Sailing Barra de Navidad, MX - A Telltale of Two Cities

 

Like people, most places in the world have more than one side to them, and Barra de Navidad is no different.  We saw two very distinct sides over the month or so that we spent anchoring back and forth between Barra and the Tenacatita anchorage.

The first side we saw of Barra was, how shall I put this, a potpourri – no, better yet, a boozy blended daquiri – of Captain Ron and the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.  Legions of expats, cruisers, and retirees packed the place, along with a good mix of younger folk, and in the evenings, they released the Kracken of Recreational Misbehavior!  Never having visited Barra before, we had no idea if this was normal or not, but the town was hopping. And thanks to the afore-mentioned 24/7 water taxi to and from the anchorage, we could go out at night to experience its glory.

After nightfall the streets and second story music venues pulsed with Americans and Canadians dancing to thumping Bob Marley covers and crooning audience choruses of Sweet Caroline.  If you’re the sort of sick bastard who likes watching other people’s grandparents twerking and gettin’ jiggy wit’ it;  Barra says, "You’re welcome".  It uplifted my heart to see silver foxes boogie into the wee hours, showcasing dance moves that would make a Lil Nas video producer blush.  The body may grow old, but the spirit need not. I’m not judging - hell, return in 20 years and I hope you find me here again!

On the other hand, when, later that month, we returned to Barra after a week anchored in Tenacatita, we saw another side of the town.  Barra had emptied out and slowed down.   We walked through the now lazy, chill streets.  We realized we'd last visited at the "blow-out" week of the sailing season.  Barra was rarely like that.  The people seemed relaxed.  For us, getting things done, like dropping off laundry, grocery shopping, became easier in the friendly, mellow atmosphere.  We found our go-to internet spot at Hotel Bogavante, which also turned in to a music venue at night.  

Our go-to internet spot, at Hotel Bogavante.

We'd read that the Sands Hotel was a go-to cruiser hang out, but those days must be long past - it was a faded glory now.  I couldn't help but wonder, what happened?

We were happy that the live music scene continued even though many of the cruisers and travelers had left.  We settled into a comfortable groove, some days mixing it up by taking the dinghy to Colima, the town across the water, where we found a great sushi spot on the hill that regularly hosted live music in its outdoor patio flower garden.

One of our favorite local bands playing at the Hotel Bogavante, every Tuesday.

Our sushi place on the hill in Colima.

We celebrated Jen’s birthday with a great dinner in Barra, with live music, of course, and fireworks.

Happy Birthday, Jen!

The great food scene in Barra kept us trying new spots and leaving satisfied, including several excellent taco places that are hopping in the evening.

Fixin's for tacos.  Got there just before the crowds.

And so it went for the next month, sailing back and forth between Barra, for towny time, and Tenacatita, for short cruisers’ getaways.

Yours Truly.  Mike