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May 11-13, 2025 Marti Eicholz After hours of delay due to a line being caught in the propeller, The Odyssey sets sail. A smaller, dimmer full moon, still beautiful, shines over us. A Full Flower Micro Moon doesn’t happen every year. It is a unique event, throwing flowers to Mothers all over the world and encouraging calm energy. Vesak or Buddha Day honors Buddha’s birthday, always celebrated on the night of the full moon in May. We continue our journey to Manzanillo, Mexico. Manzanillo situated on a navigation route, linking East Asia, the American Continent and Oceania makes it a major Pacific commercial seaport, playing a significant role in Mexico's trade and transportation network. Being a major port city on Mexico's Pacific coast, Manzanillo’s open ocean location exposes it to significant wave action and potential damage. To protect the port's infrastructure and prevent erosion of the coastline, engineers-built seawalls, referring to the breakwaters and other coastal protection structures around the Port of Manzanillo. These large structures extending into the water reduce the intensity of waves and create a calmer and more sheltered harbor for ships to dock. Manzanillo lies on the Pacific, two thirds south along the coastline of Mexico. The Port of Manzanillo, being a natural harbor, is the largest container port on Mexico’s Pacific seaboard and rapidly becoming a tourist destination, offering a variety of natural beauty beyond the coast. Both are a vital part of the economy. Manzanillo is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture, deeply intertwined with its location on Mexico’s Pacific coast, an area first inhabited by Indigenous tribes and later conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century. In 1800, the inhabitants took the name of this city, Manzanillo, from a chamomile plant which was abundant in the area. The influence of the Indigenous tribes and the Spanish can be seen in the city’s architecture, rich culture, delicious cuisine, and traditions. An important tradition in Manzanillo is the celebration of the Day of the Dead, which takes place in early November. Locals build elaborate altars to honor deceased loved ones and hold parades and festivals to honor them. An important aspect of local culture is the lively folk music, traditional dances, incorporating colorful costumes and intricate choreography. Manzanillo is known for its culinary delights: seafood dishes like "langostinos a la diablo" (spicy prawns) and "langostinos al mojo de ajo" (butterflied prawns sautéed in garlic). Visit Mercado Municipal and sample authentic Mexican food. You must try the famous fish tacos! Manzanillo is a quiet, peaceful, and safe town, home to 125,000 Mexican nationals and 10,000 ex-pats escaping harsh northern winters. This tropical environment of lush verdant hillsides and sandy beaches welcomes adventures and lazy days. This balmy, magical, historic, cultural, intimate escape has all the charm of old-world Mexico with 21-century comforts. Manzanillo enjoys a warm, tropical, consistently pleasant climate, considered to be one of the best on the Pacific. May to October is the rainy season, with higher humidity and occasional heavy rainfall. We are visiting during the shoulder season of May to June when you can enjoy pleasant weather. We are finding the weather hot and humid with possibility of showers. The beautiful city of Manzanillo is a fun place with world-famous beaches, but it is not only a sun and beach destination. It offers a wealth of attractions, sites of interest, and plenty hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Santiago Bay and Manzanillo Bay, divided by the Santiago Peninsula, makes up Manzanillo. Manzanillo Bay, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, has clear blue waters and soft white sand. The rugged Santiago Peninsula is known for its natural beauty. Hike along the trails, admire the flora and fauna, and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline. Visit the famous Las Hadas Resort, known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Want to visit a beautiful beach? Head to the stunning Playa La Audiencia, a popular choice, known for its calm waters and golden sand. Take a stroll, relax on the sandy shores, swim in the clear waters, or enjoy delicious seafood at a nearby restaurant. To discover a piece of culture, visit the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, a historic church in the city center. Visit the bell-shaped archaeological site of La Campana, marvel at the ancient ruins, the low, pyramid-like structures and learn about the history of the region from 1500 BC. Explore nature by taking a boat tour to see the stunning rock formations of Las Hadas Bay or visiting the ecological reserve at El Salto Waterfall for a refreshing hike. Take a walk along the Malecon, a scenic waterfront boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants. Enjoy the ocean views, watch the boats come and go, and catch a stunning sunset. Take a day trip to Barra de Navidad, a charming fishing and agricultural village located an hour away from Manzanillo. It retains its local character and unique charm with cobblestone streets, potholes, and dogs roaming freely, so relax on the beach and enjoy fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant. Discover the magic of Cuyutlan, a nearby town, experience its laid-back atmosphere, visit the Crocodile Sanctuary, and enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the lagoon. Manzanillo is known as the "Sailfish Capital of the World," offering deep-sea fishing for its abundant sailfish population. Deep sea sports fishing requires regular-sized boats that can go distances greater than ten miles in the open sea, where the depth of the waters is propitious for reeling in large species like sailfish and black, striped and blue marlin. In Manzanillo you only need to travel 10 to 15 minutes to enjoy deep sea sports fishing. A popular stunning golf course is the 18-hole Las Hadas course, adorned with palm trees that dance in the wind and silently observe the shots of every golfer who plays there. It is a beautiful tropical course, one of the finest in the world. The Salahua River bends and winds through the course, making each shot a challenge and a memorable experience. The Ministry of Tourism in Manzanilla honored all passengers and crew with a special cultural high energy event in the heart of Manzanillo in front of the blue sailfish art form, highlighting local music, pre-colonial costumed dancers, and traditional Mexican crafts. A wonderful opportunity to experience Mexico’s dynamic culture! Sir David Attenborough, a renowned British broadcaster, writer, and naturalist known for his work on natural history documentaries, celebrates his 99th birthday. His latest film, “Ocean with David Attenborough” opens with crashing waves, glistening sea spray, and a calm expanse of deep blue and he says, “The most important place on Earth is not on land but at sea.” Sir David has a way of reminding us what truly matters. The ocean isn’t just beautiful. The ocean is essential to life on Earth. Protecting it should be a global priority. An overnight sail on The Odyssey will bring us to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on the 14th of May. |
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