New program by the Mexican tourism board to promote Zihua

Hola, Eloisa -- Paulette here (my sister Connie is locahermanas 1 and I am locahermanas2; she might write separately)
We first came to the area sometime in the early 1990s on a timeshare exchange in Ixtapa. We were there for two weeks and had a nice vacation (don't get me wrong) but toward the end of it we decided to check out Zihuatanejo -- that's when we were hooked! Since then, we've returned to the area about 7 or 8 times -- always to Zihuatanejo. (Since we retired, we stay about 3 months and we bring family in for short stays while we're here.)

The first "longer stay" occurred when my sister and I left the guys at home and rented a small apartment behind the bottle return plant for a month -- very simple, no pool or amenities -- but we were so close to everything that charms us, we knew that we'd be back with our family members. Favorite memory from that time: "Pedrito" the parrot who sings Mexican songs (but only sometimes!)

Taking the lead from Rob, I'll simplify what we like:

WHAT WE LIKE BEST: The local people: friendly, helpful, very seldom annoyed by our presence; always willing to struggle with us while we attempt to communicate in our very sad version of Spanish. We are remembered by many from year to year. I remember one time in particular when -- wheerever we walked -- the locals would say "Oh, here come the happy sisters!) WHen we do something silly, we have the feeling that we are being laughed WITH not at! (Like this year when I dressed up in a pink wig and flashy bow for the carnaval parade -- looking like a very fat gringa in a clown suit! Everyone, even the teens, laughed along with me and my husband and I had a ball.) Most important: we've made some very good true friends among locals residents.

THE MARKET -- We buy almost everything in the central market, using Commercial primarily for dry goods, etc. We love to cook while we're here and we love to chat with the vendors who are always helpful and ready to tell us what to do with something we might not have used before.

Sundays at the beach -- what beach? Just about any beach, but certainly LaMadera and LaRopa or Barra de Potossi. Why Sunday? Great, friendly people watching and interaction with local families, their kids and dogs. I love it when the beach is full of people having fun.

FAVORITE BEACH -- Sorry, this one goes to Troncones -- but having that community accessible from Zihuatanejo is just fantastic. And Troncones is perfect for longer term beach getaways -- we definitely will return.

Sunday night at LaCancha -- street food, ball games, events, music...every week like a trip to a fair.

Food -- From the most inexpensive to the high end -- the restuarants are excellent. I have never been disappointed by a meal here. I do spen most of my time in Zihua centro, dining in the fondas,, along Calle Adelita, or along Playa Principal, --- always something new to try or something I missed in previous years.

MUSIC -- Of course Guitar Festival -- but I must say that my favorite music experience this year were the two younger groups of local musicians playing old AMerican rock n roll. I would LOVE to hear them weave in more modern Mexican music in their repetoire. DO NOT SHUT THESE KIDS DOWN. There was a lot of grumbling about noise factors -- I found every single event high energy and lots of fun -- and they did not go on and on into the wee small hours, so I can't imagine why there was a fuss. Local musicians and artists need our support and encouragement. Hope there will be more music in small club/bar venues. ALways nice to listen to live music during the week.

EASE OF TRAVEL -- My first choice in getting around beyond walking distance is the bus/collectivo -- perfect, fun, reliable. Just hang on if you're going out of city limits. Second, taxis. But the taxi price war is bad news and causing lots of difficulty if you want to really enjoy the surrounding area -- te fares to and from Troncones are ridiculous and difficult to justify. Same true from the airport to anywhere. With very few excedptions, however, the taxi drivers are friendly and helpful.

ACCOMMODATIONS -- we rent condos from several different private owners, or we rent boutique hotels. I will say that ANY place in LaMadera is the BEST place to stay. Having everything in easy walking distance just can't be beat.

POZOLE THURSDAY -- okay, this could fit under food, but a separate catefory because I love the entertainment that goes along with the soup. Like to try all the places.

MUSEO -- We try to go to whatever event is takign place in the Museo -- always interesting.

MEDICAL -- WInter 2013 I broke my leg (In Ixtapa) -- and I received EXCELLENT health care in Zihuatanejo from the regular doctor, Xray technicians, and orthopedic specialist -- all house calls, and all so reasonably priced I can't imagine anyone not using health care in Zihua. Another time I broke my glasses and had excellent service and reasonable pricing from the optometrist -- including all new frames I still love.

EASY LIVING -- this one from my husband. When I asked what he meant he said "the neighborhood is great. What I do down there is great. No pressure. Great people."

CONSCIENCE CITY WORKERS -- For all those folks who don't pick up after themselves -- there is a cadre' of hardworking people who clean up the streets. I would add more of these workers to the public payrolls and spread their skills all around town, not just in the high touristy areas.

CARNAVAL -- every year, but especially this year with the focus on Mexican culture and traditions. The very best parade EVER.

CIVIC BUILDING -- Love the new walk from Kyoto to Commercial. Love the playgrounds for kids and the exercise equipment for everyone. Love the plants. Love the great building going on all over town. NO matter how "nice and modern" it gets it will always be a thousand billion times better than Ixtapa.

SO THE WHAT'S thE DOWNSIDE?
One thing we're really concerned about is the noxious odor from the sewers. It was very ripe, very often this year. This really needs serious attention.

Too many stray dogs. I love dogs -- and cats, too. We've kept pets all our lives. But dog poop on the streets and beaches is not cool. We visited San Miguel this year and couldn't help but notice that every "pet" was on a leash (many on soft muzzles) and owners carried pooper scoops -- and there was also concerted effort to pick up after the very few strays we saw.

SO VERY HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO RETURN AGAIN AND AGAIN