So, where do I hang out? The little town of Santiago. Barely on the outskirts of Manzanillo, the town still has a feeling of its own. Here's a typical downtown street.

For lunch, it could be the chicken lady's place for Chile Relleno stuffed with some kind of cheese that has the texture and taste of chicken -- two of them in a bowl with soup and rice and beans on the side. Also, of course, she sells chicken. The roasters are out on the sidewalk. Keeps the heat down inside plus it's great advertising to catch the people walking. Inside are three tables, there's usually an empty seat.

The chicken lady closes after lunch, so if I'm in town at suppertime, I might go to Lulu's. The upstairs is great, cool breezes and a view of the action. There's places around for "fine dining", but a couple of tacos and a Coke for less than three bucks is hard to beat.

Sometimes some fresh fruit is more like it. Especially at prices less than half the grocery store.

Every Saturday the flea market comes to Santiago. It's a traveling show. Each day they open up in a different town. Complete set-up and tear-down every day. Mostly cheap toys and clothes but sometimes you find a bargain for something you actually want. Nearly a square city block, all covered for shade.

For a little more upscale mass shopping it's The Santiago Market -- there's everything in here but mostly I go for the fresh fish. Big shrimp, caught this morning, cheaper and fresher than the grocery store.

Here's one of the local city buses driving by. You can go anywhere for 5 pesos. Also a couple of the over-the-road buses. Jump on an air-conditioned, plenty of leg room in comfortable seats, rest room in the back, movies playing in drop-down screens buses and go across Mexico for less than you would pay for gas. Greyhound, pay attention. These buses make few stops and get you there on time. Of course, there are the chicken buses that serve every little community. Only for the adventurous. There is only one chicken bus that comes by each day and I didn't have the camera.

Ask any local where the Gringos hang out, they'll tell you: Hollywood and Vine.

Actually, it's Martita's Corner Store. Funny, she has two big signs and her name is spelled differently on each one. She goes by Martha. Her daughter works in the store with her, her sister owns another little store a couple of doors down and her other sister owns the beauty shop next door. Martha sells us cheap beer, provides chairs and a shady spot on the sidewalk. Her sister at the beauty shop tolerates us being right in front of her place so we get haircuts there and direct whatever business we can to them.

And of course, the beach. This picture was taken Christmas Eve. The weather every day -- 86 degrees, not a cloud in the sky, gentle breeze. Endless Summer.