El Chaco on Matanchen Beach: There's a new ramada towards the end of Matanchen Beach called El Chaco. They have rooms, a restaurant and a swimming pool and are right on the beach. This spot is especially lovely for long walks on the beach. Check out their website at www.restaurantelchaco.net

Wala Wala has moved! Their new location is a block past the old location across from the Buckanero. The place is much bigger, better lit and has a little bandstand and dancefloor. Wednesdays there is an open mike, usually featuring Fernando, Rhoda and Lou although many other musicians drop in.

The new plaza is finished - although they continue with the road work. It is quite nice, very well lit up at night. My only complaint is that they have moved all the stalls down in front of the Flamingos Hotel. To me the stalls added life and color to the plaza. Let's bring back the stalls!

Roberto has a small business helping the yatch people. If you need someone to watch your dinghy look for Roberto across the estuary from the lighthouse. Roberto's Dinghy Service

There is a new ramada called Paraje del Rey which is set back in the mangroves. You need to take a boat to get there (300 pesos for 10 people round trip) but it is really worth it. No cars, no radio, no noise. Closed Tuesdays.

The restoration of the old aduana is complete and it is now the San Blas Cultural Center.  They have art show, old photos of San Blas, and sponsor concerts and plays. They also have Karate classes for kids, and aerobics and yoga with Andra for adults.

Ecotourism in Singayta is still going strong.  Now they have a little crocodile farm where as part of your tour you can free a crocodile in the wild.  Singayta is a great place to spend a morning.  Talk to Juan Bananas at Tumba de Yaka and he will arrange a tour that includes transportation, a tour of the village, a ride in a dugout canoe through the mangrove wetlands, and a traditional Mexican lunch - all for 50 pesos!  Visit www.singayta.com for more information.

As for nightlife, there is a club accross the street from Cha Chas on the main plaza called the San Blas Social Club.  They have good coffee during the day and some activities at night.  On Wedesdays they show old movies. They also serve very stong coffee in the morning.