Visitors' Comments Archive
Barra de Navidad, Jalisco
January 2003 to January 2004

Well I am drawing a blank.

Guess the page is rest with Toms new server

Jeff

so what happened to the messages?

Lost in cyberspace. Tom might try to bring them back or we can start out from here.

Jeff

Sure Jeff. Let's do that!

So here I ma ready to buy tickets to Melaque. Very expensive for tickets from Vancouver. Almost 1700 Can ! Ouch!

Maybe I should drive down to Seattle!

Have you been to the Melaque area Jeff?

Peter

I do have the old messages but there were many errors when I tried to restore them so I think I'll just leave it alone now that it's finally working.

[%sig%]

My addiction just left town.

Oh No!

Tom, I rely on you and your great website! Tell me its' not so that the messages are gone!

I waited all day to read the comments and messages while I dream of Melaque in March........

With great hope I wait for the messages to re-appear!

:-) Peter

Yes Peter I have been to Melque. It has been a few years though. My family and I are heading to La Manzanilla in 26 days. Not that I am counting. Air fare on America West, check it out SEA to ZLO on wednesdays or Saturdays under $ 400.00 USD with three weeks out.

Jeff

Peter, check the expedia.ca website for a price to Manzanillo. It should be cheaper that what you have quoted here, a little any way. We are heading down there in 11 days and I am counting the days. Good luck, Linda.

Hi all -

We're heading to Barra on 2/8. Staying at Posado Pacifo. Do you know if there are kitchenettes available?

If not, any place in town to pick up an inexpensive cooler?

Also...we're renting a car at the airport...any hints on the drive to Barra?

Thanks a lot!

Jo

My family and I are heading down to the Melaque area in 3 weeks and plan on staying in La Manzanilla. I was wondering if anyone had names of some places to stay in that village.

Try www.lamanzanillamexico.info

Just need to get some ideas about costs in Melaque and Bara these days. Planning on a trip for the first 2 weeks of March. Of course part of my budget includes a box of ear plugs so that I can get some sleep when the fireworks go off at 3 or 4 in the morning. :-) I am interested in the average cost of meals etc. for two people. Sone restaurants we went to in year 2000 were pretty expensive. I hear a lot about some popular restaurants in Bara but would like to get an idea on prices.

Corona! The one staple of our trip to Mexico. So how much is a case these days? :-)

Also, tours or rides to the beachs further north. Our last trip (2000) we drove with some new found friends to Tenacatita. They had a rental car. However I don't really want to rent a vehicle. I would like to know who to contact and what it may cost to have transportation to those kind of beaches.

Bikes. So does anyone know who we can contact about renting bikes, maybe by the week. My wife and I are thinking that we can bike from Melaque to Bara. Not that we mind the buses (especially the in town ones) but we would like to get some activity going from place to place.

Some of these questions I posted yesterday and got some replys. But since those messages are gone for now I am trying again for some answers. This time I will print the responses as soon as I see them. :-) Thanks all. Peter

hi yes there are kitchenettes a the hotel pacifico, well some rooms have em anyhow.... and the drive to barra is about a half hour, and the only thing to watch for are the topas those are the speed bumps in the middle of the road,, just slow down and listen to the muffler system from the previous travellers :) enjoy

Hello all, wel are looking for people to join our community! Please visit us at www.msbyth.com and leave us any comments you might have on Melaque. Thanks

Hello does anyone know how the tournament went? Also please send us your photos and we will post them on our site.

www.msbyth.com

We have section on food in our web page and need some really good recipes! If you think yours is good please visit us at www.msbyth.com. Please leave them in our messages.

Thanks

This topic is a few days old, actually, that got lost in the move -- not that I was bombarded with responses anyway, but I'll try again. I'm trying to put together a list of local fiestas and events for visitors to La Manzanilla, and the internet listings I've found encompass mostly national holidays.

I know, for example, that La Manzanilla's Fiesta de Toros (Rodeo Days) are usually held the first full weekend in February (the 7th, 8th, & 9th this year if you're interested) and that San Patricio usually celebrates St. Patrick's Day. But what about Melaque, Villa Obregon, Cuastecomates, Cihuatlan, El Rebalcito, Tenacatita, Miguel Hidalgo, Emiliano Zapata/Francisco Villa and other area towns that hold annual celebrations? I've been to most of them and must have had too good a time, because I can't remember when they were.

I know a lot of "locals" read this site and can probably help me fill in the blanks. Not only will I appreciate any info you can give me, but so will the visitors who'll know when and where to go to experience a real Mexican fiesta. You can post your responses here or email me direct to avoid clutter on Tom's clean new site.

Thanx in advance.

PS Nice job, Tom, as always! Thanx for the new La Manz comment section.

www.casamaguey.com

I have a couple of friends who would like to come down to Melaque with us for a holiday , one request that they have is to find out if there is an AA meeting in Melaque . I know this question has been asked before but I can't remember what the answer was . So if anyone can tell me if there is a meeting I will pass the information on to them . Thanks , Jim

Food costs really depend on what you like to eat. We were just there in December and ate at come great taco stands, filling 3 teenagers and two adults for about 100 pesos. Meals at Bigotes on the beach are between 50 and 80 pesos per person. Beer at Bigotes is 12 pesos and up, or 17 pesos during happy hour (2 pm - ?) which really makes them 8.5 pesos each.

A case of 20 cerveza is less than 100 pesos - usually about 85-95.

A taxi ride from Melaque to Tenacatita is about 440 pesos return. (They have set rates). There is excellent Rollo del Mar in Tenacatita for about 75 pesos. Cerveza there is about 10-12 pesos.

In Barra, we could not find cheap taco stands. There is a nice taco "Stand", really more of a sit-down place, in the square. I think it cost our family of 5 about 200 pesos there. There is also a very quaint restaurant one block further away from the beach than main street, near the entrance to town - the name escapes me at the moment but the food and the older couple that run it are really nice. Most of the other restaurants we saw were a bit more money. The seafood restaurants entrees seemed to be closer to 100 pesos each. Booze in Barra costs more than Melaque. There is excellent fresh seafood available in Barra near the lagoon, which we cooked ourselves and enjoyed immensely.

I think beer was about 90 pesos a case of 20. Deposit return was 4 pesos per bottle I think. This was in December. Ray of Tours Costa Alegra takes day trips to Tenacatita, Boca, etc. as well as to Colima and he has mountain bikes for rent. His palapa is around the corner from Bananarama and just next to La Paloma in Melaque. Restaurant meals vary depending on the type of place and menu. Most of the places in the downtoun Melaque area are very cheap. You just have to look around.

We got ours for $288 RT Seattle to Manzanillo through May on Alaskan. Check travelocity [%sig%]

I see on this website that Bungalos Orientales is listed at $59US per night. I've stayed there in the past two years and only paid $38US per night. Any confirmation out there that the price has gone up by that much?

Thanks for the advice :-) Any tips on other beaches to see, North or South of Melaque. Or how about some interior locations?

Also I remember reading about one of the restaurants in Melaque (or Bara) to stay away from since they reportedly ripped people off. Anyone recall the name?

Here is a long shot question:Back in 2000 my wife and I took the boat over to the Grand. While on the boat we met a young man who turned out to be the manager of the Grand owner's home ( the big private place on the right ). He was great and took us on a personal 2 hour tour of the home. We just can't remember his name or the name of the home. Apparently in 2000 they were just thinking of renting out some of the family suites in the home. Anyway, has anyone run into this person?

Thanks Peter

Hey, thanks for all the travel cost tips. I will search around. The one from travelocity sounds good, I'll check it out :-) Peter

I recall the posting also. There were meetings in Manzanillo and I believe they were associated with a treatment center. Undoubtedly in Spanish.

[%sig%]

Sandra:

What is the WEb site for Bungalos Orientales? Would you recommend it as a place to stay?

Garth and Donna

My wife and I are booked to arrive in either Barra or Melaque for 18 nights starting February 23. We are looking for a place with a kitchenete and a pool. We would like to keep our accomodation expenses under $800 US. Obviously we would like to have clean, safe and reasonably modern facilities.

Are we asking too much or wanting to pay too little? Do you have any places you could recommend. Are you in a good bargaining position if you arrive on site and look for a place?

Any help that you can be would be appreciated.....

Thanks Donna and Garth King

The webpage for the Bungalows Orientales is: http://www.tomzap.com/morient.html I've heard good and bad (lack of privacy) comments about this place. Click on "Melaque" at the top right hand corner of this page, Then when you click on "hotels" you'll see a listing by price category. In 2000 we stayed at Tennis El Palmar, which was beautiful. It is a little walk (maybe 10-15 minutes) to the town centre. But they supply mountain bikes to get around. They have kitchens, a nice ozonated pool and a view of the ocean from the second floor. It's across the street from the beach.

I wouldnt stay there again, had bad time this year! if you want more info e mail me.

I have stayed there before and found it to be an acceptable mid-price-range hotel. Just wondering if the price quoted on the Tomzap website is correct.

Bungalows del Tulle at the Barra end of Melaque is safe reasonable and about a 15 minute walk to downtown. On the beach with a good pool. There are several complexs here and the owner Fidel and wife Blanca are decent people. We would stay there again and you might get a room without reservations but who knows? It is the last Hotel on the beach , and you can walk to Barra on the beach in 30 mins. Have fun, yours Brian

Sandrak , I think you will get a better choice of places to stay if you just put , costa legre travel guide in your search box . Jim

I believe the restaurant you are referring to is Los Arcos. It is run by some very good friends of mine, an older couple named Mario and Cuca. They also have a very cool resident parrot named Monica. Cuca is a fabulous cook, I salivate just thinking of being in Barra and enjoying another of her meals. ; - ) [%sig%]

I am using new forum software and there are some new features. You can log on and create a user profile. This allows you to edit your own posts after posting, create a personal signature, and to change the menu language. Right now the default language is Spanglish. I think there may be some other features but I'm not sure what they are right now. I'll read the manual as soon as I get everything configured. :-)

Logging on is optional. Expect some bugs with these new features.

[%sig%]

Try Dave Collins in neighboring La Manzanilla at: www.immersionadventures.com. He specializes in kayaking on Tenacatita Bay and trips to the mountains above Colima!

Yes, I've heard there are AA meetings -- in English -- somewhere in Melaque. I don't know where or when, but I'll try to find out in case no one else supplies a timely answer.

Keep up the great work Tom. You're efforts are much appreciated! For us our trips to Mexico include your website for planning the perfect trip.

Peter

I agree with Peter , you are doing a bang up job Tom , keep it up . Jim

Thanks JJ, I am sure my friends will reall appreciate anything you can find out for them . Regards, Jim

Hi Tom, really, that's great. Thank you very much, and still, hope to see you soon here in Melaque. Take care and keep up the good work !! Regards...Victor

Looks good Tom ... the one thing I miss (besides a time resembling North America) ... is the new messages marked on a thread (the cookie thing). Have to look too hard at the dates.

Thanks for the good work!

Also Tom ... like I wrote you earlier ... I can't post as "sparks" I think one of our Barra buddies beat me

What a shame all the old messages, with loads of information I had been referring to for an upcoming trip, have been lost! The "old messages" feature does not retrieve them. Could it be because there was some very important (albeit frightening) information about Chagas Disease, transmitted by a parasite, and potentially deadly, for which there is no known cure? The public has a right to be aware of this. If you don't allow negative information on these posts, then they have little value. People don't want to just read the good stuff.

It's too bad that all the old messages seem to have been lost. I had been referring to them for an upcoming trip, and cannot retrieve them with the "old messages" feature. Could it be because there was some very important (albeit frightening) information about Chagas Disease, carried by a parasite, possibly deadly, for which there is no known cure? The public has a right to be made aware of potential health hazards.

For bike rentals contact Ray or Eva at CostaAlegre Tours 355-6777, located in Melaque near the beach, north of La Paloma in the same block. They charge $100 pesos a day with ID, don't know if they have weekly rates. Ray and Eva also have a suburban with federal plates (which means they are legal to transport people). They do trips to Tenacatita that include snorkeling gear, boogie boards, shade umbrellas, beach mats, coolers etc. Snorkeling and lunch (lunch not included) at Tenacatita, then boogie boarding at Boca de Iguanas (optional) then home via La Manzanilla to see the crocodiles -- $200 pesos per person, call him for details the trips don't go every day. He also does Colima, Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.

If your interested in a bike tour on the back roads contact Enrique Palominos at info@seatosierra.com.. He has several tours two of which are really easy and on completely flat ground, five of which involve a bit of climbing. The two easy ones go from: 1) Barra, around the lagoon to Colimia and back to Barra by Panga 2.)Melaque to Barra and back completely on backroads to avoid the highway and see some of the area.

Mike .. it's nothing personal or aimed at Chagas Disease. If you have ever rebuilt a server and attempted to migrate a message base .. you might understand.

Jorge is the manager of the Mason Dona Paz next to the Grand Bay Hotel.

I have noticed that some places mention "secure parking". Is there not plenty of parking available? Is vandalism a problem? I will be driving a rental car. Any information will be appreciated.(I plan to drive ZLO to Barra and/or Melaque, perhaps up and down the coast, maybe stay Barra/Melaque area as a base.)

Hi Tom, We are leaving for Melaque Jan 25th. I log onto this excellent site daily. I was surprised to log on just now to find an entirely different format from what I saw yesterday. Hope I have not missed any of the postings as I am interested in what all visitors have to say.I see that there are "new features"being introduced so I will be patient. Thanks for providing this message board--it really is informative. Heather

Depends on the place ... Orientales, Puesta del Sol, Monterrey (for a few) have inclosed parking (not locked behind a gate). Many only have street parking. Not a large concern that I have noticed.

This is great, keep it coming :-) Peternan wrote: > Jorge is the manager of the Mason Dona Paz next to the Grand > Bay Hotel.

Come on Mike. If you have have seen the prior posts you know that nothing is blocked, good or bad.

Tom is trying to improve the site, not hide anything.

Anyway, if anyone is really concerned about alerts to foreign countries then they should check with their own countries travel alert and warnings. Most countries have such resources and if not then check with a travel agent.

As a last point I think that Tom would be the first to protect his web followers (:-)) and let them know if something was out there to harm them! His work to date has only shown that he has the best interests in mind for all visitors, newbies or experienced.

Don't mean to come down hard on you Mike but I feel kinda of protective of Tom.

Peter

Come on Mike. If you have have seen the prior posts you know that nothing is blocked, good or bad.

Tom is trying to improve the site, not hide anything.

Anyway, if anyone is really concerned about alerts to foreign countries then they should check with their own countries travel alert and warnings. Most countries have such resources and if not then check with a travel agent.

As a last point I think that Tom would be the first to protect his web followers (:-)) and let them know if something was out there to harm them! His work to date has only shown that he has the best interests in mind for all visitors, newbies or experienced.

Don't mean to come down hard on you Mike but I feel kinda of protective of Tom.

Peter [%sig%]

Tom, welcome back, you wern't gone too long! Bob

There is a small notice board at the Hawaii market that last year had posted AA meetings in Melaque. Never went but i do believe they have that support group there. Bob

Because the archives were wiped out and this was a popular question with the lazy writers ( no body every tries the search method) the cab ride from the airport to Barra is $29US and to Melaque $35US but if you want a cheaper price, walk the 1/4 mile to the main road and get one of the Barra/Melaque taxis waiting for a walk-in fare. They will charge you much cheaper rates because they do not pay the fee to service the airport.

Chaga's disease new? I was turned down in Austin as a blood donor for a period way back in the early '90's because I reported sleeping under a palapa. And both Tom and I warned the boards that the old threads were likely to be lost before Chaga's became a hot topic...

As some of you know I haved been posting questions about Melaque. My wife and I went there once and loved the people and the Mexican way of life. Sure we ran into some sights that weren't very appealing but hey what we saw was the real Mexico. Not masked or hidden by a luxury resort.

But then comes the pricing and the beachs. I, like I'm sure many of you, have looked high and low for a good vacation package. Came across some all inclusives for Punta Cana in Dominican Republic. The beaches are so nice and clean with blue/green waters etc. But I feel the atmosphere is unreal since it doesn't reflect the real Dominican Republic.

Now to the reason of my message. Just for feed back, are there any of you out there that have experienced both. What are your thoughts and what is it that brings you back to Melaque?

Just curious.

Peter

just wanted to say keep up the good work tom, i spend 4 months in barra last year.. didnt know about this site before i went , i love it :)

Hmmmm ... lets see!

[%sig%]

Peter, the DR might be an option,but Cancun, PV and Miami Beach should also be added to your list as well as Veradaro. I guess it's really what you personally get out of a vacation, do you want the glitz or do you feel more comfortable in a more laid back enviroment! Personnaly what keeps us coming back is all the reasons you list above! Bob

mike bavers writes: "....Could it be because there was some very important (albeit frightening) information about Chagas Disease, carried by a parasite, possibly deadly, for which there is no known cure? The public has a right to be made aware of potential health hazards." This level of paranoia about censorship is both unwarranted and distasteful. Additionally, how do you have any idea that the information that was posted was actually accurate? One of the posts on the topic that was lost during the conversion was actually quite riddled with inaccuracies.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Parastic Diseases offers up a good summary of risk factors/avoidance in their fact sheet on Chagas Disease. Specifically, they state: =============== Who is at risk for Chagas disease?

Those people who sleep in poorly constructed houses found in the rural areas of the above-mentioned countries (ET - Mexico is on the list) are at elevated risk of infection. Houses constructed from mud, adobe, or thatch present the greatest risk.

Travelers planning to stay in hotels, resorts, or other well-constructed housing facilities are NOT at high risk for contracting Chagas disease from reduviid bugs.

How can I prevent Chagas disease?

* Avoid sleeping in thatch, mud, or adobe houses. * Use insecticides to kill insects and reduce the risk of transmission. * Be aware that, in some countries, the blood supply may not always be screened for Chagas disease, and blood transfusions may carry a risk of infection. =============== From questions and comments you've made in past postings, it really doesn't sound like you're in a high risk category. Nonetheless, I'd strongly encourage you to educate yourself; a good starting point would be to read the CDC's fact sheet at <http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/chagasdisease/factsht_chagas_disease.htm>. Now ease off.

[%sig%]

The resorts in the Dominican Republic are constructed with high, strong walls and come complete with tight security, sort of like Jamaica but more so, and for even better reasons. While many wary and experienced travelors have left the resort compounds in both countries with no disasterous effects, neither is a place you want to go off-property and get drunk and careless. Melaque is a different story all together. While there have been incidents, they are few and far between. In Melaque, you're ENCOURAGED to get to know the locals.

If you've been there, you would know that the airport is 5 kilometers to the main road.

[%sig%]

The Melaque taxi is also 290 pesos ... but with the peso at 10.60 now, even cheaper. 10.20 in November and 9.80 two years ago.

[%sig%]

La Manzanilla's fiesta starts Feb.6...it is always a 4 day event...Gringo day is the 7th...

Will be staying in La Manzanilla for 10 days in February and would love advice on places to buy groceries, beer, liquor etc..Good restaurants to visit, favourite Palapa, best part of beach to vegetate at. Also any info on bus departures to Melaque. One of our favourite beaches was Tenacatita on our last visit but won't have a car this time, any suggestions on how best to get back and forth there especially how to get a taxi back to La Manzanilla? We also loved the square in La Manzanilla, is there best time towards evening to be a part of the gathering of people before dinner.

Thanks for all your help....plus kudos to Tom for this great site.

This is called Bungalows Laguna del Tule and you can email them by sending it to bungalowslagunadeltule@yahoo.com. They are reasonably priced and are very nice and quiet being at the far end of town. I have arrived there without reservations many times and got room but you are going at their busy time of year.

Does any know if the internet cafe in Barra has a CD burner. We have a digital camera and to save space on the cards we would like to be able to burn them onto a CD, or will we have to bring a disc with us? We leave in three weeks time and can't wait to get there are weather is really cold here. Another thing, in the old messages we had a question about buses from PV to Barra. Since all those are now gone can anyone help us? We arrive in PV on Fe.b 10 at 1:10 and I know that the first class bus leaves at 12:30. Will we have to overnight it in PV or is there other buses going, or any other means of transport to Barra.

Thanks

Hi Tom: Your site is terrific. We are going to Barra Feb. 10 and your site has been excellent help. I have found out a lot about Barra just from this alone. Keep up the good work. Also planning on taking in the party in Barra on Feb. 13. Keep up the good work. Planning on still checking the site till we leave.

You can e-mail Pedro Flores in Barra. He operates the internet cafe/money echange. His address is ciberbarra@hotmail.com

Hi Sandy!, We are located at Miguel Lopez de Legazpi & Yucatan in Barra de Navidad Alice's Restaurant......Just in front of Sea Master Cafe We'll be glad to help you burning anything you want. And if you have any kind of software(cd) of you digital camara, please bring it. We are open from 9 to 11 pm,,, and we serve beers also

We have stayed in Orientales many times over the years, and other places on both side of town. Like everywhere in Melaque. It will get noisey on the weekends. All prices are negoitable, as with anywhere,they post a "rack-rate"(high-end).The longer you stay, the rates go down. Rooms on the calle(roadside) are less$$....but all the rooms have screens...so with 60 rooms and most have TV...it's noisey.But, HEY-This is Mexico!....it is noisey!...Bring earplugs.Get a room away from the stairs or at the end of the walk. But the location is great,and a 6 min. walk to downtown. The 2brm units are spacious and well appointed,the 1 bedrooms are great for singles or couple.We stayed in a one-brm and pushed the two singles together to make a KING.There are many folks who return each year.This is a family owned business with the daughters taking turns managing. No need to reserve ahead if you arrive on Sun. or mid-week.Book a room for a night or two.....and check out the other places..Xmas is over, so the choices are numerous.Villas Camino Del Mar, right next door, Casa De Juanito, Santa Maria, Bungalows Azteca,Posada Cervantes and Bungalows Mallorca just one and two and 3 blocks further down.There are also numerous other great places,some brand new, not listed.The worst thing to have happen is to pre-pay for two weeks on a place and be un-happy.Be adventureous! Isn't why you are there?... Shop around...they all have their quirks and perks.You will find a place that suits you....Feliz Viaje!..N

Hey! If anyone can answer my mail : I am looking for an old friend that spends all his winters in Barra. His name is Edgar, a mexican, easy to recognize with his white dog Oso. He usually sells jewellery besides the beach, I was there with him the winters of 1999 and 2000. If anyone sees him, I would love to have contact with him again just to know if he is back this year because I will probably come back in February. My 'mexican' name is Genoveva, because I am a french canadian nobody can pronounce my name right (Geneviève). I would love just to have a phone number, address or e-mail that could help me join him. Thanks in advance!

Jorge is right for the name of the guy you are looking for the dona paz house. Just one piece of advice if you want to rent overthere : it is very, very expensive. I know the rates since I worked at the reception of the Gran Bay hotel and let me tell you that there is nothing under 250 $ US a night during winter. If you have the money, enjoy yourselfs overthere, it is really beautiful. But I just don't know if they started to rent the house, before it was the house reserved for the family of the owners of the hotel.

Look on La Manzanilla message board

U R the bestus Senor Tom!

Boy, is my face red! See why I need help filling in the blanks of all the fiestas?

What is gringo day?

Anybody know about Colima and Guadalajara fiestas?

You might try these two links on Colima. The first one, by Wendy Devlin, mentions something in Feburary. I think a fiesta calendar should part of any major article or web site.

<http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/travel/wdevlin/wdcolima1.html> <http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/colima/colimaindex.html> I won't even try with Guadalajara I also saw nothing on the <http://gomanzanillo.com> web site but there may be info in Susans guide books.

[%sig%]

Can anyone just go and spend a day at grand bay and use the facilities? I have heard they have a water slide and wonder if we eat and drink if that is available to us or if we have to be staying in the hotel...

In 2000 my wife and I went there a got a tour by the manager of the owner's home. That was just pure luck. He then arranged a bus for us to the Golf Course restaurant. It was great and cheap. We then walked around the Grand hotel and checked our the streets.

However we then talked to a couple that went the next day. What happens is that you are met at the dock by a Grand employee. He asks if you are a visitor or guest. You have to say visitor since he asks you about your room number if you try saying guest. :-) He then asks you what you will be doing. If you just say " looking around " then he will likely have you escorted to the lobby so that another staff member can show your arround.

The coupled I spoke of felt like they were being watched. They had no real freedom to just wander.

If you go just tell the "dock man" ( as opposed to "doorman") that you are going golfing. Then wait for the shuttle bus. Hop on and after the golf course just walk you way around. By the way, it is a very large place.

Again, this is what happened to us in 2000. Maybe things have changed since then.

Peter

ET, you said it all , by the way who is Mike Bavers to come in here and start to make accusations ? I for one have been coming to Mexico for many years and slept in some of the poorest areas in Brazil ,and never once had concerns . I think Mike should stay home . Or better yet e mail Brandon and get the facts . Jim

Hola!

The Blue Bay is now called Sun Resorts. I believe you pay a day fee (?) to spend time there. You can also spend the day for free in the village of La Manzanilla. Just take the La Manzanilla exit (kilometer marker 14), head stariaght to the beach, hang a left at the T, go one block and hang a right and you're at El Boca's. My favorite sand floored, palapa roofed mom & pop restaurant. Park there, order some fried shrimp, and wash it all down with an ice cold cerveza. A front row seat to Brown pelicans diving for their dinner, Frigate birds soaring overhead, and local fisherman boating home with the catch of the day!

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Mexico! Sounds so sweet just got a go!!!!

Julie is talking about the GRAND BAY which is in Bara de Navidad NOT THE BLUE BAY which is up north of Melaque/Barra de Navidad.

I work for the Pan Pacific Hotel (a 5 diamond hotel) in Vancouver and was curious to check out the Grand Bay hotel. My wife and I took a boat over to check it out and didn't even make it past the 'doorman' at the dock. We said we'd like to walk around and were firmly pointed back to the dock and asked to leave. We were told that unless we were guests at the hotel, we couldn't walk around. I suspect my latino appearance didn't help matters, as I am often mistaken for a local mexican. Being used to the open policy of the hotel where work, where people are encouraged to walk around and check thing out, I was very disappointed. This happened in Feb 2002, so seems not much has changed. We're going back to Barra this year, and will stick to the main part of town.

Genoveva: I posted about Grand Bay then saw that you had worked there. Can you tell me how difficult it would be for me and my guests to go and spend 2-3 hours there for lunch and use of the water slide and pool? We are staying in Barra but would love to go there for a while. We would go by car. We have been there before and found it easy to get inside but did not go into the hotel. thanks Julie

Genoveva: I posted about Grand Bay then saw that you had worked there. Can you tell me how difficult it would be for me and my guests to go and spend 2-3 hours there for lunch and use of the water slide and pool? We are staying in Barra but would love to go there for a while. We would go by car. We have been there before and found it easy to get inside but did not go into the hotel. thanks Julie

it's apparent there is no www.msbyth.com, have you put this in wrong ???????????????????????????????///

There is a www.msbyth.com have you maybe typed the address wrong? Let me know if you cant get there! Rooster

Has anyone stayed at the Bungalows Mayorica in Melaque?

If so what comments do you have. Are the accomdations reasonable and how are they located in relation to the rest of the town?

Any help is appreciated.

Donna and Garth King

What is the lastest on teh mosquitos?

We are use to Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan where mosquitos are an unknown?

We hate to slapping the little critters all of the time while on vacation> If anyone is currently in Melaque and has an update, it would be appreciated.

Donna and Garth King

My wife and I were in Barra last January. We took a pango over to the Grand Bay, were met on the wharf, and he called for an escort, who showed us around. This is a very big and impressive resort operation. Our escort was very friendly, and obviously proud of the place. When the tour was over, we were left in the bar/restaurant, and invited to eat or drink, then return to the dock. We had a quiet cervasa, overlooking the marina. Then we strolled over to the dock and returned to Barra. We had a very friendly reception, and many gringos from Barra were doing this on a regular basis. Have fun, Smoky

Does anyone know what this is? Please let me know at www.msbyth.com Thanks

I wouldn't have replied because I havn't been in the Dominion Republic But John compared it to Jamaica and I have bad memories having been there alright. My wife an I booked into a resort about 20 miles from Montego bay but didn't like being cooped up there so we took a taxi to Montego Bay where we rented a car (no car rentals in the resort) and booked into a motel run by white people.(98 % of Jamaica is black, 1% white and the remainder mixed). We stayed at that motel for a week and kept the car for a week. When driving around with the car people would throw sticks and stuff at it. Cashiers in little stores sit in a barred cage. When by myself I constantly was offered girls, boys, drugs, illigal money exchange ,ect. The filth was incredible, Melaque is clinically clean in comparison. We didn't dare going to the beach which was pretty well deserted. Our flight out left from Kingston on the other side of Jamaica and driving through Kingston we didn't dare to stop the car. Masses of people on the streets with bad vibes, to say the least. We returned the car 6 hours early at the Kingston airport and happily sat at the airport for 6 hours waiting for the plane. Never again!

Drove to Melaque 3 times, never had any trouble there, lotsa fun though.

[%sig%]

Hi Garth, at the opposite end of the Bay is the hotel de Legazpi. The beach is safe to swim in at that end and it is quiet. Send E-mail to: hlegazpi@prodigy.net.mx Marty

I drove to, and stayed around Melaque and Barra 3 times for a month each time.Parked all over, never any trouble. Never had secure parking at the places we stayed, parked on the street. Don't leave anything in the car though. I noticed that some people just leave the car parked unlocked, saves possible damage from possible breakins.

After much searching and getting various opinions I decided that we will be sticking with our Melaque plans.

Going there for two weeks in February!

Peter [%sig%]

Hi All - Heading to Barra in the next month. What can we expect weather-wise? Is the water warm enough to swim in?

Thanks!

Jo

The old Barra/Melaque Visitors' Comments are now available minus the heading information in a 2.5 Mb file: <http://www.tomzap.com/comments_barra2002.html> [%sig%]

Peter: My buddy and I have been travelling to Puerto Vallarta and then on to Barra de Navidad and Melaque each year for the past 4 years. And we just happen to live in Kamloops. If you want to chat or just shoot the breeze we have been known to hang out at the Fox or you could try 319-4448. Sean

Water is plenty warm enough to swim in --- lol. Obviously you are a new visitor to Mexico, much less Barra. Weather is warm during the day, comfortably cooler at night.

We took the panga over to the Grand Bay on the Sunday before Christmas, and were told that it was quite busy with guests, so we were not welcome around the hotel, but we could walk around the grounds. We decided to get off at the marina, and were able to walk all around there without anyone bothering us at all. Then we walked through the grounds, out the gate and over to Colimilla, where we had a cerveza at one of the waterfront restaurants. It was no problem to walk back into the grounds, through the guarded gate, and then we got brave and checked out the hotel reception area. There they did seem to be watching us much more closely, so we just admired the lobby, took a few picture of the view, and retreated back outside.

We wandered around some more, viewed the pool (the "waterslide" is just a little thing linking two different levels of the pool), and then found our way back to the marina to catch a ride back to Barra.

We were told by other "day visitors" to the Grand Bay that it is no problem to go to one of the restaurants there for a meal. Apparently the restaurant at the golf course is very nice. Just dress up nice when you visit - try to "blend in"!

We were there in December. It is a lovely beachside location, nice pool, nice people. Very "Mexican". The beds are mattresses on cement (rather common in Melaque, from what we saw elsewhere), the kitchen equipment has seen better days, but there was purified water, a fridge, stove, microwave, and cold beer and pop available from the office. Probably not quite the same as your comforts of home, but do you want comfortable furniture, or warm sunshine and ocean? We got all our info. from the website, and we were not disappointed when we saw it in real life. It was pretty much what we expected!

The prices are very reasonable, which probably explains why they were busier than many of the other beachside hotels! It is located in Villa Obregon, a very small village adjacent to Melaque/San Patricio. There are a few stores and restaurants very close by, and it is just a 10 minute walk into the main part of Melaque. Excellent tacos available in Villa Obregon at Rosa's!

The people we met were very friendly, nice vendors selling tamales, cheese, silver, etc....Very relaxed atmosphere, and some friendly gringos who have settled in for the winter there too.

The suites face the pool, so you do not have your own balcony facing the ocean, but it is only a few steps out to the beach anyway.

We have also heard very nice things about Laguna del Tula, but it is another 5-10 minutes away from town, and so the walk can be a bit much If you want to know more, just email me back. We checked out quite a few places when we were there, and we also stayed in Barra for 8 days, so have a fair bit of recent exp.!

Pegster, yes the restaurant was Los Arcos. It was very nice. Now there is ANOTHER place called Los Arcos...on the main street - capitalizing on the fame of the original?

For anyone going to Melaque or Barra - it is easy to get advice about where is good to eat, etc., from anyone else you meet . Everyone loves to show off their local knowledge! (especially the gringos who have been there longer than you!) We would ask everyone we met for their favourites, and then go to the places whose names came up most frequently. We were never disappointed!

Take some repellant if you would like to be outside at dusk. (Say, for a walk into town?) They seem to be the worst around 5:30 - 8 pm. It is not bad, but there are a few of them around, and if you happen to be the tasty morsel they are looking for, you will probably get a few bites!

We strolled around the Orientales and thought it was very beautiful. It has a very nice shaded pool area overlooking the beach. They quoted rates of less than $40 per night for a family of 5 in a 2 bdrm unit - less per night the longer you stay.

There are only screens on the windows, so noise might be an issue? I would like to try staying there for a few days the next time I visit - the setting was very lovely.

I think the biggest deterrant to any location would be the presence of cockroaches. The Orientales looked okay for that, when we were there in Dec. Most places spray for bugs regularly, I am told.

For up to 3 people, it is 290 pesos to Melaque. For 4-8 people, a larger vehicle is used, and it costs 520 pesos. They were giving an exchange rate of less than 10 when converting to US dollars, in December. Use your bank card and get some pesos at the ATM in the airport if you wish.

The rates are posted at the airport, and only marginally more than a return trip back to the airport. (250 pesos from Barra to the airport).

The taxi drivers are very fair and punctual and all the rates are posted.

Hello!

I worked at the Gran Bay in 1999 at the reception. For those outsiders who don't want to rent a room and just walk around the hotel (and maybe take a drink) have to be warned. The security overthere is very much present and you have to ask very nicely to have a permision to have a look around. Most of the time, they give you a visitor pass so you can go and take a drink around the pool : if you're lucky one of the managers will give you a tour you are not aloud to make alone. I have to mention that the people from Barra used to refer to the Gran Bay as the golden prison. I look a little pessimist saying that but it is worth taking a look at : the hotel is beautiful. Don't forget : you have to be dressed nicely, otherwise without any questions asked they will not accept you. It is a five star hotel, don't be surprised by the fact that you can be watched closely. But certainly, it is worth taking a look, even if it's from the lancha (or panga) just going by the marina. Have a nice visit!

Laurel...We are going to be staying at Bungalows Mayorca for the month of Feb. Are there anythings that you would advise us to bring from home...eg. frying pan, spatula, etc... I'd also be interested to know if they have any lawn carts around the pool or on the beach. They don't show any in the pictures on their website. If you can think of anything that we should bring with us (nothing too big as we are flying there), please let me know. Thanks a lot....Karen

I just Show him your message......, He will write you pretty soon...

We stayed at Bungalows Mayorca in November. It was great. Because it was off season, we got the front room on the ground floor with a big patio facing the ocean. Well worth the extra pesos. But all the rooms we looked at were spotless, and very well equipped compared to other Melaque bungalows. (I've also stayed in Vista Hermosa and Bungalows Azteca, and looked at a few other hotels.) Eva the manager speaks good English. All the staff are very friendly, and will go out of their way to help. There are lawn chairs around the pool. I would advise bringing your own big beach towel, and dish and laundry soap. Also coffee filters for the coffee maker, although Alex's grocery sells them. The coffee maker in our room used the flat bottom type. Also, there was no salt and pepper in the kitchen. Now that the tourist season is well underway, other guests may have left some of these items behind that you can use, but when we were there the hotel was virtually empty, and kitchens lacked those items. No need to bring any kitchen equipment, there was a good supply of pots, pans, spatula, cutlery, dishes, etc. Dish and tea towels were replaced daily. I highly recommend the Bungalows Mayorca. If you have any more questions feel free to e-mail me directly.

Salt and Pepper always seem to be an issue, Pepper more than Salt. With the new Grocery stores in Melaque, I doubt it will be too difficult. We love shopping for kitchen items as needed and are always faciniated with the low prices. I would never consider bringing items with me just because of the space and weight alone when you can have plenty of fun buying items there. Plus, it does contibrute to the local economy. I have purchased anything for Hair Color to Blenders. It's fun.

Thank you so much Carlos! Very nice of you!

I have been to Barre twice before and always stayed at the Pasada Pacifico. I don't like to spend anymore than 35-40 Canadain/night. Does anyone know aht the Sands hotel is charging right now? what about the Hotel Caribe?

I miss the "new" signal also. Anything to do about that? This is the best site. Thanks, Tom, for all your hard work.

Linda

Wait, the "new" just appeared! Wow, you ARE good, Tom! :-) Linda

Water, weather and people will be very warm. Enjoy!

Can anyone give me names of nice, clean, cheaper priced (more budget) hotels in Barra de Navidad, Would also like one with a pool. Preferably a general location where it is easy to get around also. Also could you give me the names of good restaurants also (reasonable in price). All information is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Read all about it at www.msbyth.com under messages then under Melaque

Just wondering if anyone knows who we contact regarding groups that help out locals with assistance programs. We're thinking about connecting with someone in Melaque when we arrive that provides goods such as clothing, books etc to the community.

We heard that for some visits to Mexico it is better to bring goods rather than cash to help out. Don't know if this applies to Melaque and area.

Thanks Peter [%sig%]

You can e-mail Nancy Lennie, the Owner of La Paloma. She will know who to contact.

Why? The only posting of any particular value is a direct and complete copy, without any attribution), of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention factsheet on the topic, which can be viewed directly at: <http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/chagasdisease/factsht_chagas_disease.htm>

Hi Jo yes they do have bungsalows with kitchenettes there and I work with them and all the other hotels and bungalows in Barra ans Melaque and would be happy to help set things up for you. You can contact me directly through my web site at www.smalltownadventuresmexico.com or my other email which is burtonbob51@hotmail.com Thanks in advance and I look forward to hearing back from you and ant others that would like help setting up their accommodations. Thanks Bob Moody STAMexico

I am trying to get ahold of a lady named Marthe. She has/had a house in Melaque. She lives/lived in Boise, Idaho. I tried the last e-mail I had from her, but it's no longer working. Marthe, if you're out there, can you contact me? If anyone else knows how to cantact her, I'd appreciate the info.

Thanks, Linda

Peter be very carefull who you give the supplies to! Last time we dropped off supplies at a school we heard that an employee of the school billed the kids parents. Does anyone know if this is true? Please let me know at www.msbyth.com Rooster

We will be there tomorrow eve!! woohoo at last... La Man here we come for 1 glorious month!!!

Hi Linda, try this address: readhead@cybermatsa.com.mx Good luck ! say hi from Victor please...

We are staying at a place called Crazy Cactus Apt. We have a 445 sq. ft. studio apt. for $260 American a week that includes all appliances, TV with cable, stereo, pots & pans, dishes, etc. Their e-mail address is cactusmx@prodigy.net.mx

Kim, Have a great time, looking forward to your impressions of La Manzanilla. Charlie Palmer

Hi, will be back down in my favorite stomping grounds in another two weeks - La Manz --- anyone know what the water temperatures are like this year? Always seems to be perfect, but some years are warmer than others, and someone said this is an El Nino year, so what does that mean?

Was just in Barra and Edgar and Oso are doing great. He is still selling his jewelry in town.

does anyone know of a place where there is covered secure parking to store my car from April until December? I am in Barra now and would like to start looking. Thanks. Beth

Let us know <http://neic.usgs.gov/neis/bulletin/neic_phac_l.html> [%sig%]

Hola< How is everything in Melaque were you shaking???

I hope there isn't any big waves? Anybody please let us know if you are alright.

Jeff

We stayed at the Mayorca in February 2002 with two adults and four kids (11, 12, 13, 14). We found it to be everything we wanted. Better than going to an all inclusive since we wanted the kids to experience more of Mexico than a sanitary resort. Many of the guests are repeat offenders and stay for up to 6 months at a time. Eva (pronounced Eba) is very helpful and learning english quickly. The rooms are equiped well enough for full meals and there are barbeques available for those so inclined. We plan to return as soon as possible and try to recommend the Bungalos Mayorca to anyone that will listen. Enjoy your stay.

Hello everyone, just to let you all know we're doing just fine here in Melaque/San Patricio/Villa Obregon; we felt it big time, but no damagge done, the waves are'nt too big ither and no one was hurt. We'll keep you up and informed. Thanks for the concern...regards...Victor at Posada de Cervantes

Glad to hear all is OK. Keith and I were in a big one in Manzanillo a few years ago. The Colima area is known for earthquakes. A tsunami (Tidal wave) would only be generated if the epicenter were off shore. It was report to be closer to the volcano in Colima according to my local Arizona news..

Try the La Manzanilla message board!

As it breaks day in La Manz everything is very quiet..A very frightening night...from what I've read the epicenter was off of Manzanillo's coast about 6.2 miles deep. My heart breaks for the people of Colima..we are anxiously waiting to hear about friends who live there.. If anyone wants to read more about the earthquake, go to the Mexico Connect site...

http://www.geo.lsa.umich.edu/SeismoObs/ruff.miller.txt Indeed, Colima is known with earthquaques...

Hi Victor Just a note to say thanks for your information and that you are all ok in Villa Obregon. We are coming down next Wednesday so were concerned as to what we would find. So take care.

Barb

Please let us know any news at www.msbyth.com thanks

Thank you for posting good news quickly Victor. I've been unable to contact friends living in Barra, but I feel much better now. See you again soon. James

Heard there was some earthquake damage to the airport runway ... does anyone have any information?

Our hearts go out to the people of Colima where we understand most of the damage and deaths occurred. Is everyone ok in Melaque? We are long-time winter visitors and just left there two weeks ago. Does anyone know if the hotel Santa Maria made it through intact? Hoping to hear from friends (David, Sharon, Roja, Alana). Please tell Vickie, Alida, Pedro and Lerrece that we are thinking of them and all of you.

Love Rusty and Janene

Hi to all in Barra - Our friend Molly from LaConner, WA is in Barra. We'd like to know how everyone is doing in Barra after the earthquake.

Also...is there anything we can bring to the area to help out people?

Thanks a lot!

Jo & Corey

Haven't heard from anyone in Barra yet. Anyone out there able to give us any news on any damage done.

Any one ever fly into Mazatlan and take the bus to Barra? That must be a long ride. My local air has a couple seats left for this Fri. Other wise we wait till Feb 13th

It is a VERY long ride, but depends on how badly you want to be in Barra! Bust from Mazatlan to PV is about 5 or 6 hours, then from PV to Barra another 4.5 --- you be the judge.

I just talked to a rep from Alaska Airlines about the condition of the Manzanillo airport. She says no damage. We're due to fly there on Friday.

[%sig%]

Does anyone have any experience staying in the apartments at Casa Chips or Crazy Cactus in Barra? Are they noisy?

Also, last time I was in Barra de Navidad, construction was beginning on a new building in the center of town. It took up an entire block. Someone told me it was going to be a new hotel. Does anyone have any info?

I hope all is well there. The earthquake in '95 did a lot of damage.

Thanks [%sig%]

Casa Chips is close to the action so it might be noisier. Crazy Cactus Apts are located on a quieter street away from the bars and a couple blocks from the beach. Everything is within walking distance in Barra. We stayed at Casa de Marco which is lovely - however the buses loop around the block it is on, so it can be noisy too! We also stayed in Melaque on the beach - less street noise, but lots of surf noise and Sunday night is a very loud disco reverberating everywhere. Bootom line - you're going to get noise - pick your type!

Had I known, I would have taken small shakers of S&P, (and any other favourite seasonings if only small quantities are needed) because I ended up buying 1 kg of salt while there (it was the smallest I could find!) Take your own beach towels (Mayorca supplies fresh towels everyday - enough for showering). The cookware is aluminum, so if you have an aversion to that, you could always take one good pot along, if you plan to do a lot of cooking. There are enough basics there to keep you going though.

They keep some coffee filters at the office, which they will give you, or you can buy as few as you need from Alex at Hawaii grocery store in town.

Do you mean lounge chairs around the pool? Yes there are plenty - they faithfully put them away each evening. There is also a good supply of lawn chairs and a few tables.

I agree with Christinna that it is more fun to shop there for your missing "essentials" - however, if you already have exactly what you need sitting at home, and it fits in your bag, you might as well bring it along!

My kids, who arrived a few days after me, brought their homemade skimboards (took some creative wrapping to make those airplane-friendly!), because the surf there is such a big part of the "entertainment". If you plan to go to Tenacatita (which has a great beach, lots of beachside restaurants and is THE place to snorkel) bring along your own snorkel and mask. They can be rented or borrowed otherwise, but sometimes its nice to have your own, that fits just right! Fins are not really necessary (as they take up a lot of space!) Some people take their own beach umbrella - we didn't find it necessary. While staying at Mayorca, when we needed shade we just sat around the poolyard under the palm trees, enjoying the breeze! We also stayed in Barra, where shade on the beach can be rented for 50 pesos a day (umbrella, table and four chairs). Easier than packing around your own stuff! Have a great time!

Barra de Navidad.... OK. thanks for your concern.... only the state of Colima has damages..

My son and I were just in Barra at Christmas and bought a couple of pieces from Edgar. An Amber eagle for my son, which he just loves, and for me an amethyst necklace. He is a wonderful craftsman and artist... If you see him in February, we say hello.

Hi Gary: We will be staying a Crazy Cactus Feb. 10 to 24. If you send me you e-mail address I will let you know what it is like. I know that the rates are pretty reasonable even in Canadian funds.

I have photos up on my site at www.msbyth.com then go to Melaque section Plus if anyone finds any good pics please send them to us \ Thanks

I saw the comment/? on spending time at the Grand Bay. No problem, as long as you don't look like a slob. My Mexican friend and I have gone over for a drink of an evening; we were nicely dressed. You can also rent scuba gear from them, or whomever has the concession on site.

costco.com offers a travel deal for Grand Bay, to Costco members. 657 usd for five nights. It's on their web site under travel, mexico, manzanillo. Btw, I'm not associated with Grand Bay. Just like to spend time in Barra.

[%sig%]

Gary, we have stayed at both places over the years Casa Chips is right on the beach, but has a bar upstairs many years and lots of downtown noise some of the rooms have poor ventilation Crazy Cactus places tend to be nicer and somewhat quieter, and only a few blocks further from the beach Mexico is a noisy place, with music blaring from one place or another, so come prepared

for a place in Barra check with the folks at Crazy Cactus

Is Piper's Bar and grill ok? Being that close to the epicenter you would think there was major damage, any info on Barra would be appreciated

I'm not in Barra right now, I flew out for a week yesterday, 3 hours before the quake hit. But, I've spoken to my husband back home and Humberto over at Grand Bay by phone. All is well, no damage, the power was out for a couple of hours last night and that's all. They are having aftershocks but Humberto says that it's very tranquilla.

Casa Chips has remodeled, moved the bar to the ground floor and built, what appear to be nice by their web site, rooms on the top floors. Wondering if anyone has seen them recently.

Gary [%sig%]

Now all that is needed is to have the volcano to start again.

[%sig%]

Piper's Bar and all places are OK.. Don't worry,, Thanks.. I live close to Piper's Bar...

Try West Jet on sale to Vancouver (or drive) and Discount Warehouse for tickets, I paid $507 Vancouver to Manzanillo: World of Vacations

Am so glad everything is ok in Barra! I'm hoping that someone could pass a message on to Tracye for me that my e mail has been down so if she has been trying to contact me I'm not getting any messages. I will be there mid afternoon this Saturday and am really looking forward to seeing your part of the world. I'm just wondering where in Barra I should meet Trayce to get the keys to the unit I've booked with her.

If Trayce could post her response, I'll keep checking before I leave. Thank you!

Joy

For sale a newly furnished room for 2 persons, double bed,closet,tv cable,mini-fridge,ceiling fan,bathroom.Located between Hotel Monterrey and Hotel Vista Hermosa in the corridor to the beach.Only 10 steps to the beach.With a deed. Condominium style,monthly maintenance is only $17.00 USD. CONTACT e mail pimientaeduardo@hotmail.com or in San Patricio -Melaque Phone 35 5 54 26 or 35 5 55 18 or Dentist Eduardo Pimienta Woo Strett Gordiano Guzman # 17 across the hospital.. Room for the rest of your life.

Curious, have friends in Mexico staying at the Grand Bay Resort. Is that hotel ok?

Any damage to the Grand Bay hotel from the earthquake?Lou wrote: > I saw the comment/? on spending time at the Grand Bay. No > problem, as long as you don't look like a slob. My Mexican > friend and I have gone over for a drink of an evening; we were > nicely dressed. You can also rent scuba gear from them, or > whomever has the concession on site. > > costco.com offers a travel deal for Grand Bay, to Costco > members. 657 usd for five nights. It's on their web site > under travel, mexico, manzanillo. Btw, I'm not associated with > Grand Bay. Just like to spend time in Barra. > > [%sig%] [%sig%]

We are coming to barra to stay in a friends house in feburary. Other than relaxing most of the time, we were wondering if anyone could make any suggestions on things to do, where to eat, drink, shop, etc... Thanks! GTO

Hi Gary, We just returned from 2 weeks over Christmas break. We stayed at Casa Chips and loved it. We rented 5 of the 7 rooms/apartments available...for our 3 families. Yes, the noise from the new hotel being built is very loud, starting at 8 AM M-Sat. Then there was the clock tower on the Tropical (hotel in middle of "downtown" that's been under construction for about 5 years) that went off all night long, every hour, playing silent night and other holiday songs! But hey....noise is part of the Mexico experience! We love staying at Casa Chips! Great manager (Jack) and all of the family/employees are wonderful people! It's right on the beach, Mario will bring you cervezas and margs all day, and the food is great. Have fun! Ann

For those of you interested in a follow-up to last night's "big mother" of an earthquake ...

The Servicio Sismologico National, Mexico's earthquake authority, has reported a dozen aftershocks originating from the vicinity of last night's 7.6 temblor off the coast of Manzanillo. The aftershocks have ranged in magnitude from 3.9 to 5.8, with most being in the 4.+ range. In the La Manzanilla/Melaque/Barra area, these ongoing tremors apparently have rattled more nerves and buildings than have done actual damage. The story may be different from Colima, hardest hit by last night's quake. It was also reported by different sources that the original quake lasted for 45 seconds. It seemed more like an eternity while riding it out, but 45 seconds is still too long a time to be shaken so rudely, and in the dark to boot.

Sea Masters has the BEST BBQ ribs, and Pipers has a comfortable ambiance and great music. Those are just two to get you started. They're my personal favorites in Barra. I'm sure you'll get many more suggestions.

Don't forget to visit Alice's Restaurant,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, You can get...Anything you want in Alice's Restaurant... CYBER BEER Open from 9 AM to 11 PM 7 days a week. Friendly open place to stay in contact with your family sending and receiving e-mails

Trayce has her retail store and rental office just north of the church in Barra on the left side before you reach the next corner. She's there most of the time. Enjoy

We are scheduled to arrive in Melaque on Feb 1/03 by bus from PV - I have not heard any reports of the buses not running south from PV - Is everything really okay in Melaque/Barra? We are meeting a friend down there - Ed Zarry - who is parked in an RV at the west end of Melaque. We haven't heard from him - is everything okay on that end of Melaque?

Hi, does this room have bathroom, shower , how much,

Hi everyone: I am hoping that someone can help me contact my two sisters (-in-law) who are in Barra. They are Sharon Lymbery and Helen Cummings. They have sent me a fax, but I don't know how to contact them. My husband and I are coming to Barra in one month and I have to let them know our flight info. If anyone knows how I can contact either of them I'd appreciate it very much. Stephanie McClure

Hi Check out Crazy Cactus Apt. @ crazycactusmx@yahoo.com. Their prices are reasonable

The main road into Barra is called Veracruz. After you have passed a large hotel under construction on the right hand side, go one more block and you will be at the right corner. Turn right - it is a pedestrian-only street - and Crazy Cactus is the second shop on the right hand side. You can't miss it. They are open till at least 5:30 pm. Closed Sunday, however. Take Tracye's contact numbers with you - if you arrive late, call her on her cell or at home, and she'll take care of you. She is VERY ORGANIZED! If you don't have her numbers, contact me and I will get them to you. (We were just there last month).

Laurel

If you´re staying on the south end of town (Melaque/Villa Obregon) and looking for a good place to eat, there is a new restaurant & bar at Laguna del Tule called El Fish. the owners are locals David & Veronica and have a very pleasant and entertaining young waiter, Steven. The food is great and prices are very reasonable (45 -55 pesos) - there´s been no need to go to town. They like to get reservations so they don´t over/under cook. Check it out!!

And most of all you have to eat breakfast at Banana's or Mokeke, it's worth it and not expensive. Eat the molletes, little heavy in the morning but soooo good! Also, you can grab a quesadilla with Miriam who is there on the weekends on the street near the hotel Caribe usually (or where the people is). She makes the tortillas in front of you, very good and fresh!

I finally reached Edgar! Thanks for your answers and I will probably see some of you in Feb or March! I just can't wait! Thanks again!

Anybody know about a house rental in Melaque, preferably very close to the beach for 2-4 weeks in March or April???

Lifestyles International is advertising a resort in the Tenacatita area due to open Feb 01 as a couples only ,clothing optional ,hedonistic lifestyle{nudge, nudge, wink, wink,-- Photos?} resort.They also manage a Pto Vallarta property that used to be a Blue Bay resort. Is this new hotspot the old Punta Serena, does anyone know?

We were in Piper's when the quake hit. No problem and everyone there were very helpful and calm.

I just got back from Melaque and everything is FINE! Relax and enjoy your visit. The weather's perfect!

It just might be the old Punta Serena location. I'd heard that a couples-only place was opening there. Didn't hear about the clothing optional part though. Mexico, for the most part, just isn't a clothing-optional kind of place.

Hi Garth, Was in Melaque over New Year's. Stayed at Bungalows Mayorca. It is on the beach, has a large, nice pool. Rooms are decent and price is reasonable...I think they go for $40 US right now...cheaper by the week (about $280) Our room had a kitchen, stove, small frig. The manager is Eva Gonzalez, she is very nice and you can email her at: bungalowsmayorca@prodigy.net.mx Bungalows Mayorca is about fifteen minutes walk from the town center (on the Barra end) or a few minutes and $2 via taxi. We felt quite safe...I walked around the area near the bungalows in the evening and it was fine. Can walk to several nearby restaurants; would recommend Pedro's Fish and Chips which is a few minutes from Mayorca I thought Mayorca was sufficiently comfortable & clean.

In town, out of curiosity, I quickly looked over the Hotel Monterrey during our visit. It seemed fine, is on the beach. Below, I "pasted" some info a person sent to me about the Monterrey.

> Hotel Monterrey is on Melaque, Jal. Our hotel is in front of the beach at > just two blocks down town, also it is in fron of the bus station. The > service that we have in the hotel are rooms with two double beds, ciling fan > and bathroom. Bungalows include kitchenet . The hotel has the folowin > service: > Pool. chil's pool, terraza in front of the beach, parking lot, umbrellas for > the beach and restaurant. > > Our rates > Persons room bungalow > 2 $320.00 $400.00 > 3 360.00 450.00 > 4 390.00 500.00 > Pesos per night. > For any other information or question writte me back or call/fax to > the 01-315-3-55-50-04. e mail hotelmonterrey@prodigy.net.mx Good luck...happy trails...adios...jack [%sig%]

Hola Ron . Yes , have bathroom and shower. $12,000.00 USD. Eduardo.

My wife and I plan to be in Barra in about a month. Does anyone know how to get discounts at the Isla Navidad course? We plan to play there and El Tamarindo for 10 days.

Last May 2000. Iflew on Alaska Air for about $600 Cdn , 30 day return. I bought my ticket thru Denman Travel in the Wesst End Vancouver. I was able to upgrade to 1st class at the check in counter for about another $125.00 each way.

The resort has been taken over by Sun Resorts, that's all I know!

Can't help you, but would appreciate hearing from you if you find a place. We too are interested in renting a house -- preferrably in the west part of Melaque (Villa d'Obergon) -- but later in the year. Thanks!

Planning to drive from Guadalajara to Barra. Does anyone know if there are problems with the major roads between Colima and Barra?

Can anyone suggest a hotel in/around Barra that is reasonably quiet? We've stayed in several that were pleasant enough, but awful noise from other rooms, traffic, loud music, dogs barking all night, etc.

Get in touch with me Sharon and Helen are two of my best friends in Barra/ I think I can help you out with the info you are looking for.

Sorry I don't think I put my email in the last message

Help, I answered an email for someone ont his web page and now my name,email is appearing on all of the reply to this message on all the reports how do I get it off Thanks

Help, I answered an email for someone ont his web page and now my name,email is appearing on all of the reply to this message on all the reports how do I get it off Thanks

Will be in Melague again in early Feb. This may be the wrong place to ask, but. Does anyone know if you can book into the Los Angeles Locos all-inclusive without a reservation($140US for 2 online) and how much it might cost? Although we will be supporting our favorite local hotel and restaurants in Melaque/Barra, my Sweetheart and I would like to give the resort thing a try near the tail end of our stay? Hope this small display of support for the larger resorts doesn't offend anyone.

Barb ... I think you can just clear the EMAIL box on each of your posts. The message board software (via cookies) should remember your last post and stay cleared.

[%sig%]

The Costco Grand Bay package is $657 for 5 days but it is per person double occupancy. Still cheap by Grand Bay standards but pretty expensive.

3 bedroom, 1 large bath, condo on the beach in Barra for rent. At the quieter end of town. Can walk everywhere. E-mail of interested and I will send pictures. Still have availability for winter weeks.

I am in the same condo complex as Sharon & Helen. I have told them you are looking for them. Their fax machine was ringing last night but nothing came through. Contact me on my email and I will relay messages to them. Everyong here is fine, so don't worry about them.

Would like to know if we will have any trouble changing Canadian dollars into Pesos at the money exchange. Will use the ATM but will be bringing some Canadian money with us as well.

Are there any venomous animals (snakes) that I should be worried about when hiking through forests in the Tenacatita Bay area?

sparks in Seattle wrote: > Barb ... I think you can just clear the EMAIL box on each of > your posts. The message board software (via cookies) should > remember your last post and stay cleared. > > [%sig%]

Just booked tickets Spokane to Manzanillo return, $560 CDN total including all taxes, through www.travelocity.ca. Yahoo!

Thanks everyone for your help. However the cost of tickets, considering are short notice time frame, is making the trip impossible this year. We are going to plan for next year though and well in advance!

For now we will be heading down to Palm Springs to visit our daughter. Not the same as Melaque but warmer than up here!

To all of you doing in the next couple of months, have a great time! Peter

Hi Karen: We found that if you're bringing money down, bring USA money. For tipping, cabs etc it is more widely received by people we have met in Melaque and Puerto Vallarta. As far as exchanging Canadian money goes we found that it was much better to just use our ATM card and get the pesos that way. The exchange rates were better and the process was easier than trying to convert the Canadian Dollar.

Peter

Most of the snakes I have come across in tropical Mexico have been constrictors . They usually hang out in the tops of trees and feed on birds and eggs. It is usually the first thing you see hit the ground when a guy goes up for the coconuts, sometimes with or without a head...

I have two houses available. contact e-mail pimientaeduardo@hotmail.com

We've had good luck with El Marquez-super clean, off on a side street, yet located within wallking distance of beach area, nice small pool, yet there was someone, who insists on revving up his truck first thing each morning!?! But otherwise, we slept like babies!

Don't forget nachos with cheese and salsa with your drink about 4:00 p.m.! Or the Sunset Bar at (guess) sunset! Raise your glass and cheer as the sun dips into the ocean! Salute another beautiful day in paradise!

What is the latest progress on the Hotel Tropical in Barra-the one that has taken years to build? When we were there last February, it looked like it was "close" to being completed? Any more progress since then? Someday, maybe we'll get to stay there!

On our walks to the next town we've seen bats, lizards and tarantula's but their legs are short and we can usually outrun them. It's worth the risk.

JJ Thanks so much for the post-quake update! We have friends down there right now and were very worried about Sue, Lilia and Cassie at Villas Camino del Mar. DHehl

Converting dollars isn't a problem but your further ahead to bringcdn travellers cheques than cash that way if you were to lose them or have it stolen you can get the money back. Buying american dollars cost you much more because of the exchange rate but doesn't hurt to have a few us bucks as a second safe guard. The ATM is the best exchange rate with your card to pesos but sometimes the machines can be down or out of money so it's good to have another option. Adios and enjoy

It is the former Punta Serena and yes they have a nudist area.

Somewhere I read that the bank in Melaque won't cash travellers cheques unless you have a bank account at their bank - is that so?

The bank won't cash your traveler's cheques unless you open an account. But there is a casa de cambio just down the way ... actually there are other casas de cambio in Barra too. The exchange rate is not as good as it is at the bank or ATM, but if you only have your ATM card and the machine is down or out of cash, you are in a pickle. So ... probably best to carry at least some travelers cheques/cash, and rely on the casas de cambio occasionally.

January 24, 2003; 3:35 PM SAN DIEGO, CA Hello, I happened to be looking for news about the earthquake in Colima, and found your site. I am quite impressed with the work you are doing in keeping a site with all the information you are providing about Colima.

I am from Tijuana, and find it amazing that you are keeping track of events in that area. Thank you for your hard work, I happened to be interested because I just recently made new friends in Colima via MSN Messenger. Once again, I am impressed with your hard work. Congratulations!!!!!

Myrna [%sig%]

WTH ever heard of tipping Cab Drivers?-Mexicans sure don't!

As for tipping other Mexicans what wrong with their own currency?

You are awesome, Tom! This website SAVED my vacation last year...keep you the great work!

Sorry...I meant keep 'up' the great work...it's been a tough week.

What? You don't ever tip a cab driver? We have met some hard working and sincere ones :-)

Hi Sean: Just may see you at the Fox. Which booth? :-) By the way how long does it take you to drive all the way from here to Melaque?

Peter [%sig%]

We just found out that money orders are not accepted in the Banks in your area. Does anyone know if they are accepted in Manzanillo? I know they are accepted in PV banks Thanks Joy

Thanks to Tom's great work we can all take advantage of his new features. Just discovered that if we sign up and create our own profile we can also link to a picture of ourselves. It's great to attach a face to a name. My wife and I have met a lot of great people in Melaque and recognize them instantly when we see their faces.

For example if you click on my name you will see a profile, along with a very good picture (if I say so myself :-) ) of me. I will be replacing it some time with a picture of both my wife and I.

Just wanted to recommend that more users of this message board use this feature since we are already like a big family that have a special interest, Melaque and Barra!

Peter [%sig%]

Hi Dr.Woo You may not remember but you did some crowns for me and my wife. Good Job! Questions: Does the room have any cooking possibilities? Are taxes or any other fees payable in addition to the monthly mantainance fee. Can Gringos own property close to the beach? Thanks Sandy

Peter Very nice. What a great idea. I'll have to do that though it may take awhile to get as nice a picture as you had. Thanks, Tom, for the possibilities.

Linda

Bestratescall.com brings you the best priced and the most reliable prepaid phone cards. We offer a wide variety of cheap phone cards for calling all over the world. Call to anywhere long distance from the US. Lowest international long distance rates to the USA and abroad. Our cards have the lowest rates and you do not have to wait to get your card in the mail. You pay over the phone and you get your access code and PIN immediately and it's ready to use. You can also order our calling cards online. We can show you how to save a lot of money on your phone bills. Our cheap international calls are so low that you can save up to 75% on your telephone bills.

We always tip our cab drivers if they do a good job. Only seems fair. That's what you're suppose to do in the states or Canada so why not in Mexico?

water REALLY nice - 82 degrees on my scuba gauge. just got back last night

I think more of the mexican cab drivers than the people who don,t tip!!

It's been running 2-4 degrees above normal all winter de to El Nino!

Please see the poll at www.msbyth.com in the melaque center under messages Rooster

I'll ditto that Rooster on the Canadian peso!!

Public nudity is not permitted in Mexico. Maybe by the pool will be OK, but on the beach is not going to happen.

Christinna, have you ever been to Zipolite? Or certain portions of the Playa del Carmen area? There's always been a few clothing optional places in Mexico. Even on Cozumel there's a private clothing-optional beach club.

Peter: Great idea and easy to use. I don't post here often, but I do visit Melaque two or three times per year. Great resort area.

My wife, sister and myself plan to be at the beach somewhere there next Friday and Saturday nights, 1/31 and 2/1. Do you do any short-term rentals like that, and is your condo available those nights, and what is the charge?

Don't particularly need pictures--just a clean, quiet place to stay.

Thanks, Frank Burton

The law is still the law. In all my readings and according to my Mexican Attorney, the beach is Zona Federal and therefor considered Federal Property. Public Nudity is illegal, that is all I am saying. How or if they are permitting it is a mystery. Regardless, the conservative nature of Mexico's people should be respected and it is my feeling after spending many years in Mexico, that Nudist should seek out countries that socially accept this. I think nudity behind fences is just fine, but keep it private and off the local beaches.

http://www.reforma.com/deviaje/ see travel section of Reforma newspaper... features Mexican nudist beaches!

Hello, I have a stupid question! What is a Hedonist? Please can someone tell us can you post it in www.msbyth.com Thanks Rooster

Hi Sandy, you could put a microwave or an electric burner, the room is small but light meals could be prepared. Monthly maintenance includes water, lights outside but you need to pay the inside lights (probably $10.00 USD a month).

Two ways for foreigners to buy: A.) the cheapest is a LEGAL presta-nombre (borrowed name), B.) the other way is to have a TRUST at the bank in Guadalajara and it would probably cost around $280.00 a year.

Let me know if you need more information, preparing photos to send to you. Contact me at: pimientaeduardo@hotmail.com Eduardo

Hello all, as I have seen several times some of you are looking for AA classes! We are in the process in setting them up for Friday nights in Melaque. Anyone interested in chatting with us let us know. Thanks Also we will be having them online also, please join us at 8 pm in the evenings at www.msbyth.com Under CHAT Rooster

hey everyone, just writing to see how things are in Barra, im sure everyone is just fine. i lived in barra for a few months on exchange to learn spanish(august-december, 2002), i went to CECyTEJ in Jaluco. i actually lived just a few minutes away in the casitas close to the aguacate, and i was in barra every day. i met so many great people, and recommend to people that Barra is a great place to get away from the cold (i'm from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada), and from busy city life. everyone is very laid back and friendly. the beach is absolutely amazing, although a little steep. DONT go swimming at night...it gets really rough. anyways, it would also be a good place to go solo because you make so many friends very easily. if theres anything new in barra, drop me a line : ) Carrie : )

Hi everyone, enjoying your board.... Does anyone know if Satellite TV & Satellite Internet is available in Melaque and how much per month to use? Thanks in advance for your replies. Karen

Great Don: Wow, since you are going to Melaque 2 or 3 times a year, you would have a lot to offer!

Keeping you in mind and hopefully the next time we're in Melaque we will recognize you :-) Peter [%sig%]

For some reason can't find your "messages".

Any way, cab drivers, like anyone else, should be tipped if they give good service. Although even here in Canada, without exceptional service, I will tip a cab driver. I just figure its a way to say thanks.

Peter [%sig%]

Basically, Rooster, hedonism is a belief that pleasure is that which is most desirable in life; "sensualist" would be a close synonym.

As for nudity, along the Oaxacan coast, many native women bathe topless, but often in long skirts as this is the local tabu. In Zipolite, almost all of the local economy is from budget tourism, historically mostly European. In more than 30 years experience with public nudity, the population has come to accept it. There was some effort on the part of the military to "harrass the hippies" back in the '70's, but even then, the official presence was always at the same time of day every day. This, on the other hand, sounds like a "behind walls" sort of thing. Like the club in Cozumel.

Carrie: I would be very interested in learning more about where you studied Spanish, that was close to Barra. Please reply to bcfireboy@hotmail.com Thanks

Carrie: I would be very interested in learning more about where you studied Spanish, that was close to Barra. Please reply to bcfireboy@hotmail.com Thanks

Sorry !!! I must be half-asleep. Post super-bowl I guess, the correct e-mail address is bcfireguy@hotmail.com

Looks to be a school in Cihuatlan <http://www.geocities.com/cecytej132002/> [%sig%]

hi there I am coming to Barra with my 10 yr old daughter on Feb. 17 and will be staying for 3 weeks. We are wondering if anyone could tell me about these apts, there cost, availability, and condition. I am on a low budget and any info would be appreciated on places to stay for a reasonable cost. We are not that particular about where we stay ..... basically need a roof and place to call home for a while. Thanx in advance. Yours Bubbly Bob [%sig%]

My sister and I wish to do some hiking in the area. We have a car so transportation is not a problem. Does anyone know of any places to hike off the beaten path? Ocean views are definitely a plus. Thanks. Beth [%sig%]

This is just a reminder about the Tomzap Party at Casa Chips in Barra on Thursday Feb. 13 at 2PM . Last year we had 10 posters from this forum meet at Casa Chips for a drink and get together and so we could put a face to the posters on the Tomzap Forum. This year we are meeting at the same place and at the same time (2PM) and we hope to see more people If you are in the Barra/Melaque area at this time , come on on down and meet some of the Tomzap posters . This party is a good oportunity to meet new people and to exchange ideas . Hope to to you all there . Jim

Does anyone know what the area code is for Barre? I am trying to call to different hotels. I think I dial 011-52-(area code) then the rest, can anyone confirm this?

I will be there on the 13th. What is the TomZap all about (sorry I guess I am a rookie) but I am all for meeting people as I am down there alone!

ummm, unless you have a local guide, I would'nt go trecking around anywhere. Hiking in Mexico is not like USA or Canada. Private property is not always evident or posted. There are some well known trails in and around Melaque, Barra and Tenacatita, just ask your local hosts about them. Enjoy! The Book Pacific Mexico Handbook by Bruce Whipperman mentions some trails that he has knowldge of in and around Pacific Coast towns.

Judging by the hotel phone numbers on the Melaque and Barra webpages, it would be 315. Good luck! You'll love it there!

Besides tipping, if coming from the airport, we like to give the driver a soda and snack when we get in. It seem to breaks the ice and we have always had big smiles, extra help and advise.

This is the Tomzap site that you are on right now , the visitors comments site . It's just a few of the people that regularly visit this site that get together . Last year was our first time , so we are trying to keep it going . We'll see you there Sharon . Regards, Jim

We just returned from Melaque & played 3 days at Isla de Navidad (great course). The normal rate is $212 US for 1 round, 30% off for 15 rounds & 50% off for 35 or more rounds. We were lucky enough to link up with another group for the 50% off rate. The guy you need to talk to is probably Rafael at the Clubhouse.

I was in Melaque 2 years ago and I chad no problem cashing travelers cheques in the bank, do they really require a bank account now? What about Barre, I have heard that they have a bank now?

Yes they do require a bank account and you can't just open an account as a tourist. You have to have an address, papers showing you live here, such as a Mexican passport, FM3, electric bill, telephone bill. Then you can deposit travellers checks, but if it's cash you have to fill out a sheet with every serial # and guarentee with your signature that they are not fraudulent. Bit of a hassle. The Casa De Cambio will cash them for you no problem but you must have ID, ie passport or photo ID. The ATM gives the best rate but it's good to have a back up plan in case they run out of money or your card won't work because they aren't able to connect with your bank, which does happen. Hope that helps. I live here and deal with it all the time. Adios Bob Moody STAMexico

Hey, Yep that would be the one, although it was located in Jaluco, about 15 kilometers from Cihuatlan. It was a gorgeous bright yellow and blue school with palm trees and bushes surrounding it. I was the first student they recieved as an exchange student so not only was it new to me, it was certainly an experiance for them. but what luck could i get to be going to school 2 minutes from this gorgeous town on the beach??? : )

Bob, Since when have you lived there?

Sounds like fun we will be there. We arrive on the 7th., not when we wanted to thanks to Air Transat cancelling our flight to Manzanillo on the 10th and then cancelling again on to PV on the 10 so we will be ready to party. We will be staying at the apt. above Tacye' s house.. Can't wait to get there the weather here in Ontario is coooooold, need some warm sunshine Mike & Sandy

Nominally all you require is some pesos to pay for the taxi fromZYO to wherever your going,ie. Melaque/Barra 290P, don't need to carry lot's of cash,the Banamex machines work 24/7 with the odd Monday morning being a rare exception, by noon they are allways back up and running. With regards to tipping taxi's I guess that's a personal decision, but my experience is they do not expect it, but I do admit to having tipped modestly on occasion. Canadian pesos are really not good legal tender in most of MX, you will just take a further beating on exchange. Enjoy you time there Bob

Anyone arriving in PV on Feb. 7 travelling on to Barra, know of shuttle going to Barra or maybe sharing a taxi?

Sandy & MiKe

Mike, suggest you consider bus to Barra from PV. Taxis for four people would be quite uncomfortable as the cars are mostly small Toyota type vehicles, three passengers are a stretch if you have some luggage, and I would expect you to have some . Regards Bob

the banamex machine in barra is a pain in the butt.....while i only lived there for 3 months, it ate like 6 tourists cards then you have to go through all the trouble of heading to melaque and getting them to open it up NOT TILL THE NEXT DAY. anyways...i had problems a few times. and ive found that if u punch everything in quikly then it doesnt give u too much trouble. also sometimes they only have 500peso bills, which waz a pain because nobody in mexico ever has change for that. but have a great time, barra is an excellant town.

hey, um good tip,... just head to the bus place in pv, its just across the highway there...and grab a ticket on Primera Plus. they are a great bus line, and i made that exact trip several times while i was in mexico. i recommend it much more over a taxi. besides the bus ticket is always under 200 pesos..under 20 bucks american and under 32 bucks canadian. the trip is about 4-5 hours...and expect several stops for locals, but dont worry its always confortable with a good movie : ) plus im on 16 and i was travelling alone the whole time...so that shows just how safe it is. you can email me if you have any conserns. supahkix_cr@hotmail.com Carrie

So far so good, edit?.

[%sig%] Post Edited (01-28-03 00:04)

Is the get together at chips on the 13th or the 14th?

Can anyone tell me what the fax number is for the Bungalos Orientales?

We have just returned from a great trip to Melaque, our first, 2nd go for our friends. All of the comments from this website were very helpful & made our trip much more enjoyable. Some favorites: Los Arcos de Jalisco, 7 Stars, & Bananarama for Brkfst.,Maya, Caesar & Charlie's, Pedro's, Flor Morena & Alcatraz(in Melaque & Bara) for dinner. Drinks & snacks at Bigotes & Alcatraz(Bara, great Guac.) & anyplace on the beach. Ray's tours, Boogie Boarding, & golf at Isla Navidad(THE BEST). We stayed at Villas Camino del Mar & it was excellent with a great staff. Thanks again for all of your advice & comments. We'll be back! One thought for first timers, take plenty of bug spray, comfortable clothes & sunscreen.

If you use the the ATM's when the banks are open and receive large bills, you can then go inside and exchange for bills of lower denomination. It is always best to try to use the ATM's when the banks are open.

Don't forget to visit me at Alice's Restaurant

Hello I believe the information is in our site www.msbyth.com under the Melaque section in Messages Rooster if you dont find it please leave me a message and I will get it to you. I know Martin the manager and his wife Cooca Rooster

the house is close to the beach ( 3 blocks ) 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, livingroom, diningroom, kitchen, garage, 128 mts2 for more information contact at: phone 01315 35 5-68-50 or e-mail pcdr022@hotmail.com

Hey, We just drove the over 5,000 miles back after the quake. The roads were ok except for one area on the auto pista just before, I belive before Colima. The bridge was out abut the military was there on each end to besure they sent you around it. We went from Barra throught the Colima area and it's ok. We just couldnt' handle the earthquake after the second day so we went home. Jessie and Vicente' tried to talk us into staying but we just couldnt' do it. For those that are going down we did rent a nice bungalow from the folks who own the El Marquez, very clean for only $350 a month. It was number 92 Manzanillo Street and had a garage for the car, 2 beds, hot water, kitchen fully equipped. When we didn't stay they refunded our money. Typical of the people in Barra. HOnest hard working. Barb

"Can anyone tell me what the fax number is for the Bungalos Orientales?" No need to head off to another website, Tom's got it listed in the Melaque Hotels section, <http://www.tomzap.com/melaque.html#hotels> in the "Moderate" price section.

Bungalows Orientales voice (315) 355-5751, 355-5750, fax (315) 684-3482 (mark Attn: Bungalows Orientales).

Dear Beth, we have a place for your car, our phone # 355-57-54 Address: Astilleros # 132 Pueblo Nuevo Canal System, one block from Cabo Banco Hotel

Not sure what you meant by not being able to "handle the earthquake after the second day." Are there problems in Barra? I'm going to be coming down in about a week and a half, and if there's anything I should know in advance, I'd sure appreciate you telling me. Thanks!

I have family in Melaque and there is no problem in that area. When they said "they couldn't handle the quake after the second day" they were probably dealing with fear. Some people just can't handle earthquakes and aftershocks. I live 60 miles from Colima. We also felt the quake, had aftershocks and damage in town. Two days later, a group of U.S./Canadian citizens were there on tour. Life goes on. Enjoy your trip to Barra

He's right we just didn't like the aftershocks. Enjoy Barb

I just received junk mail from a person posting on this Forum under Rooster and Trever. It invited me to join membership to a new community in Melaque/Barra. The Subject line was "Calling all Hedonist" This is the reason I use a hotmail address rather than my true address. Bummer that a fellow poster is also lurking around and using our psotings like a telemarketer...

Does anyone know who this character is and what he has to do with Melaque?

Since you have a car, check out Reserva de la Biosfera de Chamela. It is north of Barra, about a 2.5 hour drive. There are short hiking trails, so it's not so much the actual hiking I go for. Along the trails the plants are labeled. It's wonderful if you're in to botany. In the area around the compound the trees are labeled with both the scientific name and local common name. They aren't really set up for visitors, or as a tourist destination. It's an extension of the University of Guadalajara (as I recall, not sure). But I've been a couple of times, different seasons - different plants in bloom, and both times someone came out of... no where, and pointed me in the direction of the trails or gave me a trail map and brochure (no longer have them).

After your hike, the beach at Chamela is a great spot for snorkleing, beer and seafood. It's just a bit further north. Follow the most heavily used dirt road. Your destination is on the beach, uh huh, below the ruins of a partially completed hotel. There are about 4 palapa reataurants in a row. For the best snorkleing hike over the small hill to the south. Great spot. Buena suarte. Lou

Ask at the Marquez about their bungalows. We rented on for only 350 a month. It was clean, all the cooking necessities, 2 beds, garage, ref, inside and outside table. We loved it. Ask them about it, they call it a bungalow. They may let you use the pool at the hotel if you ask. There is also one for $300 for the month and one uupstairs for $6oo a month. Enjoy! It's as cheap as one week at $45 a night. for one week. Barb

Hey Barb, I live in central BC and it's less than 3500 mile to Barra one way, did it 3 times back and forth. Do you live in Alaska or did you mean kilometers instead of miles? Be happy Sandy [%sig%]

I will tell you who I am, Im looking for people that will help us generate some income for the school kids in that area! Sorry to upset your peicefull hide out. I found you because this is a public site. Can you tell me what you have to do with this site and the Barra area? And where are you from?

Hola Sandy . I have ready photos . Eduardo

Sorry for the confusion on the dates of the Tomzap Party at Casa Chips . I just noticed that my topic heading date was wrong . The party will be on the 13th of Feb. at 2:00PM not the 14th . See you there . My mind must have been somewhere else when I posted . Jim

Helping kids by generating income form Nudist Communities? hhmmm I smell a rat.

I visit loved ones in Melaque and support the local economy when I am there.

I live in Scottsdale Arizona, yet another paradise. Please take me off your junk mail listing and stop posing as a person just wanting to help kids. Shame on you.

I am sorry if we upset you! I have several people that e mail board members to make them aware of our site. Sometimes they don't pay attention and get us in trouble with an e mail. Please forgive us and I will make sure this e mailing is stopped. They are not supposed to use my name and it makes me very upset. Again sorry if we upset you. Trever

Forgiven, but I still dont understand the bit about helping kids by promoting a Nudist Community. Whaz up with that?

Well I can't explain why they posted in this nudist post.Tell me more about this subject. Is there any nudist places in Melaque? I would like to talk to you about this! Is there a place we could meet online? I have a chat room in my site if you wouldlike to meet there?

Let me know when if at all! Trever

Hello, do you know anyone traveling to the Melaque area by vehicle? We need to get some stuff to the Mayor. Please let me know if you know of anyone willing to help us out!

Thanks

I just replied to the email you sent me. The address that was given was treverh@attbi.com The Subject line said: Calling All Hedonist The Message said, We are looking for members to our new community in Melaque and Barra. it gave me your website msbyth.com.

Hello Christinna do you have MSN messenger? I would like chat with you sometime! I am thiatt66@hotmail.com Thanks

Rent room for 1 o 2 persons ,double bed, fan mini fridge ceiling fan bathroom.Located between hotel Monterrey and hotel Vistahermosa .10 steps to the beach. Contact. Dentista Eduardo Pimienta Woo .Phone 35 5 55 18 or 35 5 54 26 e-mail pimientaeduardo@hotmail.com. $200.00 USD per month.

Is this the same room that was for sale a week or so ago?

Christinna, a week or so ago you made some comments about nudity in Mexico that were included in the thread titled "calling all hedonists" (see message list). Seems like what happened was that "Rooster" and his "people" captured your email address from that posting, which would explain why that same subject line was in the message addressed to you. And also maybe explains why "Rooster" seems so confused about the whole subject. He was the one who had to have the word "hedonist" explained to him, remember? You can leave off your email address when you post comments if you don't want to risk potentially getting on third-party mailing lists.

Yes, that is what I had thought about. I like to leave my e-mail address as I have been able to help people who are a bit Forum shy by direct email. I just wanted fellow posters to know about the SPAM capture on this board. Also, it may help ROOSTER to control is PEOPLE now as well.

hey there, when i waz in barra on exchange, i had a friend living in hotel caribe. 15 american bucks a night. its not lugsurious(dont know how to spell) but if you want a quiet hotel(except sometimes in the mornings theres little kids screamming and crying)...just basically to sleep in, its like really close to "downtown" ahhahah and the beach. anywayz, there the occasional cockroach and wutnot, but nothing to be afraid of. : ) so there ya go!!! oh ya, and occasionally there is no water....but only like once a month and it lasts for like 2 hours. nobody knows y, but thats mexico for ya. if you have any questions... my email is supahkix_cr@hotmail.com

llll

I am trying to persuade my daughter and son-in-law to join me in Barra for a week this winter, but the sticking point for them is the possible lack of physical activity. I know, I know --- for me, just lounging on the beach is exercise enough, but my son-in-law is a workout junkie, and I don't know if there's anywhere for him to do so. Running on the beach is out because of the slope. Is there a gym or other kind of place where he could work out at least every other day? Melaque or Barra would be best. Anyone have any ideas?

Yes. For sale too.

There are 2 gyms in Melaque. One is for females only I believe the sign says.

Hello can you tell me more info about this room? How hard is it to buy in Mexico for an American? What do we need?

They might change their minds when they feel the heat and humidity. There is a huge ocean out front, that will give them a good work out. I see many people swimming along shore in the mornings and evenings. If they are worried about the currents, the other can paddle along side in a kayak.

We have bought and sold Ocean front property in Mexico. It is difficult without a Mexican/Amierican attorney. I would not have done it without ours. There are several firms out of Califonia and Texas that have cross boardered licensed Attorneys.

Kamloops people my God, I come to Kamloops everyday, I live in Westsyde and believe that the Westsyder is truly the only place to visit with Barra-Melaque people. I have been know to visit for a Fox burger or two.

Any old time !!!!

cheers !

My husband and I are from Kamloops - Sahali - and we have been to Melaque several times and will be there the last 2 weeks of Feb. We can usually be found Friday nights at Loonies/Days Inn. Looking forward to being in Mexico again. Just love Melaque

Sahali! We're up in Aberdeen.

Say all Kamloopites let's setup a party some nite; talk about Melaque, exchange videos and pictures, arrange for a bus next January, all head down to Melaque. We all save on airfare. . . . . I will drive the first 24 hours :-) . . . . Westsyder first then the Fox . . . . . . :-) I'll bring the nachos.

Peter [%sig%]

This is my 6th trip to the area and I was here last year in Feb. It seems soooo much slower this time. Where are the tourists? Most of the bars and restarants are almost empty most nights.

I am hoping to buy a home and move to Mexico in the next year or two. I have spent a fair bit of time in Zihuatanejo in the past but it has become too touristy and expensive for my tastes. I have done considerable research and have reduced my options to the Barra/Malenque/La Manzanilla area or the Puerto Escondido/Puerto Angel area. Can anyone provide some pros and cons of each area?

Are there reasonably priced homes for sale in the Barra/Malenque/La Manzanilla area? The Puerto Escondido site has links to realtors and others with homes under $100,000 US but I don't see much in the Barra area in that price range. I am interested in something in a Mexican neighborhood (as opposed to in an expat community).

I plan to be in Mexico for the month of August and part of September to check out my options in both locales. Any hints on how to go about locating homes for sale, especially those offered for sale by locals as opposed to those being sold by snowbirds?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help.

Karen

Hi When I was in Melaque this last Christmas, I ran the beach every morning. It's flat on top. The sand isn't as firm up there, but what a great workout for your calves, legs and butt. I also believe I saw a gum. Don't know what road though. There's plenty of ways to workout. Just means you can eat and drink more!

Enjoy Linda

There is a very regular parade of inspired healthnuts that makes the walk over the hill from Melaque to Coastecomates and back each morning. If I remember correct, if you start out around 7:00AM, with the return trip you'd have a nice sunrise. The walk takes about 1 hour. Then if I was really driven, I'd stop at the gym in Melaque afterwords. It's about two block south of the plaza. I agree with the opinion that gym time feels pretty hot and humid anytime after about 9:00AM ~Kip in Tacoma, WA

There is a gym in Melaque, called Napo's Gym. Just ask any of the locals for direction & they will guide you.

We will be in Melaque Feb 17-Mar 4 and would love to meet with you if you are there at that time. We could also meet at the Fox Feb 15 after 6pm if you are here in Kamloops. We have tons of pics of Melaque and videos. The sunsets are fantastic. Can't wait to be there

would like to rent your condo feb 9th to the 15th please reply leaving tommorrowstaying in vallarta for a bit then coming to barra

oh yea dokey@mts.net

Just arrived in PV. looking forward to heading down to Melaque next week. Can anyone tell me if anna & luke rturned to open Romeo's? Where else is good to eat? See you all soon!

I am from Vancouver, Can, and have never been to this area before. My wife was given the name of this place by a client of hers who said that it was a nice place and still affordable as opposed to other resort areas in Mexico. The area sounds nice but I still don't know anything about it ie. airflights,other accommodations, all inclusives vs. diy rentals, ammenities, currency exchange, etc. If there is anyone out there who might be able to help us it would be greatly appreciated. We have a 5yr old daughter as well as my 73yr old mother who will be accompaning us when we go for approx. two weeks in Nov. this year.

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Can't say anything about the Villa but we just got back yesterday and stayed in Barra de Navidad which is the next village to Melaque - 10 minutes on the local bus. I took my Mom who is 79 and she did very well there. The only thing you need to take is a flashlight so that your Mom can see where she is walking, the roads and sidewalks are very uneven and difficult for older people to negotiate particularly at night. You might also want to make sure that the pool has steps down into it. We had to move from our first place because my Mom doesn't have the strength to haul herself out of the pool using a ladder or to do a 2 foot step up from the shallow end. If you decide to stay in Barra, I recommend Casa de Marco rented through the Crazy Cactus in Barra - they have both 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom accomodation with all the kitchen appliances you need. It is a bit noisy from the buses which go by but a pair of ear plugs do the trick. We enjoyed it. The 2 bedroom was 564 US per week.

There were several cambinos in Barra and I had no trouble cashing Cnd traveller's cheques or bills. Big mistake taking US dollars to the cost of buying them in Canada. Just got back yesterday and the exchange was 6.20 pesos per Canadian dollar whether it was a traveller's cheque or a bill. We've never taken US dollars to Mexico except if required to pay for the accomodation. By the way, apparently money orders from Canada are no good in this area of Mexico.

Always tip taxis, don't care where I am. It's a long drive to the airport and they aren't allowed to pick up return fares. As they are very helpful and informative a tip is always appropriate for good service.

There is also a comment from Denise subject Thanks on 28 Jan that says she stayed where you are thinking of in Melaque.

We just got back yesterday and had a great visit. We stayed at two places while there the first was in the Las Palmas complex and the second was Casa de Marcos. I had my Mom with me which made the Casa de Marcos much more suitable although we enjoyed both. I'm interested in obtaining rental contact information for the beach front houses in Las Palmas for our next visit. Any information is appreciated.

Thanks Joy

There is another aspect to tipping taxi drivers. We have been told by our Mexican friends (in Mexico) more than once that their established custom is not to tip taxi drivers, not a cheap cop-out but the way custom has developed down there. They were quite emphatic that they resented North Americans who know what the local customs are but are determined to impose their own because they consider them more fair. We do tip taxi drivers if they have done us an unusual service.

I am not sure where your friends live in Mexico, but I live here. I am not Mexican, but my wife and her family were born here in the state of Jalisco. They have never heard of that custom and they all tip taxi drivers when they use taxis. The only time they may not tip, is when the service is extremely poor. Your friends may resent North Americans, who by their standards, break local customs by tipping taxi drivers, but the taxi drivers and others who receive tips are very happy.

My family is looking for a place to rent for Christmas week of 2003. Prices and pictures would be helpful. Thanks...

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The only damage that we saw in Barra were a few roof tiles down and some damage to the roof of the church. There must have been some concern as to safety because they were holding all the services in the street. We we were leaving, Jan 31 it looked as if they had got the okay as to safety and had moved back inside. Other that that just a bit of a scare that night and two real minor after shocks the following day. The deaths in Colima were almost all people living or sleeping in adobe houses that crumbled around them an suffocated them.

Karen, We sold our property in Troncones 2 years ago and we have no regrets. We have been spending all our time now in Melaque area. I think that La Manzanilla is close to how old Zihuat use to be prior to Ixtapa. There are several other coastal towns that you might like the looks of as well, all bewteen Puerto Vallarta and Zihautanejo.

We are planning on building a villa in Melaque, does anyone know a good architech? Thanks Rooster

Does anyone know a good Architech in the Melaque or Barra area?

Thanks Rooster

See your e-mail, yes it is available.

Sorry I was on vacation and didn't get your e-mail in time. Hopefully you found another place to stay.

We stayed in both Melaque and Barra in December, and did notice that Camino del Mar was a lovely looking place.(We were at a nearby beachside bungalow in Melaque). If you can make arrangements to stay there, I don't think you would be disappointed. It has a great location right on the beach. Melaque has a broader, wider stretch of beach for walking on, while most walking in Barra is on the street or malecon, as the narrower sloped sand is difficult to get through. Beach walking of any distance can be a challenge if one is not fit, though!

If you stay in Barra, everything is within easy walking distance as it is really small. There is less local flavor, however, as not many of the merchants actually reside in Barra - most live in Melaque!

If you were to stay at Camino del Mar, you would have a 5-10 minute walk (depending upon your pace) to get to the center of town. It is located at the quieter, Villa Obregon area. There is considerably more activity going on near the center of town - lots of little shops, restaurants, taco stands, etc. Melaque is more than a tourist area - it is a real town too. It is very easy to take a taxi back if you are tired of walking, and it won't cost you more that 20 pesos. (or you can take the local bus for a more adventurous ride through town, or over to Barra) There are still some dirt roads in Melaque, but most of the roads closest to the beach and accomodations have been paved in cobblestone or brick.

We too stayed at Casa de Marco, which is a very nice place, and I agree with the last post-er that bus noise is its biggest drawback (but you would be hard-pressed to find a more suitable place to stay in Barra, I think). It even has wheel-chair accessible suites. It has real beds too - which you may not find everywhere you go. Many of the bungalows we viewed, as well as where we stayed, have cement slabs with mattresses on top. A little firmer than you may be used to!

Both towns are rather like visiting a place like Osoyoos - pretty small-scale and friendly. There are distinct differences between them, so it really depends on what you prefer. Email me if you want more info.

We have stayed at the Camino Del mar and yes its a very nice place, Get the two bedroom suite that we stayed in! Its first floor and two bed two bath. People that work there are really great . We have photos in our web site at www.msbyth.com And I will be staying there next week again if you need me to get you any info while Im there. Rooster www.msbyth.com Have fun

Hello everyone we will be in the Melaque area next wee if anyone would like us to take their information and become part of our web site! We are very, very cheap.

Let us know if you want your own web site.

Rooster www.msbyth.com

I thought you were in tight with the delegado of Melaque? Alex is an architect.

Hi Vin my name is Bob Moody and I run STAMexico and live here in Melaque from Nov - May to assist people with accommodations set up and arrange tours while they are here visiting. I work with all the Hotel and Bungalows in both Melaque and Barra as well as other towns within the costalegre from Manzanillo - Carayes. I'd be happy to help and have been in this business here for the last 4 years and have been visiting the area for the last 11 years now. You can contact me directly through my web site which has many pictures of some of the places that we represent.I also manage my own place and 2 other bungalows in Villa Obregon. The web site is www.smalltownadventuresmexico.com and has an email there as well as a questionaire or contact me through burtonbob51@hotmail.com The camino Del Mar is a very nice place and has many different levels of accommodations available at different pricing levels. There is also many more places that are available and would be happy to recommend quality accommodations that would suit your needs and budget. Thanks in advance Bob

We have visited both Puerto Escondido and Barre de Navidad along with many other places in Mexico and Barre de Navidad remains our clear favorite. It is a much more interesting place, to us, than Puerto Escondido. The thing I really disliked about Escndido was the sweltering heat. We were there in February and I asked the Hotel manager when was the cool season. He said "this is the cool season".

I will be arriving the 8th of Feb and traveling to Melaque the 9th by bus! Anyone else on the same schedule? I will also be collecting information for web sites if anyone is interested. We build and maintain web sites.

See us at www.msbyth.com Thanks Rooster

Rooster gheeeesh ... your posts are getting tiresome. How about contributing to the information here and just post a link to your web site. Please!!!

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OOPS , sorry everyone I got caried away!

Due to a couple of unforseen cancelations I have some space available from Feb.4th. Contact me at teresmith@hotmail.com [%sig%]

HOLA, WE ARE JOYCE AND GARY PITTMAN, THE OWNERS OF ROOSTER´S, THE BREAKFAST PLACE IN MELAQUE.....WE WANT EVERYONE WHO READS THIS SITE TO KNOW THAT WE ARE NOT, REPEAT NOT, THE PERSON USING THIS SITE WHO USES THE NAME ROOSTER....IF YOU ARE IN THE AREA OR TRAVELLING TO MELAQUE, STOP AND SEE US.

I know that there are ATM machines in Barra and Melaque. Is there an ATM at the Manzanillo airport yet?

Yes there's an ATM in the airport. It's on the wall facing you when you clear customs.

Rooster, Sorry, I don't even know a good architect!

Hello Joyce and Gary ... I'm the guy that stayed at Las Brisas in November and showed up for coffee and fruit at 6am every morning. Had not seen you post here before so thought I would say hello and thanks for the good food.

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Can't decide between a 3 night side-trip. What would be the better choice - Colima or Tlaquepaque? Looking for some culture and authentic atmosphere. Enjoy shopping for pottery, glassware. What accommodations would be the best choices for both? Thank you. Sandy

Thanks for the information. Sandy

Sandy you might want to think about the bus, much cheaper! Burre

Sandy, Not sure about Colima or GDL. However our family just took a taxi from Melaque to Puerto Vallarta last week. Cost was 1200 plus my tip. That was a 3.5 hour trip.

I believe GDL is more like 5 hours so figure accordingly.

Gordon

Colima is a wonderful place to go, but with the recent earthquake, I would be reluctant to suggest a trip there right now. There aren't that many hotels there to begin with, and from what I've heard the damage in the center of the city was pretty extensive.

Hi Sandy, I would definately go for the shopping in T. I could stand to be corrected, but the best days at the market are Thursdays and Saturdays. Remember to go the day before and get there early. Awesome shopping and really good prices. Wish I was going with you.

I recommend Vicente Morett Chavez, who lives, and has his office in, Cihuatlan. He did my house in Villa Obregon, and that of a friend just down the street. I do not speak Spanish, but his English is good enough that we could communicate. His phone in Cihuatlan is 355 3091.

Hi Sandy, I live in Barra full time and was in Colima last Sunday. The hotel Ceballos next to the Cathedral in the Centro, a beautifully restored colonial building, was open for business as usual. The other three nice hotels in the Centro are also open for business as usual. The damage to the Colonial buildings in the Centro of Colima is minimal. All of the streets are open, I drove all around the town and over to Comalla we did not encounter any problems at all. Likewise Comalla, the Mariachis were going strong in the restaurants along the Jardin and all outside tables were full of Mexicans enjoying the day.

Most of the damage we saw was in Tecoman, Cyutlan and Armeria, towns between Colima City and Manzanillo, down by the beach. The army was working there even on Sunday, clearing rubble with their dump trucks.

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There is a gym in Barra, it's on the same street as the Tiangus, the Thursday market. Your son in-law also might want to check out a bike tour with us at Sea to Sierra Outdoor Adventures http://members.shaw.ca/seatosierra2 [%sig%]

Anyone know of any Yoga classes in Melaque/Barra/LAM?

Jeff

Spent a few days in Colima town 2 yrs ago. It is lovely, lots of parks, museums, but didn't find the shopping great. A few pricey tourist shops and the general market which was fun, but mostly food stuff. In Comala there are a couple of tourist shops with pottery, etc. Last year we were on our way back from Zacatecas (wonderful place) and tried to get to Tlacapaque but got lost in the Guad. traffic, ended up finding a stretch of the road nr there with wonderful pottery & crafts. I think Tlac. would be your best choice, sounds like the market is great. Have fun!

Will be in the area Feb 22 and planning a week car trip inland. Any feedback on visiting Patzcuaro, Urapan, San Miguel de Allende? I know it's colder inland in the mtns. Last year we drove to Zacatecas & Jerez and really enjoyed it. Would also like to see the Monarch butterflies but may be too much of a distance. If anyone has impressions of these areas pls share.

Many of the things sold in Tlaquepaque are made in Tonala. You will find prices cheaper in Tonala. Market days are Thursday and Sunday. Tonala is probably easier to find and has more parking.

Susan: Also try to include Morelia and Guanajuato. When in Patzcuaro, visit the island of Initzio (sp?). It's famous for being ground zero for Noche de Muertos (Night of the Dead) and excellent for their white-fish delicacy. There's a beautiful old hotel on the central zocolo. It gets cold at night.

Gary ~~~~_/) ~~~ ~~~~~~~~

Thanks Gary. Guanajuato is indeed on the proposed itinery. Can you tell me more about it? Have read about the Night of the Dead in Patzcuaro, but didn't think it had relevance in Feb.? Any info on these areas is much appreciated. Cheers, Susan

Here's a great site: www.maps-of-mexico.com It is a much needed resource (as anyone who has tried to get a good map of Mexico can attest to), has zoomable 16-section state maps in amazing detail & you can print them out. We did this for our last yr's driving trip and made a binder of them for easy reference. Has much better detail than any Sandborn maps.

Susan Well if it was April or May ... I might have some info for you. I'm planning on 3 weeks in Patzcuaro for Spanish lessons - end of March, first of April. I think Patzcuaro, Urapan and Morelia area would be more reasonable for only a week. Or pick another area that you just have to see. It's going to be a one day drive in each direction where ever you go - except PV, Manzanillo or Colima.

There is much to see in any area if you move slowly.

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More Mexico Maps <http://mexicochannel.net/maps_en.htm> [%sig%]

3 weeks in Patzcuaro, and you just only got back from Melaque! how do you do it? Yes, I agree, moving slowly is the best way to absorb the flavour of Mexico. A few of our best travel memories from last year include watching a spinning top competition in the town of Jerez, and a solo traverse flute performance just for us by the desk clerk in our small hotel...

There seems to be lots to see in the general area around Patzcuaro. A week of touring will be followed by a week back in Melaque and area relaxing. We plan on renting a car at ZLO airport, it's expensive @ $300+ wk US, but nice to haev the independence. Looking forward to experiencing new places...

Have stayed at Zihuatenjo the last couple of years but heard about b d navidad and it sounds interesting. How much is a taxi from the airport? Is there groceries and beer in town. Is there an inexpensive hotel with A/C. What is the best winter month for fishing? Would anyone recomend B D Navidad over "Z"? Any information would be appreciated. I love to fish and vacation in Mexico, not a international tourist destination like Cancun. Is this the place for me?

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Hey ... I thought it was Canadians that had paid 6 months vacations <g>. I just hadn't had a vacation for a year and a half and took a few "leav