COSTA ALEGRE, MEXICO: With Sheila, on the Pacific Ocean, where sea turtles nest, sharing with them 70 kilometers of beach

Thank you for your contribution. As you can read, Sheila, we have not altered your editorial contribution. We were limited only to give a title to your diary, choosing from your pictures, the one that seemed most appropriate for our cover. Now that you know how to find us – info@meetingbenches.com – we’re waiting for you, again, with the story of your traveling experience.

They are sea turtles, and arrive only at the beginning of the summer on these beaches of the Mexican Pacific Ocean, nesting from September to January, the warmth of Costa Alegre. I have not been able to verify if – as I read in my guide – the 350 species of tropical birds really exist, but I have seen many. Evidently, the limitations that the Ministry of Ecology has set, as well as lead to the preservation of the environment among tourists, also reassured the many birds, as well as the many “Careyes” as the Indians call the turtles. http://www.visitmexico.com/en/costalegre

Of course, my vacation between forest and ocean, also had pleasant diversions, such as a visit to the small town of San Miguel de Allende (delicious its doors baroque), but I would suggest you to visit Guanajuato (and not only for its delicious basilica Nuestra Senora). Fairly sparse in tropical greenery, a myriad of villas dotting the entire area, and some of them can also be rented. Two of them, sloping down to the ocean – Villa Sol de Occidente, and Villa Sol de Oriente – are part of a unique resort complex (Costa Careyes), and are really aimed at sunrise and sunset.

For my honeymoon, I decided to collect detailed information on a most original hotel complex, but not only for its evocative name. The “Hotelito Desconocido” is built on stilts, and offers to those who want to experience this unusual choice of 12 suites (all strictly above overlooking the estuary of a river). They told me – and I am curious to be able to see for themselves – that breakfast comes by means of a boat. Swallows and herons, chasing small fish, but my fantasy is aimed at a different kind of pursuit: the pleasure of solitude, in a place so unknown, along with the person I love.

To get to Mexico, I chose Air France (via Paris), but you can also consider British Airways (via London), KLM (via Amsterdam), or American Airlines (via Chicago). If you look for a package “all inclusive”, you can settle with Migros, a solution that offers car hire and hotel accommodation. If you really interested in the “Hotelito Desconocido”, remember the address: Cruz de Loreto, Jalisco (phone 0052-3-6302176). For an intriguing farewell dinner, do not miss a restaurant with tables in the open, in front of the Basilica of Guanajuato. His name? “Tasca de los Santos”, at number 28 Plaza de la Paz. My little souvenir of the trip (a delightful ceramic pitcher), comes from Guanajuato, Casa Mexicana, and more precisely from a shop in Calle del Truco, number 3.