New program by the Mexican tourism board to promote Zihua

I'd like to vouch for Eloisa and congratulate her on her endeavor, which in her capable hands can help bring some much needed positive publicity to Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa and attract some like-minded people to our destination.

Eloisa, feel free to also peruse older messages here and in the Old Message Board Archives. I can help you contact anyone who posts here in case they wish to protect their privacy.

Here, I'll even go:

Hola, my name is Rob Whitehead. I first came to Zihuatanejo from Longboat Key, Florida 40 years ago for a 6-month stay when I was a teenager. During my residence here I met a local girl and fell in love and we dated for a while, but due to circumstances I left and returned to Florida without her mailing address or phone number. Zihuatanejo had gotten deep under my skin and I often found myself missing the place and its extremely warm and friendly people. Fifteen years later I got the opportunity to return to visit my mother who had recently moved here. It was love at first sight for the second time with the same girl from my youth and also with Zihuatanejo, so I risked everything for love and stayed. After a year I married my childhood sweetheart, Lupita Bravo of Lupita's Boutique, and we've been enjoying our honeymoon ever since. We'll celebrate our 24th anniversary this year. I started working here as an English teacher but when Internet arrived to Zihuatanejo almost by accident I began making websites, including www.Zihuatanejo.net, which almost by accident has become the most popular website for our region. Now besides designing and maintaining websites, I also try to help our community, including promoting our region. My wife and I have also helped to channel generous donations made by my Message Board readers to many worthwhile local causes, including schools and elderly care facilities and the Sociedad Protectora de Animales de Zihuatanejo. Now we are grandparents excited to be watching our family grow. One thing I endeavor to help preserve is Zihuatanejo's culture and history. While I think the town has grown too fast and too haphazardly, I know that there are many good and decent hardworking local people who love Zihuatanejo deeply and who will strive like my wife and I to help shape its future in a positive manner.

Must see: La Chole Museum and archaeological site, Las Gatas, Barra de Potosí, Isla Ixtapa, Troncones, Mesas de Bravo, Petatlán, La Unión, La Barrita, Papanoa

Must do: Charter a boat or go out on the Picante catamaran to spend a a few hours on the water outside our bay along our coast to enjoy the majesty of the view and the sea life. In the winter you may see whales. Any time of year you're almost sure to see dolphins.

Where to eat: I love all the restaurants listed in my Guide to Local Restaurants (that's why they're listed).

How's that? Did I leave anything out?

The Story of Rob & Lupita