Another day, another country. This time it is Mexico and the port of Manzanillo, the sailfish capital of the country. It is far from the largest city, but it does have 159,000 people that keep this port city going. Manzanillo is the major seaport that transports cargo for Mexico City, the nation's capital. We happened to stop here two years ago while on the Nieuw Amsterdam, but never realized the size of the container and commercial area of this massive harbor. No wonder it was a pirate's haven back in the old days.
When we woke up this morning, it was still dark. Even at 7am, the daylight was just beginning. Sure feels like a time change is necessary soon. Perhaps after we stop in Puerto Vallarta. Our arrival time was set at 12pm, so there was no rush to get up early for most folks this morning. The tours would not leave until after noon time, and two of those would go first. One was a drive to Comala with a lunch for 6 ¾ hours for $115. The second one was magical pueblos in Comala for $110 and 7 hours. Manzanillo beach and shopping was 6 ½ hours for $50, while Salt, Fruit and clay brick-making was 5 ¼ hours for $70. Another beach trip was 4 ½ hours for $50, and fruit, folklore, and orchids was $70 for 5 hours. Last was a city drive and shopping for $50 and 4 ½ hours.
During her port talk, Kimberly also suggested taking a taxi to another beach where you can buy a day pass. This would include use of the hotel's beachfront, all beverages, and a buffet lunch for $70 per person. Considering that included all soft and alcoholic drinks, it is not a bad price. She did advise everyone that it is common for shops and restaurants to close down during siesta time. That would be from 2pm to 4:30pm. Considering the weather was warm and sticky, the overcast skies might not have been the best for a beach day.
Once we were docked, everyone was waiting to get off, but there was a problem. The local officials had not shown up yet, and we were not officially cleared. That did happen before 12:30pm, and we watched as all of the tour groups went off and headed for their buses. And it was one l-o-n-g walk on the pier to get to the shoreside. We waited until 1pm before we left. One nice thing we noticed was that the dining room offered an express lunch from 11am to 12pm. That way the Lido would not be crowded.
Once outside the port gate, we turned left and followed the main road to see all of the fishing boats in the harbor. No fancy yachts or sail boats here, but strictly deep sea vessels or small fishing boats. There is a reason there is a gigantic blue sailfish marking the malecon, as this is considered one of the best places in Mexico for deep sea fishing. We did not go too far this way, because the wide pedestrian street ended. Turning back, we headed for the wide avenue of the malecon where the sailfish stands proud.. Along this stretch of harborfront, there is a Zodiac walk with artist's editions of each month's signs. There was a nice parklike setting where benches were placed under shade trees. We took full advantage of the benches, at least for a few minutes.
At this far end, we turned left and headed up one of the main shopping streets of the old town. There was everything that you would need right in about three blocks. The most common shops had to be the shoe stores, followed by some clothes shops. There was one fairly nice hotel that was just opening for lunch. It was full of locals more than tourists. The side streets provided more photo ops with the steepest steps we have seen to go uphill. Most of the homes on the hillsides were painted bright colors. They also painted the stairs the same colors. When the street ran out of shops, we turned around. It was really crowded for a Monday, and from what saw, very few businesses were shutting down for the siesta.
We made our way back to the ship arriving by 3pm, never finding a suitable place for lunch. Chicken Caesar salads sounded good to us and a shared club sandwich. We had the best view of town all afternoon. Two years ago, we had the treat of seeing a whale in the harbor, which came quite close to the ship all day long. We did search for it, but only saw pelicans, frigates, terns, and sea gulls. Later in the afternoon, we spotted a sting ray in the harbor waters below our room.
At one point, we believe we bunkered fuel on the starboard side, as we could smell it. During dinner, we did see a barge was alongside the starboard side of the ship until we left close to 9pm. Dinner had a few good choices starting with breaded chicken tenders and split pea soup. One of us ordered the pork tenderloin and the other had the alternate steak. The best part of the steak dinner were the French fries, which were served piping hot. Desserts were a lemon meringue cheesecake, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and pineapple slices.
Knowing most folks would be tired after a long day in port, there was a movie in the World Stage instead of a live show. It was Once Upon a Time in Mexico, and was also shown at 3pm today. Both showings offered popcorn.
Tomorrow we will be visiting Puerto Vallarta, another place where we walk until we drop.
Bill & Mary Ann
