A Manzanillo success story about love, hard work, and a new life.

by Susan Dearing

Juan was only 25 when he moved from Cuba to Tampa, Florida. He spoke virtually no English, but was able to get a job in a restaurant. Then he met Lisa, who worked in the same restaurant. She spoke no Spanish, and in spite of the language barrier, they became friends, helping each other out, protecting each other, sharing a laugh or two.

For 6 years they continued to work in the restaurant industry together, Juan perfecting his English, getting promoted, Lisa working hard, getting promoted. Soon they were working together as a team, efficiently getting things done, making more money.

One day, when both were between personal relationships, Juan asked Lisa for a date. A real date, where they went out together--alone. Lisa wanted to go, because Juan was a very likeable, handsome fellow, and she trusted him after working with him, but she secretly wondered, "What will we ever talk about? We can't even speak the same language!"

Well, things apparently worked very well, and something obviously was said right, because they fell madly in love (Lisa said that all it took was the first date), and they eloped to Las Vegas a short while later.

Lisa went on to become a human resource consultant for a large company, and Juan started working in the construction industry, finally as a general contractor on his own jobs.

His English greatly improved. They were living out the American dream, working very hard, making lots of money, feeling the stress. They built a new 3,000 sq. ft. house in their dream location in Redington Beach, Florida had two beautiful children, Cambria and Bailee, and were getting more stressed.

Finally one day, Juan sat Lisa down, and said, "We can't go on like this. We have everything we ever wanted, but no time to enjoy it. Something needs to change."

It didn't take Lisa long to see the light, and they started searching for a new lifestyle, and safety and security for their children. Juan, an Internet junkie, started searching for a new business opportunity. They found several hotels/bed & breakfast inns for sale, and flew around the U.S. (packing their young babies) to check them out. Nothing seemed quite right. They kept on looking.

Juan decided to expand his scope to include Mexico and other countries outside the U.S. He found the La Posada in Manzanillo, then known as the "passionate pink" hotel, owned and operated by expat Bart Varelmann for almost 40 years.

With Juan, it was love at first sight. It was exactly what he was looking for, but Lisa remained unconvinced. "This place is a dump!" she said. "We'll fix it up," Juan insisted. "We're good at that." According to Lisa, some tough negotiating took place and they went back to Florida to put their beautiful, custom home on the market. It sold quickly, which was no surprise because it really was a dream home, and they prepared to switch gears.

Lisa was worried because they were leaving everything they had ever known, and investing all their money--and the rest of their lives in an unknown, unproven hotel, and in a foreign country to boot. But they were willing to work hard, and they wanted a better life for their children.

To make things a little more complicated, Juan's parents were able to get a visa to leave Cuba several years ago. They led a very isolated life in Florida, not speaking any English, and being in their 60s, had to adapt to a very different way of life. In most of Cuba, the economy is depressed and modern conveniences, such as hairdryers and microwaves are non-existent. Electricity is often sporadic. Flush toilets are a luxury in Cuba. The list goes on and on. For Juan's parents, a move to Mexico seemed like a good idea. At least they would be able to communicate.

Most things at the Posada remain the same, like paying for drinks on the honor system, a Posada tradition. The guests are proud to be trusted. The great American-style breakfasts and lunches are still served, and they are so popular that restaurant hours have been extended during winter season. The palapa under which guests gather to enjoy the view remains, but with new chairs, and plenty of chaise lounge chairs around the pool. There are flowering plants everywhere, and the fountain is always bubbling a cheery welcome to new arrivals.

This article commemorates Juan and Lisa Martinez' success in Mexico and at the Hotel La Posada in Manzanillo. In the short time they've been here, they have made many changes in both their lifestyle, and the hotel.

The popular great room or "sala" has been totally remodeled and redecorated. They have also redone the hotel's kitchen, and have installed air conditioning in many of the rooms. Most all rooms have been modernized with new beds (no more complaints of sagging mattresses!), windows, tile floors, plumbing, wiring and much more.

They have installed their own electric substation, to lower costs and provide better electrical service and air conditioning. One of the "ugliest" rooms in the hotel has been gutted and turned into a cozy "studio," complete with a king size bed, A/C, full kitchenette and balcony.

Juan and Lisa's daughters, Cambria, who is 6, and Bailee, who is 4, are attending St. John's, a private school. Juan's parents enjoy their own private apartment next to the house.

They have also remodeled the hotel office, which has an Internet cafe for guests. Their manager, Roberto Soberano, is one of the family now that he has passed his one-year mark. Roberto speaks English, loves taking guests on "Day Trips," and is a lifetime Manzanillo resident.

For more information about the La Posada, which is still pink, visit the web site at: www.hotel-la-posada.info. Write to Juan and Lisa personally at posada@bay.net.mx and be sure to congratulate them on their first successful year in Manzanillo!

For more information on Manzanillo and the state of Colima, purchase the informative tourist guidebook, "Manzanillo and the State of Colima, Facts, Tips, & Day Trips," by the author of this article, Susan Dearing.

If you are interested in changing your lifestyle and moving to Mexico like Juan & Lisa, write susan@gomanzanillo.com.