We are anchored in front of the village of La Manzanilla which is also in the bay of Tenacatita. It's a place that Ian and I have spent 2 land based holidays in 2001 and 2003. We love it here! In our fantasy of living in Mexico one day this is the place we would no doubt choose. The village is built from the beach up into the surrounding hills with most houses overlooking the bay. The people here are very warm and seem to accept that their town has become a magnet for gringos who want to stay long term.
We spent some time yesterday visiting with people who we met here in 2003, Mike and Tracy who have since built themselves a beautiful home that they spend a part of each year living in. It was so fun to see them again and we hope in the next few weeks to see more of them.
I mentioned in my last blog our friend Al is also building a home here. And we visited with Helga who has 3 little houses that she rents out to tourists. That is where we have stayed in the past. She is a wonderful, warm person and makes you feel right at home when you are staying in her complex. The houses are all completely self contained and access to the beach.
This is a town that you feel safe walking in broad daylight and in the dark. It's got a little bit of a touristy feel but not like the bigger places where you are constantly being approached by the street/beach vendors. And for excitement, you can walk to the end of the main street and spend some time looking at the crocodiles. There is a chainlink fence stopping them from coming into town!
I could go on an on about this place but I will stop here and leave it to your imagination. If you do want any info on this place send me an email and I'll tell you what I can.
Our plan is to stay here another day or two and then go back to the main anchorage for a few more days before leaving for Barra. My dad and Kathy will be arriving in a few weeks and we need to get settled in Barra for a few days before they arrive. Really looking forward to their visit!
The pic is of me at our favourite breakfast place in La Manzanilla, updating the blog.