S/V Mandolin - Colima

(Todd writes) Our tour inland to Colima starts early in the day from Manzanillo.  We make our way from the boat to the dingy dock and then to the lobby of Las Hadas.  Here we are picked up by a brand new van.  Our guide is very personable and speaks good English.  After loading some more guests in the van at the Hotel Sierra we are off.  We drive south on the toll highway.  Many coconut plantations populate this area along with a large lagoon.  Before we start up into the mountains we stop on a bridge and are able to observe some families making bricks.  They cut the river mud into brick shapes then bake them in kilns.  Looks like it works pretty well as bricks are seen everywhere.  Almost all Mexican buildings we've seen are of brick.  Wood is more decorative than a primary building material as it is in the States.

Soon we start inland over the mountains towards the city of Colima.  There are some interesting geologic features.  I am always fascinated by the road cuts where the layers and folds of the earth are exposed.

Colima is situated below an active volcano.  As we approach we can see smoke rising.  With the aid of binoculars lava can be seen flowing down the sides.  People in town don't seem too bothered with the Volcano.  Currently it is gradually growing larger and makes the surrounding area hazy.  Our stop in Colima is at the main square.  Most Mexican towns are situated around a central square.  On this square is typically a church, government buildings, post office, some restaurants and other services.  Colima's square ranks among the prettiest that we have seen so far.  It is quite green and well cared for.  The benches made for a great place to relax after seeing the museum and government buildings.  Here we were able to try a local refreshment made of sweet coconut sap served with some peanuts in the glass.  Many government buildings have elaborate murals painted on the walls.  Colima's was well done as it describes the area's history.  A similar mural can be seen in the States at the historic courthouse in Santa Barbara.

Our next stop was at some ruins.  Some well preserved foundations had been excavated.  These are pretty large and only 10% has been looked into.  The rest is still buried.  The ruins were discovered by the construction of a shopping mall.  So they moved the mall a few blocks away.

Lunch was had at a small town nearby.  The restaurant was located right on the square and appeared to cater to tour groups.  We were one of several groups trying out the local dishes.  Once we had our fill it was time to head back towards the ocean.  On our way we stopped at a fruit stand to buy watermelons and cantelope.  My favorite was a hybrid water melon with a yellow skin and small seeds you could eat.  It was very sweet.

Doing a guided trip like this was a good experience.  We were able to see things we may not have otherwise seen.  It was also nice to have someone give information and background on what you see.  The transportation was as easy as it gets.  It spares you from having to find a bus station, figure out where and when the buses go etc.  Although sometimes that can be an exciting experience. A drawback is that we were rushed along to see the next site when we may have wanted more time to soak in the experience. While it's a bit pricy this is the ideal trip for someone staying at a hotel for a week and wants to see the surrounding area.  I think it will be fun to also do an inland tour by ourselves.

Todd and Ellen Mandeville
S/V "Mandolin" - Cal 34
svmandolin@hotmail.com
www.aljian.com/mandolin

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