Sunset

The sunsets at La Marina in Mazatlan are world class.
 

our beach is changing

The daily beach walk is part of the fun at Mazatlan! We are seeing a lot of development in our neighborhood.

Gail's favorite palapa

This is Gail's special spot to read, sun and listen to music. A private palapa, on the beach,  what could be better?
 

La Marina side view

We love the  south and side view from room #703 where we stay at La Marina. The ocean view is in front of our building and we DO see world class sunsets from our deck , but the side view of the yachts is not bad either!
 

La Marina, Mazatlan, Mexico

What great family memories in this sunkist place

Welcome to the Las Labradas Museum

A good explanation of the carved stones at Las Labradas

Poster at the Museum

The

Gail and the seabirds

A pristine beach 50 Kilometers north of Mazatlan

Petroglyphs: ancient carved rocks

Thousands of years ago native people carved symbols into the rocks along this beach. 

Mexico 2008.1

Mexico 2008

On Valentine's Day 2008 we flew to Mazatlan to begin a time of rest and reflection.

As we pulled in to La Marina we were met by Mary Ann Corning, our next door neighbor from Wenatchee. She and Jack had been down here for two weeks and they made a reservation for us at the special Valentine dinner at the hotel. It was a very memorable evening and we had some great times with them during the next week.

One day we drove three hours north to Dimas and the petroglyph museum at Las Labrades, where we walked miles along the unspoiled beaches. We saw thousands of sea birds, crabs, and a fascinating recreated village of the pre-Columbian native people who carved the artistic/religious motifs in hundreds of rocks that are still out in the open, washed twice daily by the tides. It is amazing that no government agency has removed these rocks for protection. This is a priceless monument to the human heritage yet the stones are simply resting on the beach for all to see, touch and photograph. We were the only people there and as there is only one small sign, it is not surprising. This is not in any guidebook and there is no clearly marked exit. If you want to find it, travel 50 kilometers north of Mazatlan on the new Autopiste. At a turnaround near the 50 K road marker ,exit the freeway by turning left and drive about 7 K down a dirt road that winds by a village, under a railroad track and dead ends at the beach. The museum is well worth the trip. Hope you enjoy the attached photos.

Later in the week we spent several hours with Luis, the owner of the beach just south of the museum. He has owned the property for many years, but has not had the time or money to develop it. Since it is about 3 miles of pristine beachfront, Jack is convinced it could be a world class destination resort. It is also the subject of a title dispute. The local natives claim ownership under the "Ejido" laws form the 1930's. Until the title question is resolved in court, nothing will happen here. However, someday, we expect to see a fantastic resort. The model for this may be a resort owned by Luis at San Blas, a tiny town in the jungle three hours south of Mazatlan. There, surrounded by the ocean and dozens of natural mango swamps and waterways, an old fishing village welcomes ecotourists for bird watching and fishing trips.

Fishing in the Sea of Cortez may be the best in the world. Jack and Dale went out one day and caught over 30 fish. Among the catch were three huge Groupers, one weighed 25 lbs. Also they caught Conejos (rabbit fish) Trigger fish and Rock Cod. Gail cooked four of the Conejos and we had a great dinner. (Her recipe included crushed cashews and sweet red peppers, you should ask her for it.) We took plenty of photos of the fishing day, including proof of all the fish, but they are on our other camera and we will have to download the photos when we get home.

The food is as good as ever. And we enjoyed it for three days with Kyle and Ann, who flew down on President's Weekend for an all too brief mini vacation. Go to Ann's blog to see some great photos of the places we walked and the seafood.

Mazatlan 2008

Now that all the friends and family have gone home, we spend at least three hours a day walking the beach and the rest of the time reading and writing. Gail has been transposing music for the church choir. Dale is writing some essays on various topics and researching his upcoming trip to India. This is a very sweet place to contemplate the next chapter in our lives.

Map of South America Trip

South America Itinerary
1/29/08 - Santiago, Chile
1/27/08 - Buenos Aires, Argentina
1/24/08 - Montevideo, Uruguay
1/19/08 - Buenos Aires, Argentina
1/19/08 - General Roca, Argentina **CANCELLED DUE TO STRIKE**
1/17/08 - San Rafael, Argentina
1/14/08 - Tunuyan, Argentina
1/12/08 - Mendoza, Argentina
1/11/08 - Santa Cruz, Argentina
1/7/08 - Curico, Chile
1/4/08 - Santiago, Chile


View Larger Map

A great night for theatre!

Steppin' out on the town to spend our last night  in Buenos Aires. We will attend a broadway style tango show at the Senor Tango venue.

Senor Tango theatre

Our Senor Tango theatre experience was full of fun. The orchestra had strings, piano, guitar and accordian. Great musicians, singers and the dancers were world class.

Curtain call

The dancers were absolutely fantastic. No pictures allowed but I managed to sneak this one during the curtain call.

Senor Tango Ambiance

  Waiters and vendors add to the theatre experience by their costumes.

Day 26

Day 26  January 29, 2008

 

     Senior Tango is a big Broadway like show of singing, dancing and glitzy routines. We loved it.  There are many tango shows to choose from, all cost about the same.  We chose the one that sounded like a big production and it was.  From the opening number when an Indian rode in on a painted horse until the finale with the entire audience singing "Don't Cry for me Argentina," it was loud and sassy and fun.

     At first Dale was uneasy.  This would just be a show for tourists, not at all authentic.  But he was surprised to see the entire crowd, over 500 people, singing along with the songs in Spanish.  We found three other Americans, young people from NYC who work in Mergers and Acquisitions for a big bank who are trying to buy out a local financial services firm. They had a night off their "Due Diligence" work and wanted to see a show.  They had been here two weeks working around the clock.  The local Portenos told them this was the best show.  We were lucky to get tickets as the show sells out every night.

     The host was also the owner and he had a great voice.  He would get the crowd going and ask them to sing along and the place shook with their enthusiasm. It was very loud. But the dancers, oh, the dancers.  They were all beautiful, 10 couples in a variety of costumes, danced for two hours.  Slow and fast, acrobatic and sensual.  It was far better than Dancing with the Stars…and no commercials. Sadly, no cameras allowed.

     As the final number began, about 12:15 am, and the excellent orchestra broke into the strains of "Don't Cry for me Argentina" from Evita, the people had tears in their eyes.  They stood and applauded and cheered as the entire cast came on the revolving stage and a huge Argentinean flag fell from the ceiling.  As streamers and confetti drifted in the air, the love of the people for Eva Peron was again on display. She was their Princess Diana, a beautiful woman who died in the prime of life.  They love her and miss her as though she died yesterday. This is a passionate country.  Their music and love of life is inspiring.  We could not have chosen a better way to end the trip.

angry art

 

Angry Art

Our morning visit to the Musero de Arte Latinoamerican contained disturbing images.

rain in Buenos Aires

Our morning walk was interrupted by rain, so we took a taxi on our return from the museum. Umbrellas were required when walking around the city today.
 

counterfeit pesos

We evidently tried to pass off counterfeit pesos today when paying for lunch.....who knew?