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| Acapulco – The Preferred Resort of Mexico |
On a Los Angeles to Acapulco flight, the Delta pilot suggested that the passengers look to their left and ”see that famous volcano, Popocatepeddle,” a mispronouncing this tongue-twister. We were reminded of this when years later ABC newscaster, Peter Jennings, reported that Popocateddle had erupted again, adding with relief, “and that´s the last time I´ll try that one.”
Located near Acapulco´s huge and modern International Airport, large enough to allow a Supersonic to land, is the old airport, converted to service private planes of all types, from twin engine jets down to the smallest Piper Cub – plane and helicopter service also available. The fact that Acapulco has had to provide three airports in a relatively short time of approximately 60 years, indicates how fast Acapulco has grown into an international tourist destination. Old timers still remember with humor and sentiment, the first airport, actually a cow pasture located downtown on the Papagayo Park property. On approaching the runway for landing, the stewardesses would ask the passengers to prepare for a “bombing run” - meaning that the pilots would have to take three or four sweeps to scare the cows away.
The view when flying at night over Acapulco, a city of 1.5 million plus residents, is breathtaking, the well lit up “ C”-shaped harbor reminiscent of a sparkling diamond necklace fit for a queen – and a queen she did receive, Queen Elizabeth 11, who later was hosted by former President of Mexico, Miguel de la Madrid, at dinner at the historic Fort of San Diego.
It is indeed amazing how Acapulco has grown so rapidly from a “sleepy little fishing village,” as it was referred to on my arrival at age 10, to one of the most sophisticated and popular resorts in the world
The drive from the airport is extremely scenic. In fact, anywhere one passes through, except for a few flat roads, is most interesting due to its topography, with beautiful verdant gardens enhancing the homes nestled between hills and dales. A huge tourist area, appropriately named “Acapulco Diamante,” the hotels luxurious and expensive, is visible on the left side of this highway.
This leads to the famed Las Brisas residential zone, the Beverly Hills of Acapulco. The entrance road is quite high and goes down and down with homes on each level, right down to the sea. Needless to say, this area affords an incredible view of the bay and the city. Frank Sinatra was so impressed that he bought a home there, and when not in residence, made it available to friends, such as ex-wife, Ava Gardner; Mexico´s young and popular singer, Luis Miguel, had five homes construed in this zone, selling one to famed tenor, Placido Domingo.
A vision of pink and white, is seen next – Las Brisas Hotel – its cottages situated on several levels, each with a private pool. Seen all around town are the hotel´s pink and white jeeps. An impressive and prominent attraction is the 45 meters high cross (400 meters above sea level) located atop the mountain near the hotel´s chapel. The late Carlos Trouyet, owner and builder of Las Brisas, had this cross, a dramatic landmark, constructed in memory of his son who was killed in a private airplane crash.
The Golden Zone
An approximate 15 minute drive from Hotel Las Brisas leads into the downtown areas – the “strip,” known as “Golden Acapulco,” which goes right through until the end of town where old Acapulco,
known as the “Traditional” zone is located. This extremely long avenue is named Costera Miguel Alemán in honor of former and beloved President of Mexico, the man responsible for putting Acapulco on the international tourist map.
The first hotel seen entering “Golden Acapulco” is the Hyatt Regency, followed by several other large and luxurious beachside hotels, condominiums, restaurants, banks, discotheques, churches of all denominations, airline, car rental and money exchange offices, boutiques, movie houses with the latest films, etc. Something not to be missed is a visit to the Convention Center, often lauded as one of the most magnificent and functional in the world, also providing restaurants, theaters, entertainment and shops.
Yes, Acapulco indeed is now a metropolitan city, and with its expansion several huge outlets have cropped up making just about everything in addition to basic products available, including all modern communications equipment, computers, cellular phones, etc If you want it, It can be found at Sam´s, CostCo, Aurera, Sears, Woolworth, Sanborns.
Enjoy “Traditional Acapulco”
For those who wish just to relax, what could be more enjoyable than having succulent fresh seafood at one of the charming beach restaurants, or looking at the hundreds of yachts of all sizes ranging from 30 to 200 or more feet, from all parts of the world, anchored at two yacht clubs in Acapulco´s famous bay, which often feature
regattas – fun to watch - or large yacht races. Huge international luxury liners, such as the Princess cruise ships, are familiar to this port, as is the Queen Elizabeth II, which included this resort on its maiden voyage.
For those who enjoy a day or night cruise around the bay, several are available: Fiesta Cabaret; a catamaran named Aca Tiki; the big three decker Hawaiiano used for convention groups; and the most popular “Bonanza,” the only one that pulls out three times a day, morning, noon and night, all offering the same route – steaming to Puerto Marquez, where the bay is encircled, then on to Roqueta Island for a brief stop where beer drinking donkeys delight the passengers, so don´t be surprised if as donkey peers over your shoulder, grabs and guzzles your beer down in one swallow. Needless to say, many of these donkeys are drunk by the end of the day.
On a more serious note, while on route to Roqueta Island in a glass bottom boat, one is enraptured with a view of a submerged and impressive looking statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe, placed there to protect all fishermen and others on the sea. On Navy Day, it is the custom for a Navy war ship to pull out with the Navy band aboard heading for Roqueta Island where the national anthem is played and a wreath of flowers is reverently tossed to the statue. It is natural to see many bless themselves when they behold this lovely work of art..
The cruise then heads for the cliffs where Acapulco´s famed diver is featured, a most dangerous undertaking since the diver has to time an incoming wave to dive into. If the water is too shallow, the 132´ plunge will take the diver to the bottom. After watching this spectacular attraction, the yacht circles the harbor ending this enjoyable trip.
Sports Activities
Golf is a huge attraction with several options available: courses at the “Diamante” area includes Club Tres Vidas (private); the Hotels Fairmont Princess, Pierre Marquez, Mayan Palace. The oldest course is the Acapulco Golf Club, located downtown.
Tennis, too, is very popular, and the Fairmont Princess in 2000 put Acapulo on the international tennis map by constructing new courts with seating for 4,500 spectators and hosting the Mexican Open, attracting many top international players each February. Other hotels with courts include the Hyatt Regency, Las Brisas, Vila Vera - plus private clubs, such as Tiffany´s.
For those who enjoy spectator sports with some excitement thrown in – the Jai Alai building provides plenty of action. “Books,” also located there, provides betting on almost any sport – football, basketball, baseball, boxing, etc., and the lucky winners are paid right on the spot when the results are announced on the TV sets. For the aficionados of bullfighting, Acapulco boasts the second largest arena in Mexico.
On the other hand, many visitors come here just to soak up the sun, to swim in the waters of the beautiful beaches, while others enjoy snorkeling, sailing, water skiing, a turn in a Jet Shot speed boat.
Since there is no major industry other than tourism, fishing is one of its main sources of livelihood. For tourists, deep sea fishing for sailfish is extremely popular, the smallest registered at 98 pounds, the largest at over 200 pounds, and marlins from 200 to 850 pounds. There are also several small fish available for a catch – sea bass, sawfish, red snapper. Many hire outdoor motor boats or a paddle board, mostly at Caleta and Caletilla beaches, and fish along the edges of Roqueta Island, just one kilometer away from Caleta Beach.
Though not generally known, there are more hunters in the world than those who enjoy fishing, according to the “Hunting & Fishing” magazine, and to the hunters´ delight, areas in some of the hills in Acapulco are abundant with deer, tigers, ducks, etc.
For the Young Set
Wonderful entertainment and activity available. The Magic Sea World features all kinds of species swimming about – plus clowns to tease and make the youngsters laugh. Papagayo Park provides all kinds of rides, small racing cars, a Merry-Go-Round, a Rocket to the Moon, etc, Not to be overlooked is CICI´s, an amusement area which features trained dolphins, a large swimming pool with artificial waves. Other popular attractions include the Castle of the King Lion, and the Sea World, the property on which a home was built years ago for former President of Mexico, Avila Camacho.
Hollywood in Acapulco
Acapulco is a favorite for those in the motion picture industry, the producers because of its all-year-round perfect weather; and the cameramen, of which Mexico has some of the best, because you just can´t shoot a bad angle. One of the first movies filmed here was “Tarzan and the Mermaids,” starring the popular Johnny Weissmuller, who lived here the last days of his life.. Others who starred in movies filmed in this port include Farrah Fawcett, Danny Glover, Ricardo Montalban, Orson Welles, Rita Hayworth, Lana Turner, Elvis Presley, Sylvester Stallone, Mexico´s great comic artist, Mario “Cantinflas” Moreno (remember him in “Around The World In 80 Days).It would be remiss not to mention John “Duke” Wayne and Merle Oberon, both Acapulco home owners for years, who added considerably to the fame and popularity that Acapulco still enjoys, in fact Warner Brothers has its own mansion in Las Brisas.
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| Mike Oliver |
Although born in Hollywood, California, and still an American citizen, Mike Oliver (Foster) has called Mexico home for 65 of his 69 years of age. His Mexican residency was interrupted by four years service in the United States Navy. He served in the Korean War from beginning to ending, and was awarded the Korean Medal with four battle stars, the China and Japan Occupation Medals, and the International Service Medal before his honorable discharge in 1954. He has just been officially recognized by the city of Acapulco and thanked for his collaboration in its International fame and growth.
Except for a brief course of study at the Los Angeles City College, Mr. Oliver was educated in Mexican schools. He is now retired and living in Acapulco with his wife, the former Rita Rogliano from Rye, New York.
Mike Oliver was publisher, journalist, columnist and photographer for thirty of the forty years that the Acapulco News was published. He wrote under the byline: Mike Oliver's Acapulco. For fourteen of those forty years, Oliver also served as an accredited journalist for UPI, and in the course of his work in both capacities interviewed hundreds of celebrities ranging from film stars to Royalty. For those stories and others about Acapulco's people and happenings, you can read his book, when it´s republished .
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