We had a good day for a trip to Concordia and Copala.

Monday March 1, 2010

Today was a good day.  Eric and I had originally planned to go with Frank and Sandi for a look at Malpica (which is just before Concordia) to see the tile factory.  Sam and Rita had declined as Sam's brother and girlfriend are here for a visit and they were going to be busy.  But, who can resist a ride on a sunny day!  Sam and Rita decided to join us and we all headed out at 9:30 this morning.

 On the way out through Mazatlan one of the very old pick-ups with bad steering that travel the roads here pulled up next to us with a smiling Mexican driving.  He had his eye on the Harley and had a huge grin on his face.  "Where are you bisiting from? he asked."  (no V's in Spanish.) "Canada, said Eric"  Welcome to Mazatlan he said!  He was quite taken with the motorcycle as are many of the Mexican people.  A really nice guy!

As we continued on past Ville Union towards Concordia we  saw the sign for Malpica but it wasn't clear where the tile factory might be so we kept driving  and stopped at one of the many furniture shops as you come into Concordia.  We thought we'd check it out on the way back.

A look at the shop where the furniture is made, Mexican style.

The ornate furniture, the shop is open to the street.

Rita looking out at us heading toward the furniture shop.

We had a look at the very ornate furniture and also the shop where they do their woodworking.   The style and finish of a lot of the furniture would not suit a northern home but I understand they will make you anything you want.  Concordia is very well known for it's furniture and it was an interesting stop.  We continued on until we came to the actual town of Concordia and then headed in with Frank leading to have a look at the town it's self.  We followed each other up narrow and one way streets until we got to the town square and church and we had to park a ways away as it was quite busy and parking was hard to find. 

A parking spot on the street in Concordia.

Walking back to the square and church from where we left the bikes.

We walked up the street past all the shops and continued to the town square to take some pictures of they very old and beautiful church that was built in the 1500's. 

I asked Sam and Frank to look like all the other old guys in the square sleeping on the benches.  Frank did a good job!

The churches are always gorgeous but the cost to the poor Mexican population is enormous.

A look at the face of the church.

This is a really gorgeous building.

I snuck a picture of the inside. 

Another old building in the square.

 Concordia has a huge wood rocking chair in their square since furniture making is what they are known for.

Shades of "Edith Ann" from Laugh In!

Kathy in the Rocking Chair in front of the huge church.

 Sandi did a little shopping in the square and then we all decided to continue on to Copala for lunch.  As we walked back to the bikes Rita decided to try on some shoes in one of the many shops lining the street. Gladiator boots anyone.  Cute shoes!

 This only proves that women can shop anywhere!  We all headed out for a  lovely warm ride to Copala and along the way there were many beautiful trees in bloom.  The red one with the bottle brush flowers is lovely but I don't know what it is. 

We had another good lunch in the same place that we had eaten in last time we were in Copala.  After lunch was done we all headed down to Daniel's restaurant to look at the old mine that Frank and Sandi had told us all about.    It was really interesting to see and it is right underneath the restaurant. 

The explanation of how the mine was actually discovered.  (Double click to read)

Heading down the stairs to the old mine shaft.

Frank and Sandi in front of the huge tree in front of the mine.

The roots of that tree.

When we came back up I noticed the leather masks that Daniel's restaurant  had displayed for sale in their lobby and I was quite taken with them.  It only took me about 30 seconds to pick out a beautiful one to take home.  Sandi says that the Mexican who makes them lives in La Noria so we'll have to take a run out there to have a look if we have time before we leave.  The masks are part of the whole Carnival event but this one (even though it fits me perfectly!) will just hang on the wall.  A good find.

As we travelled on the very, very, very bumpy cobblestone road (rough going on the motorcycle) out of Copala we stopped at a huge tree with it's roots exposed for a picture.

Kathy and Blue in front of the huge tree.

The exposed roots of the very large tree.

On the way back to Mazatlan we stopped at one of the many pottery shops just past Concordia.    Most of it would not suit at home but I did find a small concrete and rock tortise for my garden at home.  Not cute which suits me fine. 

A look at the pottery lining the street.

We left and  continued on back towards Malpica but even with the directions Sam had been given by a Mexican did not find the tile factory.  Another time I guess.  All in all a really good day and we were all home for happy hour.  Perfect!