UMARELA 2016 is now just a few hours away.

UMARELA 2016 is now just a few hours away.  Here we are at the annual goumet staff Christmas lunch.  It's the absolute best.  We all walk away stuffed with just a few hours to get comfortable again and ready for the parade.  Nobody will have to eat again today.  For me, it's going to be UMARELA and then straight to bed.

I just made a quick run through the dining area, snapping cellphone pictures of as many people as I could.   I think just about everyone is in here even if it is just the back of their heads.  Of course, a lot of people were trying to eat and a mouth in mid-chew isn't always the best photo op.  For that reason, several  pics have been deleted.  If you were at the soiree and don't see your picture here, you're welcome.

UMAR Huatulco upgrades and downtown development

It has been almost three months since I visited the campus.  It's quickly changing into an entirely new world.  I'll have to visit it more often or I might not recognize it when I return from sabbatical.

Check here for before and after comparisons.  http://alackofcleardirection.blogspot.mx/2015/03/moving-earth-at-umar-huatulco.html

Our newest building has taken shape.  The construction workers are already busy on the second story.

The street in front of Centro de Idiomas has doubled in width.  The original one lane might have been more park like but this is so much more practical for high traffic days and deliveries.

I've been meaning to take photos of this new hotel coming up near the bus station.  At least I think it's a hotel.  I like the design of an elevated arrow shape with a connecting skywalk.  Previously, I'd thought that lot was too small to build much but they have really used the space well.

  

Ocean Bar Bistro Cosmo Residences at Arrocito

 

 

While at Playa Arrocito 2 days ago, I scratched visiting the Ocean Bar Bistro, Cosmo Residences off my to-do list.  I already knew about the luxury condo complex, Cosmo Residences , but it wasn't until I visited their website, that I learned the restaurant bar was open to the public.

 

The word of mouth reviews have been good and it lives up to its reputation.  It's super clean, tastefully designed and comfortable.  The staff were genuinely friendly. Nice people.  What more could you ask? I'm told it looks even better at night. 

 

Naturally, I took some shots with the new camera.  Some didn't turn out.  I tend to forget where the lens is and get my fingers all over it.

 

There is a parking lot entrance.   This is where I entered from the beach.   Let's go.

 

 

 

The parking lot entrance.

That's all I have that turned out.  Everything else smudged.  See it for yourself.  I was impressed.
For such an upscale elegant place, the menu is reasonably priced, even competitive with a lot of downtown Crucecita restaurants.

There's a great video of this place.  I like it partly because I did the voice over but it's just a slick professional video with cool angles and vantage points.  It's on Vimeo so I don't think I can just post it but here's the link  Cosmo Residences. on Vimeo   

That's almost the end of Picture Day but the route to Arrocito has one serious hill.  It's so steep that I broke a chain last time I was this way, trying to tackle it going up.   This time I didn't even trust it going down.  A faulty brake and I'd be in trouble.  So I couldn't go all this way without visiting the point on my way back.

Stepping out on this ledge to get a better shot.  Oh, look.  There's my finger again.

 
It's a long way down with no soft landing.