Hello from Yakima

On Halloween night, we went to the Plazuela Machado in El Centro (old Mazatlan) to see if there were any trick-or-treaters. Before we went to the plazuela, we stopped by the orphanage. We found that the children there were not celebrating Halloween. We understand Halloween has not made it's way to all parts of Maz or Mexico. So to our surprise, there were quite a few children in costume when we arrived at the plazuela. Also, there were a number of alters set up around the plazeula to honor lives of loved ones who have passed away. Here are a few photos we took. Enjoy! Today, November 1, is the "Day of the Dead" here in Mexico. It is said, today is the day the spirits of deceased loved ones return and the families meet them in the cemetery for a day of festivities. They will spend the night and the the spirits will leave by mid-day tomorrow. We are planning to join in a festival through the streets of old Mazatlan tonight. We will be viewing the many alters, set up by fami...

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.

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,...

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 Mazat...

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...

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. 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 h...