Mazatlán is Paradise
Nid Art, an arts and craft store on the edge of the Plaza Machado, sells wall hangings of all different sizes, made of leather from cows, pigs, ostriches, and other animals. Tomorrow I will post one or more of the masks they make which seem to be quite popular. The artists are a family that live on the premises and who create their art forms in the studio behind the showroom, which has limited hours so that they can have time to make their creations.
Today the beaches were alive with artists creating images and figures which will be judged for originality and creativity. This was just one of the many forms --a beautiful day with sun, sand, surf, and happy people.
Almost every morning I walk to the Plaza to get a latte. The corner kiosk-type shop is unusual in that the workers are in a room with the coffee and supplies, but the customers order through a window while standing outside . When the "cafe" is closed the window is shuttered; when open the bars remain across the opening. These two women are efficient and personable. Their smiles are genuine and a real day brightener.
From my apartment window I can look out and see the docked cruise ships. They arrive early in the morning and leave around 6-6:30 pm. The passengers spend the day spending money while eating and shopping in El Centro and the Zona Dorada. I'm not a big fan of cruise ships because of the environmental damage caused in many ports around the world, but the economic factor for the town's people creates a "need" for them. Around 5 pm I smile as I see a parade of taxis and pulmonias taking the passengers back to the ferry for departure. I've gone to the docks and have been amazed because there is a city in itself right there: internet, restaurants, shops of all kinds, and entertainment. Twice I've been able to slip past security checking passenger ID's as they board the trolleys to be transported back to the ship. Had I wanted, I probably could have boarded and sailed away!!
Every year the Orfanatorio Mazatlán has a fund raising gala musical, which is eagerly anticipated and well-attended by the people living here. I went last year and was enthralled by the talent and range of the vocalists who accompanied the concert music. Equally as good, this year there was a string quintet: bass, cello, viola, and 2 violins plus a solo clarinetist and flauist. It was a magical evening!.jpg)
I wonder how Alfred Hitchcock would react to this photo? These birds are everywhere. I could easily do without them because they leave their droppings everywhere. How healthy is that?! But, the children love them!
Although I am not a regular church-goer, I attend Iglesia Cristiana on Sunday mornings to listen to to the fine musicians who play there each week. There are several adolescent boys and girls with violins and cellos who faithfully perform each Sunday. I'm enthralled by this group of Mexican children because of their poise, dedication, and talent. This young man is exceptional!
While having lunch in a restaurant above the beach, I noticed this old man with a cane walking past. Despite his slow pace, before I could grab my camera he had passed too quickly for a photo of his wonderful face. If I had only been on the beach! What a wonderful conversation we might have had!!
Children are God's gift to the world, and they are beautiful everywhere. I am of the opinion that Mexican children are probably among the most lovely!
The Freeman Hotel, one of the earliest in Mazatlan, just recently got a face lift and is part of the Best Western Hotel chains. A pleasant evening can begin with a visit to the rooftop to see one of the spectacular sunsets in Mazatlan's sky. I frequently go up to the 12th floor to get a bird's eye view of the surrounding city, and if I'm lucky, I capture some fabulous sunsets. This is one of my favorites..jpg)
This is a photo that I took surreptiously after our bus from Tepic to Mazatlan was stopped by soldiers in the Mexican Army who searched our checked luggage and items on the bus for drugs and firearms. I had to take pictures in a hurried, secretive fashion without too much attention to focus and composition. Of course, I was detected and was politely but firmly asked to stop. The soldiers were less intimidating that the guard dogs!
This man played CD's and sang along with the music during a meal we had at an open air restaurant, La Pontilla, down by the ferry on Sunday morning. The popular brunch is busy with tourists and many Mexican families. The day was beautiful and the man most charming!.jpg)
Friends come in all shapes and sizes. On a recent brief holiday in Nuevo Vallarta I came across this colourful fella.
Friendly Mexicans can be found everywhere. While waiting for Jaime (mi esposo, Jim) at the Mazatlan airport, these young soldiers and I had a great chat!
This man emerged from his job looking pretty good!! These wonderful Mexican people seem always willing to be photographed.
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