Canadians are finding their "Happy Place" on the Costalegre

Two days in a row the news on the CBC and Sympatico has been about bad things that have happened to good Canadians here in Mexico.  In both cases, the seemingly innocent travellers experienced a level of violence that is hard to ignore and one that no doubt strikes even greater fear into would-be Mexican vacationers considering whether they should still take that vacation or not. 

These news stories are such a contrast to the reality we see here on a daily basis.  For these past 3 days we have been refamilarizing ourselves with one of the most popular tourist destinations for Westcoast Canadians and it would seem many of Canada's French speaking population as well.  The 3 towns of Barra de Navidad, Melaque and La Manzanilla are located on the Costalegre, the happy coast, and each has it's own unique vibe.  People definitely have their favorites and are loyal to the town that suits their personal vision of paradise best. 

Barra de Navidad is the place for fishermen, yachties and other water sports loving folks.  With a huge lagoon, houses for rent complete with docks for boats and plenty of sports fishing opportunities, this town has an enduring appeal for many.

Yesterday we went to Melaque which is the central town and the largest.  This flat, featureless and I would say somewhat bleak town is full of Canadian retirees many of whom are there for longstays in their luxury RV's, or at the assorted bungalows, and small hotels that line the beach front.  Many of the beachfront buildings look to be in a state of disrepair as the exposed cement is crumbling, metal is rusting and paint is thin.  This in no way dampens the spirits of the tanned and relaxed Canadians and the Mexicans who work so hard at keeping their loyal customers happy.  I walked the long but steep and softly sanded arc of beach from Barra to Melaque which was so reminiscent of the times we did this walk with our children and our good friends, the McNamaras, years ago.  Breakfast at Banana's cafe in the Hotel Barra was as delicious as always.  

Today we drove up to La Manzanilla, the once small fishing village where I'd attended a yoga retreat, had my first (and only) stingray sting and know some people who own homes in the town.  Things look good...many of the previously heavily rutted dirt roads are now paved with pavers, the cafes were lively and the tourists with bicycles were enjoying riding the beach or the long road behind the beachfront that leads out to Boca de Iguanas.   The beach is one of my favorites as it provides a 7 mile return walk...the water was crystal clear, the sand is firm and the freedom to be whomever you want to be is there.  There is a lot of new construction, large and expensive homes line the hillsides and the waterfront.  The cars outside are from BC, Alberta and the NW US.  All followed their dream to one day live here. 

I know Mexico needs Canadians, but I also believe Canadians need Mexico...its color, its life, its music, its food, the sun, the flowers and its warmth...it's where we can live outside in the wintertime and where we feel like we belong no matter how often the news tries to tell us otherwise. 

Tomorrow we will leave for the thoroughly Mexican city of Colima and the volcanoes, and then on to 2 other favorites of ex-pats, Ajijic and San Miguel de Allende.