me urgently regarding his plane ticket.
I cannot understand why he has not contacted me and I am concerned that there is something wrong. Could you please URGENTLY put me in contact with someone who may be able to help me locate him. The only information that I have is that he was living in a little hut or shack on the beach and had made friends with some French cruising sailors and that he was diving and fishing.
Please contact me urgently at this e-mail address.
I thank you for your help in anticipation.
Mark van Niekerk
merjen@worldonline.co.za
December 2000
johnok@island.net
December 2000
What do you recommend for accommodations for us.
We've been to Melaque before, just the two of us. We enjoyed it so much, that we want to go again, this time with the boys.
Please help us out. (Or if you post this on your site, maybe someone can refer places to us).
Nicole
Ontario, Canada
nic.les@bmts.com
December 2000
P.S. Love your website! Most informative and enjoyable!
Barry & Sherri Foster
Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
bsb_loops@telus.net
December 2000
Getting there and back: We took the bus from PV to Melaque, about a 4 hour ride. We were on the Primera Plus (1st class) nonstop. We wanted to have the chance to see what the countryside was like. We were really impressed with the different climates and the variety of flora. In the mountains just a few miles south of PV, it's a mixture of pines and cactus. A bit further south, more cactus and lots of banana and palm groves. The bus left PV at 7:45 in the morning and made one stop about 2/3 of the way there. We were fed tortas and sodas and the bus had air-conditioning and an onboard lavatory. A long trip, for sure, but not too bad. We paid 130 pesos each. The trip back, on the other hand, was absolutely grueling! We had the choice of leaving at either 1:45 or 4:00, both A.M. We opted for the later bus. Again, this bus was supposed to be a nonstop, but we made an hour-long detour in Tomatlán to pick up a bunch of people. The road in and out of Tomatlán was all torn up for construction and so the ride was really rough. We felt like we'd probably need dialysis when we got home! Once we got back on the highway, the bus stopped at every intersection and small village all the way back to PV. Needless to say, we were exhausted by the time we got back. We realize that hey, this is Mexico, you can't expect it to be like the US or Canada, but since we'd paid the full price for the nonstop, we felt like we should've at least gotten a cup of coffee and a sweet roll out of the deal. Oh well, you live and learn. If we ever go back, we'll spend the extra bucks and fly into Manzanillo.
Bungalows Laguna del Tules: There were 3 in our party, mi esposa Kerry, our amigo Mike, and myself. We stayed the first couple of days at the Bungalows Laguna del Tules. We had requested a particular room and were happy that they had reserved it for us. Blanca and Fidel were very friendly and gracious hosts. We really liked the rooms and the feel of the place, but for a couple or reasons we decided to move to another place. For one, even though we had read several comments on your site about the heat and humidity, I'm not sure we were really prepared for how hot and humid it really gets in Melaque! Hailing from the cool, rainy Pacific Northwest, it was pretty clear after a day or two that we really needed to have air conditioning.
The Bungalows Mallorca: The reservations agent at the Mallorca, Tere, and her husband Ray were absolutely terrific, really helpful and kind. The whole staff went out of their way to make us comfortable and welcome. While we were there the hotel purchased brand new microwaves and toasters for every room. The only complaint we had was that the beds were terrible! Hopefully they'll upgrade the mattresses soon. We also heard that the rates were doubling, not sure if that's a seasonal or permanent change. We would certainly stay there again at the same rates we paid this time ($210 US for the week) but only if the beds are better.
Restaurants: Like nearly everyone who's commented, we loved Bananaramas. Marie and her husband were really helpful in arranging our Tenacatita trip and the food was excellent, especially for the price. We also really liked Carlos and Charly's. Meli and his staff were very welcoming and friendly, the food was great and the beers ice cold. The best meals were to be had at Alcatraz. Unbelievably good food. While we were there we also met Bonnie, the Spanish teacher from La Barra. Very nice lady!
Tenacatita: Without a doubt, the highlight of our trip! We got hooked up with Ray, the guy who took us out there through Marie at Bananarama's. He picked us up at our hotel at about 9:30 in the morning. There were about 10 or 11 of us all packed in the back of his truck for the 45 minute ride out, and boy was it worth the ride! The water was crystal clear, calm and just right for beginner or intermediate snorkelers. We had our own masks and snorkels, but Ray had fins for all and full sets for everyone else. One memory Kerry and I will take with us to the grave was when we were engulfed in a school of these little silver fish. There must've been a bazillion of them! There were so many, you couldn't see through the "cloud." There were lots of other species of fish too, including some really spectacular small neon blue/purple ones. After snorkeling for a coup! le! of hours we went over to the other side to the restaurant area and had the recommended Rollo del Mar, more than enough for the two of us. I think we paid 6 bucks and it was one of tastiest dishes we had the entire time in Mexico. After lunch we had time to hang out for a while. Some of us went back for more snorkeling, others hiked around the area, others sat on the beach and just relaxed. We left there at about 3 and took the back roads to La Manzanilla, where Ray took us to a great beach for body surfing and boogie boarding. What a blast! We took more back roads into Boca de Iguana where we stopped and watched the Caymans in the lagoon. These guys were monstrous! We noticed we didn't see any small dogs, cats, or children running around here...We then came back to Melaque, again, mostly on the backroads until we had to get back on the highway. We got back to town at ! ab! out 5:30. Wish we could've gone back again. About 2 days later we heard some disturbing rumors about there being some trouble at Tenacatita. Apparently someone had gone there in the middle of the night and had burned all of the restaurants down. We also heard that the Marines had gone in and that the highway was shut down for several hours. Like I said, these are just rumors, we're not sure what, if anything, really happened, although we did notice an increased military presence for the remainder of the stay. If anyone knows for sure what really went on there, please let the rest of us know.
Some general observations from first-timers: I could go on for hours about this trip, but since this is already turning into a moment-by-moment recount, I'll try to keep this short (if you're still reading this, you're probably feeling like you're trapped in your gramma's living room watching old home movies on an 8 mm projector!) The people in Melaque/La Barra are the warmest, most friendly people we've ever met. The locals will almost bend over backwards to ensure that you are comfortable and happy. Even though we'd been to Mexico before, we really were struck by the level of poverty most of the people endure, but at the same time, how genuinely happy they seemed to be with their lives. We did our best not to feel guilty being on vacation while people around you are working so hard for so little, and they did their best to make sure you were having a good time. Family and faith really do appear to nourish the soul there though I'm sure that even living in a tropical paradise has its own challenges. We were there for the last part of November and the heat and humidity were really oppressive, not sure if it's that way year 'round.
Thanks again Tom for putting together and maintaining this site. We really felt like we knew better what to expect when we got there and it was neat seeing and going to places that we were familiar with. Keep up the good work!
Bob and Kerry Longhorn
Olympia, WA
twodamoon@home.com
December 2000
I have tried lots of combinations but with no success. Can anyone help?
Barbara Armitage
hawnella@sd22.bc.ca
December 2000
Claud and Lynn Buchanan
lbuchana@qb.island.net
December 2000
Thanks for a quick answer.
Nancy Plotkin
nplot9@aol.com
December 2000
Update: Our overwhelming insect experience was on the coast in a well-sprayed, beautifully, sensitively maintained small resort midway between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. I think the bugs were those classic no-see-ums (sand fleas?) because we never saw them. The dramatic overreaction some of us had (new welts even after we left the area) was a sort of doubled allergic response. (It's got a name). Anyhow, the treatment is oral antihistamine or cortisone-----and whatever cream or salve makes your skin feel better while it's working its' way out of your system. (Try refrigerating the salve). My doctor says it can take a month or so. It's too bad. Besides the nuisance, it prevents us from returning to a beautiful place. Hopes this helps someone. -Nancy Plotkin
Bug Bites in November We just returned from a 2 week trip (PV & Melaque) and I must've been Thanksgiving dinner for some very hungry bugs! I used Muskol but it didn't work, so I returned home with a few really nasty bites, infection had set in. Went to the doctor and said what should I do? Doc said lime in the coconut just works by the pool (joke). Soooo, I got the good ol' antibiotic treatment and things are much better now, almost a week later. So, my advice, drink up from the coconut but be sure your wearing deet when your sittin' by the pool, or anywhere else for that matter! Then relax and enjoy Mexico! - Kerry Longhorn, Olympia, WA USA, Twodamoontoo@home.com
Try the Lime - When we were in Melaque in March/April both myself and my son seemed to attract some kind of no-see-ums that terrorized us. After spending a fortune on bug repellant (none of which seemed to work) we were told to try squeezing lime juice into your hand and rubbing it on, just like repellant. Viola! Worked great. We tried it at home, but unfortunately the Canadian no-see-ums don't seem to be deterred by lime juice. -Wendy Randall, wrandall@yknet.yk.ca
On the beach front two doors north is a great little restaurant called Cap'taine Pelican Restaurant Bar. It is owned by Gabriel and Michelle Asti'e. Gabriel was born in France and Michelle was born in Quebec, Canada. They met in a French cafe in Montreal, Canada and have been married now for 31 years. They speak French, English and Spanish very well. With relatives in Florida they moved and lived in USA from1971-1999 then to Mexico to open there restaurant in Cuastecomates. When JIMMY BUFFET wrote Cheese Burger In Paradise he must have had this place in mind. Gabrial & Michelle cook it all from sea food to burgers to pasta's and more! Michelle cleans the kitchen two to three times a day with bleach so you always get good food with no bacteria. There ice is also purified so you don't have to worry about meeting with 'Montazuma's Revenge'. Gabrial & Michelle are just plain party fun !!! If you have any questions feel free to contact me at my E-address.
Larry & Kim
snobhil@casco.net
November 2000
I just thought that others planning a visit to the Bungalows may be interested to learn that the owner has just decided to increase the cost of our stay by almost doubling the rates on us, two weeks before we leave, and after our non-refundable airfare for five has been paid for! There's nothing that we can do about it now, but as I say, maybe others will profit from our experience.
Also, if someone knows of alternative accommodation available in that time slot, we're all ears.
Dave and Lorraine
lordav@sympatico.ca
November 2000
Update: Through a friend of a friend, we have found alternate accommodation in a private house, closer to town, and cheaper than the increased cost at Mallorca. -Dave and Lorraine
We would appreciate any suggestions;
Allen Haworth
hawnella@sd22.bc.ca
November 2000
Denise
dsobel@vom.com
November 2000
Deb
Sorry I don't have anything on Colima the city yet. Send me some info and maybe I can get something started. -Tom
Here's the skinny on driving to Colima if you want to post it!
Head south out of Barra de Navidad-Melaque-La Manzanilla on Hwy 200 towards Manzanillo. Get on the cuota road just before you get into Manzanillo, heading to Colima. Take the first Colima city exit off the cuota road into town. (2 couta's to pay one way- 35 pesos and 65 pesos). Well worth the investment since the road is nice, safe, and fast!
After exiting just drive straight into downtown Colima and the road will pass right by the downtown zocalo(jardin). Find a place to park and then walk back to the center of town to enjoy the architecture, restaurants, and stores ringing the zocalo. If overnighting I highly recommend the newly renovated Hotel Ceballos ($50 dbl. includes breakfast). Driving distance approx. 100 miles one way. -mexicodan@hotmail.com, www.choice1.com/villamontana.htm
I have stayed a few times over the past 4 years at Hotel La Merced at Juarez 82 across from a zócalo (Jardin Nunez I believe) in Cuidad Colima. This is a budget hotel and is in a good location and very reasonably priced. Clean, no extras. The city bus from the Central Bus Station goes to the far corner of Jardín Nunez just cut through the park and there you will see the hotel (small entrance) The newer section would be quieter as is away from the main road. Take the bus from Manzanillo to Colima about 1 1/2 hrs (seem to leave every 2 hrs) then the city bus from the depot into town.
The restaurants around the Plaza Principal are excellent. Check out the museums and art galleries. Good coffee at La Arabica, at Guerrero 162, where you can also buy locally grown coffee beans or have them ground for you. Walk out of Hotel front entrance, go left 3 or 4 blocks to Guerrero and then left again about 1 block.
A good cigar store circa la Plaza Principal. A must is to visit Colima about 10 km north. The bars serve botañas (?) free with a beer and they just keep coming. Open around 11 am for several hours. Located across from the plaza. Go to the city center bus depot in Colima and buses go frequently or take a taxi. Weekends are recommended in Comala. Regards, -
Jim, maskell_j@telus.net
Ros. and Guy
Craig
Susanna
Richard Molnar
Casa Bonita is the only one I know of. -Tom
How About Colima?
Hi, I want to spend a week in Melaque and then on to Colima for a few days. Anyone know how to get there and have any recommendations on where to stay. Any help is appreciated.
calderon@infinet.net
November 2000Posada Pablo de Tarso
The price seems right for us! Has anyone stayed here and if so, any comments? It looks like a nice spot but is it true the rooms are a bit run down and if so what does this mean? Any thoughts, experiences would be much appreciated!
Surfguyz1@aol.com
November 2000Renting a Video Camera
We're heading to Barra for Christmas for the first time. We're wondering if there's anywhere in Barra de Navidad or Melaque that might rent a video camera. Love the website, it's been a treasure trove of information for us.
lawrenc3@netidea.com
November 2000Exploring the Coast
Wow, have just seen 2 page spreads on Barra in several newspapers here in Canada. Also reading the recent pages I can tell it won't stay a quiet little hide out anymore. I enjoyed a few good years there anyway. I was wondering, have any of your faithful followers explored further down the coast. I would like info on Paraiso, San Juan de Lima, Cuyutlan, and Playa Azul. I am looking for a village that was like Barra 15 years ago or so. Somewhere that is just getting started. Also Tom, a lot of friendly people have contacted me through previous postings on your page. I am delighted to receive their mail, it has been a fun way to expand my Mexico connections. Thanks in particular to those that shared a connection with our dear friend Meri Marsden. I look forward to further contact and perhaps meeting some of these people who love Mexico as much as I do. Your page rocks Tom!
rojafrog@hotmail.com
November 2000Place on the Beach
My wife and I are planning to go to Barra de Navidad in early January for one week. We are looking to rent a bungalow on the beach. Any recommendations?
richardmolnar@home.com
November 2000Getting Married
We will be staying @ the Blue Bay Los Angeles Loco resort near Tenacatita beach from January 16 to 23 We would like to get married on the beach.
I need to know if I can get the documentation needed or do I need to hire someone to take care of the legal part? Do you know any ministers in that area? What are the fees? Looking forward to a reply,
Josée Cardinal
Calgary, Alberta
jcardinal@usco.com
November 2000
Jessica Wilson
wilsonj@washpost.com
November 2000
By the way, our English Language Church, St. Patricks by the Sea, holds SUNDAY SERVICES at 10:30 a.m. next to Restaurante Maya, followed by Sunday Brunch! We are a CHURCH FOR ALL PEOPLE, and welcome visiting Ministers from all faiths to lead our congregation, and of course Welcome ALL Visitors to join us.
Richard Lennie
La Paloma Ocean front Retreat
lapaloma@ciber.net.mx
November 2000
Linda Omand, Canada.
omand@prcn.org
November 2000
The wind usually keeps the mosquitoes off the beach, but they can be nearby. Avoid being concerned by being prepared. -Tom
I am available from March and possibly thru the summer into September 2001. I will care for landscape, supervise any staff and am available for construction projects.
Lorenzo Martinez
lozomon@earthlink.net
November 2000
Anna
annatoby@hotmail.com
November 2000
Gilles (Canada)
ve3ajx@sympatico.ca
November 2000
Looking for web page of La Casa de Don Ramon? Here it is... http://www.pathcom.com/~msclarke/
Paul Savard
Alias "Pablocito"
cyclovir@globetrotter.qc.ca
ICQ: 64729437
Bobbi Turner
bobbiturner@home.com
November 2000
Hi Tom. I have received lots of info on the hotels . Thanks for putting my message on your visitors comments page, I've not only received info I made a few friends as well. What a great site you provide! I think we will try the hotel Las Brisas based on the feedback we received. Sounds like reservations might be a good idea too as we are coming down in February and it is one of the busier months. Thanks again. Bobbi
Bonnie Gibson
foxcastl@intergate.ca
Amiga's: Spanish Lesson's in Paradise.
November 2000
blakesenini@hotmail.com
November 2000
Antonia
healingwaters@vom.com
November 2000
It was very warm there every day and night (87 degrees during day, 75 degrees at night), but not too hot. The ocean water was warm and inviting. The local residents spoke broken English, but understood English very well. They were also very polite and helpful. All in all, a wonderful experience. I highly recommend the Hotel Barra de Navidad (I know it did not receive great reviews before, but it deserves praise now). I am looking forward to returning to Barra again in the future.
Robin Unander
Robin.Unander@mgadvisors.com
November 2000
The quiet and seclusion with the cool breezes up the side of the mountain were very relaxing. The maid was very friendly and efficient. Thanks for the information on this place.
I would recommend this place to anyone who is looking for real Mexico with a million dollar view but at a reasonable price! They can be reached at www.choice1.com/villamontana.htm
Dave
mexicodave_2000@yahoo.com
November 2000
Sue Woods
woodsg4@powersurfr.com
November 2000
I wonder if the building still stands, by the laguna at the end of Sonora St., on the right as you look at the lagoon. There was a huge (to me at least) fig tree that I could climb off the second story into, and the Oregon family built carved boats out of big jungle logs. Tell me, anyone, what's left of that? Does the Oregon family still live in the area? Especially Ricardo- we had a blast together. Thanks,
Andy Gladish
Guemes Island, WA
gladish@cnw.com
November 2000
Tracy
sea2sky@direct.ca
November 2000
Allegra Troiano
akt@execpc.com
November 2000
Judy
Locajudy@aol.com
November 2000
Is there a better place to stay? Some other choices would be handy incase this place is booked up. Oh ya .. we'll be there at the end of November 2000.
Any feed back would be appreciated. Thank you,
Cam
camandpetra@yahoo.com
October 2000
What I am hoping is that perhaps you can perhaps suggest a guest home or villa that will be able to house us all . If not, maybe you could suggest several smaller ones that are close to each other. What we really hope to have in our experience is a very traditional sort of village to bring our families to---not just the everyday resorts that the travel agents have been trying to get us to sign up for. We want more for my children and for ourselves. We live in a small fishing village on Prince Edward Island, and a similar, yet different experience in Mexico sounds too wonderful to imagine. If anyone has any suggestions to offer me, I would greatly appreciate them!
Dale Arsenault
taylork1@gulfshore.edu.pe.ca or
arsenaultdk@pei.sympatico.ca
October 2000
Judy Batstone
aloharoja@hotmail.com
October 2000
Judy, I would advise bringing all and I mean all necessary supplies for any art project one would want to do in Mexico as the ability to purchase any art supplies is very difficult out side of Mexico city. I do stained glass windows also and the current supply of glass is bathroom variety, and no lead came.
I would suggest that you develope a lot of designs that you will work on when you get home and take to doing Mandalas and watercolor. and bring some foil and do tiffany style projects instead of lead came.
Nancy Lennie La Paloma Oceanfront Retreat and Art Center lapaloma@ciber.net.mx
Got a room at the hotel next door (at Vista Hermosa tel 01 (335) 5-50-02 ) to the bank machine for $30.00 Canadian a night. On the beach, clean, very nice people working there and staying. Many of their permanent week long guests were there for the winter. Mexican vacationers from Guadalajara on weekends. Kitchenettes and Regular rooms available. Beds were hard (heard they were everywhere in Mexico) Bus Depot was right across the street Caesar's y Charlie's Restaurant on the beach (great food, priced very reasonable) and Sunflower Cafe at the end of the street (two city blocks) with wonderful cinnamon buns and pecan pie. She's also a great tourist information center for those wanting information. Found great day trips to Colima, Comala, Tenacatita Beach, etc. There a many undeveloped beaches to hang out in, just ask. This is a Mexican town, that caters to Mexicans. Don't go and expect to be treated like you're at home, you're not, you're in Mexico. They don't take credit cards! We'd go again in an instant. (Even faster than last time)
Greg Hochstein
gack@telusplanet.net
October 2000
Paul Savard, Alias "Pablocito"
ICQ: 64729437
cyclovir@globetrotter.qc.ca
October 2000
Any chance of finding such accommodation for around $800 for the month. Doesn't have to be anything fancy or right on the beach - just something with some aesthetic appeal.
Also, any comments on the language school in Barra?
Robert Sutton
rjsutton@telusplanet.net
October 2000
karwil@telusplanet.net
October 2000
Danna Korn
danna@celiackids.com
October 2000
Rachel Childers
topanga80@hotmail.com
October 2000
Dennis and Jodi Johnson
Bridgesfamily@aol.com
October 2000
Incidentally, fiancée had never had a male masseuse before and Rod made her totally comfortable. His wife is a very personable, fun lady.
In a more recent trip to Barra/Melaque we stayed at La Paloma and were thrilled by the service, ambiance, and helpfulness of the owners. We have stayed one time at the Grand Bay and would choose La Paloma over it, especially for the huge price difference.
Thank you, Tom, for providing this service -- it is invaluable.
Jim and Dale from Phoenix
Jimccpa@home.com
October 2000
Deb Calderon
calderon@infinet.net
October 2000
Kathi and Rod" the massage guy from Idaho"
kadeedids@juno.com
October 2000
Lucy Gillett (my married name)
Yorba Linda Ca.
sullyg1@msn.com
October 2000
Jane Gorby
La Manzanilla
jgorby@ciber.net.mx
October 2000
Com and visit us and you will be delighted wit the beatiful shop and service.
Alejandro and Mary Carmen
armbay@hotmail.com
October 2000
Any ideas? Any local papers on the web? We are taking Spanish, but are still limited. If anyone has a rental place available, we can also contact by phone or e-mail. Photos would be helpful on the net.
Karen Brucker
karenbrucker@hotmail.com
October 2000
Any chance of finding such accommodation for around $800 for the month. Doesn't have to be anything fancy or right on the beach - just something with some aesthetic appeal.
Also, any comments on the language school in Barra?
Robert Sutton
rjsutton@telusplanet.net
October 2000
For dessert try a little old guy in Barra, sells churros on the street. He's about 150 years old and still supporting himself. The churros were some of the best I've had, delicate and crisp. Yum! We ate on the 'street' most times, buying from street vendors, trying to avoid the 'Americano' restaurants. Had a great time and never had so much as an upset tummy! Next time, Maybe somebody can recommend the best place to go for a GOOD cup of coffee!
Debbie and Bill Paquette
dillie@qcislands.net
October 2000
Helen Middleditch
middle@netidea.com
October 2000
Sandy
incorrect_email_address
October 2000
Becky Johnson
mthorndike@alaskalife.net
October 2000
Brad Dusseault
bdusseault@sd70.bc.ca
October 2000
On bringing medicines it might be a better idea to purchase these here and donate them. In places such as Guadalajara there are pharmacies named 'Similares' that offer generic medicine at at least half the cost of regular drugstores. You'll avoid any hassles at the border this way.
Brad Smith
veritas_53@hotmail.com
October 2000
Brad Smith
veritas_53@hotmail.com
October 2000
Since I don't live there, it is certainly possible for me to miss something. So I depend to a great extent on what the readers choose to like/dislike. I'm not making this stuff up.
I do edit for spelling and grammar, but I don't alter people's opinions. And, as you can see, I even post comments containing only marginally useful information.
Want to promote some deserving establishment? Tell me about it in an email and I'll post it in the Visitors comments. I have yet to turn down information.
Tom
Andrew Bouffard
BadAssTrip@aol.com
October 2000
My name is Vanessa and I just came across your site. My family has been vacationing in Tenacatita for almost 40 years. I remember when there was no paved road, and when there were only three restaurants. Things have changed now.
It is nice to know that the beach is getting known world-wide. However, I am sad that it is not the hidden beach it used to be. It really used to be a secret paradise for many Americans and Canadians.
Your site has brought back many memories...
Vanessa
vanessa_bsw@yahoo.com
October 2000
Ross Munro
s.r.munro@home.com
October 2000
Micah
hmyou@hotmail.com
September 2000
Amelia
AMacRae@WesternBrewers.com
September 2000
A friend and I are looking to rent a bungalow, villa or house on or near the ocean for two months (1/15/00 to 3/14/00) in the Barra de Navidad/South of Puerto Vallarta area. We would prefer a kitchen of some sort and privacy. We would also prefer something slightly rustic, romantic or interesting and "nontouristy" although palapa roofs are a plus.
I would appreciate any tips and if you would post this e-mail for your readers. Thank you for your website and in advance for your help.
Leah Brecheisen
syaklin@hotmail.com
phone: (USA) 215-985-4387
September 2000
Brad Smith
veritas_53@hotmail.com
September 23, 2000
Marsha
Bungalows Mar Vida
marsha@ciber.net.mx
September 20, 2000
Good luck!
mexicodan, owner
villamontana
New location of Bananas will be determined by next weekend.
Tracye
outlandadventures@foxinternet.net
www.choice1.com/villamontana
Bogavante and Karalia to be Torn Down
Hi Tom, I have bad news.............. I just spoke with the owner of the hotel Bogavante, they are going to tear the Hotel down, and the Karalia. Poeple with reservations can either 1) leave the deposit for next season or 2) Get a refund of their deposit. If they want a refund, this will be done by bank wire transfer. If they want to email me I will try to assist them with the refunds, but be patient, I will be a bit busy. As for other options, I currently have apartments, condo's and townhouses. I will try to help everyone that needs assistance. If they need reservations, they should be specific, how many people, how many bedrooms, price range (actual dollar amount) etc. With this type of info I will be avle to help everyone much faster.
Crazy Cactus
cactus@nautilus.melaque.udg.mx
September 2000Medical Supplies and New Adventures
Thanks to everyone who has e-mailed and taken medical supplies to La Manzanilla. We send our love and thoughts each time someone comes that way. We want to visit the Mexican Caribbean area early next year but we want it to be like our visit to Melaque. We want to get to know the town and people by being close enough to walk from a beachfront location like La Paloma. O.K. we know there is nowhere in the world like that but does anyone know what might come close? Would appreciate all suggestions. Thanks again Tom for all of the assistance getting the medical supply word out.
Jodi and Dennis
Bridgesfamily@aol.com
September 2000
Port captain building -- destroyedSee photo.
Hotel Bogavante -- damage to deck and 1 room.
Hotel Barra -- slight damage to sea wall -- everyting fine
Karalia -- damage to front -- status undetermined
Bananas -- damage to front --- status -- will open somewhere, currently not sure where.
Maxims -- erosion, part of downstairs floor missing
Sunset -- erosion, but still standing on stilts
Tucan -- erosion, damage to front.
Pancho's, Seamaster, Nachos all fine
Also Tom, to anyone who knows Felix -- he is in very poor health.
Tracye
Crazy Cactus
cactus@nautilus.melaque.udg.mx
September 12, 2000
pamzsl2@aol.com
September 2000
Now 3 days later we have high breaking waves, and light wind, it started 2 days ago. But the waves have taken out the walls to some of the buildings on the ocean side.
Marsha Ewing
I also had my birthday gifts stolen from a table right in front of us last Christmas at Chips Bar and we were all dancing. This type of thing never used to happen. As with any magical paradise comes the people who feed off it. I notice an increase in the drugs as well. Barra was such a sleepy little village but it is now discovered and things will happen. I still love it better than anyplace else on this earth but I have a new respect for my safety. I found that most of the bars would provide an escort to walk someone home/hotel with no problem. I would not hesitate to go alone, enjoy the village and have a wonderful time but as you would anywhere exercise caution. Thanks again Tom for the great site. (ps..entered the contest from one of your readers-what a nice gesture!
Susanna Roja
Our first workshop of the 2000-01 season at La Paloma Art Center in San Patricio, Melaque Mexico, starts Monday Oct 30 and goes for 5 days. It surrounds the Day Of the Dead and All Saints Day, in other words Halloween. One of the most exciting and fun festivals celebrated today in all of Mexico. Ghost Stories... Mummies....skeletons dancing, yes, all the above and more. This season's art workshops start with an enticing look at the customs surrounding the Day of the Dead. We are going to explore for inspiration and ideas the cultural aspects that have created this most celebrated festival.
Each participant is going to gain their own inspiration in a unique area in the life of Mexico which started long before the Catholic church came to Mexico in the 15th century. That conquest only solidified and expanded the practice of celebrating the family past and with its celebration the continuance of the family present and future... you could say this is an eclectic prehispanic mixed with Christian glimpse of immortality.
The Day of the Dead's focus is the graveyard, and to it, as custom has it, is brought to life total family in food, praise, activities, crafts and stories. We will be doing a multi level approach to understanding this festival in painting and crafting our feelings and sights. Nancy will be focusing in painting, on the rhythm and repetition of life as seen from the graveyard activities. Juri, a fiber artist, will be carrying the focus in to the crafts side with basket making and Ceramic articles including skeletons and woven coffins not necessarily coffin shapes but holders of life present and past.
A mixed group of experienced watercolorists and oil pastelists and rank beginners will be joining them . They have room for a few more interested participants if you should decided to join them. All interested participants are accepted. This 5-day workshop will cost only $30.00 a day or $150 for the whole time. This Workshop will be a starting place for expanding ideas on a wide level of artistic thinking. Why don't you bring your paints and join us for 5 days of difference? I can guarantee you will not return home the same person, and your paintings (drawings, baskets, writing) will reflect your growth. check our web site at www.tomzap.com/lapaloma.html for other classes, prices and dates, and to top it all off, if space permits, stay at La Paloma oceanfront retreat....
Richard & Nancy Lennie
Broc Glendinning (a.k.a. Menudo)
Greg PryorHurricane Brushes Barra
A hurricane passed by us a long ways out at sea, we only got light wind and some rain that we needed badly.
Hotel Bovante - all of the sea wall.
Only one building down the Capt. of the port office. waves still hitting high
TV crews are here. No other damage to any other part of town.
Hotel Karila - all the sea wall.
Hotel Barra - 1/2 of the sea wall.
Hotel Tropical - no damage.
Sunset (Capri) - no damage.
Seamaster - no damage.
Malecón - all the sea wall but not the rock wall going out to sea
marsha@ciber.net.mx
Hotel Mar Vida
September 10, 2000Robbed at Knifepoint
Just reading and enjoying the sight, always makes me feel closer to Barra. I noticed one query from a lady about single women. I was robbed at knifepoint after leaving Piper y Lover's during Carnival. That was in 1999 and that year I knew several other people who had problems. It all seemed to be during Carnival which leads me to think that it was outsiders taking advantage of the holidays. I have noticed the change though in the last few years and do caution single women to stay aware of their surroundings in the evenings.
SusannaM@telus.net
September 2000First Art Workshop of the Season
Tom: I thought I would drop you a line about our first workshop of the season, it should be a fun and great learning situation on many levels...
La Paloma Oceanfront Retreat and Art Center
lapaloma@ciber.net.mx
September 2000Memories
Buenas todos! This website has stirred up some wonderful memories. I stayed in Melaque for a little over two months in the winter of 1998(January-February) My name is Broc and I traveled with a friend named Casey. We had many unforgettable experiences in Melaque and Barra de Navidad. My friend and I actually ended up working at Restaurant Judy's. My friend and I both work in restaurants and at the time she needed help, so we would trade off working the bar or waiting tables, it was a blast. We didn't really need the money but it we had many benefits. We ate for free, made a few pesos in tips, listened to Hilario jam on the guitar and met many many people. My time in Melaque was truly and genuinely wonderful. We met great people and had a great time. I was hoping to maybe get a hold of Luke and Ana Johnson. They owned "Salud" and my buddy Casey "Caldito" worked there too. They were a lot of fun. We had some great surf sessions too. There's too many people to list but if anyone remembers two crazy, towhead gringos named Casey and Broc please reply. We stayed in Melaque, and I had a wonderful time with Pamela B. if any one has heard from her. I know it is a shot in the dark, but I'd love to hear from someone to reminisce about Melaque. Viva Melaque!
brocziontrain@aol.com
August 2000Glucosamine in Mexican Pharmacies?
I am the owner of Life Priority Health and Nutrition. I want to find out about the availability of glucosamine in pharmacies in Mexico. Can you provide me any info? Is it available, what brand, what price? Thanks for helping me.
lifep@lifepriority.com
August 2000
Hotel Bel-Air in Careyes?
Hi Tom, Thanks for a great web site, it is truly informative. It helped us plan our trip to Huatulco last year and we are now using the info to plan a trip to Barra. Does anyone have any info on the Hotel Bel-Air that they can share? I have not seen any comments about it and cannot find a web site. Perhaps someone could offer some opinion(s)! Thanks.
Larry S. McPherson
lmcphers@direct.ca
August 2000
I may have found the answer to my own question regarding the Hotel Bel-Air. I would seem that the name has change to The Careyes Hotel - it can be found at www.grupoplan.com It does indeed appear to be very beautiful - but expensive and perhaps somewhat remote!! -Larry M.
This is a picture of me, far left, Carlos the supervisor of the Alberca bar, Mary our friend, Paco, mesero of the alberca bar, and my Niece Laurie. My other Niece Shelli is taking the picture.
Lydia Orona
Arcadia, California
August 2000
Gillian Holter
gholter@langara.bc.ca
August 2000
This is a quiet, intimate town and I really don't know of any particular safety concerns, places to avoid, etc. Haven't received any indications of safety problems. -Tom
One consideration is that my friend's son wants to teach her to surf. Is there surfing at or around Melaque? How would this compare with the Sayulita area, or someplace else reasonably accessible from P.V. or Manzanillo?
We would be coming in November, though we need to make a decision about where to fly into quite soon.
Thanks. I've enjoyed your great site a lot as I've tried to get a feel for the places.
John McKay
mckay@mailhost.alaska.net
August 2000
Keith Davies.
kdavies@istar.ca
August 2000
Louise Girard
Louise.Girard@gov.yk.ca
August 2000
One night we ate at Tucan restaurant where they serve the traditional mexican meals as well as bugers. The family that runs the restaurant wwas very very nice! I was suffering from a stomach ailment and the man who runs the restaurant offered me a "remedio",so off he ran to the market to buy what he needed to make it. It helped! And I just thought to myself "wow! now that's really going the extra mile!" they were truly caring folks.
We also enjoyed Seamaster Grill, the food was excellent- we had filet mignon for about $6.00 and the atmosphere was also nice. I liked the decor and the neon lights, and the way you could hear and feel the surf crashing just outside. We really loved the area, but didn't get to stay long enough to see all that we wanted to see. We did make it Tenacatita and did some snorkeling in one of the little bays off to the right of the main beach. There were some nice reefs there, with gentle surf and great visibility. The entrance to the water is a bit rocky so, some kind of foot protection is recommended. (Also mosquito repellant!) I could go on and on... I will definetly be going back to Barra!
Shelli Barnett
SmelliRae@aol.com
California, U.S.A.
Another dear friend passed away July 25th at his home in Guadalajara. Aly Barcena (he was one of the owners of the Sands) died after a long illness and will be missed very much. Aly and his family were always helpful to us when we stayed at the Sands and even when we graduated to apartments they remained good friends. I hope to return to Barra in 2001 and know that I will miss them both.
Cuca and Mario at Los Arcos are still the best!!! and if anyone is going down soon say hi to them and to Hesse and his wife Estelle, to Piper, to my favorite guitar - Carlos Flores and all. Yeah Barra!!!!
Susan Machin
susanmachin@hotmail.com
August 2000
Thanks,,,oh and do you ever eat or do you know of the little restaurant on the beach, I think its called Terraza Cortez, its run by Lorraine and Alodia and Reyhino Cortez? If you do, or if you don't, I definitely recommend it. It's excellent and the people are wonderful and Lorraina also speaks very good English, which was a major bonus when we were there.
crystal coe
crystalina_44@hotmail.com
August 2000
No, I live in Texas. I haven't eaten at Terraza Cortez, but thanks for the recommendation. -Tom
Helen
hdaily@sao.state.tx.us
August 2000
Gail Balden
baldjg@nehalemtel.net
www.creativejourneys.net
August 2000
We are looking to rent a somewhere, with kitchen facilities for a month, keeping our budget in the low to moderate range. Do you have any suggestions? From reading your site, I narrowed down inquiries to Bungalows Orientales, Laguna del Tule, Las Brisas and Hotel Bahia. If you have any feedback on these, or know of anyone renting a small house, we'd very much appreciate it. I am concerned about availability, at that busy time of year.
Finally, do you have a phone number for David at Bananarama, please? There's no contact info. on the site.
Julie Prescott
juliep@worldtribe.com
August 2000
Alan Pattison
Vernon BC Canada
alan.pattison@nord.bc.ca
August 2000
At night the serenade of the many crickets along with the unobstructed view of the stars with no bright lights to interfere was very relaxing and exciting at the same time.
The beach is very user friendly and the boogie boards available from the villa were a lot of fun in the smallish 3 foot breaks. It made for safe and pleasurable fun in the waves.
I would recommend this village and this place to stay for those who have been around the world and want place to rest, relax and enjoy the view!
Mexicodave
mexicodave_2000@yahoo.com
July 2000
First he filed a criminal lawsuit in Cihuatlán, bogus, which he eventually lost, then he filed a civil suit in Autlán where they are a very old respected family. Am still fighting that. Learned he has problems with numerous other people who have ventured into business dealings with him, after I was already committed. The first I knew of the civil suit, they came and embargoed my car, all the papers in Spanish; I understand this is illegal in itself. Then the judge eventually signed an order saying he had to return the car, which he refused, and I just keep getting one runaround after the other, designed to run me out of money through legal fees, which he has done, my lawyers have disappeared from the scene, I fled the country on advice from a thirty-year American consulate veteran who says they have a file a foot thick of Americans who were killed or just disappear when they appear to have the upper hand or are fighting lawsuits.
I have Mexican friends there still trying to fight this thing, but I hold out little hope, and basically lost everything, over something I have all the receipts and licenses, etc. saying I complied with everything, by virtue of the fact they can keep presenting roadblocks until you eventually give up and get out and they win by default. I love Melaque, and that is the saddest part, but I thought people considering business there should be aware. To all of the people who frequented my establishment and the international band of Musicians who jammed there so often, thank you for a wonderful two years. I can be contacted at Locajudy@aol.com. Hasta luego to all!
Judy
Restaurateur Flees Country
Hello Tom! Just want to warn people who want to open businesses there. I have had a hair-raising year and experience with a Mexican landlord and my restaurant. Seems, in a nutshell, he saw my business taking off well, so has done everything in his power to run me out of money so he can take over.
Locajudy@aol.com
July 2000Las Brisas
Hi Tom, I recently visited the eden.com [now tomzap.com] website and noticed someone's recommendation of Las Brisas across the street from Bananarama in Melaque, Mexico. My family (about 10 of us) are going down to Melaque for Christmas and New Year's this year and would like to get contact information for the hotel. Do you have any info?
Any help would be appreciated.
Michael O'Brien
obriem5@tdsecurities.com
July 2000
We've got the info now and Las Brisas has been added to the list. Thanks everyone. -Tom
How should we begin? We discovered Boca de Iguana and Coconuts by the Sea on the internet (see below) and made reservations for one of their guest rooms. Flew into Puerto Vallarta and stayed one night at Casa de Corazón. Great location, beautiful multi-tiered patio/garden setting, and cool ocean breezes. The room, however, needed a good airing out. Overall, at around $40 for a double, a good value for PV. The beach is a short walk down the stairs and through the gate. Casa is at the southern end of the PV beaches and is not nearly as crowded as the resort areas in the center of town. We enjoyed the beach and the music for hours. Everywhere music. The attentive waiters serve drinks and snacks, you don't have to budge. Casa de Corazon was recommended by Jeff Walker, who has a web page about places to stay and eat in PV. The modest $5 access fee (you send it to him) is worth it.
Next day we rented a VW Bug from Alamo. Reserve it in the U.S. before you go and the price is half the normal rental fee - we did it the night before we left via the internet. Like most cities in Mexico, driving in PV is point and shoot driving. Indecisive drivers beware. Bought groceries at the GR supermarket at the corner of Serdan and Constitución, then proceeded south down Highway 200. Keep the windows open, enjoy the smells, and watch out for slow moving trucks and bicycles. There are several places to stop for a cold drink or snacks. We stopped at El Super in Chamela. The landscape was drier than usual even for this time of year but quite picturesque nevertheless.
At about the 20 km marker, turn right onto a winding, cobblestone road that leads to the Blue Bay Resorts. As you drive up the road, the first view of Boca de Iguana is spectacular and almost surreal - perfect beach and surf framed by the Costa Alegre hills. Proceed 1.5 miles and turn left on an inconspicuous dirt road. If you're not driving a 4-wheel drive vehicle, park before the road descends precipitously. They have a Jeep to haul your gear the short distance to the guest house. If you call ahead, Cande the eminently competent groundskeeper, butler, and handyman will be waiting for you.
We were warmly greeted by the proprietors/hosts, Cissie and Bob, and shown our suite. Immaculate, open, airy, perfectly appointed a fen shui masterpiece right down to the hammock on the covered patio. The view and the general setting are more like a post card than a real place. We've spent a lot of time between PV and Barra de Navidad over the years, but this place beats them all. The kitchen was fully appointed (you bring your own food and cervesas), satellite TV/radio (but who cares), laundry facilities, overhead fans and air conditioning, and a short walk to the small tiled pool overlooking the bay (beach time without the sand!). We could have spent weeks there without ever leaving. Definitely not the place to go if you require lots of loud music and action. The beach was relatively deserted and the water was clear and somewhat cooler than PV. We spent long hours doing nothing but beach, but after four days we still hadn't had enough. Coconuts is near several small towns with very good restaurants. We generally ate dinner in La Manzanilla. Tenacatita, Melaque, and Barra de Navidad are nearby.
Cissie and Bob were great. Very accommodating Norte Americanos and good company. Coconuts only has two guest suites but Bob is tentatively planning to build more. We hesitate to even mention Coconuts - we would rather keep this place a secret. It's got to be one of the screaming best values on the Costa Alegre. If you want shopping and nightlife, this is not the place for you. If you want to relax, kick back, get in touch with your inner beach bum, but retreat occasionally to a more luxurious environment, this is the place! For current rates and details, see the webpage at www.coconutsbythesea.com. Their email address is cocos@bay.net.mx.
FRC
gitane70@cheyenneweb.com
July 2000
It turned out to be Bungalows Laguna Del Tule. It was fabulous and the picture on your website doesn't do it justice. There are 2 sections, one facing the ocean and the other on the lagoon, with another under construction. We had #19 - on the top floor of the section that faces the sea. It was a corner unit, with 3 fans and a great cross breeze. The kitchen was new, clean, and well equipped and the bedroom had a TV with HBO. We had a lovely terrace, with a table and chairs overlooking the bay. Given the oppressive heat (and we like hot weather), we spent most of our days in the lovely, well-maintained pool, only heading into town in the late evening for dinner. For the first few days, we had the place to ourselves, but as the weekend approached, many Mexican families began to arrive. The only disadvantage is that the bungalows are a ways from town. Its a 15 - 20 minute walk, but you can make a stop at Tacos El Guerillero on the way. Go up (towards the highway) on the street that Koala's is on. One or two blocks before the highway, walk left - and you will see the sign. You can also take the local bus into town, and if you are returning late in the evening, a taxi to Lagunas del Tule is about 20 - 25 pesos. Still a deal given the price of the room. We would highly recommend it, but we assume prices go up in season. (We also checked out a room at La Bahía on the west side of town. The room seemed very nice and reasonable at 180 pesos and we might try it out some other time). We also enjoyed lunches at Cabo Blanco Restaurant, on the west end of the beach. The fish was fresh, the beers cold, the shower refreshing and la cuenta well within our budget. We are looking forward to our next visit.
Stanley and Popo
srosen@telus.net
July 2000
C.R. Sinden
k9bay@hotmail.com
July 2000
The information as follows:
House for rent in Melaque Beach Jalisco Mexico 5 Bedrooms - King and Queen size beds. Modern kitchen - fully equipped. Living/Dining room with a library of English and Spanish books. Air condtioned on the first floor. Housekeeping services. Pricing: $18.00 US (180 pesos) per couple per day or $10.00 US (100 pesos) per person per day. Group rates available.
Contact:
Dr. Roberto Pimienta Woo - 128 Ramon Corona St. Melaque Jalisco, Mexico
Fax - Tel: 011-52-335-5-50-77 dial direct from Canada
email: drwoo@nautilus.melaque.udg.mx
John McKee
jmckee@digisys.net
July 2000
Atte. Maximo Rogriguez Montiel
max.drums@correoweb.com
June 2000
I own a bike shop here in Canada, and usually was fixing a bit her old three-wheeler bike, whenever I was spending some time in Barra... Rest in peace, Mary, your door was always open for me, and a cold beer offered... and I will never forget you... My sympathy to all the ones who loved her too!
Paul Savard
Alias "Pablocito"
cyclovir@globetrotter.qc.ca
ICQ: 64729437
June 2000