Casa Ocho

Well, we are back in Mexico. It has been almost a year since we did any significant traveling, so it is definitely time. A weekend in Niagara-On-The-Lake was quite wonderful, but it really didn't do much to scratch the itch.

Unfortunately, since our last trip (also to Mexico), Deb's diabetes has caught up with us and she has lost most of her vision. She now often wears special glasses and uses a white cane to help her get around, but she is not willing to stop traveling.

We have come back to Casa Manana in Bucerias. We have been here often and it honestly feels like another home. www.beachfrontmexico.com

We are booked into Casa 8. I believe that this was the very first unit that Michael and Vivienne ever created. One story I have heard says that this was originally the servant's quarters and that Michael separated it from the main hacienda. They moved in here and rented out the main unit while they were developing the property.

I just love the freedom with colour and design. These first two units are really the only ones left which look original Mexican. Mexican design elements abound throughout the other units, but these are the oldest.

The tiles make the kitchen come alive.

A spectacular headboard

The bathroom is meant to look rustic.

Our first view of the pool has the original hacienda behind it (now Casa 1). Inside, a wide passageway leads directly from the front door to the back door, through the yard and onto the beach. To the right is a beautiful red tile counter and the kitchen. To the left are sleeping quarters. This really was the original.

Turn around and you find Michael and Vivienne's house. To the left, on the second floor, is Casa 9, where we will be moving tomorrow. On top is Casa 10, which has no walls on the side facing the ocean, only curtains if you want to keep out the light. This is the epitome of outdoor living, with a view over Casa 1 to the ocean, and a virtually continuous gentle sea breeze.

Here we have the entrance to Casa 8. This is our home for now. It is smaller than most of the units and it has less natural light, but we still find that we are loving it.

This is a closeup of the door that welcomes us home every night.

These stairs lead to Casa 7, where we stayed the last time we were
here. It is spectacular. Of course, it was here that Debby fell last
year and injured her back. It was serious, but she is fine now.

Right on the beach, we finally come to Casa 6. This was our first unit and we have returned to it several times. Of course it is very popular and is often necessary to book two years in advance, but it is worth it.

Now you can turn around and find this amazing beach in Banderas Bay.

We have settled in very nicely, and have been catching up with old friends. We have visited two familiar restaurants and have found a new Mexican Restaurant, The Little Bull. It was wonderful. Tonight we have reservations at Le Bistrot, a wonderful french restaurant which we have visited once before.

The other night at dinner, we met a couple from Scotland who are on a world tour. He took leave from his job. She sold her business. They are off. They have a blog underway and if you are interested, you might like to check it out. The Roaming Junketeer

Debby is very pleased to find that she can get around successfully with her cane, and even without her cane. The irregular streets are not as difficult as she expected, and she has now taken two long walks on the beach without her cane. Fantastic!!