Mexico Part III
Apr 8th, 2010, 08:45 AM
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Mexico Part III
Boarded Interjet's Airbus right on time. Once through the metal detector no farther security measures for this 50 minute domestic flight Toluca to Acapulco. A full plane & I was in a middle seat but for $54 US versus $42 & 12 hour bus ride made it a snap. They even served drinks & pastries for the early morning flight.
Arrived on time & proceeded to the Transportation booth where the sign said 100 pesos for The Collectivo but 380 for a cab. When I asked for a Collectivo ticket the attendant brusquely informed that it would only take me to the Zocalo not to my hotel & that a wait would be required as none were currently available. I figured a 50 peso Tip to the driver would change that but found it unnecessary.
Upon arriving at the departure site I was quickly escorted to not a Collectivo Van but a regular cab with 3 other people already seated in the back. I took the front passenger seat & we were off for the fairly long ride to Acapulco. My co-riders were a single Mexican women & a Mexican couple. The first left off was the single lady at her hotel a maneuverer requiring 2 U-Turns. A few blocks farther he hung a right pulling up in front of The Acapulco Diana a hotel recommended by the Marvelous Lady M. So Much for the "let you out at the Zocalo" BS!
I was greeted warmly by the front desk personal & the Owner himself. Escorted to my spacious room on the third floor I was very pleased. Clean, with a balcony, refrigerator, AC, Cable TV & free INTERNET for under $50 tax included.
I quickly changed out of my jeans & long sleeve shirt to go exploring. As this was Saturday the hotel & streets were packed with National tourists from the inland cities. I walked from the Hotel mid-way on the bay down to the Zocalo about an hour's hike. Huge hotels, shopping centers, Movie complexes, fancy restaurants with small local cafés mixed in along the route. I found the Zocalo interesting if a bit shop worn stopping at a small café with outdoor seating for a soft drink. I explored the areas shops, streets & beach front before heading back stopping at the Second 100% Fresh on the beach for lunch. Had a excellent Cesar salad with grilled chicken for 80 pesos. Service was especially good. I walked a few more blocks before boarding a 5 peso bus riding a mile or so past my hotel then walking back past more malls, theaters, US fast food places & lots of foot traffic.
That evening a couple of tacos, a ice cream & popcorn before retiring to my room to catch up on news, e-mail etc.
Next day I did a early morning beach walk a bit difficult due to the slant on the beach. After a most excellent breakfast of Café, Fruta, Huevos Rancheros, tortillas & juice for 35 pesos. Later I again took off on Shank's Mare hiking to the Fort/Museo for some exploring. Found both interesting but must admit that I am getting close to my fill of Museums in this life time. A afternoon nap & a pool swim capped the day. I ate at a small café just a few doors down from the hotel having a very good whole fish dinner with all the trimmings for 90 pesos.
Up early & off to the Blanca bus station where I got a 8:18 AM bus to Zihutanejo barley making It as it was pulling out as I reached the gate. A most lovely 118 peso 4 1/2 hour ride by lovely beaches & through pleasant villages.
Some personal observations:
Acapulco is a busy,slightly dirty, noisy, packed city not especially to my liking. On the plus side nice people, some beautiful architecture, an impressive setting with prices actually below Zihutanejo. The buses are indeed a thrill. The Violence that occurred on Saturday while I was walking the Malecon was not evident in anyway to me. In fact I heard about it After I arrived in Zihua/Ixtapa.
I certainly would recommend a visit to all for the experience of a historic, huge Mexican beach city.
PS Our last stop was in Petatlan where again none of the storied Violence that some must proclaim in many of their posts. In fact I visited this fine city 3 times this year without a scratch.
Those that claim Zihua cabbies will not go there (Petatlan) need to meet Margarito Sanchez Molina Jr. , cell 755-111-87-26 if you wish a visit there or elsewhere with a English speaking guide & one heck of a nice man!
Later Zihua/Ixtapa/Barra & beyond.
Arrived on time & proceeded to the Transportation booth where the sign said 100 pesos for The Collectivo but 380 for a cab. When I asked for a Collectivo ticket the attendant brusquely informed that it would only take me to the Zocalo not to my hotel & that a wait would be required as none were currently available. I figured a 50 peso Tip to the driver would change that but found it unnecessary.
Upon arriving at the departure site I was quickly escorted to not a Collectivo Van but a regular cab with 3 other people already seated in the back. I took the front passenger seat & we were off for the fairly long ride to Acapulco. My co-riders were a single Mexican women & a Mexican couple. The first left off was the single lady at her hotel a maneuverer requiring 2 U-Turns. A few blocks farther he hung a right pulling up in front of The Acapulco Diana a hotel recommended by the Marvelous Lady M. So Much for the "let you out at the Zocalo" BS!
I was greeted warmly by the front desk personal & the Owner himself. Escorted to my spacious room on the third floor I was very pleased. Clean, with a balcony, refrigerator, AC, Cable TV & free INTERNET for under $50 tax included.
I quickly changed out of my jeans & long sleeve shirt to go exploring. As this was Saturday the hotel & streets were packed with National tourists from the inland cities. I walked from the Hotel mid-way on the bay down to the Zocalo about an hour's hike. Huge hotels, shopping centers, Movie complexes, fancy restaurants with small local cafés mixed in along the route. I found the Zocalo interesting if a bit shop worn stopping at a small café with outdoor seating for a soft drink. I explored the areas shops, streets & beach front before heading back stopping at the Second 100% Fresh on the beach for lunch. Had a excellent Cesar salad with grilled chicken for 80 pesos. Service was especially good. I walked a few more blocks before boarding a 5 peso bus riding a mile or so past my hotel then walking back past more malls, theaters, US fast food places & lots of foot traffic.
That evening a couple of tacos, a ice cream & popcorn before retiring to my room to catch up on news, e-mail etc.
Next day I did a early morning beach walk a bit difficult due to the slant on the beach. After a most excellent breakfast of Café, Fruta, Huevos Rancheros, tortillas & juice for 35 pesos. Later I again took off on Shank's Mare hiking to the Fort/Museo for some exploring. Found both interesting but must admit that I am getting close to my fill of Museums in this life time. A afternoon nap & a pool swim capped the day. I ate at a small café just a few doors down from the hotel having a very good whole fish dinner with all the trimmings for 90 pesos.
Up early & off to the Blanca bus station where I got a 8:18 AM bus to Zihutanejo barley making It as it was pulling out as I reached the gate. A most lovely 118 peso 4 1/2 hour ride by lovely beaches & through pleasant villages.
Some personal observations:
Acapulco is a busy,slightly dirty, noisy, packed city not especially to my liking. On the plus side nice people, some beautiful architecture, an impressive setting with prices actually below Zihutanejo. The buses are indeed a thrill. The Violence that occurred on Saturday while I was walking the Malecon was not evident in anyway to me. In fact I heard about it After I arrived in Zihua/Ixtapa.
I certainly would recommend a visit to all for the experience of a historic, huge Mexican beach city.
PS Our last stop was in Petatlan where again none of the storied Violence that some must proclaim in many of their posts. In fact I visited this fine city 3 times this year without a scratch.
Those that claim Zihua cabbies will not go there (Petatlan) need to meet Margarito Sanchez Molina Jr. , cell 755-111-87-26 if you wish a visit there or elsewhere with a English speaking guide & one heck of a nice man!
Later Zihua/Ixtapa/Barra & beyond.
Apr 13th, 2010, 01:57 PM
#6
nukesafe.....there are paragraphs,I think what you mean is perhaps
to use spaces.
I have been following all three parts of Stewbear's report
it is interesting to read how a person well versed in the Mexican way of life, take a bus to go from point A
to point B, and that he can find good food at the quaint little places that most tourist just seem to pass by.
If I am not mistake I believe Stewbear has a home in Zihuatanejo!!?
to use spaces.
I have been following all three parts of Stewbear's report
it is interesting to read how a person well versed in the Mexican way of life, take a bus to go from point A
to point B, and that he can find good food at the quaint little places that most tourist just seem to pass by.
If I am not mistake I believe Stewbear has a home in Zihuatanejo!!?
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