CindyBouchard

Characters; Roberto in La Cruz

Roberto in La Cruz; inspiring smiles through food and friendship! My first trip to Roberto’s was with my father-in-law on the last night of his vacation. He asked where we wanted to go, Chris and I were clear… we wanted to go to Roberto’s! We had tried to go so many times and although the restaurant was only closed one night a week, we seemed to arrive on that day, over and over! We were delighted when we made a reservation and indeed they were open! The view is breathtaking especially as the sun sets, the sky darkens and the [...]

Sharon’s Gecko Rojo; the place to hangout.

Sharon's Gecko Rojo; a place of comfort for travelers. Even before entering one feels the lightheartedness of Gecko Rojo with the fabulous red gecko caricatures at the door. When I think of Gecko Rojo I recall laughter, community and happiness. Admittedly my hubby and I don’t get out much but Chris sometimes joins in the darts ‘competitions’ or we’ll slip in for a few dances and sometimes we just visit over drinks with some buddies. Every time I experience fun, fun, fun! Sharon’s Gecko Rojo has become known as a place of refuge; travelers need a place to hang out [...]

La Ballena Blanca; Chef Edwin creates!

Chef Edwin creates shrimp and fish tacos and more; Kareli creates unique and tasty beverages; The music gets everyone dancing. La Ballena Blanca is fun for all! It was exciting to watch the location that is now La Ballena Blanca [translated to The White Whale] transformed into a restaurant. I marvel at what can be done with a blank, semi-outside space in Mexico. Due to very little rain for months, during the high season, a ceiling or roof structure isn’t mandatory as proven with the sail shades hung decoratively yet serving a much-needed function. The delightful bar that is [...]

Pat Henry inspires La Cruz!

What doesn't she do? Pat Henry inspires La Cruz and beyond! Shortly after arriving in La Cruz in 2009, I decided to take an exercise class. Little did I know I’d meet one of the most inspiring ladies, ever, Pat Henry is exceptional! Pat Henry created a therapeutic exercise program; I asked her to explain. “In 2007, I was certified by Heather Wallace as a practitioner in her program The Wallace Method, a pain management therapy. After helping clients on the therapy table, I became interested in creating a way to teach them how to do the movements themselves… the [...]

Characters: Philo Hayward

Tribute to a Community Leader; Philo Hayward It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Philo Hayward. This is an article I wrote for the Vallarta Tribune published on September 10th, 2015. Returning to La Cruz I realize that in the six years I’ve lived here this is the second time I’ve returned with a heavy heart. The first time was momentous… as I walked into the bar, Philo calls to me from his music perch; “Welcome home Cindy, so sorry to hear about your dad”. Others echoed his sentiment… tears flowed. That was Philo, that is [...]

Carl Drake’s passion, helping others!

Live life to the fullest, folks... helping others brings JOY to everyone involved. On March 27th, 2020, my friend, a leader in our community, Carl shared his thoughts on COVID19 with me. "It's hard to believe that we are facing this crisis in these times. I hope that people everywhere, especially our beautiful little town, realize how serious this situation is. I look forward to seeing our local businesses reopen and prosper like never before. Perhaps, we will all be a little closer, once this is over." - Carl Drake, La Cruz De Huanacaxtle On August 3rd, 2020 Carl [...]

Red Dolphin Sailing Charters; Mike Boss

Red Dolphin Sailing charters is a must do when visiting La Cruz. It might sound redundant, as I share my stories about the kindness & generosity of the folks I meet in La Cruz, no matter how it sounds… it’s simply true; Mike Boss fits the profile of most transplants I meet in our fine town. He visited La Cruz with a plan of passing through. He was enchanted by the kindness of the people – both nationals and expats. He loves the vibe… the music scene is second to none. Once friends, we stick together like family. We [...]

Line Bureau, La Cruz’s clean queen

Line Bureau, La Cruz's clean queen (of Amigo's de La Cruz's Environmental Program) - recycling, street beautification and street/arroyo clean-up. If you see Line out at night she's tres chic, always dressed lovely, smiling from ear to ear and kind, generous and supportive. By day, the latter remains true but Line gets down and dirty with a mission... clean the streets of La Cruz and teach others the merits of recycling and beautifying our town! It's more than a volunteer project for Line its a mission she's passionate about; Giving back and doing good for others in La Cruz. Line [...]