Acapulco Con Mi Familia

I'm an Aca girl, in an Aca world,
Acapulco.... me gusto mucho,
Tanning in the sun, having lots of fun,
Extravaganza, makes me bonanza!


(Now sing to tune of, "I'm a Barbie Girl" chorus.) Yes, totally ridiculous, but it was the song I made up when I was 16 on my second trip to Acapulco. Now I have been there six times and although the experiences may vary greatly, it never disappoints!

The 'Pack 5' (aka. the Catlin Family) went for four days over Memorial Day for a relaxing vacation. Beyond laying by the pool, walking along the beach, ordering our daily guacamole and pina coladas, we ate at fabulous restaurants and experienced the invigorating nightlife.

Our first night, we ate at one of our favorite restaurants, Su Casa. Flowers cascade over the walls and stairs leading up to the open-air, festively decorated restaurant. Nestled high on a hillside overlooking the bay, the view is breathtaking.


The second night, we ventured to a new restaurant called El Olvide (the forgotten) posted high above the beach with a fantastic view. It was impeccable cuisine and we all decided would be the perfect spot for an Acapulco wedding. Not that there will be one, but if there ever was, that would be the place.


Of course beyond taking part in exceptional eating, we did manage to make it out to the clubs as well. And no clubs in the world can beat the classy Acapulco clubs, Mandera and Palladium, with their floor to ceiling windows next to the dance floor and incredible views of the bay. The first night we left the club at the unbelievably early hour of 3:30 a.m. and the second night we ended up meeting the future mayor of Acapulco (we'll see about that) and were persuaded to stay out until 6:45 a.m. Although we felt like that was quite an accomplishment, I doubt the people still packed in the club when we left thought that was an admirable feat. Either way, we proved that we still got it, Acapulco!


The city may be packed and may not have the prettiest beach with the clearest water, but there's something about Acapulco that has charmed our hearts and will always have a special place in our lives. It's a real city with real people in a gorgeous bay where such culture and vitality collide to create authentic beauty. I can't wait to visit Acapulco again - a city that has truly touched my heart.