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:

Adelaide, Australia by Gordon, Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, Aliso Viejo (CA), USA by Rodney, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Anderson (SC), USA by Lessie, Arradon, France by Alice, Ashton under Lyne, UK by Pennine, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Bandung, Indonesia by Guntur Purwanto, Baziège, France by PaB, Belgrade, Serbia by BgdPic, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Boston (MA), USA by Fenix, Boston (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Boston (MA), USA by Sarah, Whit, & Leyre, Brighton, UK by Harvey, Bucaramanga, Colombia by Fernando, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Budapest, Hungary by Isadora, Buenos Aires, Argentina by Karine, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Cape Town, South Africa by Kerry-Anne, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chicago (IL), USA by U R us, Chicago (IL), USA by b.c., Christchurch, New Zealand by Michelle, Clearwater (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Clearwater Beach (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Cleveland (OH), USA by iBlowfish, Cologne, Germany by April11, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Detroit (MI), USA by Taittems, Dunedin (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, Evry, France by Olivier, Forks (WA), USA by Corinne, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Grenoble, France by Bleeding Orange, Guelph, Canada by Pat, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hyde, UK by Gerald, Inverness (IL), USA by Neva, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Joplin (MO), USA by Victoria, Juneau (AK), USA by Gwyn, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Le Guilvinec, France by ds2944, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lisbon, Portugal by Jsaltao, Lodz, Poland by ritalounge, London, UK by Ham, London, UK by Mo, Mainz, Germany by JB, Maple Ridge, Canada by Susan, Mazatlan, Mexico by Kate, Melbourne, Australia by Mblamo, Melbourne, Australia by John, Memphis (TN), USA by SouthernHeart, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico, Mexico by Poly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Montréal, Canada by Douber, Moscow, Russia by Irina, Mumbai, India by Kunalbhatia, Mumbai, India by MumbaiIteanu, Naples (FL), USA by Isabella, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK by Cassie & Chris, Niamey, Niger by Dinabee, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Nottingham, UK by Gail's Man, Ocean Township (NJ), USA by Josy, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Petrea, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia by Murphy_jay, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Sam, Port Vila, Vanuatu by Mblamo, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Quincy (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Radonvilliers, France by Deslilas, Riga, Latvia by Prokur, Rome, Italy by Giovanni, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation by Lark, San Antonio (TX), USA by Kramer, San Diego (CA), USA by Felicia, San Diego (CA), USA by Zentmrs, Santa Fe (NM), USA by Randem, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Seguin (TX), USA by Thien, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Sharon (CT), USA by Jenny, Silver Spring (MD), USA by John, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, St Francis, South Africa by Sam, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Terre Haute (IN), USA by Zann, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, The Hague, Netherlands by Lezard, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Torun, Poland by Torun Observer, Toulouse, France by Julia, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Jazzy, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Wassenaar, Netherlands by Rich, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Wrocław, Poland by Loompi, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn,

Clase de español

Twice a week for one and a half hours each class period, 7 of us meet with our profesor, Hector, to learn some Spanish. And, he piles it on--with patience and humor, tho. It's tough going for me but I keep trying!!

Everybody Loves a Parade

On Tuesday I was sitting in a stalled bus behind a long line of immobile buses and cars, with pedestrians lining the sidewalk. Rather than wait for the traffic to become untangled, I got off to see what was causing the impossible jam. A parade of trucks, carts, and cars loaded with high-school-aged boys and girls were having the time of their lives hooting, yelling, and snaking their way through the narrow streets of El Centro. Everybody loves a parade??!! I know I did!

ABC Wednesday "F"

Frida Kahlo, Mexican artist extraordinare, is the best selection for "F"

House Tour #6

Back to the house tours, and as long as I have a painting and portrait thread, I think you might enjoy this one. The lady of the house had her portrait painted, which was prominently placed in the home. If the house tours are any indication, Mexicans love to display family pictures. Some homes had entire walls with family portraits on display, often quite formal, too.

Choices

If you were to select only ONE of these painting, which one would you choose?

A Keepsake Performance

A favorite spot to take wedding pictures is the Angela Peralta Teatro by the Plaza Machado. I've seen many musical performances in that building, but this is a different kind of performance--a record of which will udoubtedly be treasured for years. ADDED LATER: Thanks for the flattering comments; no, I was not the official photographer. I just took advantage of the fact that they were having their photos taken and snapped away!

Flamingo Night

This evening of Spanish dance took place at the Antonio Haas Teatro and is part of Vamos Haciendo Publico. For only 60 pesos each, a friend and I enjoyed several hours of rhythmic music and dance. I loved being one of the few gringos in the audience who had sense enough to enjoy some local talent!

Te Amo Lucy

Lucy is our favorite chef in Mazatlan. We eat frequently at Te Amo Lucy which is close to the Plaza Machado.

ABC Wednesday on Thursday-"E"

Sometimes Wednesdays just fly by! Then, of course, Thursday will do for ABC Wednesday.

Mazatlán's Finest-Serving and Protecting

The friendliness of the people in this city constantly amazes me. I have seldom been refused a request to photograph them. In fact, many of these fine folks enjoy the process.

Meet Emma

Emma is one of my favorite new friends! Sometimes she comes to visit and we study Spanish together.

House Tour #5

In a country that is predominantly Roman Catholic, it is not surprising to see religious art on display.

Musical Mazatlan

Anyone out there remember the Platters, the '50's singing sensation? Well, the latest group of the same name performed on Friday, February 15th at the Angela Peralta Teatro. The audience was filled with fans of the original group, and altho the audience was a bit more sedate these days, it obviously brought back memories to more than a few people. Want to know some significant facts about the original group? Read on! The Platters were...

The biggest-selling vocal group of their era,
Considered the ultimate in Fifties "make-out music",
Helped bring pop vocal into the rock and roll era,
Lead singer Tony Williams is one of pop's all-time great tenors,
First African-American group to hit Number One in the rock era,
Were the first black group to beat out a white group's rendition of their song on the pop charts, and
Considered the classiest of pop acts, then and now

A MEMORIAL

Despite living temporarily in Mexico, the tragedy on the campus of Northern Illinois University in the United States has touched me from afar. I weep for my country, which I love. I weep for the parents, who have lost children that they love, and I weep for the dead students, who have lost the promise of life and love.

House Tour #4

This painting was prominently displayed in the bedroom of a teen-aged girl. Hmm! I wonder what her interests might be?!

Be Mine

ABC Wednesday-"D"

Meet Frida and Igor. The young man who owns these beautiful DOGS has a great sense of humor. He has named them after some pretty well-known artists!

A Friendly Sort

I think we need a break from the house tour, especially since I'm going on another tour next Monday, February 17, which then promises more posts on Mazatlan's lovely homes. This beautiful dog and his three other poodle companions living in the same casa, peered through the safety bars on the window. Joyfully barking at all the passersby, the four of them caught my attention.

House Tour #3

The Virgin of Guadalupe is a common icon in Mexico. This particular rendition is a picture composed of tiles.

House Tour #2

This ornate headboard reminds me a little bit of hand-carved screens or room dividers I've seen in some countries.

House Tour Hostess

I look forward to the house tours that are organized in Mazatlan because the homes are all different and represent different life styles. My favorite today was Hacienda el Recreo in El Centro, and the lovely young woman you see here is the daughter-in-law of the owners of the casa.

Look Closely

Mazatlan has some areas with very steep hills. While carefully navigating downward on one of the steepest inclines on Calle Pedregoso, my eye caught this small memorial tucked away and almost hidden on the side of the street. I stared at the very faded photo of a young boy on the cross. I paused for sometime, thinking about this child and the way he might have died on the hill.

Door or Window?

ABC Wednesday-"C"- Chicas: Carnaval #4:

Tres Chicas

Carnaval #3

Carnaval is wearing me out: fiestas, coronations, parades, fireworks, and crowds everywhere!

Clase de Español

I had to delete the original post for this photo and date because something happened to my computer on Monday evening, February 4) a computer voodoo, I think!) that recorded the number of visitors but was not recording all of the comments. So, I've reposted the photo of my Spanish teacher who is trying to clarify the correct use of the confusing (for me) estar and ser. Sorry, but I consequently lost the four comments that originally posted before the glitch occurred.

Carnaval #2

Fireworks are always magnificent, and eventually I'll learn how to capture them more skillfully. Watching from our rooftop patio was great but not quite as spectacular as last year when I watched it from a catamaran on the ocean.

Carnaval

Since I'm late posting today (this vacation is getting exhausting :-)!!), I thought y'all deserved a treat. The 5-day Carnaval festival began yesterday and these are two decorations in Plaza Machado, the main square in El Centro. Note the sizes compared with the people sitting on the park benches. Tonight we're going to the Coronation, and tomorrow we'll try to get within viewing distance of the Parade! Stay tuned!!

Mazatlán-A Working City

I think that a tourist might select a different scene to represent Mazatlán--probably sea, sand, and surf with some night life added, but I believe that a citizen might think of something a bit different. Since it is a working city I chose a returning fishing boat to represent one of its industries.

February Theme Day Bloggers are listed below. Visit as many as you can and enjoy the trip to many fascinating countries!!
Portland (OR), USA - Menton, France - Monte Carlo, Monaco - Memphis (Tennessee), USA - Manila, Philippines - San Diego (CA), USA - Anderson (SC), USA - New York City (NY), USA - San Diego (CA), USA - Mexico City, Mexico - San Francisco (CA), USA - Mumbai (Maharashtra), India - Mainz, Germany - Weston (FL), USA - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Turin, Italy - Las Vegas (NV), USA - Hobart (Tasmania), Australia - Bicheno, Australia - Durban, South Africa - Joplin (MO), USA - Nashville (TN), USA - Stockholm, Sweden - Kyoto, Japan - Tokyo, Japan - Brussels, Belgium - Chicago (IL), USA - Montpellier, France - Seattle (WA), USA - Mazatlan, Mexico - Saint Paul (MN), USA - Sharon (CT), USA - Sesimbra, Portugal - Toulouse, France - Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Susanville (CA), USA - Maple Ridge (BC), Canada - Saint Louis (MO), USA - Prague, Czech Republic - Helsinki, Finland - Pilisvörösvár, Hungary - Lisbon, Portugal - Mexico (DF), Mexico - Trujillo, Peru - Dunedin (FL), USA - Albuquerque (NM), USA - Port Angeles (WA), USA - Cottage Grove (MN), USA - Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - London, UK - Baziège, France - Jefferson City (MO), USA - Greenville (SC), USA - Selma (AL), USA - Mumbai, India - Naples (FL), USA - Norwich (Norfolk), UK - Silver Spring (MD), USA - Setúbal, Portugal - Stayton (OR), USA - Bellefonte (PA), USA - Sofia, Bulgaria - Arradon, France - Montego Bay, Jamaica - Athens, Greece - Austin (TX), USA - Singapore, Singapore - West Sacramento (CA), USA - Jackson (MS), USA - Wassenaar (ZH), Netherlands - Budapest, Hungary - Rotterdam, Netherlands - St Malo, France - Chandler (AZ), USA - Melbourne, Australia - Port Vila, Vanuatu - Cleveland (OH), USA - Nottingham, UK - Kansas City (MO), USA - The Hague, Netherlands - Crystal Lake (IL), USA - Wrocław, Poland - Chateaubriant, France - Cheltenham, UK - Moscow, Russia - Monrovia (CA), USA - Saigon, Vietnam - Toruń, Poland - Grenoble, France - Lisbon, Portugal - New Orleans (LA), USA - Sydney, Australia - Boston (MA), USA - American Fork (UT), USA - Boston (MA), USA - Montréal (QC), Canada - Wichita (KS), USA - Radonvilliers, France - Buenos Aires, Argentina - Christchurch, New Zealand - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea - Wailea (HI), USA - Aliso Viejo (CA), USA - St Francis, South Africa - Port Elizabeth, South Africa - Seattle (WA), USA - Pasadena (CA), USA - Vienna, Austria - Orlando (FL), USA - Torun, Poland - Delta (CO), USA - Santa Fe (NM), USA - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Haninge, Sweden - Paris, France - Stavanger, Norway - Niamey, Niger - Le Guilvinec, France - Bogor, Indonesia - Saarbrücken, Germany - Auckland, New Zealand - Wellington, New Zealand - Budapest, Hungary - Juneau (AK), USA - Bucaramanga (Santander), Colombia - Glasgow, Scotland - Chicago (IL), USA - Jakarta, Indonesia - Adelaide (SA), Australia - Sydney, Australia - Riga, Latvia - Subang Jaya (Selangor), Malaysia - Terrell (TX), USA - Terrell (TX), USA