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.