Our normal stress-free rental from Alamo wasn't so stress-free this time around, but we survived. Note to self - learn to drive a manual. I requested an automatic, they didn't have one. But after much frowning (OK, I complained a bit, too) on my part, they offered to drive us up an automatic later that evening. Another note to self - request that they fill the car up with gas (at least 1/2 tank) when they deliver car to Troncones. This they didn't do - thus we were sweating running out of gas driving around Troncones (fyi - no close gas station). Of course, as I'm typing this, a new gas station is being built at the Junction of 200 and the Troncones turn off. Last note to self - make sure CD player works when they deliver car. OK, 'nuff about that. Summary - I will never rent a Jetta again. I'll either have someone else drive the Crossfox (manual) or go with another car company.
On the way up, we stopped at the Commercial Mexicana. I love this place. I know I shouldn't like any place that looks like Walmart...but given that we're in a different country/smaller town, well, it's good to know I can buy whatever I need on my way up to Troncones!
Tronco Bay Inn was very nice! Our rooms were huge...and very clean. We opted for non-view rooms which was just fine since the ocean is only 100 yards away. $80/night. The little restaurant there was good as well. We really enjoyed talking to the staff...and hanging out at the pool! They have very nice lounge chairs on the beach (with umbrellas) which is a bonus since not all places I've stayed (actually have any?) had these.
We stayed at Tronco Bay Inn our first 3 nights, then Casa Teresa the last 2 nights. Casa Teresa is a private home...but the owner has decided to rent it out so we were the first renters. It's a huge 4 bedroom, 5 bath home with pool...very grand! We really enjoyed hanging out there.
We ventured into Zihuatanejo on Sunday afternoon. We walked around downtown (stopped into The Shiva Bar for $1 coronas!) then watched a kids program at the basketball court. The court serves as a gathering place on Sundays for the community to put on programs. The skits were precious! We had planned to have sunset drinks at the Catalina bar but it was too busy and we were hungry so we only used that stop for a toilet break...then went to Carlos N Charlies in Ixtapa for dinner. I had imagined a busy, fun place (CNC is known for the party crowd) but there were only 3 tables with people at them ... and this place must have 100+ tables! So needless to say, it was a dud. But the food was suprisingly VERY good! I'll definitely go back there.
Back in Troncones...we went to see our own casa as much as we could. Especially around sunset. It is progressing very well! Wow, it really is larger and more beautiful than we ever expected. It's very exciting to watch the progression over time.
The greatest part of this trip was hanging out with friends that we've made down there. When you can sit for hours and talk to someone without obligations it truly is special because you can really listen and have long discussions. It makes me realize that I don't spend enough time with my friends. Anyway, this trip we got to spend more time talking with Jesse and CJ...and we made new friends with Annie & Mike Smith (and their two daughters). Oh, and Denni got to talk more with Alejandro...and of course Gustavo & Karina.
But alas, even though 5 days is a long time, we had to leave too quickly. I would have loved to have even more conversations with more people!
