Emerald Bay Day and Evening

It was clear, hot, and windy today. Nice beach weather for me, so I spent the better part of the day down at the cabanas, instead of the pool. Donna, Brittany, the kids, and family friends, Jeanne and Pete were at the pool sunning, swimming, and painting most of the day. I finished reading Third Degree and have now started reading On Dangerous Ground by Jack Higgins. The family went into Mazatlan for dinner this evening, while I opted to stick around Emerald Bay to shoot a few sunset photos. I had intended on using my Sigma 150-500, a rather large lens that works okay handheld, but best on a tripod, for taking some photos of the various birds that soar near the resort in the evening. However, the wind was blowing so hard at sunset, that it would have been difficult to steady and focus the large lens, even on the tripod, so I just shot several handheld pics with the Nikon 18-200/f3.5-5.6 G-ED-VR. This lens is probably my favorite travel lens due to its fairly compact size, VR for stability, and moderate cost (new at around $750). That seems like a bunch of loot, but Nikon’s pro lens lineup (f2.8 and better), of which I have a few, run $1200-$1800 each, are better glass, but cover less territory from wide to narrow. Anyway, for those of you thinking of getting into a full-size Nikon digital SLR camera, buying the 18-200 lens with a new camera body, would be a nice “intermediate” choice that would allow you to shoot with success, in a variety of situations, while you hone your skills.
I hope this isn’t too much phototech talk for today, but I see more and more folks walking around with nice Nikon or Canon camera bodies, with a cheap lens, attached. Do extensive reading and research before you purchase. If you buy the right stuff, you won’t be disappointed in your results later. For Nikon camera users, both Sigma and Tokina lens’s are of good quality, but cost far less than most comparable Nikon lens’s. Finally, both Nikon and Canon have excellent websites containing a wealth of information about photography and their specific products. For Nikon lovers, Nikonians.org, is probably the best source I have found on the web for sharing ideas/photos/problems among amateur and professional photographers.
Now that you are all completely bored, I promise to stick to writing about food, fun, frolic, and drink for the rest of my stay! Enjoy the photos from this evening, and I’ll be posting pics of the kids at the pool etc. in tomorrow’s blog.

Capitano's

It was hot and humid today. I went to the lobby to exchange American dollars for Pesos and ran into a large crowd of folks who must have arrived on a ground tour, or from a cruise ship. I quickly made for the line at the front desk or I would have been waiting for a very long time. After “reloading”, I went down to the cabanas at the beach, grabbed myself a lounge chair, slathered on the sunscreen, and soaked up some sun, while reading Third Degree, a novel written by Greg Iles. The light breeze mellowed the heat. The sound of the surf hitting the beach smothered the raucous noise of the children and adults frolicking in the waves. A group of six played beach volleyball to my left, and provided entertainment, rather than annoyance. It was easy to just BE.
I returned to the suite around 2:00 and called the Villa to ask Donna if the girls were up for pictures at 4:00, or so. I talked with London, as the “big girls” were napping, and told her I would call back later. I “piddled around” with camera stuff and the computer, and then went for a 30 minute walk around the grounds before showering and calling the Villa again. This time I spoke with Donna and we agreed to meet at the Villa at 4:00. The ladies and girls were ready when I arrived. We walked over to the Villa courtyard for a few shots, and then wandered toward the beach. The light was still a little intense at 4:00, so I had some challenging shooting conditions. At this time of day, I like to use an attached flash, with or without a diffuser, to assist in leveling out the ambient light. The flash provides fill for control of shadowing and softens the overall effect of the photo.
I was satisfied with most of the shots, other than my “walking away” photos on the beach. The sun was still overly harsh when I attempted those, so they were a bust. I think everyone had fun…only minimal grumbling from the participants…and hopefully, today’s photos help capture and explain the love and affection this family shares, not only each other, but also with those fortunate enough to be their friends.
Dinner was at Capitano’s. This was the last night for Vicki, Sue, and Nita, so Donna and Marco made sure it was an evening to be remembered. The food was fabulous! The theme for the night was seafood….shrimp, lobster, calamari, octopus, mahi-mahi…in all varieties and forms….grilled, breaded, steamed, ceviche, chile spiced and drenched in lime. This was accompanied by fresh cucumber, sweet red onion, and tomato, as well as steamed cactus and rice.
Drinks aplenty! Vicki, Sue, and Nita had Daiquiris, Donna, Chardonnay, and I had a couple of Pacificos, as well as two tequila “slammers” provided to me by my amigo Marco, who was doing his best in trying to improve my picture taking ability. Marco’s beautiful wife, Meriam, and their three girls also joined us at dinner. They made our visit to Capitano’s very special.
During dinner Senor and Senora Capitano stop at the table and greet all of us. They are always very appreciative for the business, and genuinely show it. Early on, we were entertained by a young American lady from Utah. She had a powerful, spot-on, Barbara Streisand, singing voice and took the time to socialize a bit with the ladies.
A wonderful evening! Enjoy the photos!

Pancho's

We went to Pancho’s for dinner last night. This is another great place to eat in Mazatlan, with superb service and a varied menu. We generally eat here a couple of times each visit. Warm chips and three different fresh salsas were brought to the table immediately after we were seated. The group ordered a variety of dishes including soups, fettuccini, mahi-mahi with garlic sauce, shrimp tacos, a steak sandwich, a cheeseburger, and a rib eye steak. I order huarache (waa-rachi)…a thin strip steak with cactus, white cheese, and a light red sauce. While waiting for our entrees, we were served a smoked marlin stuffed jalapeño popper appetizer. Holy Moley, I love those things! At Pancho’s, the entrée portions are huge. You’ll leave stuffed, so order additional appetizers at your own risk! When my huarache arrived, it was done as ordered….perfectly tender, medium rare, with a thick and succulent cactus underlay….whoa…talk about good!!!
London and Paulina ask abuela Donna and papa Marco to give them money to pay for a few songs from the house band. The band was playing downstairs, and at first they told the girls they couldn’t come upstairs to play. I’m not sure what the problem was, but it was resolved, and we were soon listening to live music on the second floor. With the band came our after dinner drinks, a fruity tequila in a tall shot glass….not particularly good for sipping, but Marco and I managed to down a couple each, after the ladies “volunteered” their portions to us. Pancho’s usually just serves a kalua cream after dinner drink (included in the meal along with the marlin stuffed poppers), so I’m not sure where the tequila shots came from. Eventually, we also got the kalua drink for dessert, while the little chicas had ice cream.
We returned to Emerald Bay after a brief stop at a Pharmacia, where the ladies loaded up on skin care products. We called it a night by 8:00. Vicki, Sue, and Nita will be leaving on Monday. I am planning on taking photos of the ladies at the beach and Christmas tree this afternoon, before dinner at Capitano's.

I had a good workout at the gym this morning, so ready for another day. I'm looking forward to the arrival of Brittany and the boys. Missing Angel, and wishing she could be here now to enjoy the fun...two more weeks before she gets to leave the cold to join me.

Cilantros

I joined the ladies at the pool mid-morning yesterday. Vicki and Donna had gotten up early and made it to the gym. I hadn’t, so I joined them for awhile, then went for a walk on the beach. Mid to late afternoon we played progressive Rummy at the Bistro pool. Donna ordered sushi from the Bistro. Our niece, Lauren, had reported that she and Ahren had tried the sushi a few weeks ago, and it had been terrible, so we didn’t know what to expect. When the sampler arrived, we were pleased. The salmon and tuna appeared to be fresh and cold and the rice cooked properly. A small plate of spicy pepper flakes and a little soy, made for a nice dipping sauce. I’m guessing that Lauren and Ahren may have had a different chef the day they tried the sushi. The food and service can vary at PBEB, so it pays to courteously, but firmly complain, if either is substandard.
Late in the afternoon, London and Paulina (Marco’s daughter) arrived at the Villa after a fun-filled day at school. London was allowed to visit Paulina’s class for the day, and had a blast. I believe the highlight was the arrival of the ice cream truck at lunch. Each girl had $2.00 for lunch. I’m not sure if they “burned through it all”, or had a little left over after the ice cream spree.
I was invited to join the group for dinner at Cilantros, a comfy beachside restaurant at the Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan. We made it right at sunset, and were placed at a window table. London and Paulina immediately hit the beach and the water. The adults hung back, with the exception of Azuela Donna, who followed the kids with her camera in hand, and snapped some nice photos. We were seated in a few minutes, where we could watch the girls play on the beach, while chatting and deciding on what to order. I opted for tortilla soup and shrimp ceviche. The others ordered a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, and BBQ. The food was delicious, and as always, came in huge portions. I have always liked Cilantros, but it’s not Angel’s favorite place, as she had a “cold” Mexican plate on our initial visit to the place several years ago. She does not forget easily. I’m hoping to encourage her to give it another try this trip.
We were back to Emerald Bay by 8:00, but a few of the crew wanted to go to Kelly’s for a drink. Kelly’s had music last night and Auntie Sue wanted to dance. Fortunately, for me (I’m not much of a fancy dancer), Marco “cut the rug” with Sue, as well as a few of the other female hotel guests, while Nita and I talked and sipped a few tequila martinis. The drinks, as usual for this resort, pack a whallop, so imbibe carefully! I was up early this morning to hit the gym. Vicki was already working out when I arrived. The others were still resting at the Villa after our busy day and evening.
I’m posting a few shots of Cilantro’s for your enjoyment. Hoping you’re all well and having a good week!

Thursday in Maz

After an hour at the gym, and a stop at the Deli to check email, I spent the morning at the big pool with Donna and the ladies. The day was calm and warm. The pool was not overcrowded, and relatively quiet. A few families with children played in the water, while the older bunch spread out around the perimeter sunning and socializing. London picked out a ceramic piece and began painting it. She seems to be content, being here without her brothers for a few days, and getting a little extra attention from her grams and auntie.
I excused myself about 1:00, took a short walk around the resort, and then returned to the room for a light snack and a shower. Donna had invited me to accompany the ladies to dinner earlier in the day, so I met them at the Villa at 4:30. Marco arrived in the van about ten minutes later. It was good to see him again. He is likely the best tourist guide in Mazatlan and a genuinely nice guy. The past year has been difficult for the Mazatlan tourism industry due to the swine flu scare and the sluggish U.S. economy, and Marco hasn’t escaped the effects. However, he seems to have weathered the worst of it by working longer and harder for Capitano’s Restaurant, as well as any other opportunities that become available.
Marco drives us through Mazatlan, past the Malecon, to Olas Alta. We were planning on viewing the sunset from the rooftop of the Freeman Hotel, but traffic slowed us down, and we ended up racing the sun to the horizon. Instead of the Freeman, we opted for the Dolphins and the naked couple at the Fisherman’s Monument. The sunset was beautiful and enjoyed by all.
After sundown, Marco drove us to a relatively new restaurant near Plaza Machada. The restaurant name is Topolo. Donna ordered a variety of appetizers….grilled shrimp wrapped in prosciutto, grilled asparagus spears, sesame coated grilled salmon, grilled veggies. We all ordered drinks and perused the extensive menu. The entrees were reasonably priced from 120 to 300 pesos, depending on what you wanted, with steaks and seafood at the upper end, and pastas and Mex cuisine at the lower. I opted for Chile Relleno, London ordered pasta, and Marco and the ladies requested shrimp, pork, and steak dishes. All of the plates were arguably above average, and my chile relleno was excellent. I was impressed with the light sauce and creamy goat cheese stuffing. Very nice!
We returned to the Villa by 8:30, where we chatted for a few hours, while soaking in the spa and sipping drinks. A relaxing close to another wonderful day in Mazatlan.