Sharon’s Gecko Rojo; a place of comfort for travelers.
Even before entering one feels the lightheartedness of Gecko Rojo with the fabulous red gecko caricatures at the door. When I think of Gecko Rojo I recall laughter, community and happiness. Admittedly my hubby and I don’t get out much but Chris sometimes joins in the darts ‘competitions’ or we’ll slip in for a few dances and sometimes we just visit over drinks with some buddies. Every time I experience fun, fun, fun! Sharon’s Gecko Rojo has become known as a place of refuge; travelers need a place to hang out and this has become a very comfortable option. The initial intention might have been a place for Sharon’s fellow sailors but it has most definitely evolved into a spot for folks of all ages, and their furr-babies, to socialize and enjoy their vacation!
Sharon first arrived in La Cruz on Valentine’s Day of 2012. She arrived by sailboat having just retired from corporate life in Toronto, Canada. She had grand dreams of sailing around the world, however; life takes its twists and turns and the relationship that brought her here ended. Sharon says “I had fallen in love with La Cruz by then, so he left and I stayed. I’m still living on my boat in Marina La Cruz.”
Sharon’s life before La Cruz was one which movies are made about. She reminisces: “When I was two years old, I moved to Pakistan with my parents, who went there to teach. I was an adventurous child and was often in trouble. Some examples:
• I climbed a water tower, by myself, when I was 3;
• I broke both my arms the same day;
• I was stung by a poisonous hornet;
• I nearly drowned twice;
• My next door neighbors had two chimpanzees that were constantly breaking out of their cages and causing havoc. I remember running from them;
• I wouldn’t eat at the table with my family, I ate with our servants (4 of them).
And I learned to love Pakistani food. When I was six we left Pakistan and travelled around the world as my parents spent a day or two teaching in each city we visited. We settled in Canada after that, living in Nova Scotia, then Montreal. I loved growing up in Montreal and really appreciated the culture. I also learned French, which has helped me a lot with Spanish; the two languages are quite similar. My job moved me to Toronto in 1980, where I lived until 2010, when I retired.
My career was basically 36 years with the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC); the biggest bank in Canada. I performed a variety of jobs as I moved through the corporation, ending up as a Project Manager of major IT projects. If you ever use a banking machine, anywhere in the world, I worked on the networks that make it possible. I travelled as much as I could. I’ve been everywhere in Canada, except for the Territories. I used to visit Las Vegas once or twice a year. I went to Hawaii 5 times, and travelled all over the US and the Caribbean. I also visited Mexico a few times, but never envisioned living here.
I retired from RBC, bought a sailboat in San Diego and planned on sailing around the world. Neither my partner nor I had sailed before, so we spent about 4 months, 3 days per week, with a captain, but I don’t consider myself much of a sailor. We went to Cabo San Lucas in 2011 with the Baja Haha, visited La Pas and Mazatlan for a while and ended up in La Cruz on Valentine’s Day, 2012.
My husband and I parted ways shortly thereafter, but I had fallen in love with La Cruz and decided to stay. I’m still living on my boat, but have plans to move onto land in the near future.
How I ended up owning Gecko Rojo is a long and curvy road, so I won’t go into it in great detail. It was certainly not in my original plans, but circumstances lined up and here I am.”
Sharon considers herself a foodie, enjoying eating out and experiencing different cuisines. When she likes something she makes it for herself admitting that all of the Asian cuisines are her favorites and she really enjoys down home, comfort food. “I create meals at my restaurant for those who want a break from Mexican food and/or are missing foods from home. It’s hard to say what my best dishes are but the most popular are stir-frys, meatloaf, spaghetti and some of my one-off specials, like jerk chicken or Thai mango salad.”
“During the slow season, I like to shake things up to get everyone out once in a while so, I throw a theme party or run a race of sorts. We’ve had a chicken drop, crab races, pajama parties and a great Pimps and Hoes party. Last summer, we had Olympics between Mexico, Canada and the USA. I think we might do it again this year.”
Recently she hired a most amazing band ‘Cantus Eterna’ and plans to make Gecko Rojo the place to be on Wednesday nights. Sharon says “If you haven’t heard of them yet, you will; they are five very talented musicians from Mexico City who play amazing classic rock songs that aren’t generally played by other bands in the area. They play songs from Yes, The Platters, Sting, REM, and many more. Every show they’ve performed at Gecko Rojo has ended in guests yelling “Encore!” You must come and hear them. They have a very large repertoire of songs so come more than once to hear them all!”
Summer hours are:
• Monday’s 12:00 – 10:00; darts from 5:00 – 7:00, serving lunch and dinner.
• Wednesday’s 4:00 – 12:00; with the band Cantus Eterna at 8:00 pm serving two for one dinner specials.
• Friday’s 12:00 – 10:00; darts from 5:00 – 7:00, serving lunch and dinner.
• Saturday’s 12:00 -10:00; serving lunch and dinner.
During the winter season, we’re open 7 days a week, from 9 am – midnight. Live music on Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s for brunch; serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sunday mornings, we serve Eggs Benedict and Mimosas.
And happy EVERY DAY all year long, from 6:00 – 8:00 with 25 peso beers and two for one margaritas.
I asked Sharon about why she stayed in La Cruz… “I love La Cruz for many reasons. What I like most about it is how it has remained quaint and unspoiled. I’m still living in a small fishing village, yet, there are many Canadians and Americans living here, full-time, and the cultures seem to blend together very well. I also appreciate how this small town has a plethora of good restaurants and tons of great music. During high season, it’s often tough deciding where to go, there are so many choices. La Cruz has, so far, managed to avoid major development like condos and hotels. I wish for it to stay that way. I don’t think there is a thing I would change about La Cruz. It’s perfect!
Please support Sharon’s favorite cause; the free spay and neuter clinics that happen throughout the year.
“I love what I’m doing. I get to eat what I want. I really love all the interesting people I meet. I have great friends in those who reside here and I get to meet tons of interesting people as they pass through on their travels or on vacation.”
What could be better? Thanks for taking the time to share, Sharon!
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Visit Sharon at Gecko Rojo on the main ‘drag’ of La Cruz (the only street off the highway with a street light and straight up from the marina; # 27 Ave de Langosta, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nayarit
