Feliz Febrero Rocky Point…What a fun January it has been. I was blessed to spend New Year’s with several great friends in town and had so much fun celebrating with them. I took a good break from work over the first two weeks of the year and relaxed and recharged…That was well-needed! Not that I would know too much about driving around town (my friends drive, and I am the co-pilot cranking the tunes and DJ’ing… “Coming live to you from Puerto Peñasco, Mexico is DJ Marco Polo😊”), but the roads seem like they can use a little sprucing up. I am, however, grateful that Highway 8 is looking better with all the repairs they have done to the potholes on the way to the border and back. See, we always need to count our blessings!

In January, I sat down with Amanda Klun, a newer resident of Rocky Point who has been living in town for about a year. She is always a ray of sunshine and laughter, and I thought it would be nice for us to get to know her better, including me!

Marco- Hola Amanda!!! Thank you for taking the time to meet with me so we can learn a little more about you. Tell me about where you are from and where you grew up.

Amanda- I grew up in Saudi Arabia as my dad worked for a company doing business in Saudi Arabia. So, I basically grew up there right up until I completed the 8th grade attending an American based school. At that time, there was no American high schools set up in Saudi Arabia, so I had to attend boarding school abroad.

Marco- Wow, how cool, I love to travel and hear about faraway places. So, what did you end up doing for high school?

Amanda- Well, my folks needed to send me to boarding school as my dad’s job was there in Saudi so we had some options in America, but if something happened to me, I would be about 24 hours travel time away. So, we chose a better option in Switzerland which was only 6 hours travel time compared to a possible 24.

Marco- So, you are American but raised overseas for your whole life…wow! So, when did you return to America?

Amanda- Well, my sister is a couple years older than me, and she was living in Flagstaff, Arizona so my mom and dad thought it would be best for me to join my sister in Arizona…so off I went to Flagstaff!

Marco- Well, you were back in North America, but you hadn’t found Mexico and our little gem, Rocky Point yet, correct?

Amanda- Yes that is correct. After Flagstaff, I moved to Las Vegas for a short time before making my way to Phoenix where I currently have a house. I finally made it to Rocky Point in 2006 and I sure wish I had bought something back then!

Marco-Yes, like everywhere, prices have risen over the last 20 years. I remember prices starting out about that time for less than $100,000 for a new condo! Rocky Point has grown up! When did you purchase in town?

Amanda- I bought a home in Mirador Manor in February of 2024 and am absolutely loving it there. In general, I am living for two weeks in Rocky Point and one week in Phoenix. I find the drive to be so easy and it goes so fast!

Marco- OK, you are hired to transport me around now…oh boy, look out Tomas! What are some of your favorite bars and restaurants around town?

Amanda-Definitely Bottoms Up in the Mirador. I love the patrons that attend, trivia night, murder mystery night, and other special nights at Bottom’s Up. I really like the food, bartenders, and of course, Danny, the owner. I also love Leo’s Bar in Old Port…there’s always great music and friends there and the staff is awesome.

Marco-Yeah, Leo, and the gang are very special people!

Amanda- I also like the food at the Blue Marlin in the Old Port. YUM!

Marco- What else do you enjoy doing in Rocky Point?

Amanda- I like hanging out on the beach, having cocktails, meeting up with friends and the Mermaid Market.

Marco- Hmmm, I am pretty sure we are on the same page there! Where do you see Rocky Point in 10 years?

Amanda- I can foresee a vast amount of new condo buildings. I bet big developers will be gobbling up the land and turning it into a mini-Cabo.

Marco- Yes, slowly we are gaining more and more amenities with the progress so that is good. 😊 You mentioned that you work remotely. How is that going for you in Rocky Point?

Amanda-It has been no trouble at all. The Mexican internet works perfectly, and I have had no outage. I tend to be a little more structured working in America……but, it is more chill here in Mexico and easier to relax so I think I actually get more done and have a chill vibe.

Marco- Isn’t that the best, live at the beach AND work remotely? God bless our advancements in technology!!! Have you met many new friends since you moved to Rocky Point?

Amanda- Oh, wow yes! I have met so many new friends, especially my dear friend Tom Carr! They are always excited to see me when I return each trip which is so nice! It is kind of like a welcome home ceremony each time I return.

Marco- Isn’t that the best? The best part is meeting such a diverse group of friends, which eventually turns into knowing people everywhere you go around town! Rocky Point is the best! Thank you, Amanda and God bless for a fantastic future, in town. I look forward to seeing you more and more in Rocky Point!

Here’s to all the Valentines out there as we celebrate our loves mid-month! As Agatha Christie said, “It is a curious thought, but it is only when you see people looking ridiculous that you realize just how much you love them.”

I truly feel blessed to love so many friends in Rocky Point…Thankfully, you still are with me as I know 69% of the time, I do look ridiculous!!!

ADIOS AMIGOS

GOD BLESS

Marco