Banderas Bay Entertainment on the Riviera Nayarit

Jan 042014

The Best of Banderas Bay Entertainment

During the high season you can find about any type of music that is known to mankind on the Banderas Bay Entertainment / Puerto Vallarta scene in Mexico Every pueblo on the Riviera Nayarit has a different flavor, with music festivals, the town festivals, and all at different months during the season. Bars and restaurants love to have live entertainment to persuade you to come and eat at their restaurants..and why not?! Some have a cover, some do not. Some are beachfront and outside, some are not. Its a great way to explore some good food and fun entertainment.
One fun addition this season for great Bucerias entertainment is at the Luna Lounge. They have created a One Time Only Friday Cabaret show and have well known celebrities and impersonators come from all over for a one time show, instead of the regular weekly gig.
Their next show is to celebrate Elvis …ELVIS IS IN THE HOUSE! On January 10th. You can check the Bucerias community calendar for all the Luna Lounge events (like the Tuesday’s Crazy Bitches Drag Show) and the special one time Friday’s show as well as other Bucerias fun and events, or click here to make a reservation or get more information.

Well Known Musicians for Banderas Bay Entertainment
There are several well known musicians that reside here during the winter season. One of my favorites is Bryan Savage. Bryan has played his saxophone and flute to audiences in the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Canada with Al Stewart, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Amazing Rhythm Aces and John Denver. He has opened for Bonnie Raitt, Mick Fleetwood, Santana, Glen Frey, Eddie Money, Journey, Gary Burton, Rick Braun, Chuck Mangione, just to name a few! He also has a new CD out. You can catch him playing with another well known musician Chas Eller (keyboard extraordinaire) and the AllStar Jazz Band at the Paradise Theater, (200 pesos not including dinner I believe) or out by the pool at Los Arroyos Verdes on January 19, 2014 cost 200 pesos includes the pool pass, lunch and a couple of drinks…
(a smoking deal!). Also catch him every Tuesday in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle (just past Bucerias towards Punta de Mita) at Oso’s Oyster Bar and Fish Market on the La Cruz Marina, no cover charge! If you don’t feel like driving, stay at the fabulous
Villa Amor del Mar Boutique Hotel, located on the playa overlooking the La Cruz Marina. Chris and Cindy are amazing hosts, and have all sorts of fun package deals as well!

Who is Luna Rumba Anyways??

I keep getting asked this question, WHO IS LUNA RUMBA?? which amazes me! How could one not have heard about Luna Rumba??? They are fantastic!!
A hot Latin based band on the Banderas Bay entertainment scene this season is Luna Rumba performing Latin, flamenco, Middle Eastern, Celtic riffs and Cuban rhythms. They have a very interesting story, and most folks that have heard of them know them from La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, where the music for their first CD was created, and Luna Rumba was born.
They recently played at Breakers to a packed house Dec. 28^th, for a Sunset concert .hahaha..with the rainy weather there was a tiny sun way out there, however no one cared; (their last no admission concert) and will also be performing at the Paradise Stage Community Center this season starting in January with their first show on January 16^th, tickets; 200 pesos. You can also catch them at the Taste of La Cruz on January 10th, at the La Cruz Marina Malecon for 100 pesos per person, and enjoy delicious foods from Banderas Bay restaurants. Cheko can be found at Los Arroyos Verdes playing his guitar and singing for fun Sundays by the Pool as well on January 12th and January 26th, 2014. Click here for Concert Dates.

It all started with a Canadian musician Geo Urich who sailed into the small port of Zihuatanejo, Mexico. A new friend introduced him to Cheko Ruiz, a talented singer and song writer from Mexico City. It is said, that after a jam session one afternoon at Rick’s Bar, they continued to play together creating original music which started an enthusiastic following. After playing together for only two weeks, they were asked to play for the International Guitar Festival musician’s welcome dinner. They went their separate ways after that, promising to play together in the future. Who knew!!!

Bringing you up to date three years later, in 2012, Cheko (right) Ruiz and Geo Uhrich (left) got together in La Cruz, where Geo was docked and started writing and rehearsing / recording songs for what was to become Luna Rumba. During this time they met up with Chas Eller who plays keyboards on the album and drummer / percussion whiz Carlos Mancilla, and a few other great musicians to round out the sounds. The end result was a world-class CD with 11 original songs.

Already Winning Awards….
In March 2013 they were notified that the song “Vamoa Rumbear” that Cheko wrote, which Geo had submitted to the John Leno Songwriting Contest, won finalist in the World Music Category out of thousands of entrants. Another song on the CD entitled “Espirtu Amor” (my favorite) written by Geo placed second in the world in the instrumental category for the USA International Songwriting Contest. They are on their way to win a Latin Grammy!

Luna Rumba prides themselves playing every concert live. (Not everyone does!) Their real acoustic rhythms, (meaning not pre-recorded), violin and guitar leads; with Cheko on guitar with his amazing vocals will absolutely melt your soul.
Geo is on violin, mandolin, acoustic and electric guitar, along with other amazing musicians like Carlos on percussion excite everyone and bring them to their feet to dance!

With Luna Rumba, real acoustic instruments meet with electronic wizardry to create layers and depths of sound that will amaze you. Check out the Banderas Bay entertainment with live music on the Riviera Nayarit, and look for Luna Rumba Band!

Banderas Bay entertainment has a lot to offer on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico.

The Best Riviera Nayarit Tours in Mexico

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Nov 092012

Having Fun on Riviera Nayarit Tours

Riviera Nayarit is a region of outstanding beauty and anyone who decides to come here to check out the Best Riviera Nayarit tours in Mexico, like ocean tours, whale watching tours, petroglyph tours, surfing tours, or pueblo and tequila tours will long have a memory of a holiday they will cherish for the rest of their lives. As far as a Riviera Nayarit Tours in Mexico is concerned these are among the most fascinating. River Nayarit tours have splendor that makes an experience of a lifetime like no other tour can, and will be the best days of your Riviera Nayarit vacation. Click on the links and photographs to find out more information, and to see more great photos as you discover what fun Riviera Nayarit Tours can be about!

The Petroglyph tours including a magical, mystical visit to the AltaVista Petroglyph in the region of Riviera Nayarit. This fascinating archaeological site lies in north eastern region near Jaltemba Bay. The locals here in Riviera Nayarit call it “La Pila del Rey.”
Here you will find stone engravings (known as Petroglyphs), spread across more than 200 acres of land. For this Petroglyph tour you will need an extra memory card in your camera. As you follow the river through the jungle, it feels like you are in a land of long ago. The stone carvings have existed for over 2,000 years and were carved by the Tecoxquines, who were an ancient civilization from the Aztec era. The images often appear to show that the Aztec tribe was trying to communicate with their gods or deities.

The Riviera Nayarit lies on the shores world’s largest ocean, the Pacific; here the different Riviera Nayarit tours in the ocea n will take you on a journey around Banderas Bay, the central Riviera Nayarit and Jaltemba Bay. There is an island behind the rocks (on left) that you snorkel to get to on the Marieta Island Tour. This photo has a Blue Footed Boobie bird. It really does have blue feet! The surfing tours and the whale watching tours also take place in this region. On the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, the waters along the Pacific Coast are pristine breeding grounds for Humpbacks, Bryde and Orcas. These whales often share the waters with dolphins.

Whale watching tours are certainly one Mexico tour that you will never forget. The whale watching tours begin around December and continue onwards until the end of March, sometimes into April, and there are hundreds swimming around the bays in the Riviera Nayarit region. Take a holiday and a Mexico tour in the middle of the whale watching season see some dolphins too. These beautiful creatures are ever present along the Riviera Nayarit region so once again do not forget your camera. You may want to reserve your space now. There are a couple kinds of Whale watching tour boats. There are panga boats, and larger tri catamarans both with transportation included, and also including food and beverages. Both of these tour experiences are wonderful, fun and exciting. with different pricing, and both types should be checked out to decide what is right for you, or try both!

The surf along these bays in the Riviera Nayarit region is also ideal for those wanting to experience a Riviera Nayarit surfing tour. Surfing tours include your wet suit and board and a ride to one of the best waves the Sayulita bay and Punta de mita area can offer.
There are a lot of different tours that are truly amazing! Click here to discover the only round pyramids on the planet! If you are needing any type of transportation, VIP Transportation has everything you need! For all tours, the airport, shopping and City Tours. Riviera Nayarit tours are a pleasure to behold and the tours here are an experience you will not forget.

Discover the Best Riviera Nayarit Tours on your Mexico vacation,
relocate to Mexico for Life!

Celebrate Easter with Surfing Riviera Nayarit Style

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Feb 162012

The Art of Surfing in Sayulita, La Caleta, Chacala and on the Riviera Nayarit in beautiful Mexico

Ahhhhhhhh. Perfect condtions!! Early morning, clear skies, surf cracking on the beach, creating the desired barrel shape – this is what we wait for! Time to grab the board and wax ! A couple of great places to learn how to surf are Chacala and Sayulita Mexico. Why not get away to the Riviera Nayarit for some surfing on your Easter Holiday? Here is a great view of the Chacala town and beach.

How is a Wave Created?

To understand what causes surf, we look at the swell direction, tide and wind. These factors combined in the right combo creates the desired shape for a good surf . When a wave rolling along encounters a sand bar or rocky bottom, the lower part of the wave’s energy drags against this resistance and slows down. The top part of the wave’s energy continues moving at the same speed and that is why it starts tipping forward, eventually breaking. The more dramatic the bottom profile of the reef or sandbar, the hollower the wave becomes. The direction of the surf break is also dependent on whether the area has a hard bottom or a sand bottom. Sand bottom peaks move around the beach and transfers the sand so the peak doesn’t stay the in the same location. These, however, are preferable for beginners to learn this popular sport. Lessons are usually provided for basically all ages. Surfers have progressed into the more “mature” age bracket in recent years, unlike the syndrome of years gone by, where the perception of surfers were associated with youth, hippies, budget travelers, etc. We now see surfers of all age brackets, many with very high tech and expensive boards and accessories.

Lessons in Chacala

We have chosen to focus on the very professional surf lessons offered by a 40 year surfing veteran in Chacala Mexico.
The instructions are very easy to follow, with an initial briefing, and practical moves and tips out of the water, you will then

proceed into the ocean on the sandy bottom conditions of the main beach in Chacala, with the

instructor at your side at all times. Check out their website here. You will slowly be taken through the maneuvers, talked through the formation of the wave that you need to look for and before you know it, your up taking the ride of your life. Riding down the face of the wave just on the sheer power of the natural ocean. The feeling is so exhilarating, and it’s no wonder this sport is becoming so ever increasingly popular and was/is the * sport of kings! *sport of kings – *(exerts from surfing handbook)

Next step -LAS CALETAS!!

Las Caletas is very unique, due to it’s natural and isolated location, with jungle surrounding a slightly rocky point and bay that is most easily accessed by panga. This pleasant short ride will take about 10 minutes for a slight fee, depending on how large your group is. (price is per boat, not per person)
This is only a left break because the rocky point faces south. The waves hit the point and wrap around into the cove.

These conditions make for a larger surf break, hence attracting more experienced surfers from Mexico and around the globe. At the Chacala Hostel and Surf Shop, include surfing lessons and boards, along with a beautiful Hostel for rental accommodations. Check out the picture of this surfer at Caleta. Here are some other pics from the 2012 Mexico Surfing Tournament as well, as well as the article with the winners!

The Origins of Surfing

Tracing the origins of surfing, we know that the sport migrated from Western Polynesia to the Hawaiian Islands somewhere around 1000 A.D. But, back then, it was much more than just a sport, it was a way of life, bordering on religion. All classes surfed, but the Hawaiian kapu system of laws was in place. Chiefs were tops, and they used the sport to prove their strength, agility and royalty over the commoners. They even held contests with land as the stakes.

Even the making of surfboards was a ritual. Kahuna would search in earnest for just the right tree. Once found, they would sacrifice a fish as an offering to the gods and stand guard over the specimen overnight, praying for successful completion.

What Kind of Surfboard Do I Need?

Surfboards themselves, even further defined the social classes of kapu. There were four types, three of which were surfed upon only by the commoner: The Paipo, a short board, 2’ to 6’ in length and mostly ridden by women and children; the Alaia, 6’ to 12’, for the more agile surfer; and the Kiko’o, 12’ to 18’, for the advanced wave rider. The fourth board was the Olo. It was 15’ to 18’ and reserved for the ali’i, or ruling class.

And the ali’i did surf.

In 1810, when Kamehameha became the Hawaiian Islands’ first king, he united the islands into one royal kingdom. Not only was Kamehameha a great warrior and diplomat, the dude was a surfer, man!
And the sport of kings was the sport of queens, as well. One of Kamehameha’s wives, Ka‘ahumanu, was a surfer, too. The couple surfed Kooka, a break located at Pua`a, in north Kona, often riding lele wa`a, or canoe leaping

In, lele wa’a, surfers jump from an outrigger canoe, with their surfboard, and then ride the wave to shore. Not an easy maneuver, lele wa’a further illustrated the ali’i’s strength and prowess over the commoners.
A half-century later, missionaries came in and not only killed off the better part of the Hawaiian population with STDs, but they also considered surfing hedonistic and banned it altogether. But another king endeared to surfing, would come along to the rescue. In 1872, upon the death of King Kamehameha V, King Kalakaua came to power and immediately reinstated the sport of surfing.

These are the roots of the sport we all love. Surfers are not bums. On the contrary, surfing is, indeed, the sport of kings. And Mexico surfing is alive and well!

Come to the Riviera Nayarit for a great surfing experience on your next Mexico vacation!

Travels in Riviera Nayarit Vacation Paradise

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Oct 052011

Riviera Nayarit Vacation Paradise

One of the reasons why the Riviera Nayarit is such a great travel place is its wide selection of resort towns. Each one is special in its own unique way, so there’s a town that’s sure to appeal to everyone. As varied as each one may be, they all have two spectacular things in common: the surrounding natural wonders and cultural diversity.

This tropical paradise on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is one of the few remaining places in the world with an abundance of undeveloped nature – lush tropical rainforests, rolling hills and valleys, marshes and mangroves, exotic plants and animals, pristine gold beaches and the deep blue sea – thriving ecosystems full of biodiversity where nature conservation reigns.

The indigenous peoples who once flourished here, such as the Cora and Huichol tribes of Aztec descent knew this and continue to inhabit the region sharing their cultural traditions and handicrafts with locals and tourists. The region would not be as historically rich without them as witnessed by tourist attractions with archaeological sites of ancient ruins, such as the Altavista Petroglyphs, and other cultural tours.

With such variety in one place, travelers can try it all. Adventurers who prefer outdoor vacation activities may opt for surfing along the beaches of Sayulita, Chacala, and San Blas or zip lining across Monkey Mountain south of Sayulita on the road to Punta de Mita and Nuevo Vallarta, two luxury beach resorts with elegant accommodations. A more practical, down-to-earth option would be the midsized fishing town of La Penita de Jaltemba.

Nature lovers who prefer the ocean will find the best sailing, fishing, diving, and whale watching conditions near La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Bucerias. Some of the nicest swimming and snorkeling beaches are north in Los Ayala and Rincon de Guayabitos. Those who would rather have a more authentic Mexico vacation will adore the small towns of upscale San Pancho (San Francisco) and sleepy Lo de Marcos.

Reconnect with nature on your Travels to Vacation Paradise when you take a Mexico vacation in the Riviera Nayarit.

Shop Tianguis in La Penita de Jaltemba

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Sep 202011

Tianguis Outdoor Market in La Penita

For the first time, we had the pleasure of visiting ‘tianguis’ in La Penita de Jaltemba, and what a pleasure it was! Tianguis (pronounced tee-ang-gees) is Mexico’s version of a swap meet or flea market but offers more than just practical items, including fun things like bright green river turtles, colorful fish and birds, genuine and costume jewelry, new clothes and shoes, Mexican arts and crafts, and of course, all kinds of fresh foods and snacks. After all, it wouldn’t be Mexico without the tasty treats!

Practical La Penita

La Penita de Jaltemba is a rustic beach town along the Riviera Nayarit, a recently designated tourist region that consists of beautiful undeveloped beaches and charming beach towns, framed by tropical rainforests and the rolling hillsides of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains. Just about 30 minutes north of Sayulita and 30 minutes south of Chacala, La Penita (as it is called) rests along peaceful Bahia Jaltemba Bay on the Pacific Ocean and is one of many beautiful beach coves in the region.

Being an authentic Mexican town that provides practical services for its residents and neighboring communities, it’s less of a traditional tourist town with all the bells and whistles but still welcomes and accommodates travelers from all over the world, and the Tianguis in La Penita is well known. As the largest recurring outdoor market in the Riviera Nayarit, it’s the most popular open-air market in the region drawing locals and vacationers from the south beyond Nuevo Vallarta and the north beyond San Blas.

Tianguis Market Details

Along with the warm, friendly people of La Penita, the tianguis is an enjoyable few hours of shopping, socializing, snacking, and listening to live music. Running from 7:00 or 8:00 a.m.-ish to 1:00 or 2:00 p.m.-ish, the entrance of the market starts at the lovely, tree-lined town square (zócalo) extending south and paralleling the beach. Vendors line both sides of the long cobblestone street with colorful umbrellas and tarps, offering much-welcome shade from the sunshine, while smiling at visitors who admire their wares.

With high season (November through April) right around the corner, the vendors are gearing up to provide all kinds of special traditional items, such as authentic handmade pottery, woven baskets and hammocks, wool rugs and blankets, leather and beaded items, painted woodcrafts, hand-embroidered clothes and purses, Huichol Indian art, organic Nayarit coffee, and even the basics like eyeglasses and sunglasses, vitamins and herbs, pots and pans, glassware, and cleaning supplies.

During the winter months, there are twice as many items available, so La Penita Tianguis is a great place to shop!

Shop at the La Penita Tianguis every Thursday morning in La Penita de Jaltemba along the beautiful Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.

Five Great Snorkeling Beaches in Nayarit

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Sep 142011

Nayarit Snorkeling Beaches

The Riviera Nayarit may be a relatively undeveloped tourist region, but it is booming with tropical nature and exotic wildlife and is starting to catch on as a popular travel place. Located along the Pacific Ocean, the Mexican state of Nayarit is said to have some of the best snorkeling in western Mexico according to History.com.

Although not yet well studied, the Mexican Pacific coral reef along the Nayarit coastline draws abundant sea life. The ocean water in this region is relatively warm and rich in nutrients, so large varieties of tropical fish flourish here, including manta rays, eagle rays, moray eels, puffer fish, needlefish, king angelfish, jack fish, damselfish, Moorish Idol fish, starfish, seahorses, octopuses, sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and more.

The coral reefs of southern Nayarit (Riviera Nayarit) that attract these fish are all one type of reef: narrow fringing reefs. These fringing reefs are dense, well-developed frameworks, measuring up to nearly 20-feet (6-meters) thick. Fringing reefs are the most common reef type (the other types are barrier and atoll) and are found near the shore in shallow water. This is great for snorkelers, since the fish swim closer to the shore.

These conditions make for some pretty terrific snorkeling. While there are many beautiful beaches along Bahi Banderas Bay, Bahia Jaltemba Bay, and Bahia Matanchen Bay of the Riviera Nayarit, here are five wonderful snorkeling beaches with fascinating underwater worlds.

Playa El Anclote

El Anclote Beach is a lovely beach with rock jetties near Punta de Mita. Fabulous snorkeling tours to The Marietas Islands Marine Reserve with its unusual reef formations, such as with lava tubes and caves, are available from this beach.

Playa Chacalilla

Chacalilla Beach is a small beach with clear, aqua-colored water just north of Chacala.

Playa Los Ayala

Los Ayala Beach is a fairly long beach with clear, aqua-colored water just south of Rincon de Guayabitos in Bahia Jaltemba Bay.

Playa de los Muertos

Los Muertos Beach is protected by large rocks on both sides and has calm, clear water just south of Sayulita. Beyond the rocks to the south is the tiny beach of Punta Las Cargadas near four rock islands, which is also a good snorkeling spot.

Playa Gemelas

Gemelas Beach is a pair of twin beaches south of Bucerias and Nuevo Vallarta with clear water and rock formations near Los Arcos National Marine Park.

Discover the vibrant underwater world of Mexico’s Pacific Ocean at great snorkeling beaches in charming Mexican towns along the Riviera Nayarit.

Breathtaking Sunset Sailing Trip from Sayulita

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Sep 072011

Sayulita Sunset Sailing Cruise

Pulling into the Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, just 15 minutes from Sayulita, we walk up the first dock on the right to a 50-foot schooner – more accurately, a traditional trimaran – that reminds of days of old when pirates would sail the seven seas. It’s as long as its sails are tall and has a cabin (main salon) lined with rare Rangoon teak wood panels, uncustomary on those modern fiberglass boats.

Two steps lead up to the boat and a hand reaches out to help us aboard. Looking up, I’m greeted politely by a thin, gray-haired man with a strong handshake, welcoming us to his pride and joy: Sayula 1, the first boat ever to operate out of Sayulita. He’s a bit rough around the edges, and I imagine him wearing a black patch over one eye with a yellow sash around his waist and a long sword at his side. Could he be a pirate? This man of the sea is an original with 25 years’ experience sailing the ocean blue.

Sail Away

Once we’re all aboard, a low rumble breaks the sound of rolling waters, and we begin to glide back from the dock as if floating on air. Passing more contemporary boats in the marina on our way out to sea, feeling the soft sway of the boat and smelling the fresh ocean air, we sense the history of this sailing trimaran and realize we have stepped aboard a legend. Before long, the marina is behind us and the wide Pacific Ocean draws us in.

Port side (on the left), we begin to pass colorful buildings of all shapes and sizes in the towns that line Bahia Banderas Bay on the Pacific coast of Riviera Nayarit; behind us, San Pancho, then Sayulita, Bucerias, Nuevo Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta and finally the open sea. Starboard side (on the right), we ride near the land, passing Punta de Mita in the distance and the rolling hills of tropical rainforests in varying shades of green peppered by rock barriers that extend into the ocean.

Breathtaking.

Sailing On…

The land begins to fade in the distance as the ocean grows wider and the rolling waves draw us out. With the wind in our sails, we follow the distant shadow of the land and continue starboard when rounding a bend north of La Cruz, a lovely beach cove opens up to a small gold beach where seagulls and pelicans perch on rock beds welcoming us. Anchoring the boat a short distance from shore, we swim to the beach and relax awhile having this slice of heaven all to ourselves.

If only we could stay here forever, but alas, we are hailed back to deck and climb aboard to enjoy some snacks, drinks, music, and friendly conversation. We float for a while and then head back in the direction we came, spotting a dead sea turtle along the way: a tragic loss to nature. We mutter sadly about her death and are quiet for a time as we journey back to the marina. The ride is calm and smooth as the sun sets on a lovely Nayarit day. Hues of red, orange, yellow, and purple fade into gray as we say good-bye – for now.

Take a boat tour aboard a traditional trimaran for a Sunset Sailing Trip from Sayulita, Mexico, in the Riviera Nayarit.

A Fun Journey to San Blas in the Riviera Nayarit

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Aug 312011

On the Road

As we are currently living in Lo de Marcos in the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico, it was not a very long drive on the 200 road to San Blas. We had not driven through San Blas on our way to Mexico from Colorado, and since we had our friend Conor visiting, we thought it would make for a fun trip with a bit more authentic Mexican flavor of the Riviera Nayarit in comparison to some larger and well known cities.

We figured that it would take us about two hours to get to San Blas from Lo de Marcos. We took off around 9:00 P.V. time, so as soon as we got to La Penita, it was only 8:15! The hour difference in the time zones starts at Lo de Marcos, going south towards Puerta Vallarta. (We are on PV time). So, we were off to an early start! lol!

Just past Las Varas is a small town called Zacualpan that had a really interesting saying on a rock with a large rock painting above it as you entered the small town. It was about lovers, of course! Mexico is so very passionate about love and life! We went into town and down to the town square. Every pueblo has a town square. And in the town square is where you will find life in the town.

I started talking to a gentleman about which way to San Blas, and he started to tell us (in Spanish) that the road ahead was severely flooded, and it would be two to three hours before we could cross. Then he saw the jeep, and said we could probably make it. I wanted to see the flood and get some pictures, and thought that we could simply turn around if we had to, and I ended up getting this video instead. I’m not the best at videos yet, as you will surmise, but you will see what the summer rains can do. The flooded pastures were literally turned into a raging river. It was a bit scary at one point where the water really started slamming higher on the truck in front of us. Yikes!

So, Leaving Zacualpan and coming into San Isidro was an adventure for sure! We stopped after that and bought some very delicious banana bread and a fried coconut ball and away we went onward to San Blas. There is nothing better than fried coconut sugar!

Pueblos of the Riviera Nayarit

As we came over the mountain just before the San Blas valley, we were able to see the valley with the orchards and other crops, along with the beautiful coast line below. Driving is a fun way to get around Mexico. There are so many small towns (pueblos) to see and interesting culture to absorb. Some of the streets get over grown due to the heavy rain season or flooded. Everything grows so fast here in Mexico.

These small pueblos have some of the same qualities; the small stores and shops with cobblestone streets. Some of the folks are cooking whole chickens and carne for tacos outside on their grills for lunch. It feels very friendly and inviting. Families… lots of family are working together and supporting each other. It is their culture to take care of each other, and to live together. The parents take care of the children, and then the children take care of their parents. There are mostly family run and owned businesses in the smaller communities.

Some small towns are geared more for fixing and repairing; buying your work supplies such as La Penita. Other pueblos are for vacationers, that are filled with restaurants and tour companies, and places to stay like Sayulita, which is huge for weddings and fun music and is also known for its “hippie” energies, while Chacala feels a little more calm and private. Each of the pueblos has an authentic Mexican flavor of their own, making it easy to find the right pueblo for your vacation or retirement that will be sure to meet your needs.

Tacos and Swimming at the Beach

As we drove into San Blas, the road split. It seemed like a one-way street, and so we went with the flow and veered right. The road ended up doing a tear shape loop and came out on the other side of the split when we left.

San Blas is a pleasant looking pueblo with a large town square. There is a large cathedral church there with shops, carts and restaurants along the perimeters. There are a lot of small art galleries and different clothes and jewelry shops. Conor found a really cool Mayan vortex type of tee shirt, and I purchased a really cool pair of beaded yellow daisy earrings. We walked around town for a while. The market was busy and there were several vendors selling their goods like fresh shrimp and fish.

We decided that it was time for lunch, and I found a carne taco vendor cart along side of the town square. The tacos were very tender and yummy!!! We all were quite happy with filled bellies.

We really wanted to get to the beach, so when we were headed out, we stopped at a restaurant on the beach and had a margarita with some chips and salsa, and watched the surfers surf some good-sized waves. We decided to continue on our journey and ended up turning off of the road onto a dirt road that had restaurant after restaurant alongside the beach with covered parking under palapas. I drove to the end of the restaurants that were open and we came to this beautiful spot with big waves to swim in. The beach was flat and the water was warm. We had a blast.

Then, the ice cream man came by and we all got some delicious ice cream afterwards! There was also a mother Mary sighting in this small cove, and so erected upon the rock was Guadalupe.

We are blessed on so many levels indeed to live and breathe in the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.

Kool Kiteboarding Bucerias Style

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Jul 262011

Kiteboarding (Kitesurfing) in Bucerias

Sitting quietly on the sparkling gold sand of Bucerias Beach in Mexico, I’m mesmerized by two young men bouncing off and twisting above the water with a small board attached to their bobbing feet while gripping an apparatus connected to a sail above them. The two young men, one fair and one dark, both speaking fluent Spanish, looked to be simultaneously challenging and instructing each other.

It was looked like dancing on water. Graceful and powerful. At the time, I didn’t know the name of the sport, but it was so captivating that I decided to investigate. (Many of you probably already know what it is.)

The sport is called kiteboarding or kitesurfing and it’s an extreme water sport, not for the faint hearted. Basically, this is how it works: A kitesurfer or kiteboarder slips his feet into the bindings or straps of a small surfboard while holding onto grips of a navigation bar attached to a large kite or sail that pushes and pulls the rider across the ocean surface. Skilled kiteboarders do more than just propel across the water, demonstrating jumps and spins to show off their talent.

Kiteboarding Competition (Kitesurfing Race)

On May 21 – 22 2011, a kiteboarding competition was held in Bucerias, Mexico, where some of these talented young athletes were able to show off their techniques and maneuvers. The second annual Wind Festival 2011 (Festival Del Viento) is a freestyle race and tournament aimed to promote kiteboarding and the town of Bucerias as an ideal location for wind sports for its fantastic wind conditions. In windy season, from January through June, it’s common to have excellent kiteboarding conditions up to 5 days a week.

Freestyle is the most common style of kiteboarding so the race and tournament highlights this form although there are a few others. Freestyle uses a standard kite and board, whereas wake-style uses a flatter board with bindings, and wave-riding uses a special board for riding the bigger waves. Variations of these styles have evolved to include freeride, jumping, and cruising.

Kiteboarders – 132 – from across Mexico gathered for this event. The tournament consisted of 3 freestyle categories so all skill levels could participate. One category was called Open Class for intermediate level; another was identified as National Competition for advanced levels; and the third was the Women’s Division for female kiteboarders. For those wanting to participate but not wanting to compete in the freestyle tournament, the event also included downwinder and long distance races.

As a leading kiteboarding destination in Mexico, if kiteboarding is your sport, consider entering next year’s Wind Festival on May 20-23, 2012 . This fun event is a complete sports competition with food, drinks, and a celebratory party for kiteboarders on the last night, so even if you’re not a kiteboarder, this happens to be an exciting spectator sport surrounded by the beautiful beaches of Bucerias!