Art abounds
Art lovers were treated to an abundance of innovative creations Friday, with both galleries in town arranging back- to-back presentations.
The first reception was held at La Galeria de Arte, featuring the original works of Montreal artist Louise Leneveu. Leneveu spent time at Ecole des Beaux-Arts, focusing on visual arts from sculpture 
to painting. She considers herself a self-taught painter, starting as an amateur with little knowledge, which she believes gave her the opportunity to live her passion of painting in her own way.
Leneveu is also experienced in scenic paintings for movies and television, which she appreciated, but it is her personal painting that gives her joy. Her first inspiration is the wonderful world of women, as everything around them is a subject of creation. Since 2000, she has been spending the winter season in the Costa Alegre, where she has found a paradise of beauty with her favourite element: water, and everything that revolves around it. If you missed the reception, don’t despair, Leneveu’s paintings will be on display at the Galeria throughout December.
Next up was the grand opening of Galeria #10. This eclectic display presented the works of 15 local artists — paintings, mosaics, stained glass, jewelry and more.
Galeria #10 member Ani Mac reported that there will be new exhibitions in January, February and March, introducing new artists. Again, if you missed the opening you will have another chance, as the display will be open for viewing throughout December. This is a great place to do some Christmas shopping.
Palapa Joe’s
What do you get when you put two Mexicans, one American and one Canadian in a bar? Well, at Palapa Joe’s on Friday nights you get MAC-ROCK!
This unification of two cultures and two generations that share a love of music blend together into a sound that will have you up dancing the night away. With Cuba on drums, Luis on bass, Willy Mason on lead guitar and Scottie Turner, lead vocals and rhythm guitar. The band will expand each week as more musicians return for the season.
Take a break from NAFTA; we have all the “Good Vibrations” right here in La Manzanilla.
Love Nature?
If you enjoy hiking trails, La Manzanilla offers you a chance to enjoy the flora and fauna of the region, with a cool dip in the freshwater pools of Las Joyas included.
Gerado Martinez, a marine biology student born and raised in town, will guide you along a 35-minute walk, while pointing out areas of interest along the way. Martinez also offers a small boat tour of the Mangrove, a birder’s delight. He can also make arrangements to visit some of the other amazing nature sites along the Costa Alegre and provide interesting information on local history. Contact him at 315-112-0373 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
If you are more the water lover, we have you covered as well. Kayaks, paddle and boogie boards are now available to rent. Located on the beach next to Santa Realty, Will Bowers will set you up on whichever you choose. To reserve an item all 315-112-8970 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
How about a boat tour around our beautiful bay? At the moment there are three captains at your service to provide you with your choice of fishing, snorkeling, or just enjoying all the marine life that you will encounter on your ride. All three have eight-plus years of experience, and all are fluent in English. Their rates and the length of the tours vary on which outing you would like to participate in. Whichever captain you choose, I guarantee that he and his deck hand will make your adventure one that you will talk about for years to come.
Call and make your reservation. Mike Barbee Tours, located between Lora Loka’s and Don Raul Restaurants, 315-108-9456; Ever’s Tours, located just off Lazaro Cardenas on the way to the Miramar, 315-107-9736; Arturo’s Tours, located on Playa Blanca near the Eijido office, 315-109-9285/315-114-5277.
Just a side note on Arturo’s Tours — they also offer a riverboat jungle tour, not to be confused with the mangrove tour here in town.
Reuse, Reduce, Recycle
This slogan is quickly becoming a movement here in La Manzanilla as tourists and residents alike are becoming much more conscientious about how to leave a smaller footprint. Most of the stores are no longer providing plastic shopping bags, restaurants are serving drinks without the plastic straw, and our primary school is also reducing the amount of non-compostable luncheon containers.
Thanks to an anonymous Good Samaritan, the school received a generous donation which Director Jose Francisco Mendoza Cantreras immediately put to good use. A full set of reusable, washable plastic dishware, cups and metal silverware was purchased for the meals served daily at the school. This replaces all the non- recyclable, non-degrading styrofoam that was used before. Along with the new food service, children are learning about the importance of hand washing before eating. This is another element of the ongoing environmental education lessons initiated by Contreras, and implemented by the teachers, which all the students participate in.
Bocci Ball
Just a reminder that the Bocci Ball Dinner Dance will be held on January 21, 2019. You’ll want to be a part of this formal white dress affair.
The Giuliana Cup, an all-ladies polo competition, will be held the week of January 23-26 at Polo Careyes, located just off Highway 200, between kilometers 40 and 50. Watch for the sign. For match times, call 315-351-0320.