A Warm Place with No Memory

Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Zihua is my final stop in Mexico for the time being. I have some other plans moving into the not so distant future, so I must forge the path forward but certainly hope to return to Mexico as soon as I can. This is actually a pretty long stop. I only planned to stay in Zihua for 3-4 days, but I am quite enamored with the local scene and quite frankly, tired of moving around so much. This is a needed break and who could ask for a better break than this!

This is the place that actually inspired my entire trip to Mexico. When I was age 12 or so, I saw Shawshank Redemption. I was already a big Stephen King fan, but this film in particular touched a part of me that will never be forgotten. Since, I can't even count the times I've rewatched it. I could probably recite every line in the movie if the circumstance ever arose. If you've seen it, then you probably recognize the name of this town- the town that Andy Dufresne dreams of starting anew. I won't say anymore about the movie just in case someone finds this and hasn't seen it.

Ever since I saw the movie I knew I wanted and needed to come here.

Andy and Red, Shawshank Redemption (1994)

I believe there is an Andy Dufrense in every one of us, a part of us that yearns to be free. In the film, Andy is a prisoner, and not until he was physically bound did he recognize or appreciate true freedom. It took him becoming a prisoner to recognize the freedom that lived within- real freedom. It was a part of him that became untouchable.

I've seen this within myself and see it all around me- the prisons that we build. They can be physical, emotional, mental, etc. We will only be as free as we allow ourselves to be. Freedom is just a state of being, a state of mind. I think that's why the movie meant so much. I've spent time in my own emotional and psychological prisons created only by myself. So, coming to Zihuatanejo was very much a full circle through my own spiritual path in which I had been making space for what freedom means to me. It has a lot of symbolism for me.

Now, let me talk about Zihua! I have been here for a full week now, but am staying an additional two weeks. I have walked everywhere I've gone throughout my time here,

El Gato Ballou

which is pretty doable unless you have difficulty with steep hills and heat. I've stayed in Centro this entire time, and I've gone to a handful of the local restaurants and stands in the area. No matter where I go, this is the freshest seafood I've ever had, and I came from living in Saint Petersburg, Florida. I've also been all over the Yucatan Peninsula and Curacao, etc. I stand by my opinion. I also love the town for its layout and small boutiques- there seems to be flower shops on most corners with gorgeous bouquets and arrangements for all occasions. My personal favorite occasion being none.

Dinner from La Sirena Gorda

This is a fishing community, so you see the fishermen/women going in and out in their various sizes and styles of boats and individuals often wading out into the waters to cast nets or dive for oysters. It's all quite charming. I appreciate the fact of there being a boardwalk alongside much of the beach, depending on location. Even if you don't want to do the steep hills, the area is very walkable.

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, and no matter where you end up, I doubt you're going to have a bad experience. My personal favourite has been La Sirena Gourda, which translates to the fat siren. You really can't miss the logo for this one. When I came across it, it gave me a laughl

High view of Zihuatanejo

I've spent many days walking from Centro to the nearby Playa La Ropa. If you walk from Centro, you'll be climbing a pretty steep hill. The first time I walked it, I ended up going the long way around but have since found an even steeper shortcut. I haven't check Z's elevation, but it must be decent, because walking up the mountains can really take the wind out of your sails at times. I very much enjoy the walk, however. There are incredible scenic areas that you're not going to have a chance to admire from the window of a cab or bus. If you've rented a vehicle, maybe you can just pull off somewhere to admire.

There's much to write about this Pacific Coast beach town and all its charm, and maybe I will end up giving this a second post since I'm spending much more time here. All in all, this place has captured a piece of my heart for various reasons- the beauty, the personal reasons that inspired my visit, and most of all, the kind people who call it home. I am very much excited to call it home for my three week Zihua romance.

Salud, my friends!