Mi Casa Es Su Casa!

As we close in on our third week in Mazatlan we are beginning to find our Mexican rhythm: slow, slower and very slow. "We'll do it manana!"

Our casa has a lovely courtyard which we enjoy in the mornings and evenings.

Often times little "Chico" comes to visit.

Man at work in the cocina.

The friendly janitorial supplier roams the neighborhood, calling out "Brooooms, brooooms."

Fresh fruit and vegetables are available daily at the market for about a third of the price at a typical US grocery store.

On Thursdays we meet a group of ex-pats for lunch. We stop at the downtown fish market to buy a kilo (2.2lbs) of fresh shrimp for about $5.60. A few steps from the market is a local cantina where for about $3, you can select how you would like your shrimp to be prepared, including heads on or off! During lunch there is a continual flow of musicians and vendors in and out of the cantina.


Mazatlan is a mix of the old and the new. In the "Centro" district, there are plenty of places to find a little shade. The car wreck provided the entertainment. There are so many crazy drivers here, it's surprising this doesn't happen more often.


This is a beautiful example of turn of the century architecture in old town Mazatlan. In contrast to......

the brand new RIU all inclusive 716 room hotel specially designed for the visiting gringo tourists.

Adios for now... Ben and Lindy

Beach bumming in the Pacific Pearl

Just a couple of blocks from our apartment is the Zona Dorada(Golden Zone), an unabashed tourist precinct of hotels, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. It has a beautiful view of the ocean and Isla de Venadors (Deer Island).




Since it's low season in Mazatlan the hotels don't seem to mind if we use their beach chairs or ....



swim in the pool, as long as we buy the occasional drink.



We decided that we would explore places without all the trappings of a tourist resort, so we jumped on the "chicken bus" and headed north a few miles for a few Pesos.


Native bus drivers feel free to decorate their buses with religious symbols and artwork. This particular driver had all the bases covered with a picture of the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ and Christ ascending to heaven, not to mention the drawing of a witch on the back of his seat!


At the end of the line are talking horses!


After a short walk we arrive at our destination.

Ahaaa our own private beach.

Playa Bruja (Witch Beach) boasts an open air restaurant with a palapa thatched roof, great views, food and service.

Stay tuned for "Moon Over Mazatlan" ..... Ben and Lindy

First stop Mazatlan, Mexico

Adios Denver!

Around 2 p.m. we arrived in Mazatlan welcomed by 90 degree heat. A Presidential visit snarled traffic as the taxi driver navigated to our apartment. During the next six weeks we will be on Mexico time here in Mazatlan, taking in the culture, visiting the sites and learning the language.

Our first full day we toured the city to get our bearings.

The City of Mazatlan taken from the cliffs

The blue, blue Pacific

The old harbor...the lighthouse is on the hill beyond

"Chicken bus" singer

On the way home we were entertained by a young man who did his best to belt our some sixties tunes in Spanish. Unfortunately, he really couldn't play the guitar or carry a tune! He did however manage to collect a few Pesos for his efforts.

Stay tuned.....Ben and Lindy

The city of Mazatlan taken from the cliffs above the town.