Mary's and the Pool

I apologize for the absence of photos the past couple of days. The internet can be challenging down here, at times. Yesterday, I went into town to do a little shopping. After arriving at PB Mazatlan I caught a city bus to the new Mega store that is located close to the beginning of the Malecon and directly in front of Sam's Club. This is a convenient location for tourists and the store has about anything you would need, at reasonable prices. After shopping I decided to walk back through the Golden Zone, and then down the street to Mary's. Mary's is located across from the Inn at Mazatlan and next to Rico's coffee shop. I ordered a crispy chicken salad and a bottle of water for lunch. The total cost with tip...120 pesos. Angel and I both enjoy the food at Mary's. Good burgers and sandwiches also at this place. After lunch, I continued my walk back to PB Mazatlan and caught the shuttle to Emerald Bay.

I stopped by the pool on the way back to the suite and found that Drew had made it. It was good seeing his smiling face. Jason and Sundee arrived on Sunday and were enjoying the pool with Brittany, Drew, and the kids.

Today, the young folks are at the pool, Donna is at the gym, and I'm trying to catch up! I went for an early walk this morning. I'm counting down the days for Angel's arrival. I know she's working hard to get things in order up North before hopping on the Freedom Bird this Friday night.

Another Cloudless Day

While many of you are suffering with below zero temps and stormy weather, we are enjoying low 80 degree readings and clear skys with a light breeze...almost too warm at times, but I dare not complain for fear that it'll all change for the worse. Angel arrives next Saturday. Senor Drew gets in today. The kids, Brittany, and Donna are anxious to see him, as am I. I'm running into Mazatlan this morning for some exercise, groceries, and a change in routine. I'm planning on being back mid-afternoon to check-in with the group and say hi to Drew. I'm at the Deli (poor internet), but I'll try uploading a few photos from the other day...Not much luck with that...it took one, and then shut down....I'll try adding more later today.

Last Night and this Morning

Cilantros at PB Mazatlan last night. A few shots of Jeanne and Pete at sunset. Also a couple from Emerald Bay this morning. The weather here has been wonderful!

The Past Few days

I’m a little behind on the blogging…Thursday, I took the shuttle to Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan, and then hailed a clean, air conditioned, 9 peso city bus to Mercado Centro. I got off at the Market, strolled around there a bit, looking at leather goods and baseball caps, before walking the short distance to the cathedral. The cathedral has been undergoing restoration for several years, but it appears to be pretty much spruced up at this point. It’s a beautiful structure, worth visiting for soulful discernment, cultural/religious appreciation, or just nice photos of the art and architecture. After an hour or so, I wandered over to the Plaza and Theater area where I connected to the “Art Walk” network of signs that function as a loose directory for a self-guided walking tour of the area. Many of the buildings in this part of Mazatlan are being restored, so I like to walk this path each year, just to check out the progress. I ended up walking several blocks toward the ocean, then past the Freeman Hotel. I then made some elevation, until I was above, and within 100 yds, of the marina/ferry for Stone Island. After snapping several photos of objects and scenery, I eventually returned back to the Market, where I milled around some more and caught the bus back to Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan. I arrived at emerald Bay in time to grab a quick shower before heading over to the Villa. Jeanne and Pete arrived a short time after me. Marco picked up the group at 5:00 and drove us to Las Zapatos (sp?), the scene of the infamous Santa Claus dog pile last year. No Santa, on Thursday night, but plenty of music and fun for everyone. The kids got the whole house rocking as you can see in the photos (note the granny and the lady in black doing the Macarena with the children….a little scary, huh?). Yesterday, Pete and I went marlin fishing, but had little luck…four small Bonita and a very long boat ride in the hot Mazatlan sun. This is the second time I’ve tried fishing here in December with poor results. I’m thinking that I’ll save my fishing money for a trip in January or February when the chances of hooking a marlin may be better. I opted to stay at EB last night to organize photos while sipping a cervesa or two on the patio.

Fiesta Night

Not much excitement here today, but we’re all happy to be missing the bad weather most of you are enjoying in our absence. I ran into Brittany and the children while out on my morning walk. They were having breakfast at La Cordeliere. Later, I met them at the pool. I sat and chatted with London and Range for awhile. They were content painting and hanging out at the pool. River decided he wanted to visit Kid Care, a nice service provided by EB for a reasonable fee, where the children can enjoy activities while supervised by resort staff. Seven had a little snooze this morning under the watchful eyes of abuela Donna and a staff babysitter. Brittany managed to get a few moments to relax beside the pool with the kids engaged in other activities. Everyone is missing Drew. It’ll be a few days before he gets here, as he’s busy with business. Marco took the family shopping this afternoon. I read at the cabanas and took an hour long walk down the beach and back. Jeanne, Pete, and I had dinner plans at La Cordeliere for the Mexican Theme night. Donna, Brittany, and the kids are going to Senor frogs.. Jeanne, Pete, and I had a good time at the fiesta. The food, drink, and entertainment were good. Emerald Bay hosts a fiesta each Wednesday night from 6:00-10:00. The food is served buffet style. Items are labeled, so you know what you’re putting on your plate. There were a nice variety of salads, soups, and meat items to choose from. Drinks are unlimited, and you can ask for just about anything. Watch the tequila consumption, or you’ll pay dearly for it later. As you enter the buffet, the resident “tequila bandits” will cheerfully fill your cup to the brim with Jose Cuervo, if you let them. The desserts are very rich, and quite delicious. I had a piece of goat milk cake that was “to die for”. I’ll be “double timing” my fat butt tomorrow, to burn just a little of what I ate today! The entertainment at the fiesta was provided by a talented dance group and a small band. The music and activity were a bit loud, so it was difficult to talk without yelling. If you’re seeking a quiet evening together, this is not it! However, the fiesta is a fun, couples or family cultural experience, at a reasonable price, so it should be done by everyone at least once. I’m posting a few photos of the kids at the pool, as well as Jeanne and Pete at the Fiesta…also some of the wonderful performers at the same venue.