Mazatlán Memories

Fiesta

Our Spanish class ended today, and we celebrated our successes and our friendships with a fiesta--of course!! A diverse group we came from different points on the globe: (Top row, left to right: Hector, our much loved instructor-México, Bill-Chicago, recently retired from England, Rollie-Minneapolis, MN. and part-time resident in Mazatlán, and Barry-México and resident of many far flung places; Bottom row, left to right: Kate, Minnesota Snowbird, Cathy and Agatha, Newfoundland. We were very compatible and consequently enjoyed quality friendships, despite our short-term relationship. Perhaps we can gather for many reunions!

Valentino's

Whether you see it at night with the show of coloured lights or during the day, Valentino's is a unique building for this city.

COUNT DOWN: Tick! Tock! We fly home to Minnesota on Saturday, the 29th.

ABC WEDNESDAY-"J"-JOY, SHEER JOY

Watching the sunsets in Mazatlán, México is sheer joy, especially from the Malecon or a boat!

Another Canine Friend

I have made a number of canine friends since we've been here. This German-German Shepherd (a bit smaller than other Shepherds) is owned by someone I met here in Mazatalán. Isn't she a beauty?!

Feliz pascua

I thought that the celebrations of semana santa would cease on Easter Sunday. Nope! The beaches were still full and the malecon was still filled with spectators and roving automobiles. Later in the evening, however, the streets turned to normal.

In Honor of Abigail Taylor, Age 6

I need to interrupt my regular Mazatlán posts to honor this little girl, who just died on Thursday evening, March 20. As some of you know, I live in the Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. but I have been spending the winter here. "Abigail was injured when she sat on a pool drain, and its powerful suction ripped out part of her intestinal tract on June 29. She underwent transplant surgery in December at the Nebraska hospital to receive a new small bowel, liver and pancreas." (Home: Omaha News) No, I don't know the child or the family, but I was filled with horror when it occurred last June and have followed the ongoing story. As a mother and now a grandmother of a little girl the same age, I have been deeply affected by this tragic incident and the terrible impact it has had on this family. I am filled with sorrow and grieve for the child, her parents, and siblings. For more information, click here.

ADDED LATER: I received this message via email on Wednesday, March 26th:

I live in Abigail's neighborhood in Edina, Minnesota, and our beautiful city's streets are lined with thousands of luminaries in honor of Abbey tonight. Her visitation was at a local funeral home, and afterward, her family felt the support of this community as they made their way through Edina's neighborhoods amidst the thousands of lights shining for Abbey. It is beautiful and touching. Abbey's life and death have affected so many ... and her light shines bright tonight. She won't be forgotten! Thank you for caring ...

Semana Santa

Semana Santa (Holy Week) is an interesting and unusual experience for foreigners. Solemnity is the prevailing attitude with religious rituals predominating in my culture. I'm sure that this is important to Mexicans also, but the atmosphere here is charged with gaity and fiestas! The beach is just beginning to fill up and traffic on the Malecon in front of our condo is already bumper to bumper, with every indication that there is more to come! I understand daytime on the beach, but cars are bumper to bumper on the road at night. I can't figure out where they're going and why!

The Taco Ladies

Part of the fun for those who attended the Meow Mixer was being able to eat the food made by the Taco Ladies. They arrived with part of the food pre-prepared, but made the tacos on a portable grill so we could see the process. The precision with which just the right amount of dough was used fascinated me--not a gram more or less than was needed as each ball of dough was rapidly slapped on the grill. The tacos were perfect and the fillings and vegetables were delicious!

ABC WEDNESDAY-I-INVITATION TO DINE

We invite you to come visit another restaurant with us! Topolo's on the corner of Constitutión and Benita Juarez is another place where Jaime and I like to eat. The open courtyard that you see in the photo enhances the ambiance. The service is excellent and the food is well-presented, served with white or red wine. Come along with me and try the Maki-Maki either in mango sauce or limón! You'll find it very delicious!

Dos Amigos

Edgar, El Director de Amigos de las Animales, and mi esposo Jaime at the Meow Mixer. Do you like the kitty-kat ears on Jaime as much as I do?? (All "worker-bees" at the affair wore them; I'm surprised that Jaime was willing to wear one!)

Meow Mixer

While living here this winter, Jim and I met a group of dedicated people who use their energy and money to round up stray cats, neuter then, foster them, and care for them in multiple ways. We decided to hang out with them and participated in a small way to their program. On Sunday afternoon and early evening the Meow Mixer, a benefit for these stray animals in Mazatlan, was held on a large patio with a spectacular view of the ocean. Part of the proceeds from the 150 people who attended will also be donated to Amigos de las Animales where mi esposo has been volunteering by walking dogs at the shelter during our stay here. The mixer was well-organized with food, beverages and a silent auction. During this coming week I will post more pictures so you too can enjoy our gala celebration. The group pictured above were the people who helped make it happen and who worked during the mixer. Jim took the picture, but he'll appear in other photos this week. Stay tuned!!

Hey, Jude!

Last night we went to a musical review of Beatles music at the Angela Peralta Teatro. I never knew what big fans the Mexicans are of the Beatles. It was fun except that the volume was deafening, distorting the lyrics. It was even more fun watching the audience from the vantage point of the first balcony.

Ballet Folklorico

All the cultural events, musical reviews and skits we've seen here during our three month stay certainly has spoiled us. On Friday night we saw and loved traditional Mexican dances from six different areas of Mexico. Beautiful dancers, stunning costumes and great choreography.

Historical Mazatlán

On one of the house tours I saw this old painting of Old Mazatlán. If you compare the top photo with yesterday's post, you'll notice on the right the curve of the shore along the Pacific Ocean. The cement Malecon, however, has not been built nor has the road been modernized. Missing are all the hotels and El Centro as I now know it. The structure on top of the hill is the lighthouse. Next week I hope to hike the trail and take some photos from there. If you look to the left on the bottom photo, you'll see the Cathedral. Because we were moved so quickly through the houses we visited on the tour, I was unable to get any information on the date of the painting nor the artist. I also have not been able to find any useful source of Mazatlán history in English, so I am unable to answer any of your inevitable questions. Sorry! Just enjoy!

Paradise

In the distance you can see the curve of land and the Malecon, the boardwalk along the Pacific Ocean. In its first edition guidebook MTV:Best of Mexico reports, "Mazatlan's Malecon is one of the city's premier attractions.It is the second longest in the world, stretching 22km (14 miles) from Valentino's complex all the way down to Olas Altas Beach in the historic district. It's broad enough for in-line skating, jogging, or cycling, and it allows for easy access to the beach." Only 15 more days before I return to Minnesota and lose my part of Paradise.

ABC WEDNESDAY-"H"

Hat or Sombrero?!

English Reading Library

This is where I usually spend my Saturdays from 10am 'til 2 pm: checking in or out books, shelving books, and various other tasks involved in volunteering. All the books have been donated by individuals, bookstores, and other libraries. Basic operating expenses (rent, utilities, and supplies) are supported by a nominal annual membership fee. The entire staff is volunteers directed by a year-long resident who has done marvelous work in organizing the materials and training the volunteers. A labor of love! Every community should be so lucky as to have a place like this! It's fun to volunteer because then you meet lots of interesting people who use the library, either on a short-term or long-term basis.

Pelican

This pelican had a restful day on Sunday because the fisherman do not ply their trade on Domingo. Normally the birds are flapping around with lots of energy when the local and commercial fisherman return with their catches in the morning. I guess birds need to have a day of rest, too.

Displaced

Each Saturday I volunteer at the Readers Membership Library which has an extensive collection of donated books, mostly English, that is a real treasure for the community. For several weeks I've noticed a group of men wearing distinctive sombreros who occasionally congregate in the small park across from the library. Yesterday I finally asked if I could take their photos, but am not quite clear about the reason for their presence--the language difficulty; remember that I'm not even close to being able fully to understand Spanish. What I have gathered, however, is that these men have been displaced by the building of a dam in their locality (don't know where), and there is an agency near the park that is helping them. I don't know how they've been displaced: homes, community, farmland??-unclear. Plus I don't know how the agency is helping. I do know that they're probably not in a great situation, but despite that, they were cordial to me. This is the Mexican trait that has totally captivated me--the people are unfailingly friendly, patient, and helpful!

Another High School Parade

I have now witnessed several of these parades. I don't know why they are formed or who is involved, but they seem to come out of nowhere and have cars and trucks loaded with students of all ages, with transportation provided by adults as well as students. The signs look like its a contest or campaign of some kind. If this occurred in my hometown of St. Paul, Mn. there would have to be liability releases, permits issued, and police escorts. These seemingly spontaneous parades look like they're lots more fun! See an earlier posted parade RIGHT HERE. Notice that pretty girls are always an integral part of the parade. Perhaps this one is celebrating International Women's Day March 8th in her own way!

Ruby and George

Another evening of good music at Canuck's.

A different point-of-view

I do indeed have spectacular views from my beachfront condo on the Malecon. If you missed the photos, here's one that I particularly like and here's another. But, if I look slightly to my left on my balcony, I have an entirely different view. I already mentioned that new buildings are being constructed at great speed to accommodate people who are interested in living full or part-time in this beach community. Next door WAS a two-story small little hotel. No more; and I'd bet that a hi-rise is going to take its place in the immediate future. Seems rather sad, especially since my building is only four stories so I wonder if a developer will come in and give each individual owner here a deal that is impossible to refuse. Bears watching! It looks like Demolition Derby, doesn't it?

ABC WEDNESDAY- "G"

El Gorila, mi amigo!

If you'd like to see more ABC Wednesday posts, find more blogs listed on Mrs. Nesbitt's place.

A Sunny Afternoon

Hoorah! I'm back online again, and it makes me feel connected with the world!! The view of the Pacific from my condo is so peaceful!

Mazatlán House Extraordiare

I've lived a long time and have been in many different homes, but this house, which was on a house tour, is probably the most beautiful home I have ever seen. It is situated high on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In addition to simple yet exquisite furnishings, it has 7 different terraces at different levels. Here is a view from two of them.

IMPORTANT: I'm without internet for a few days, and I am so sorry that I am not visiting and commenting on your blogs. Hauling my laptop around to cybercafes makes me cranky, despite being surrounded by such natural beauty!

March Theme Day Mural

This house always intrigues me. I often wonder who lives here and why the mural was painted on it. Perhaps I'll never know.
ADDED LATER: I'm now at a cybercafe because I'm going to be without internet 'til next week. I apologize for not visiting more theme blogs--forgive me

Today is Theme Day with 144 bloggers from around the globe participating. Please take some time to visit as many as you can; be sure to leave a comment:

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