DarrenChannel
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Updated: 12 min 4 sec ago
Fun in Acapulco? Yes! ... 40 Years Ago
A trip to Acapulco in 2012 is like a trip back in time ... to perhaps 1972.
Going down the city's main avenue, the Costera, is like going back in time. The hotels date to the 1960s and 70s. The only things that give a hint of 2012 are the Starbucks and the Wal-Mart.
This was once theeeee beach destination in Mexico. John Wayne, Elizabeth Taylor, and other Hollywood stars flocked to Acapulco in the 1950s and 1960s, and tourists from elsewhere followed.
But these days, you sure won't find Elvis here filming a sequel to his 1963 hit film, Fun in Acapulco (notwithstanding his alleged death, of course).
This is a city whose glory days are long gone. The water in Acapulco's picturesque bay is polluted (my doctor warned me to stay out of it), and the throngs of visitors just don't exist like they once did.
This past weekend serves as a good example of the city's decline.
It's the peak season for the snowbirds (the US/Canadian retirees), and on top of that, it was a long weekend in Mexico, which should have been great for Mexican visitors.
Instead, the new Diamante zone saw hotel occupancy rates of 79%; the central Costera zone saw just 49%; and in the older part of the city, it was an abysmal 29%. More distressing for those in the tourism industry (which in this city, is pretty much everybody other than the narco drug gangs), the numbers in all zones keep dropping. It's a bad trend for a city that has just one legal industry.
And the narcos? They're doing a great job scaring away visitors, both national and especially international. Believe it or not, the witnessing of (or being a victim of) violent crime, coupled with the gritty, ugly side to the city just doesn't lend itself to attracting visitors.
As it is, the city has two key markets: North American retirees (the snowbirds), and residents of Mexico City.
The snowbirds who are here have been coming here for a long time - long before the narco violence became an issue. They're used to bargains, and familiarity. But once this current crop of retirees are gone, I dare say there will be no new snowbirds to replace them. They're moving on to the more attractive (and safe) places, like Puerto Vallarta.
The second group of visitors are the residents of Mexico City. They are the real only hope for economic survival in Acapulco. These people either have money (and condominiums in the nicer newer part of the the city) or are of lower economic means, in which case Acapulco represents the closest and most affordable beach destination.
Would I recommend visiting Acapulco? If you have property there, or friends there, then yes. You can still enjoy yourself in this city.
Otherwise, just get a copy of Fun in Acapulco, and enjoy the city in its glory days of the 1960s, the way Elvis did.
Categories: Blogs
Acapulco: Back to the 1970s!
A trip to Acapulco in 2012 is like a trip back in time to the 1960s or 70s.
The only thing missing is seeing Elvis filming a sequel to Fun in Acapulco.
This was once theeeee beach destination in Mexico. John Wayne, Elizabeth Taylor, and other Hollywood stars flocked to Acapulco in the 1950s and 1960s, and tourists from elsewhere followed.
But this is a city whose glory days are long gone. The water in the Acapulco's picturesque bay is polluted (my doctor warned me to stayapulco, or tho and the throngs of visitors arefor whom this is the closest and most affordable beach destination.
But a trip down the city's main avenue, the Costera, is like a trip back in time. The hotels date to the 60s and 70s. The only things of the more modern era are the Starbucks, the Galerias Diana shopping center, and Wal-Mart.
This past weekend serves as a good example of the city's economic decline.
It's the peak season for the snowbirds (the US/Canadian retirees), and on top of that, it was a long weekend in Mexico, which should have been great for Mexican visitors.
Instead, the new Diamante zo2>
And the city still draws on the millions of residents who live in Mexico City. This group is comprised either of those with money who have condominiums in the new part of Acapulco, or those with lower economic means, for whom this is the closest and most affordable beach destination.
But a trip down the city's main avenue, the Costera, is like a trip back in time. The hotels date to the 60s and 70s. The only things of the more modern era are the Starbucks, the Galerias Diana shopping center, and Wal-Mart.
This past weekend serves as a good example of the city's economic decline.
It's the peak season for the snowbirds (the US/Canadian retirees), and on top of that, it was a long weekend in Mexico, which should have been great for Mexican visitors.
Instead, the new Diamante zone saw hotel occupancy rates of 79%; the central Costera zone saw just 49%; and in the old part of the city, it was an abysmal 29%. More distressing, the numbers in all zones have been on the decrease in recent years, a bad trend for a city that has just one (legal) industry – tourism.
For now, best to get a copy of Fun in Acapulco, and enjoy the city the way Elvis did, back in 1962.
The only thing missing is seeing Elvis filming a sequel to Fun in Acapulco.
This was once theeeee beach destination in Mexico. John Wayne, Elizabeth Taylor, and other Hollywood stars flocked to Acapulco in the 1950s and 1960s, and tourists from elsewhere followed.
But this is a city whose glory days are long gone. The water in the Acapulco's picturesque bay is polluted (my doctor warned me to stayapulco, or tho and the throngs of visitors arefor whom this is the closest and most affordable beach destination.
But a trip down the city's main avenue, the Costera, is like a trip back in time. The hotels date to the 60s and 70s. The only things of the more modern era are the Starbucks, the Galerias Diana shopping center, and Wal-Mart.
This past weekend serves as a good example of the city's economic decline.
It's the peak season for the snowbirds (the US/Canadian retirees), and on top of that, it was a long weekend in Mexico, which should have been great for Mexican visitors.
Instead, the new Diamante zo2>
And the city still draws on the millions of residents who live in Mexico City. This group is comprised either of those with money who have condominiums in the new part of Acapulco, or those with lower economic means, for whom this is the closest and most affordable beach destination.
But a trip down the city's main avenue, the Costera, is like a trip back in time. The hotels date to the 60s and 70s. The only things of the more modern era are the Starbucks, the Galerias Diana shopping center, and Wal-Mart.
This past weekend serves as a good example of the city's economic decline.
It's the peak season for the snowbirds (the US/Canadian retirees), and on top of that, it was a long weekend in Mexico, which should have been great for Mexican visitors.
Instead, the new Diamante zone saw hotel occupancy rates of 79%; the central Costera zone saw just 49%; and in the old part of the city, it was an abysmal 29%. More distressing, the numbers in all zones have been on the decrease in recent years, a bad trend for a city that has just one (legal) industry – tourism.
For now, best to get a copy of Fun in Acapulco, and enjoy the city the way Elvis did, back in 1962.
Categories: Blogs
Sunday Morning in Bogota
Breakfast at Bakers.There really is no point to waking up early in Bogota on a Sunday.
There's no place you can go.
Waking up at 6:15, I forced myself to lie in bed another 15 minutes. But being completely awake, that was it.
After doing some things on my computer until 7:30, I went out for a walk in the Zona Rosa, looking for someplace to have a coffee.
But no such place exists at that hour on a Sunday in Bogota.
This is not North America, where we always have a Denny's or Starbucks or McDonalds open at almost any hour of the day.
What I did find open at this hour was a 24-hour Oxxo convenience store. At least I could buy a newspaper. My copy of El Tiempo in hand, I was off in search of something.
I walked to the nearest Juan Valdez Café, a couple blocks away. Nope – opens at 10 am.
The walk continued.
At 8:08 am, I found a Burger King with the doors open. Success.
Walked inside, only to discover that they were not really open. Technically, maybe, but operationally, nope.
I asked for a coffee. Somebody who looked like the maintenance man was just setting up the coffee pot. So actually getting a cup was going to take some time. Thank god I didn't want breakfast, because the coffee pot was the only machine that had any sign of life!
I took a stroll in the Zona T, just outside the Andino shopping plaza. This place is loaded with restaurants. Surely at least one or two would be open for breakfast.
The precise number turned out to be zero.
Fortunately, I did know of one place close by that would be open. An excellent place called Bakers.
Bakers is good anytime of day. And I recalled seeing on their sign outside mentioning that they're open for breakfast at 7 am daily.
Now that's more like it.
So, I finally had a place to not just have a coffee and read my newspaper, but also to have a tasty breakfast.
And as I know from a previous visit, this café knows how to do bacon – crisp! Pancakes are pretty good too.
There's no place you can go.
Waking up at 6:15, I forced myself to lie in bed another 15 minutes. But being completely awake, that was it.
After doing some things on my computer until 7:30, I went out for a walk in the Zona Rosa, looking for someplace to have a coffee.
But no such place exists at that hour on a Sunday in Bogota.
This is not North America, where we always have a Denny's or Starbucks or McDonalds open at almost any hour of the day.
What I did find open at this hour was a 24-hour Oxxo convenience store. At least I could buy a newspaper. My copy of El Tiempo in hand, I was off in search of something.
I walked to the nearest Juan Valdez Café, a couple blocks away. Nope – opens at 10 am.
The walk continued.
At 8:08 am, I found a Burger King with the doors open. Success.
Walked inside, only to discover that they were not really open. Technically, maybe, but operationally, nope.
I asked for a coffee. Somebody who looked like the maintenance man was just setting up the coffee pot. So actually getting a cup was going to take some time. Thank god I didn't want breakfast, because the coffee pot was the only machine that had any sign of life!
I took a stroll in the Zona T, just outside the Andino shopping plaza. This place is loaded with restaurants. Surely at least one or two would be open for breakfast.
The precise number turned out to be zero.
Fortunately, I did know of one place close by that would be open. An excellent place called Bakers.
Bakers is good anytime of day. And I recalled seeing on their sign outside mentioning that they're open for breakfast at 7 am daily.
Now that's more like it.
So, I finally had a place to not just have a coffee and read my newspaper, but also to have a tasty breakfast.
And as I know from a previous visit, this café knows how to do bacon – crisp! Pancakes are pretty good too.
Categories: Blogs
Mexico City vs. Bogota: A Comparison
View from Bogota's Zona Rosa.If large, sprawling Latin American capital cities interest you, you'll find much to see and do in either Mexico City or Bogota. Both are high-elevation cities (Mexico City over 7,000 feet above sea level, Bogota over 8,600 feet), making for chilly mornings and evenings year-round.
But there are a number of differences between these two cities.
Sidewalks
First of all, I must mention the sidewalks. Bogota has sidewalks that are relatively flat and even. Mexico City's sidewalks are horribly broken and uneven. Even in the nice districts.
Try pulling a suitcase with wheels in Mexico City. You'll end up cursing the city straight to the hot place.
A garbage can! And even sidewalks!Garbage Cans
Second key difference? Garbage cans in the streets. Bogota has these things; Mexico City does not. If you think I'm kidding, try walking anywhere in Mexico City with an empty coffee cup or soda bottle. You can walk for miles without finding one lousy garbage can.
The only place I've ever found garbage cans in public in Mexico City is in Parque Mexico, in the city's Condesa district. But unless you happen to find yourself there, you'll be reduced to tossing your empty Cheetos bag in the street – unless you end up walking by a Starbucks, where they take the care to put out garbage cans outside their stores.
Prices
In this regard, Mexico City has the advantage.
A simple comparison: At a Mexican McDonalds, you can get a McTrio of the day (burger, fries, and drink) for about USD $3.00 (while non-McTrio of the Day prices tend to be closer to $4.50). In Bogota, the cheapest combo is about $6.84. This is just one comparison, but you'll notice similar price differences regardless of the restaurant you choose.
Mexico's subway system, the Metro, also shines in this regard. You'll pay around 23 cents to ride the Metro. In Bogota, to ride their Transmilenio system, it'll cost you about 90 cents. Either one is still a good deal by North American standards, but nevertheless, Mexico City gets bonus points on this score.
However, on a number of consumer goods (notably, electronics and major US clothing brands), neither city wins. Whether you want a laptop computer, a camera, or Levi's jeans, you'll pay well over US prices in either of these two cities.
Currency
Again, advantage Mexico.
As of this writing, you get around 13 Mexican pesos to the US dollar. Converting prices in your head is not impossible (though it was certainly easier when it was a simple 10 to 1). But if you prefer a challenge, try Colombia, where your dollar will get you around 1,900 pesos.
That simple Big Mac combo I just referenced? It really goes for 13,000 pesos.
Newspapers
If even in this age of the internet you still like to read a newspaper, then Mexico City again wins.
There are newsstands littering the streets wherever you go. And you've got over a dozen daily newspapers to choose from.
In Bogota, I have only seen two newspapers for sale thus far – El Tiempo, and one thin tabloid. There are also two free small tabloids with even more limited content. That's it. Also difficult is finding a place to purchase your copy of El Tiempo. I have only seen it sold by a few vendors who stand at intersections in the mornings, selling from car to car or to diligent pedestrians (such as myself) who hunt them down.
Miscellaneous
A few other things about Bogota worth mentioning that really make the city stand out:
Juan Valdez Cafe. The coffee chain named after the country's famous icon dot the landscape in Bogota as well as other Colombian cities.
Andres Carne de Res. It's simply the best restaurant experience in the world. Period. And if you go accompanied by an enchanting Colombian girl, it's even more fun.
But there are a number of differences between these two cities.
Sidewalks
First of all, I must mention the sidewalks. Bogota has sidewalks that are relatively flat and even. Mexico City's sidewalks are horribly broken and uneven. Even in the nice districts.
Try pulling a suitcase with wheels in Mexico City. You'll end up cursing the city straight to the hot place.
A garbage can! And even sidewalks!Garbage Cans
Second key difference? Garbage cans in the streets. Bogota has these things; Mexico City does not. If you think I'm kidding, try walking anywhere in Mexico City with an empty coffee cup or soda bottle. You can walk for miles without finding one lousy garbage can.
The only place I've ever found garbage cans in public in Mexico City is in Parque Mexico, in the city's Condesa district. But unless you happen to find yourself there, you'll be reduced to tossing your empty Cheetos bag in the street – unless you end up walking by a Starbucks, where they take the care to put out garbage cans outside their stores.
Prices
In this regard, Mexico City has the advantage.
A simple comparison: At a Mexican McDonalds, you can get a McTrio of the day (burger, fries, and drink) for about USD $3.00 (while non-McTrio of the Day prices tend to be closer to $4.50). In Bogota, the cheapest combo is about $6.84. This is just one comparison, but you'll notice similar price differences regardless of the restaurant you choose.
Mexico's subway system, the Metro, also shines in this regard. You'll pay around 23 cents to ride the Metro. In Bogota, to ride their Transmilenio system, it'll cost you about 90 cents. Either one is still a good deal by North American standards, but nevertheless, Mexico City gets bonus points on this score.
However, on a number of consumer goods (notably, electronics and major US clothing brands), neither city wins. Whether you want a laptop computer, a camera, or Levi's jeans, you'll pay well over US prices in either of these two cities.
Currency
Again, advantage Mexico.
As of this writing, you get around 13 Mexican pesos to the US dollar. Converting prices in your head is not impossible (though it was certainly easier when it was a simple 10 to 1). But if you prefer a challenge, try Colombia, where your dollar will get you around 1,900 pesos.
That simple Big Mac combo I just referenced? It really goes for 13,000 pesos.
Newspapers
If even in this age of the internet you still like to read a newspaper, then Mexico City again wins.
There are newsstands littering the streets wherever you go. And you've got over a dozen daily newspapers to choose from.
In Bogota, I have only seen two newspapers for sale thus far – El Tiempo, and one thin tabloid. There are also two free small tabloids with even more limited content. That's it. Also difficult is finding a place to purchase your copy of El Tiempo. I have only seen it sold by a few vendors who stand at intersections in the mornings, selling from car to car or to diligent pedestrians (such as myself) who hunt them down.
Miscellaneous
A few other things about Bogota worth mentioning that really make the city stand out:
Juan Valdez Cafe. The coffee chain named after the country's famous icon dot the landscape in Bogota as well as other Colombian cities.
Andres Carne de Res. It's simply the best restaurant experience in the world. Period. And if you go accompanied by an enchanting Colombian girl, it's even more fun.
Categories: Blogs
