A Return to Mexico

 We are back in Mexico again after a 3 year hiatus.  Without a doubt, we would rather be in Spain and Portugal but thanks to the Schengen Agreement, we are biding our time on the Nayarit coast.  Such a hardship!

We arrived on NewYears Day. The flights to PVR were uneventful. Only short delays.  

When checking in for the YVR - PVR flight were asked to show our return booking from Mexico to Canada. This was the first time we have been asked this question.  We replied that we did not have a return booking from Mexico since we are continuing our travels elsewhere mid-February.  We were able to show our return booking from the UK to Calgary. They were satisfied with that and issued a boarding pass.   I asked the Air Canada agent for an explanation of the policy and she implied that one had to have long stay visa (temporary resident) or Mexican residency, without either of these, a return booking was required.  This seemed very strange to us.

We have been here a little over a week now. The first week we spent in San Pancho and we are in Lo de Marcos now, for 16 days.   Both of these towns are busier than they were three years ago.  San Pancho is quite busy now. Many  more restaurants and accommodations. Lo de Marco as well, but to a lesser extent.

There is a strong contingent of Kootenay residents here in LDM. We have run into several people we know.  There is a good selection of restaurants. The beach is very nice with a safe swimming area.  There is reasonable amount of night life. Albeit, it is targeted to the more mature crowd.  Live music and open mic scenarios are operating in a variety of bars and restaurants.  Tonight there is Cuban music at Tomatina’s on the beach. We are meeting friends there for supper.

As is the case with the rest of the world, prices have risen. Mexico is not the cheep place to holiday anymore.   Restaurant prices are still lower than those in Canada but a meal for two in a nice restaurant, with drinks and tip, can easily set you back about 1500 pesos,  $100  Canadian.  

We are not big eaters so we easily get by with smaller items or by sharing an entree.  For example… last night we ordered  guacamole to share and one good size taco each. A margarita and a negra modelo to drink.  The total price was was 280 pesos. With tip 340. This is roughly  $18 Canadian.  Generally we have been spending 500 o 600 pesos for a nice meal  

Below are a couple of  photos of our accommodation in Lo de Marcos. There are 3 bungalows in a single building. All with a nice porch.  The building is only 2 years old and the suites are well equipped with two double beds and a kitchenette. There is secure parking if you come with a vehicle. 

It is called Casa de la Iguana. Mario, the owner lives in a suite above the suites. 

The only downside to this location is the noise.  The property on one side is home to numerous roosters and ducks. The roosters crow most of the night. Thank goodness for ear plugs!    On the other side is a car wash. It is not an automated wash but the pressure washer is quite loud, but only occasionally in use.  I have to say that the fellow does and incredible job with a wash and wax.

In San Pancho we discovered a very nice, quiet bar /restaurant with a fabulous view of the sunset.