Here are a few pictures and a video of the adventure.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Flea Market adventure in Maz
We went to our first flea market here in Maz. It is held every Sunday in a neighborhood (colonia) called Juarez. It was unlike any flea market in the states that we have been to and definitely represented the mexican culture. Very hot with shoulder to shoulder people, lots of noisey music and the aroma of all kinds of food cooking.
Here are a few pictures and a video of the adventure.
Here are a few pictures and a video of the adventure.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Tour of Maz with pulmonia driver
We recently hired a pulmonia driver that we have known here in Maz for over a year. He took us around the city and showed us some of the interesting/historical places that we hadn't seen before. Lorenzo, the pulmonia driver, has lived in Mazatlan all of his life and has conducted many tours for the cruise ships that come into Maz. His wife Francis and their son Benjamin came with him. You will see a picture of them below.
It was a very interesting day and we ended it with lunch at the La Puntilla Restaurant near the docks where the cruise ships come in. This open air restaurant hosts a breakfast buffet, lunch, and dinner. They offer a seemingly infinite selection of seafood dishes and a green salad loaded with avocado. Kind of pricey, but some think it's worth it for the ocean breeze, passing ships, and the view of Stone Island. After your meal, you can visit the statue of the Virgin of la Puntilla, located just across the parking lot. At the beginning of each hurricane season, fisherman's wives make offerings to her to protect their loved ones at sea and the fishermen pray to her as they pass her on their way out to sea.
Lorenzo and his wife Francis with their little boy Benjamin.
This is the entrance to their humble home in the same neighborhood that Lorenzo and Francis grew up in. They rent the home from Lorenzo's uncle.
In Mazatlán, monuments seem to sprout up everywhere and many of them have a story to tell. Lorenzo told us about a few that we hadn't seen yet.
This one "La Mujer Mazatleca" is for the women of Mazatlán, who are said to be among the most beautiful women in the world.
This is a monument to a famous actor/singer, Pedro Infante Cruz. In his most famous movie he was a motorcyclist. The Mexicans love to have their photo taken with this monument.
This is where Pedro lived.
This is a famous composer in Mazatlan who is still living. We thought it was interesting that a monument has been erected while he is still living. He actually lives just across the street from his monument.
The red house on top of the hill is owned by an American from California. Spectacular view!
The two yellow buildings in the distance is where we live, Las Gavias.
The green area you see is the Military area.
Military area entrance.
Where the fishing boats dock.
These pictures don't do justice to how many boats there were and alot of them were out to sea on this day. They are usually docked many deep. Not surprising though, Mazatlan is the shrimp capital of the world.
More fishing boats.
One, of a couple of tuna factories in Mazatlan, Nair.
Lorenzo told us this is where you buy American cars.
We visited the Archaeological Museum of Mazatlan. It has been open to the public since 1988. It houses a collection of archaeological materials from the South of Sinaloa (the state Mazatlan resides in) as well as an outstanding variety of prehispanic artifacts from different regions of Mexico. The price to view this museum was $2.70 US. It was a very interesting museum - well worth the time.
The entrance to the museum displays some petroglyphs.
We understand just 45 minutes north of Mazatlan, near the fishing village of Barras de Piaxtla an interesting group of petrogrlyphs can be found on the beach: Las Labradas.
These petroglyphs of Tolteca origin are the remains of the most ancient artistic expressions of Mexico´s northwestern territory. Some archaeologists state these may have been created 1,000 or 1,500 years ago. We are planning a trip to this area soon.
A human burial urn is displayed in the picture below representing an ancient ritual that is distinctively Sinaloan. It contains three bodies and represents the return to the uterus of mother earth. The write up below is translated from Spanish so is a little hard to read.
Urn containing three bodies.
The museum also displays a bronze statue of the symbol on the Mexican flag, the eagle and serpent. Throughout history, the flag has changed 4 times, as the design of the coat of arms and the length-width ratios of the flag have been modified. However, the coat of arms has had the same features throughout: an eagle, holding a serpent in its talon, is perched on top of a prickly pear cactus; the cactus is situated on a rock that rises above a lake. The coat of arms is derived from an Aztec legend that their gods told them to build a city where they spot an eagle and a serpent, which is now Mexico City.
It was a very interesting day and we ended it with lunch at the La Puntilla Restaurant near the docks where the cruise ships come in. This open air restaurant hosts a breakfast buffet, lunch, and dinner. They offer a seemingly infinite selection of seafood dishes and a green salad loaded with avocado. Kind of pricey, but some think it's worth it for the ocean breeze, passing ships, and the view of Stone Island. After your meal, you can visit the statue of the Virgin of la Puntilla, located just across the parking lot. At the beginning of each hurricane season, fisherman's wives make offerings to her to protect their loved ones at sea and the fishermen pray to her as they pass her on their way out to sea.
Lorenzo and his wife Francis with their little boy Benjamin.
This is the entrance to their humble home in the same neighborhood that Lorenzo and Francis grew up in. They rent the home from Lorenzo's uncle.
In Mazatlán, monuments seem to sprout up everywhere and many of them have a story to tell. Lorenzo told us about a few that we hadn't seen yet.
This one "La Mujer Mazatleca" is for the women of Mazatlán, who are said to be among the most beautiful women in the world.
This is a monument to a famous actor/singer, Pedro Infante Cruz. In his most famous movie he was a motorcyclist. The Mexicans love to have their photo taken with this monument.
This is where Pedro lived.
This is a famous composer in Mazatlan who is still living. We thought it was interesting that a monument has been erected while he is still living. He actually lives just across the street from his monument.
The red house on top of the hill is owned by an American from California. Spectacular view!
The two yellow buildings in the distance is where we live, Las Gavias.
The green area you see is the Military area.
Military area entrance.
Where the fishing boats dock.
These pictures don't do justice to how many boats there were and alot of them were out to sea on this day. They are usually docked many deep. Not surprising though, Mazatlan is the shrimp capital of the world.
More fishing boats.
One, of a couple of tuna factories in Mazatlan, Nair.
Lorenzo told us this is where you buy American cars.
We visited the Archaeological Museum of Mazatlan. It has been open to the public since 1988. It houses a collection of archaeological materials from the South of Sinaloa (the state Mazatlan resides in) as well as an outstanding variety of prehispanic artifacts from different regions of Mexico. The price to view this museum was $2.70 US. It was a very interesting museum - well worth the time.
The entrance to the museum displays some petroglyphs.
We understand just 45 minutes north of Mazatlan, near the fishing village of Barras de Piaxtla an interesting group of petrogrlyphs can be found on the beach: Las Labradas.
These petroglyphs of Tolteca origin are the remains of the most ancient artistic expressions of Mexico´s northwestern territory. Some archaeologists state these may have been created 1,000 or 1,500 years ago. We are planning a trip to this area soon.
A human burial urn is displayed in the picture below representing an ancient ritual that is distinctively Sinaloan. It contains three bodies and represents the return to the uterus of mother earth. The write up below is translated from Spanish so is a little hard to read.
Urn containing three bodies.
The museum also displays a bronze statue of the symbol on the Mexican flag, the eagle and serpent. Throughout history, the flag has changed 4 times, as the design of the coat of arms and the length-width ratios of the flag have been modified. However, the coat of arms has had the same features throughout: an eagle, holding a serpent in its talon, is perched on top of a prickly pear cactus; the cactus is situated on a rock that rises above a lake. The coat of arms is derived from an Aztec legend that their gods told them to build a city where they spot an eagle and a serpent, which is now Mexico City.
Friday, October 26, 2007
What a welcome relief!
Just wanted to let you know the long awaited drop in humidity here in Mazatlan has come. This week the temperature and humidity in the morning, about 8:00, has been as low as 79 degrees and 23% humidity. It is sooooo pleasant. We are enjoying being able to open the doors of our condo and let the cool ocean breeze blow through. The temperatures during the day are still climbing upwards to 90+ but with the humidity so much lower, it isn't a problem.
Mazatlan is starting to get much busier as the snowbirds and tourists are returning daily. The Mexicans are very happy about this, as it gives them more work.
We are looking forward to next Thursday, November 1, The Day of the Dead. A fiesta atmosphere surrounds the annual Day of the Dead walkabout, and the objective is visiting a series of altars set up in the traditional Mexican style in which the favorite objects and pastimes of the departed personality are displayed. The promenade starts at 7:00 pm in El Centro (old Mazatlan) and we will walk through the streets viewing these altars. We should have many interesting pictures to share with you.
Mazatlan is starting to get much busier as the snowbirds and tourists are returning daily. The Mexicans are very happy about this, as it gives them more work.
We are looking forward to next Thursday, November 1, The Day of the Dead. A fiesta atmosphere surrounds the annual Day of the Dead walkabout, and the objective is visiting a series of altars set up in the traditional Mexican style in which the favorite objects and pastimes of the departed personality are displayed. The promenade starts at 7:00 pm in El Centro (old Mazatlan) and we will walk through the streets viewing these altars. We should have many interesting pictures to share with you.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Really enjoying having a car here in Maz.
Having a car in Mazatlan has made all the difference in our adventure here. We have been getting out and exploring places that you just can't easily get to by pulmonia, bus or cab.
During a recent drive, we found a restaurant out near the marina where the cruise ships and fishing fleets come in and out. It is called El Mirador Restaurant Grill & Bar. It overlooks the El Faro Light House. This lighthouse is considered the second highest natural lighthouse in the world. The journey to the lighthouse begins near the sport fishing fleets. There is an incredible view of the entire Mazatlan area and they say it is well worth the challenging hike up the hill, which is almost 500 feet above sea level.
Here is one persons view of the experience. " You start out on a dirt road that requires good physical condition. Then you climb about a 100 concrete steps. It takes about one hour up and down. Ask your taxi driver to return in an hour; there are no taxis waiting there for the return trip. You may pay about $24 round trip for taxi time. The vista is beautiful from on top. There is no consession or staff at top, bring your own water. The sewage plant is right next door to the entrance, but the odor isn't strong once you pass it. The Reward is you can say you climbed to the top of the second highest lighthouse in the world. The drive to the lighthouse was great seeing the neighborhood, but the ride was even better going back. You'll need a shower when you get back to your hotel. "
Greg and I don't think we're quite up to the hike yet but maybe next year.
During a recent drive, we found a restaurant out near the marina where the cruise ships and fishing fleets come in and out. It is called El Mirador Restaurant Grill & Bar. It overlooks the El Faro Light House. This lighthouse is considered the second highest natural lighthouse in the world. The journey to the lighthouse begins near the sport fishing fleets. There is an incredible view of the entire Mazatlan area and they say it is well worth the challenging hike up the hill, which is almost 500 feet above sea level.
Here is one persons view of the experience. " You start out on a dirt road that requires good physical condition. Then you climb about a 100 concrete steps. It takes about one hour up and down. Ask your taxi driver to return in an hour; there are no taxis waiting there for the return trip. You may pay about $24 round trip for taxi time. The vista is beautiful from on top. There is no consession or staff at top, bring your own water. The sewage plant is right next door to the entrance, but the odor isn't strong once you pass it. The Reward is you can say you climbed to the top of the second highest lighthouse in the world. The drive to the lighthouse was great seeing the neighborhood, but the ride was even better going back. You'll need a shower when you get back to your hotel. "
Greg and I don't think we're quite up to the hike yet but maybe next year.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Our first baseball game in Mazatlan!
Last week, we went to our first baseball game here in Mazatlan with our friends Jim and Fabiola. Fabiola is from Los Mochis, about 4 hours north of Mazatlan. The game was the Mazatlan Venados (deer) against the Los Mochis Caneras (canes). The game started at 8:00 pm. During the game, the generators blew and the lights went out. The game was stopped for a few minutes as the field was not lit enough for the players to see. Also, there were a few fights that broke out and the police hauled away about 20 people. As you can see in the photos, the vendors came around with some very interesting food. Some of which we didn't recognize. Also, a very unusual way of serving the beer.
These ladies were waiting for us at the gate.
Greg and I aren't sure if we will be purchasing season tickets, but it was a very entertaining game. The Mazatlan Venados won 5 - 4. Here are a few pictures we took at the game.
These ladies were waiting for us at the gate.
This is the door to one of the suites. Jim's last name is Ramirez so that is why he is pointing to the name on the door. It's not really his suiten though.
The Mazatlan Venados
At one point during the game, we were on this screen.
The Venados mascot, the deer.
The cerveza vendors came around with buckets of Pacifico on ice. He would open the bottle and pour the cerveza into styrofoam cups. $150 pesos or $1.50 a beer. Pretty cheap, huh
Some sort of ceviche.
Mango! Papaya! Pineapple! Watermelon! anyone?
Jim enjoying the "Wings Army", a new restaurant in town, hot spicy chicken wings. Where are the hotdogs? No hotdogs served at this game.
Some sort of munchies. We did recognize the peanuts.
How about a candied apple?
Fabiola and I after the game.
Could Jim be a Mazatlan Venado?
Recent visits to the orphanage.
We have visited the orphanage a few times recently. Once to deliver badly needed fruits and cereal for the children and to take care of some repairs. This time of year, donations are slim so their food budget dwindles. We went to the market and loaded up on apples, oranges, bananas, watermelon, boxes of cold cereal and even some Halloween candy for the children. Since it is very hot at the orphanage this time of year, we also took them some popsicles which we are sure they enjoyed.
During one of our recent visits, a birthday celebration was happening for one of the little girls, Paulina. I have attached a short video clip of that celebration too. Enjoy the photos and video.
The walls at the orphanage are made of a mixture of cement and plaster. To repair holes that have been left from prior nails or screws that have come loose, Greg must first fill them with wood plugs.
Greg inserting the wood plugs.
Now he can hang the badly needed coat/backpack rack.
Repairing the broom/mop rack outside. The same problem with the walls inside also exists on the walls outside the orphanage.
Greg moves on to the patio where the benches need repair. He has repaired these a number of times. We understand the kids like to play with the screws so Greg fixed them this time so they won't be able to loosen them.
Octubre birthdays at the orphanage.
Video of Paulina's birthday party.
During one of our recent visits, a birthday celebration was happening for one of the little girls, Paulina. I have attached a short video clip of that celebration too. Enjoy the photos and video.
The walls at the orphanage are made of a mixture of cement and plaster. To repair holes that have been left from prior nails or screws that have come loose, Greg must first fill them with wood plugs.
Greg inserting the wood plugs.
Now he can hang the badly needed coat/backpack rack.
Repairing the broom/mop rack outside. The same problem with the walls inside also exists on the walls outside the orphanage.
Greg moves on to the patio where the benches need repair. He has repaired these a number of times. We understand the kids like to play with the screws so Greg fixed them this time so they won't be able to loosen them.
Octubre birthdays at the orphanage.
Video of Paulina's birthday party.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
My first time driving in Mexico!
Today, I finally attempted to drive for the first time here in Maz. I had been agonizing over how hard it was going to be to drive our van out of the garage and out on the roadway. Turned out I accomplished it with no problem. I drove over to Sam's Club (about 1/2 mile) and back. It is Sunday and the traffic isn't as heavy so Greg thought this would be a good day to practice. I feel relieved that I now know I can do it. Of course, driving with weekday traffic will be a little different story but I am confident I can do it.
Here in Maz the traffic lights are kind of hidden so that is one thing you have to watch for. You could easily drive right threw a red light. Also, lots of buses, motorcycles, pedestrians and cars cutting you off. So there are alot of things to watch for. As Greg says, you really need to be a defensive/aggressive driver here. Anyway, so far so good. If I do get a fender/bender now and then, our new van will look like the rest of the cars here in Maz.
Here in Maz the traffic lights are kind of hidden so that is one thing you have to watch for. You could easily drive right threw a red light. Also, lots of buses, motorcycles, pedestrians and cars cutting you off. So there are alot of things to watch for. As Greg says, you really need to be a defensive/aggressive driver here. Anyway, so far so good. If I do get a fender/bender now and then, our new van will look like the rest of the cars here in Maz.
Monday, October 08, 2007
We're just hours from Mazatlan now!
We spent the night before we arrived back in Mazatlan in a pretty little town about 5 hours north of Mazatlan, Los Mochis.
Here are a few pictures of the area around the hotel where we stayed.
There was alot of farming land as we traveled closer to Mazatlan.
We were amazed at how rich the soil looked and how green
everything was. This is the rainy season in Mexico, hence all
the green foliage.
We finally see our first glimpse of the ocean. We were soooooo
excited. Just a few more miles and Greg's 4,238 miles of
driving is about to end.
The next two videos reveal how Greg was feeling as we get close to Maz.
Here are a few pictures of the area around the hotel where we stayed.
There was alot of farming land as we traveled closer to Mazatlan.
We were amazed at how rich the soil looked and how green
everything was. This is the rainy season in Mexico, hence all
the green foliage.
We finally see our first glimpse of the ocean. We were soooooo
excited. Just a few more miles and Greg's 4,238 miles of
driving is about to end.
The next two videos reveal how Greg was feeling as we get close to Maz.
Here is our parking spot in the garage. It has been so great to be home after a month of traveling. We are really enjoying having a car here in Maz. It is really going to make the adventure here in Mexico even better. After a week of being back, we are noticing a change in the weather. Tonight we took a walk on the malecon and the breeze was coming from the north and much cooler - much less humid only 67%.
So hopefully this is a sign that the weather is changing.
We are looking forward to spending the summers in Yakima, June - October. This will allow us to spend more time with our families - children and grandchildren which we miss very much.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)