La Manzanilla, Mexico – Costa Allegre – Part I

Just over two hours and my flight from Houston to Manzanillo Airport (ZLO), lands. The walk from plane to terminal is scorching. The entire Costa Allegre has been experiencing higher than usual temperatures. Once I exit passport control I wait in the air conditioned airport for my sister’s flight from California. ZLO is small, clean and welcoming. There are gift shops, a snack bar and taxi stand on ground floor. Second level there is a bar and restaurant, easy access by stairs or elevator.

My sister appears; we hug with delight and anticipation. She’s anxious for me to see her sweet house in La Manzanilla and show me her Mexico, I’m not sure what to expect, I have only been to San Miguel years ago for a writer’s workshop.

Our taxi ride from airport to La Manzanilla is a forty minute ride. Beautiful coconut palms, sugar cane fields, road side dwellings much like those in the movie Rudo y Cursi, including boys in a field playing soccer.

Our driver follows my sister’s directions once we cross the highway into La Manzanilla. We turn left, the road taking us through the middle of town. Palapa roofs to my left and right… Business owners sweep walkways in front of their shops. To my right I get a peek at the beach. Past the school we turn left and head up the hill to Casa Chachalaca, my sister’s house.

I exit the taxi and look west, the town below me and sparkling in front of me, Tenacatita Bay… a breath taking view. From the master suite on the second floor this will be my view for the next two weeks.

Unpacked, we walk back to town for ‘Margaritas’ and some dinner.

We start at Palapa Joe’s… a plate of sliced Jicama and Cucumber with lime and chili, Nachos and the strongest Margarita’s in town. Relaxed and giggly, we walk to Restaurant Martin where we sit in the open air listening to the surf. We watch our waiter prepare Cesar Salad tableside and devour an order of Tequila Shrimp.

Getting back up the hill to the house isn’t as easy as the walk down had been. It’s late, it’s dark, and the sister’s are lit.