Smooth arrival into Zihua

Hello all!

Left home in Winnipeg around 03:00 to head out to the airport. I checked in and had an early breakfast and latte at Stella's, a good breakfast place at the airport and then proceeded to go through security. For the first time ever after so many trips, I was chosen to go through the body scanner and after 2 tries that apparently did not give the right results, I had to go through a pat down and then I was cleared to go on my way. After a short 1:40 flight, I arrived in Calgary and it was about a 2 hours wait to get on the next flight to Zihua. This time around I chose to upgrade to their Plus class and got a seat in the front row. It was worth it for the leg room and being first out of the plane.

I have been in Zihua countless times dating back to the mid 80's and this was the fastest I went through security/customs as my bag and suitcase got offloaded first. I guess another benefit of upgrading. But after putting my stuff through the scanner, they were concerned about my large duffle bag content. I guess a large box in the middle of it with over 60 eyeglasses will do that. But the custom guy was very accomodating and after showing him and explaining these were for donations he sent me on my way. From the time I came out of the plane to coming out of customs area, 10 minutes. Then I headed to the taxi office and paid for my collectivo ride at 140 pesos. I then proceeded to exit the airport doors and the dispatcher saw me and recognized me and after a warm handshake told me it would not be long. I was looking to get a beer at the stand but right away I got send to a waiting collectivo and within less than 5 minutes I was on my way. This sure was impressive as I'm used to wait 20-30 minutes for my ride and I have never been unable to drink my beer before.

After about 10 minutes I arrived at Zihua Caracol in La Madera and when trying to check in was told that there was a room available across at Sun and Moon, which is where I originally wanted to go but was told a few months ago was full for my dates. So my trip starts really well. Off I head to my room and after unpacking and a quick shower I went to chat with some neighbours I met 2 years ago and then across the street on the upstairs terrace of Hotel Caracol for my first margarita. Sadly it was a 2 for 1 so I was forced to drink another with my guacamole and my fish meal while enjoying my first sunset of my trip. The food was just ok but the drinks were great and the service great. Awesome staff at both hotels!

Then it was time to head to La Cancha and meet my friends that own El Cafecito. Great people that work so hard, starting their day around 07:00 and closing at 22:00 6 days a week. I had a nice chat with them and went back to the hotel after they closed. After catching up with the news and my eyes getting heavy, I was out before midnight which must be a record for me. Then I had been up all night before my flight and with a drastic change of temperature, it sure gets to you.

I slept like a baby until around 08:30, had some water and went back to sleep until 11:00. I guess I needed my rest. Then it was time to shower and head out to Margaritas for a late breakfast of huevos rancheros and fresh grapefruit juice. The staff and owners always treat me so nicely and the food is always perfect. It sure starts the day nicely. Then I was off to Scotia Bank to exchange some money. Tuesday the exchange rate for the canadian dollar was 14.61 for those wondering. then it was back to my hotel to wait for a visit from another friend. After a nice chat and catching up on local news, we went for a bite at La Rana Rene, a great little restaurant on the beach on La Madera. It's a fisherman's family that has been there since 1975 so it's always fresh for campechana, tiritas, ceviche and the likes. I had some guacamole and a campechana and my friend had a meal with pulpo. She liked it but it is mixed with mayo and I don't like that but was very happy with my seafood cocktail and the guacamole there is one of the best in town. We each had a couple beers with our meals and tasted 3 different types, Indio, Dos Equis and another that escapes me.

Then my friend took me to Centro to check out a cafe that opened 8 months ago and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised as this has been the nicest cafe I have seen in Zihua and Ixtapa. Great design and the espresso and latte were perfect. I also had a tiramisu and she had a cheesecake and they were both great. Excellent service and I will definitively be back. It is called Cuattro Cycle Cafe & Te and it's on Ignacio Manuel Altamirano. Ask anybody in Centro and they can direct you if you can't find it. Certainly worth a visit. I have not tried their food yet other than desserts but if it is anything like their desserts, it will be very good. It was quite busy this early evening being Valentine's eve. After this my friend had to go home and I went back to my hotel to shower and change and relax and have a nice chat with some of my neighbours. Then a quick trip to Commercial for some essentials and after dropping my stuff at myy hotel and another chat headed to Ixtapa to pay a visit to friends working at Senor Frogs. It was a quiet night there tonight with just over 30 people up to midnight. Left after a couple beers and headed back to Centro to check out a club with a live band playing Mexican music. I sat down sipping a beer watching a lot of Mexican couples dancing and having a great time for about an hour and then it was time to call it a day.

And this was my first 2 days in Zihua! I was going too go to El Manglar tomorrow but forgot it is closed on Wednesdays so likely it will be Rossy's, a first for me. Will meet up with friends and check it out. Anybody reading this and already here come meet me if you are free. Those not here yet, what are you waiting for? Zihua is still great, the weather has been perfect with a breeze in the evening Monday and tonight a tad cooler but no breeze.