A quick trip to Concordia with Frank and Sandi.

 We''re coming to the end of the season and lots of our friends will be leaving by the end of March.  Frank and Sandi have been our " out of town" travel and lunch buddies over the season.  They are heading back to Phoenix on the 28th so there was time for one more road trip last Friday.  We went to Concordia back in December by ourselves after we couldn't find anywhere to eat in Copala.  Alejandro's restaurant in Copala is a favorite but it has only been open for tour buses this season.  All the cartel violence has kept most people close to Mazatlan this winter. We've done quite a few trips but we've been careful to pick where we go and stay away from the northern towns like La Cruz and Cosala as they are too close to Culiacan which is the hot spot.  Lots of problems here in Mazatlan as well.  

Here we are heading out of the Cerritos area toward the Mazatlan bypass and you can see the Jeep right behind us. 

We exit the toll road at Villa Union to head east inland to Concordia.  

Lots of truck traffic here as there  are on ramps to the toll road heading north and south. 

You can see a Mexican lady with her " sunbrella" and  a little child on her hand.  Very busy as this is the retourno to head east. 

Turn right up ahead to head south...we'll go straight through. 

Lots of hills and up ahead was a very heavily loaded truck and there was no where to pass. 

Horses in the shade and not much to eat out there. 

A little roadside clothing store along the highway next to the entrance to Concordia. 

It was too early for lunch so Eric decided to head into Mesillas for a look see.  Mesillas is where they have the furniture stores for all the woodworking shops in the area.  Concordia is known for it's furniture making. 

As soon as you enter Mesillas the road wide, concrete and has sidewalks.  Signs of a prosperous town. 

One of the many "muebleria's" or furniture stores in Mesillas.  As well as locally made furniture there is also fine furniture from all over the world.  In years past we came into town and got out to look around.  On Friday it was too hot and we got into a " traffic jam" at the end of town.  Eric had read there was some sort of a furniture expo but it was unclear exactly when it was happening.  Hardly a soul to be seen until we got to the end of the main street. 

In the past we went around the town square and then back the way we came. 

This is the main church and there were lots of people up on deck.  A large shiny tour bus was parked there and the road around the square was blocked by little booths.  We stopped and got off and eventually went back the wrong way until we hit the main street.  Not much traffic so no problem.  Eric read it was " Carpenters Day" and the people at the church were there for a carpenter blessing ceremony!  All a bit odd.  

Back out of town past the furniture stores.  

We went back the way we'd come and into Concordia for lunch.  

 One way streets here too.  This time we're going the correct way!

Parked in front of El Granero where we like to have lunch.  A very large, gracious building which must have been a hacienda in it's earlier life.  

Frank and Sandi parked farther down the street. 

We made our way to the back of the restaurant and sat outside where it was shady and there was a slight breeze blowing.  Inland the temperatures are usually around 32C so it's warm. 

We have enough Spanish to read the menu and order.  They always bring chips, warm refried beans and a couple of kinds of salsa.  Very tasty.  Eric and I have developed a liking for Topo Chico which is a carbonated mineral water and good with lime.  It's so easy to get dehydrated on the bike as " it's not air conditioned!" 

Everywhere you look there is something to see.  Fine furniture, paintings and even the family tree of the history of the owners of this building. 

Sandi spotted this beautiful orchid growing out the back so I took a picture.  Growing in the sun and shade in dry sandy soil.  At home many of my garden club ladies work hard to hold orchid plants over the winter and then get them to bloom...Easey Peasey here!

Isn't that pretty?

We all had really good meals.  This is Eric's Camarones El Diabla or spicy shrimp with rice and salad.  All the meals were under 200 pesos or $14 Canadian and...even less in US funds. 

I had pescado empanizado or breaded fish.  Very good, especially with some salsa on the rice. 

Frank took our pictures and I must have been asking for my phone back!

Frank tried Tuna carnitas which I almost ordered and...will next time.  Tiny pieces of tuna fried with peppers and onions.  He said it was really tasty. 

Frank got the carnitass with a green salad and a large portion of guacamole.  

Sandi opted for a burger with fries.  Some times we get tired of seafood every time we eat out.  It's getting more and more interesting to eat in Mazatlan as more and more ethnic restaurants pop up. 

On the left a picture of Frida Kahlo a Mexican artist and folk painter from the early to mid 1900's.  She led a very interesting life.  I read a very interesting docu-novel about her called " The Lacuna" by Barbara Kingsolver.  A very interesting read about her and her sometimes husband Diego Rivera.  

Lunch was done and ....a very good one it was!  Lovely place to eat, good service, excellent food and great service.  We've eaten here many times over the years and this day the meals were the best by far! Maybe a new cook..who knows. 

One of the many beautiful old buildings in Concordia. 

On past visits we've wandered the square and taken pictures of the church and the " giant chair" that everyone likes to sit in and have their picture taken.  

Buen Viaje ....have a good trip!

We were off home after a really nice outing.