The Red Wall in Chacala

This communications tower,
for the use of Marina Chacala residents only,
looms over Chacala, not over the development

Security entrance gate to the "Marina" Chacala development

This red stucco wall with the wooden gate is a symbol for me of all that's wrong with the class systems both in the U.S. and Mexico. This wall surrounds the development called Marina Chacala (mis-named, no marina exists). It seems to me to be symbolic of an "I got mine, you keep out" way of thinking.

Although all the beaches in Mexico are open to the public, those with the cash and the political clout were allowed to fence this public beach off from public use (including local Chacaleno's) . Only the wealthy (Mexicans and U.S./Canadians) residents can access the lovely little Chacallila beach by land.

Of course, you can always hire a boat at the muelle to take you around the point to the Chacallila beach. The beaches are still public, even though the the Marina Chacala management is not providing the legally required access. It's also a good place to beachcomb for seashells.

Traveller's Palm (Strelitzia ravenala)