La Penita Builds New Malecon on Riviera Nayarit

Aug 182013

New Malecon in La Penita Mexico

It was a bright bluebird Riviera Nayarit day when I visited La Penita, Mexico to get some recent shots of the new malecon, and the newly paved streets a couple of days ago. Standing on the new La Penita malecon and looking out over the ocean viewing Coral Island off in the distance with the pelicans lining the beach was stunningly beautiful!
As it has seemed like forever, the vision that was once a dream for many years is now almost completed. The La Penita Malecon is finished, and it looks like it has been well worth all of the dust, torn up streets and the long wait. Old structures were torn down, as well as the streets being torn up during the high season; enduring all of the dust and the mess last year has now unfolded to a new and very beautiful malecon that all will surely enjoy. There is still some work left to be done on the new sidewalks. There are some deep rectangular deep holes for the electrical work that are not blocked off so watch your step! As, one could seriously injure oneself!

The new La Penita Malecon is quite a beauty to behold, with inlaid pebbles in a zig-zag design and the Riviera Nayarit logo painted at both ends. There are plenty of very comfortable benches for seating with Queen Palms planted next to them that will someday bring the beautiful shade. The new light posts add to the charm. Easy wide steps lead up to the malecon, as well as wheelchair ramps making the malecon assessable for everyone.

La Penita, Nayarit, a very authentic Mexican pueblo, is located between Rincon de Guayabitos and Chacala on the Jaltemba Bay.

La Penita has not seen any town upgrades for quite a while. Not only is La Penita a family town, but also an industrial town, where you can go and get anything that you are needing to build, create or fix. This Mexican pueblo is a favorite for many visitors and snowbirds that relocate for 6 months out of the year during the high season, from November through April, or until Semana Santa begins!

The beachfront La Penita restaurant, Las Brisas, who use to set up tables on the beach serving ice cold beers and great burgers, looks like they are remodeling and gearing up for high season with the newly built malecon right in front of the restaurant. Hytham and Lucy of El Rincon Del Arabe have moved to their new location which is just up from the malecon on one of the new streets and will be selling all kinds of fun Arabic / Egyptian items, as well as their awesome menu of delicious delights.

Things are looking up for La Penita Mexico!

The La Penita Tianguis runs all year long, every Thursday, starting at 8 am and ending about noon to 1 pm..during the summer. It is the largest tianguis on the Riviera Nayarit during the high season.

I am quite sure that everyone venturing to La Penita Mexico will be quite pleased this coming high season, as the locals are already enjoying the ambiance of the La Penita Malecon, right here on the Riviera Nayarit in amazing Mexico!

Visit La Penita Mexico and check out the new La Penita Malecon, and enjoy your time on your Riviera Nayarit vacation!

Riviera Nayarit and Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue

News, Riviera Nayarit No Responses »

Jun 222013

Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue In Mexico

If you have not yet heard of Lin Chimes (seen here below busy at work!) and the Non Profit Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue program, well..she is one amazing woman who pulls us and the Mexico dog and cat population together in the Jaltemba Bay area, (Las Varas, La Penita and Guayabitos) on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico.
From coordinating and working the free spay and neuter clinics, fundraisers, adoptions and coordinating travel plans to get these animals connected with their new owners, Lin Chimes is one dear angel!
Lin has a lot caring folks on her animal rescue team, and we applaud all of you! Thank YOU!
Some folks already have several animals, or aren’t the position where they can have animals. There are many ways to help support the Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue program, via donations of supplies, time or monies. Check below to find out how you can help!
Below is the Jaltemba Bay Animals Rescue summer news letter. Check out the events and the loving pets that are ready to be adopted. These animals need our love and kindness. They give us unconditional love, and are ready to open your hearts and become part of your family!

Jaltemeba Bay Animal Rescue
Advocating humane and healthy practices for animals in the Jaltemba area (Las Varas, La Penita and Guayabitos) by promoting health, education, sterilization, adoptions, foster care and positive relationships with animals and their owners.
December 2003 to May 2013: During this time, there were 16 clinics and 3,298 animals spayed or neutered in the Jaltemba Bay Area!

Statistics for April                                       Year to Date:
Sterilized: 218 animals                             282 animals
Vaccinated: 50 animals                                    81 animals
Medical Treatments: 34 animals                       71 animals
Medical Emergencies: 12 animals                    16 animals
Adopted Out: 27 animals 54 animals
Health Certificates: 16 animals                         30 Canada/1 USA
Statistics for May                                          Year to Date:
Sterilized: 13 animals                                       295 animals
Vaccinated: 32 animals                                    113 animals
Medical Treatments: 4 animals                           75 animals
Medical Emergencies: 0 animals                        16 animals
Adopted Out: 6 animals                                      60 animals
Health Certificates: 1 animal                              31 Canada/1 USA

Our Next Clinic is planned for: November 13th to 16th, 2013 at at the beautiful hacienda of Del and Sue Moss. Thank you so much, Del and Sue!

JBAR is on the Web!! (Please click on the live links below to view the videos)
JBAR is honored that Don Chaput, Angel Communications made two great videos about JBAR. The first
“You May Not Save the World But” is about JBAR: its beginnings, its clinics and its work.
The 2nd video Don made is about our first “ Greet and Sniff Party “in Victoria where we had a reunion with
50 of JBAR’s adopted dogs and their families.
Don has an extensive background as a freelance videographer, cinematographer, director, producer, and editor. He has completed over 150 film and video projects for Canadian and international clients, including governments, school boards, research foundations, television stations, and private-sector companies and has held long term
contract positions as a videographer and cinematographer with the CBC. He has freelanced for Australian Film commission, British Government, Saudi Arabia, Home and Garden TV, Discovery Channel, Fuji, Toshiba, Sony of
Japan, Volkswagen of Germany, Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Communications BC, BC Premier Glen Clarke and Steven Spielberg. Don also received an award as a videographer for Steven Spielberg’s
project, “Survivors of the Shoah,” recording the personal testimony of individuals who lived through the Nazi regime in Europe.

Fundraising Events in Victoria this Summer:
Please join us at the Mexi-Can Vet Project booth to help to raise money for Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue at the following events:
The Gorge Canada Day Picnic July 1 st at the Park
The 2nd Annual “Meet and Sniff” Party September 8th. All JBAR adopteddogs and the families are welcome.
Thank you to Mary Koyl for hosting a fundraising tea for us in Victoria in June.

Jim Stewart and Margie Macartney representing Mexi-Can Pet Project at the Vancouver Island Pet Expo in Victoria in May.

Sue and Mick Chapman $ 100.00 CAD Virginia Grant
$ 40.00 USD Jennifer Barton
$1,000.00 pesos George and Sandy Nicholson
$ 40.00 CAD Dinah Cyr $ 50.00 CAD
Virginia Grant $ 40.00 USD
Susan Denike $ 300.00 CAD
Dr. C. Buxton $ 500.00 CAD (South Burnaby Veterinary Hospital Ltd)
David Simm $ 200.00 CAD Mex-Can Vet Project $2,500.00 CAD
Julie Lamson $ 52.50 CAD
Thank you, Julie, for flying little Negra (Winnie) to Canada.
Thanks also to Dr. Carolyn Buxton at the South Burnaby Veterinary Hospital for finding a loving home for her.
Hailey MacLean who donated an Oster animal clipper, 8 blades,and 4 cans of blade wash from the Oster corporation.
Brian Harnett from Wahl Canada who donated 6 Oster Animal Clippers and to Ron Nicholls for facilitating these donations.
Melanie Blair (Beach Dog Boarding and Salon) thank you for the photograph at both ‘Paws for a Cause’ events which raised a total of $2700 pesos www.BeachDogInMexico.com
Thank to Joy and Lionel for rescuing another little abandoned dog from La Penita beach . They have rescued Pico two years ago from La Penita Centro . Actually , the dog adopted Joy. She followed her all the way to the RV Parkand would not leave . This little one , Miss Lucy , was covered with ticks , flees and matted all over . She had been abandoned by her owner and was fending for herself for a month . A special thank you to Joy for her volunteer days at the November Spay and Neuter Clinic .

FOR ADOPTION
Chocolate lab puppy “Lila” Female, Sterilized and Vaccinated, 6 months old. Very friendly.
Sandy, 4 months, female, sterilized.
Well socialized with other dogs and cats. Very sweet!
For Adoption:
Skipper, 4 months old, Male and sterilized. Well socialized with other dogs and cats
Honey, 4 months old, Female and sterilized. Loves to be held. Well socialized with other dogs and cats
Sandy, Skipper and Honey are litter mates.
Capulina for Adoption. Her adoptive parents never showed up so she is back for adoption Vaccinated and sterilized She will be a loving companion. Very well socialized with other cats and dogs.
Also for adoption many great kittens and cats! All sterilized.

Our recent ADOPTEES!
Estrella Adopted Negra (Winnie) Adopted
Pia Adopted
Tigre Adopted
Star Adopted
http://www.mexpup.com Please let us know if you are willing to be a Guardian Angel to accompany a pup back to Canada.

TO MAKE A DONATION to JBAR: Email to: linchimes@hotmail.com
Donations may be made through mail, direct deposit, email money transfer or in person.
Check us out on Facebook: Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue
More information about JBAR may be found at these websites:
Jaltemba Jalapeno
Adopt a Dog from Mexico Program
Mexi-Can Vet Project 2011.

DON”T FORGET TO CLICK ON THIS LINK! http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com
Thanks to all of you for your wonderful support! It all because of you!

Support the Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico today!

A New Hospital on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico

Jaltemba Bay, La Penita, News 1 Response »

Aug 022012

A New Hospital in La Penita Mexico

This has been long over-due for the La Penita residents and part time winter residents, and we welcome the new Real Nayar Hospital to the Riviera Nayarit! Since opening to the public the first week of July, 2012, La Peñita’s Real Nayar Hospital has ran smoothly and efficiently. Built and directed by Dr. Roberto Robles Godinez Sr., this cutting-edge facility on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico is currently offering emergency medical care, basic health care, and surgical services; including a supporting laboratory, pharmacy, state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, and personnel to support 15 patient rooms, nursery, and admitting

Hospital Services

At any given time up to five specialists and four nurses are on staff. Emergency services are available with three ambulances, two modern emergency rooms, and a separate admission’s room. Labor and delivery services include one delivery room and supportive care for complications and treatment of infants; a total of nine infants have been delivered as of August 1, 2012. Besides basic medical diagnostic equipment, Real Nayar Hospital is equipped with Computed Tomography (CT scans), X-ray, and sonography machines, as well as medical monitors, life support equipment, and medical laboratory equipment. In addition to services provided, a blood bank is planned to open in the very near future. Currently, the nearest blood bank in the Riviera Nayarit is in San Francisco, otherwise known as San Pancho, located about half-way between La Penita de Jaltemba and Nuevo Vallarta.

On average, the new La Penita hospital is visited by 15 to 20 patients per day, with 2 to 3 admitted overnight. The main clientele so far have been people of the local community, yet this hospital has been designed to accommodate non-nationals as well. According to Paramedic Arturo Gomez Ortiz, no patient will ever be turned away and the hospital will accept international insurance. Most of Real Nayar’s doctors have come from outside the La Penita de Jaltemba, though local doctors can attend their patients.

Hospital Rooms

During a tour of the entire hospital, given by Dr. Roberto Robles Godinez Jr., I was impressed with the cleanliness of every room. There was even toilet paper in the bathrooms! Several of the private in-patient rooms, all located on the second floor, included a private patio with table and chairs, sink and shower, television, and a couch-like bed for the patient’s visitors. An elevator is available for patients and persons with disabilities. These amenities are something I have not seen in Mexico, though I am sure they exist. In addition to the amazing building and services offered, I was surprised by the warmth and friendliness of the entire staff.

As a full time resident of La Penita de Jaltemba, I have had my share of medical issues. With two stays at different hospitals, and assisting friends in the hospital, my experience with the medical care in Mexico has been mostly negative. So, its good to know that the new Hospital Real Nayar in La Penita is here for all of us!

I was reassured that family members would not have to provide 24 hour basic nursing care to the patient, provide basic essentials such as toilet paper and soap, nor run to the pharmacy looking for needed medications that are essential to a patient’s survival. I feel extremely confidant that medical care provided by Real Nayar, located in La Penita de Jaltemba on the Riviera Nayarit, is comparable to the same, if not better than, medical services I have received in the United Sates of America.

Directions to Real Nayar Hospital

Feel free to visit the hospital and say hello to the staff and Doctor Roberto Robles Godinez Jr., specializing in ER, and Dr. Roberto Robles Godinez Sr., (right) who is also Chief of Staff. Real Nayar is located 1 block south of the main avenida and 1 block east of the town plaza on the corner of calles Alfredo V. Bonifil and Bahia de Banderas. The Emergency Room entrance is located on Bahia de Banderas.

Real Nayar Hospital
Alfredo V. Bonfil #18 (corner of Bahia de Banderas)
La Peñita de Jaltemba, Nayarit. Mexico 63720
(327) 274-3794

Discover the Riviera Nayarit for a great vacation, Move to Mexico for Life!

Riviera Nayarit Fun in Lo de Marcos, Guayabitos and La Penita Mexico

Attractions, Pueblos No Responses »

Jan 242012

Riviera Nayarit Community Fun

Its the middle of January already and the Riviera Nayarit in beautiful Mexico is in full swing for the winter season. There have been many community functions and business attractions, and we want to share some of them with you! There is always a lot happening on the Riviera Nayarit, and you can check out the happenings on AllSayulita.com, AllSanPancho.com, AllLodeMarcos.com, AllGuayabitos.com, AllLaPentia.com and AllChacala.com.

The Third Annual Jaltemba Bay Rotary Fundraiser

The third annual Jaltemba Bay Rotary fundraiser was held this last Saturday on the 21st of January, 2012 at Tonita III in La Penita. The festivities included the beautiful Mexican Tepozcalli dancers from Las Varas and live music for some dancing with Manuel and Son. A lovely chicken dinner was served that included any beverage of your choice.
There was also three different auction fundraisers, the Chinese Auction, the Silent Auction and a Live Auction, which made for a really fun time! Every year the Rotary Club members give out awards to the outstanding citizens in Jaltemba Bay.
This year there were four volunteer groups that were recognized and honored for their services to the community.
If you are interested in becoming a Rotary Member, the Rotary meetings are held every Wednesday at Pina Coladas at 8:00am in Guayabitos. I am very proud to be a Rotary member here in Mexico and help bring in changes that help the peoples and the community without changing their wonderful culture.

Whats up on the Guayabitos Strip Mall

The Guayabitos Strip Mall is located behind the Oxxo in Rincon de Guayabitos, and has a lot to offer!
Starting out with Beauty by Aurora. She has a full staff and offers hair shampoo, cut and style, hair coloring, highlights and hair attachments. Manicure the hands and pedicure the feet, change your polish or add gel nails. Waxing for legs, bikini lines, lips, eyebrows, underarms and back. Aurora offers a complete line of hair and skin care services. Come and visit Aurora….you deserve it!

Next in line is the Espresso Internet Cafe, where you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee or a tasty latte’ while you check your e-mail.

And, what is a day without a great workout? Come and work off ail of those extra holiday pounds at the Fitness Pad. The Fitness Pad has 20 fitness machines including treadmill, stationary bikes, a full kickboxing bag, adjustable 6-setting ab/crunch bench and a pull-up tower! There is also a entire free weight system with a professional trainer on staff. Dell also has some fun workout clothes as well as other fun things to wear out and about. She has some great specials as well.

Then its time to eat! One of the best places in Guayabitos to eat at is TeriYaki Time Restaurant. Yakisoba, chicken, beef or shrimp teriyaki, fried rice and a variety of pasta dishes are served daily made fresh to order. Try a large fresh salads for lunch or check out their daily breakfast specials. They also make a great Thai Iced Tea, and have a good selection of wine and beer.

Annual Amigos de Lo de Marcos Fundraiser

It s that time of year again, and the Amigos de Lo de Marcos is having their amazing annual fundraising event on the beautiful Riviera Nayarit in Lo de Marcos Mexico. It all starts on Friday, February 3rd, at 8:30am, with a town “Walkabout” with a guided tour of Lo de Marcos. The tour will visit sites where the Amigos of Lo de Marcos works with the town, and will also cover the water issues of Lo de Marcos. There is also the new town compost project which is a great success!

When the tour of Lo de Marcos is finished there will be breakfast served at the Lo de Marcos town square.
The following day on Saturday, Feb 4th the Silent Auction begins at 4:00pm, along with the huge rummage sale that you will not want to miss as well as freshly baked goodies for purchase. And what would a celebration and fundraiser be without ice cold beer and tasty margaritas? They will be served later in the evening form 7:00 to 10:00 pm. along with dancing to the Latin reggae sounds of two local bands, Mal Bichos, as well as some fun Salsa music with Rhythm Eleison. Come and support the town and peoples of Lo de Marcos!

The 2012 Pro Surfing Tournament

On January 12,13 and 14 the 2012 Pro Surfing Tournament in Arroyo Seco was amazing. Felipe Hernandez (left), age 21 from Sayulita, Nayarit took the first place for the Men’s Pro Category, as well Adan Hernandez, age 24 from Sayulita, taking 5th.
Edgar Rodrigues, age 14 from San Pancho took 4th place in the Sub 18 Category and Adan Hernandez (right) from Sayulita was presented a trophy by Artemio Rosas for “Arroyo Seco Pro 2012 Surfer of the Year”, recognizing his involvement in a large number of important international tournaments and his support for the surfing industry. It was really an amazing time and I loved covering the event, as all of the people I met were really cool and well as the fact tht surfing is a big thing in Mexico and all over the planet! The entertainment with DJ PIN, Christian Reggae by Majhave, and Christian Rap by 12 Clan was awesome and they all rocked the house.
I posted about 450 pics on the RivieraNayaritFun Picture Gallery as well! Enjoy!
You can read more about it on our town sites AllSayulita.com and AllSanPancho.com.
Here is a list of all of the winners below:

Sub 18 Catagory:

1st Place     Mario Farias, age 17 from Play Azul, Michoacan
2nd Place    Marcos Hootman, age 16 from Tecoman, Colima
3rd Place     Victor Alarcon, age 11 from Manzanillo, Colima
4th Place     Edgar Rodrizues, age 14 from San Pancho, Nayarit
5th Place     Edgar Juan Camarena, age 15 from Manzanillo, Colima

Mens Pro Catagory:

1st Place    Felipe Hernandez, age 21 from Sayulita, Nayarit
2nd Place   Martin Olea, age 23 from Barra de Navidad
3rd Place    Adrian Rodriquez, age 25 from Sayulita, Nayarit
4th Place    Raul Medina, age 30 from Playa Azul, Michoacan
5th Place    Adan Hernandez, age 24 from Sayulia, Nayarit

It was a terrific time, and I can’t wait for the next tournament. Congratulations to all of the contestants and winners.
There are so many different things to do here on the Riviera Nayarit. I really love living here all year long! Come enjoy the amazing flavors of the Riviera Nayarit in beautiful Mexico!

Come to the Riviera Nayarit for your Mexico Vacation and enjoy all of the diversity this region has to offer!

Riviera Nayarit full of Turtle Sanctuaries

Attractions, Jaltemba Bay No Responses »

Nov 072011

If you’re visiting the Pacific coast of Mexico, why not try something different and discover Bahia Jaltemba Bay? It’s only 60 kilometers (37.5 miles) from Puerto Vallarta, and just a 25-minute drive north of Sayulita. Although it’s easy to reach, it may just as well be another world away since the area is more traditional and less touristy than other nearby towns.

Jaltemba Bay is a relatively undiscovered area and not as commercialized as other beach towns in the Riviera Nayarit, which makes it a perfect escape for some rest and relaxation. The area consists of four towns – Los Ayala, Rincon de Guayabitos, La Penita de Jaltemba, and La Colonia – which are small, wholesome, authentic towns that welcome families, couples, and individuals seeking a peaceful, quiet retreat.

La Colonia is at the northernmost end of Bahia Jaltemba Bay, the last town in the group, and is marked by a long stretch of a golden sand beach called Bahia de Naranja (Orange Bay) which is about a three-hour walk. One of the most pristine beaches in the area, this is the ideal place to breathe the fresh air, swim in the warm Pacific Ocean, or simply lay back on the soft sand and escape from the hustle-and-bustle of daily life.

The beach isn’t as developed as those found in the other three towns, inspiring a raw virgin appeal. Since the pace of life in La Colonia is measured only by wind and waves, time stands still with the impression of having stepped back in time. When compared to a hectic modern lifestyle, you can’t help but appreciate the simple rural life. The congestion of the city is replaced by tiny shops selling whimsical items that catch your fancy.

What makes the beach at La Colonia more precious than other beaches is its unique sea turtle sanctuary, which provides protection to three types of turtles native to the region: the Hawksbill, Leatherback, and Olive Ridley, which have varied nesting seasons during the year, keeping this turtle sanctuary hopping.

Tours are offered for sea turtle observation, education, and release. The baby Olive Ridley turtles are only released after an incubation period of about 45 days before entering the ocean, which happens during late night hours at the waters’ edge to reduce exposure to predators. The best months to participate in this truly unique experience are August through January – right around the corner! La Colonia is just a five-minute drive north of La Penita.

Travel to the Jaltemba Bay on the Riviera Nayarit and visit La Penita or Guayabitos.

Shop Tianguis in La Penita de Jaltemba

Jaltemba Bay, Play No Responses »

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.

La Penita Vacation

Attractions, Jaltemba Bay No Responses »

Aug 092011

A La Penita Vacation with Ghosts

- By Susan J. Cobb

La Penita Hilltop Ocean View

La Penita de Jaltemba is a charming beach town but not in the touristy sense. Its Pacific Ocean edge is marked by moss covered, wave-battered remains of large houses, victims of Hurricane Kenna , which in 2002, swept away a way of life, along with bricks and mortar. What remains are ghosts: a pair of seahorses atop two pedestals mark the entrance to what was once the malecon, a seaside walkway that residents are assured will be rebuilt “someday.” There is one, and only one, restaurant directly on the beach. The bright parasols of Las Brisas draw locals and tourists on Thursday morning market days. The food is good and they stay.

To walk south along this beach requires climbing up and over the ruins of spacious patios, skirting the footings of what were once walled gardens. Sand-smoothed fragments of tile, stone, and glass provide materials for local mixed media artists. Photographs are best taken at sunset, when light and shadow lend charm and intrigue to what may look harsh and shabby at midday. This is “the real Mexico,” travelers say. The boats drawn up on shore are not for excursions but for local fishermen.

La Penita Hilltop View North

To walk north on the beach is to end up in a place of more ghosts. El panteon viejo, the old graveyard, melts down to the shallow beach at the north end of town. Crypts and stones tilt at odd angles. What secrets are hidden in the sand? The graveyard sits at the foot of a cuesta, an outcropping of black lava rock, a solid base to four or five elegant vacation homes entrenched high above, escaping the waves but not escaping the ghosts. The inn at Casa de los Amigos welcomes paying corporeal guests. Could there be a better place to read a mystery novel or begin writing one?

On the north side there stretches at least 7 kilometers (4 miles) of unobstructed palm-fringed, golden sand beach. At the end, hard up against the base of el cocodrilo, the snout-nosed landmass that crouches at the northern end of Bahia Jaltemba Bay, is Boca de Naranjo. Here there are more ghosts. The frayed and sun-bleached remains of a dozen or so beach palapa restaurants scatter this remote section of beach. Once a nice place to sit for hours, drinking Pacifico beer and watching whales pirouette and play off shore, a development company evicted the restaurants with plans to build a resort there – someday.

Rincon de Guayabitos Ocean View

If you go by foot, take water, a hat, and sunscreen, since you can easily lose time when ghosts are involved. My teenaged nephew found that out several years ago. His Sunday morning excursion from our home in Rincon de Guayabitos (I’ll-be-back-in-an-hour-or-so-Aunt-Susan) turned into a rite of passage. Was it ghosts that drew him on and on, enticing him to hike all the way to the base of el cocodrilo? He returned late in the afternoon, sunburned and dehydrated, but as he confided later, with a new perspective on life. Going and coming he had contemplated the ghosts of La Penita.

Things here today can vanish with a breaking wave. Nothing lasts forever except the memories. Instead of returning to college the next semester, my nephew joined a carnival and traveled through the States for two years, living “full out,” gathering memories that would last a lifetime. Back into his studies now, he still counts that day on Bahia Jaltemba Bay as a pivotal time. Walking with ghosts can sometimes bring the living to life.