Blog Categories
Characters: Peter Vargas & Sea Tek
Peter Vargas... livin’ and lovin’ La Cruz! If only I could make a living so I can live in paradise! I’ve heard that sentiment stated in so many ways since we moved here and created a business. There truly are so many ways to achieve both; Work + Life in La Cruz = Paradise or as many say… Livin’ the dream. Peter Vargas did just that... here's his story: Peter (Pedro) Vargas was born in Apatzingán, Michaocan, Mexico but he lived in San Pedro, California most of his life. He moved to La Cruz six years ago when [...]
Characters: TATEWARI
Characters: Esau, Mimi and Daniel = TATEWARI banda Anyone who’s spent any time at all in La Cruz will have had their senses delighted by band, Tatewari! I adore their music and moreso enjoy the interaction between them. Mimi (who’s real name is Al) is the funny one, I giggle as he tries to get Daniel and Esau to smile throughout the performance. Those of us who’ve seen them grow up playing music and have cheered them on have seen them evolve into not only great musicians but phenomenal young men! Living a few doors from each other the three [...]
Characters; Jorge of Tacos on the Street.
Tacos on the Street; an interview with Jorge Diaz Gómez Finding excellent food certainly appeals to the foodie in me; the story behind the ‘place’ fills my appetite almost as much as the food! At the time of this writing (April, 2015) I’ve been living in La Cruz for 6 years and was pretty sure I knew all there was to know about Tacos on the Street or TOTS as some call it. Waiting in line I boldly shared ‘their story’ with friends when someone came up beside me, crossed her arms and leaned in… “Keep going, I love hearing [...]
Dental Vacation in paradise.
If you have had any misgivings about a ‘dental vacation” I hope you don’t anymore. We were able to have a great two weeks in Mexico , save a ton of money, and have an excellent dental experience. Sheesh - did I just write that?
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Sunday Market
The La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Sunday Market (or the Mercado Domingo) is the highlight of the week for many ‘snowbirds’ and tourists who stay in La Cruz. Folks come from all over the Riviera Nayarit; South from Puerto Vallarta and from the North, Sayulita and beyond. The market draws many visitors to its colorful stalls, enticing food, and entertainment by local musicians. My husband, Mike, is a keen photographer so while I shop he takes photos of the displays, the merchants and the entertainment! Music of La Cruz Each Sunday you can find all sorts of treasures. Local [...]
Beachwalk; La Cruz to Bucerias
The beachwalk from La Cruz de Huanacaxtle to Bucerias is a rewarding and exhilarating way to spend a day. I consider myself blessed with many friends; some from my past and some in my Mexican world. When the two converge it brings a little of ‘home’ to me. I especially like sharing all that delights me here and feel giddy when others like some of what we love, possibly even more than we do! One of these excursions is the beach walk to Bucerias from Villa Amor del Mar. We all find it so peaceful, we get in a little [...]
Excursions; Punta de Mita
Punta de Mita is a delightful excursion from La Cruz. 20 minutes away (by car or a smidge more by bus) you can choose the high end, beyond the walled property of the Four Seasons and St. Regis OR go into town and eat tacos from a local Mexican OR be the traveler you are and meet in the middle, at what I call restaurant row. Restaurant row offers many varieties of Mexican food, lots of seafood options and many cocktails to choose from. Select a seat with feet in the sand, literally on the beach, my fave! Read the [...]
Rejuvenating Group Vacations!
Why does Villa Amor del Mar LOVE group vacations? We're absolutely delighted that we've created a venue for our guests to get together and share experiences, stories and fun! We’re excited about the future and are creating many ways to share our ‘Peace of Paradise’ with others. We stayed at the lovely Villa Amor del Mar for Christmas. We were greeted on Christmas day with a lovely gourmet Mexican dinner with gorgeous live music; all on the rooftop overlooking the bay. Our rooms were complete with special food we ordered and of course the hospitality of Chris and Cindy, the [...]
Tantalizing tidbits; Shrimp & avocado.
Shrimp and avocado appetizer. There is nothing better than creating food that is easy and delicious and anything that includes shrimp and avocado together is tasty!! This was created for a guest who couldn't eat salt at all. Prepare: A bowl with sesame seeds, set aside Peel, devein, and clean shrimp Grate parmesan Reggiano One bowl for each guest ~ cut tiny chunks of avocado and fill the bowl halfway, sprinkle with lime juice, this must be done close to serving to prevent the avocado from browning. Peel mandarin orange and blend in a blender, sieve juice In a pan; [...]
Tantalizing tidbits: Mexican Corn Salad
Mexican corn salad... something I came up with that is tasty as well as colorful!! 2 -3 Tablespoons butter 1 Tablespoons olive oil 1 - 4 garlic cloves; finely minced but NOT mashed into paste 2 - 3 shallot shallots or ¼ cup red onion slices, finely chopped 2 - 5 ears of corn; cut kernels off of cooked (bbq’d or steamed) cobs OR use 1 can of corn drained 1 can black beans/drained * When given choices I put in bold above how much I used of each; I like it flavourful! Vegetables that you/your family prefers, cut all [...]