MEXICAN SUN 2012 --Bucerias, Mexico

BUCERIAS, MEXICO

Beach Views

     The warmth of the sun is so delicious after the freezing days and nights of the north. How unbelievable to board a plane in Yakima's snowy and icy setting and be transported in a matter of hours to a land of palms and bougainvillea. Bucerias, a lovely beach town, lies along the Bay of Banderas, about 15 miles north of Puerto Vallarta. The name means the place of divers and seems to be a second home for many Canadians and some from our USA.


      It appears to be a relatively new resort town within the last ten to twenty years. There is everyting one would need here: bakeries, great variety of restaurants, clean beaches, clean air, lovely Mexican architecture, artesania, and very sweet local people as well as visitors. This is our second visit and it provides a wonderful gateway into Mexican life. Walking along the beach is always a joy as is the extensive walk along the main street called Lazaro Cardenas. Here you will find most of the fine restaurants, art galleries, night life, and lodging.

Bucerias Housing

Artesania Market

Residencial Wall Near Market

      Bucerias seems to be divided into two areas by the Calle Arroyo. Both sides have provisions for the many visitors but the west side seems to have more galleries, bakeries, and amenities for the visitors. The east side has great seafood restaurants on the beach front, the zocolo, the church, and beyond the commercial section is more upscale beach condominium development. We are always exploring the commercial side of the housing market here. It seems that at least 30% of the standing buildings are for sale. It is so tempting to think about having a lovely Spanish style hacienda on the beach here. Then reality strikes us: maintenance requirements in the humid beach climate, who would be there during the stormy summer months, and how much time would we want to be in this one setting....

Our  B&B  CASA BELLA MARIA

Near the Pool

Fabulous Innkeepers: Nadine and Kasey

      Our B&B here is Casa de Bella Maria, located on Calle Constituyente, Kasey and Nadine are the owners who only recently purchased and then developed the house into a B&B. They have had many tribulations and disappointments with the project but are beginning to take more pleasure from the business. They are extremely hospitable and helpful, and go beyond the basic requirements, such as picking us up at the airport. Their breakfasts are excellent and the bed is good and hard.

Eating at Sandrina's

      But, as we wander along the fascinating housing of Bucerias, we come across some fun restaurants. Some of the restaurants include: Ixta and Sandrina (great red decor and colorful plates and my dish of chicken curry salad was delicious) are located on Lazaro Cardenas. Karin's on the main beach area was much fun with nice portions of taco salad. La Lomita, located in a home patio was very ordinary and the price of wine was exorbitant. Mar y Sol on the beach front near the church was a delightful experience with fabulous margaritas and red snapper with their mar y sol specialty sauce.

Plate with Elegant Katarina

Shop Wall on Main Street

      A lovely dayof walking, browsing, and eating....then a dip in the pool and reading in the beach lounges....What a gift is this life. I never did imagine that we would be having so much fun a this point in our life. Tomorrow will be our last day here in Bucerias. We're going somewhere, not sure where. Will let you know.