Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Theme Day, February, 2011-Fountains

Does the water have to be running to qualify as a fountain?  I don't think so!  This beautiful fountain is in the courtyard of the Melville in the heart of El Centro, Mazatlan, Mexico. If you went to go to  this boutique hotel, this is how it is described on their website:

If you want to savour history to the full in Mazatlán, The Melville is the place to stay. Built in neoclassical style during the 1870´s by Spanish trader Juan Tamés it served as the Telegraph Office in the 19th Century. Later it functioned, for more than 60 years, as a Carmelite nun's school, a period that gave the Melville its monastic appearance. Today it operates as a luxury guest house " A palace for Pesos ." 


Named after Herman Melville, who was in Mazatlan in 1844, the building impresses with its wrought Iron Balcony that goes all around it. Inside, you not only find the best of Mexican decoration, a tribute to local craftsmen, but Peruvian Sacral art as well. Mexico and Peru were the richest Spanish colonial possessions, and had large Carmelite orders. The nuns in Mazatlán had ample contact with their Peruvian Counterparts, and therefore the art collection.
No rooms at the Melville are alike. In one you sit on a majestic deep plush armchair, In another hangs a splendid oil painting. Here you find costly antiques, gleaming mirrors, decrepit trunks and Mexican chandeliers. All of this makes The Melville perhaps Mexico 's loveliest habitable museum.
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In March we'll spend another month in Mazatlan again!  Whoopee!!


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Friday, January 15, 2010

BLOG DAY-Best Photo of 2009


This may not be the BEST PHOTO of 2009, but it's my FAVORITE! When I first posted this on April 6, I indicated that she demonstrates the beauty of Mexican children. I still feel the same way!

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Saturday, August 01, 2009

A Magical View

When we lived in Mazatlán during the winter months, the view from the terrace both day and night was spectacular. Watching the cruise ships arrive in the morning and then depart at night, sitting in a chair either under the sun or enjoying the cool night air was very enjoyable.

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Monday, June 01, 2009

Pedicure, anyone?

Although I'm now home in St. Paul, MN I couldn't pass up the chance to post this photograph that I took at the Central Mercado for this month's theme day.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants Come visit me at my visualstpaul blog, too!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

¡Adios!


Farewell to Mazatlán and to my favorite spot, Stone Island. I am now back in St.Paul, Minnesota, still yearning for sun, surf, and sand. From now on, please check my Visual St. Paul blog.

Monday, April 20, 2009

A Change of Pace

Who has more fun at a beach than children?

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Aquarium #7-The Acrobat!

Do you see what I see? Perhaps standing on your head would help!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Camera Critters-Aquarium #6

This scary critter was in an area filled with turtles. They must have developed a friendship! To see some more interesting critters, click here.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Aquarium #5-More Fish


On Sunday I'll show you an amusing little creature.


No human being, however great, or powerful, was ever so free as a fish.
John Ruskin

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Aquarium #4


Despite knowing that the glass and lights would cast a reflection I couldn't resist snapping photos of some of the colourful tropical fish.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Aquarium #3



This beautiful peacock strode confidently among the other birds and spectators...amazingly friendly!!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Aquarium #2

The Aquarium also had a small aviary containing all kinds of birds: quail, duck, geese, parrots, macaws, and a host of others.

“It is the beautiful bird which gets caged”-Chinese Proverb

Monday, April 13, 2009

Aquarium #1

The Mazatlán Aquarium is a small but very pleasant facility. During Samana Santa the city was filled with vacationing Mexicans, many of whom brought their families to this pleasant little spot.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Camera Critters-Newfound Friend?

I never did figure out whether I was supposed to buy him or eat him?! To see and enjoy more photos of critters from around the world, Click Here.

Friday, April 10, 2009

My Mexican Neighbors



The colors of a rainbow.....so pretty ..in the sky
Are also on the faces.....of people ..going by
I see friends shaking hands.....sayin.. how do you do
Theyre really sayin......i love you.
"What a Wonderful World"

Thursday, April 09, 2009

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Another Day at the Beach


Stone Island is my favorite beach in Mazatlán. After a short boat ride, the beaches, coconut grove and many restaurants, especially Lety's and Carmelita's, offer a pleasant, relaxing day. The many vendors are a constant presence, but they're polite and friendly without being aggressive. I'd like to buy one of everything from them because their work is hard and arduous.

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

Fishermen's Day


I love going to the area where the fisherman and their boats are kept. Watching the activity in the area gives me a different feel for the city. The boats they use are called pangas. Here is a brief description of them: From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia...

The Panga is the Central American/Mexican version of a skiff. The term "Panga" was used historically for any small boat other than dugout canoes. Today it usually refers to an open "semi-dory" type skiff. Pangas form the backbone of the small-scale fishing effort in Mexico, Central America and much of the Caribbean.

Pangas are usually between 19 and 28 feet in length, with capacities ranging from 1 to 5 tons and powered by outboard motors of between 45hp and 200hp. They are planing hulls capable of speeds in excess of 35 knots.

The hulls are made of Fiberglass or FRP, heavily reinforced by numerous bulkheads and usually have bow and stern enclosed flotation compartments.

In the hands of an experienced operator they are considered extremely seaworthy. Most pangas are expected to have a working life of between 5 to 10 years if properly maintained.

Monday, April 06, 2009

Who Could Be Sweeter


One of the best things about the Mexican culture is the way I have observed that children are treated. They are included in almost all activities, and I see them everywhere: in restaurants, in the plazas, at family gatherings, and many other public places. No-one has refused me when I asked if I could take a picture. Beautiful, isn't she?!