Trip Report January

Arrived Jan 10 from western Canada. Had the health questionnaire filled out and had screen shot of the code received but that Info was not asked for at all. Immigration form also filled out ahead of time on line and printed off. Flight and arrival were both good. In fact luggage was waiting for most people by the time they got through immigration.
Staying in La Ropa area. The beach has tourists but nowhere near what it was pre-pandemic. But we have seen many of the regulars that return year after year like ourselves from both Canada and the US. Most people we talk with are here for at least a month or longer. Very few short term (1-2 weeks) visitors but with testing in Canada & US and omicron perhaps understandable.
As for masking …… sadly we have seen a real decline over the past 3 weeks. Still see people wearing them in taxis and combis. Also stores. But as for out in the public, it has greatly declined. Both by tourists and what I assume would be locals. Certainly service workers still seem to be following the mask protocol (restaurant staff, motel staff, vendors, beach cleaners, etc).
We have enjoyed many delicious meals at the wonderful restaurants. All have been good but a few of our favorites have been at La Gaviota, Agave and Chuleto’s. I will add many tourists seem to be out and enjoying the delicious food and music that is offered at many restaurants.
Weather has been delightful. Warm, sunny. One cloudy afternoon but otherwise sunny skies with an afternoon breeze. One evening in mid January with a short thundershower. In mid January we noticed that by the afternoon there was a definite green tinge to the water here in La Ropa with what appears to be green algae. But I am no marine expert so perhaps I stand corrected?!
For those of you susceptible to bug bites …. Bring spray or pick some up. Have been bitten more times that I can count! Even the spouse who rarely gets bitten is suffering!
The early morning walk on La Ropa is quite the sight. So many fisherman. So many fish caught. Lots of pelicans diving and even dolphins (porpoises) in the bay feeding in the morn as well.
Enjoying our stay so much after missing out last year!!
In one other development, there was an empty lot at the corner where you turn on the La Ropa road to head to La Gaviota end. It has been used for years as a parking lot for large buses bringing vacationers. In the course of the last few days, holes were dug. Metal poles cemented in and chain link fence put around the whole lot. No entrance/exit. So in other words no large bus parking at the south end of La Ropa. Would assume buses have to drop off passengers and park downtown. Or passengers have to walk from downtown.