Amigos!

I met my late wife as an exchange student in Guadalajara in 1992. After we got married in 1996, we lived in Louisiana until she died in 2007. We had many wonderful vacations throughout Mexico over the years and seemingly at least one trip to the Mexican Pacific on a yearly basis. We shared the dream to one day have a small business on the beach, but didn’t have a particular town picked out as we had enjoyed at least 20 beaches from Nayarit all the way down to Oaxaca.

In September 2013, I decided to make the dream come true. Upon the suggestion of a Mexican friend, I made my first visit to La Manzanilla. A beach full of rocks. As much rain, heat and humidity as Louisiana. Hardly a tourist in sight. And I loved it. Te amo, La Manzanilla.

Joanie Santana gave me a warm welcome. I had exchanged several emails with her and expressed my strong desire to check out the town with the goal of starting a business and raising my daughter at the same time. My first night, I failed to properly lock my door and my Mexican sister-in-law thought she heard me about 3 a.m. Alas, it turned out to be someone who robbed my cell phone and her camera and wallet. I thought of Robin Williams in “The World According to Garp” after a plane crashed into the house he contemplated purchasing. "We'll take the house. Honey, the chances of another plane hitting this house are astronomical. It's been pre-disastered. We're going to be safe here.” Te amo, La Manzanilla.

I made regular visits for the next 18 months. I had my first sunset tequila with Daniel, who likewise gave me a warm welcome. Lots of trips to Palapa Joe’s. Kind memories meeting Howie and Jenny and cheering on my beloved New Orleans Saints as they played on the TV at the bar. Tia was amazing: She graciously answered my call after I saw a Youtube video of her daughter in the color guard at school. Te amo, La Manzanilla.

I met the principal and several teachers at the elementary school and Miriam Henze, who at the time was in college in Guadalajara. June and Rick had wonderful experiences raising their son here. Dave Collins had a good business. And Will and Leia were even younger than me–and I discovered I wouldn’t be the only Southerner in town. I knew my daughter Carmen could thrive here. Te amo, La Manzanilla.

After a couple of years of thinking Wily didn’t like me, he invited me to watch the college football championship game on a night his bar was closed. Wow! He actually likes me! Te amo, La Manzanilla.

Mike Barbee took Carmen and me for a boat ride. We met Joel and his wife, Chayo. And another Chayo with her hot dogs. And Chawa. And Hugo Brambila kindly guided me throughout town without ever asking for anything in return. And I later had the chance to be a guide for Valerie, Brett, Faith, Dan, Taiya, and others. Te amo, La Manzanilla.

Carmen and I had the honor of sharing a meal in the home of Chela and her late husband, Raul, for nearly a full year. Years later, I still consider Chela, Chuy, Belen and Juanito family and appreciate their love and friendship. Te amo, La Manzanilla.

After essentially giving up on building a business on our lot before the cemetery, I met Adan Brambila. Along with Marcos, Dulce, Aron, Adan Jr., we formed a partnership that converted a previous successful sunset beach bar into a magical southside location hosting a seven-room hotel, bar, restaurant and coffee shop–thanks also to Roberto and Laura. Te amo, La Manzanilla.

I partnered with Roberto and Laura for many wonderful years sharing two tiny kitchens and countless memories–and Spanish and English classes–as Carmen grew alongside David, Memo and Daniel. Carmen and Memo graduated from high school together, along with Mike’s daughter, Ann. Te amo, La Manzanilla.

Normand and Celine shared lots of love as my “neighbors” from Quebec and introduced me to plenty of French-speaking friends. Always kind and unified in our love for this paradise. Te amo, La Manzanilla.

Bruce and Carolyn opened the doors to their home–literally–so Carmen could enjoy a wonderful house for her high school years. We will always treasure our friendship with “lo mismo”. Te amo, La Manzanilla.

Juan Karlo married Christine at the site of the old Crocodile Bar shortly before we all moved to our new location. I shared stories of 99 percent of the hotel guests being wonderful people, so I should focus 99 percent of my time being thankful and not stress about folks inquiring about sugar in margaritas. Te amo, La Manzanilla.

Years of planting seeds trying to convince Juan Karlo to move here paid off in 2024 as he worked with Hugo to build our own business on our property. Maybe a touch far for some folks, but worth the walk along the beautiful beach or back road along the mangrove. Te amo, La Manzanilla.

Fish boils in the sea, to racoons, tejones, pelicans, turtles, iguanas and more. And flowers throughout town–even with no rain. And. The. Most. Spectacular. Sunsets. Te amo, La Manzanilla.

And Ron and Kathyrn. And Carsten. And more than 1000 hotel guests over the years. Despite plumbing issues, electrical issues, etc. They all remain friends. They all put up with me. Especially Steve, a true citizen of the world. Te amo, La Manzanilla.

And Jeanne, Laura, Cecilia, Stephanie, Joanne, Spencer, Art, Kory, Valentine and a countless list of those both here and in heaven who have given so much to our town.

And Rick, Paul, Christine, Aries, Lalo, Michel, Josedo and Chava. What a treat to listen to your art over the years. Te amo, La Manzanilla.

And Greg, Big Mike, and Park. We’ll have to make Greg an honorary Southerner. Te amo, La Manzanilla.

And you. Thanks for putting up with the silly snark, the Canada digs, way-too-long-message-board posts. Thanks for being so dear though I’m so bad with names. I know you. I appreciate you. I cherish you. I love you. Before the fire, you warmed my heart. After the fire, you lifted me up. Thanks to you, we’re back. Te amo, La Manzanilla.

Mateo