Acapulco was Mexico's first beach resort town, developed from the 1920's to serve the millions in Mexico City, only 100 miles inland. The peak boom years were the 1960's and 1970's when Hollywood stars vacationed here and package holidays were glamorous. Since then Aca has faded in popularity, overtaken by Cancun and Vallarta. They're trying some urban renewal (Aca-Bus lanes under construction) and patriotism (morning raising of a 70 x 40 foot Mexican flag) and a striking convention centre, also being built. But the main shore walkways smell of the fishing that continues after centuries. And beach facilities are faded and weary.
An impressive sight was dozens of car carriers rumbling through the traffic jams (causing them??) loaded with thousands of new VW's from the Mexico City plant. They'll be loaded onto big slab-sided ocean ships bound for many markets, including right-hand drive for Australia and New Zealand.
The main avenue looks trendy enough, with big U.S. chain stores and expensive cars. And you can wander along hotel row looking at the remnants of the 5-star era. But pool or shore, the new Acapulco reminds me of Barry Manilow's Copacabana -----
Her name was Acapulco
She was a showgirl
But that was 20 years ago
When they used to have a show.
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