An afternoon downtown.

Sunday December 19, 2010

I decided to break yesterday into two posts as I wanted the orphans to have their own page. 

When we got back from the orphanage on Saturday I decided to join Pat and Sandi for an outing downtown.  Jack (Pat’s husband)  plays poker a couple of times a week down at a restaurant  at the south end of the Malecon.  Jack drove and we  went the round about way to get there which is usually faster but it was really busy this afternoon.  Eric had already gone down that way with Jack and Manny earlier to get Manny’s V.W. back from the mechanico and it had been quiet.    Manny was having trouble with his new clutch and the mechanic turned the flywheel and in the process of all this  found a broken motor mount.  The clutch is fine now and the next step for it is a new paint job! 

These shots are looking north on the Malecon.

Sandi, Pat and I left Jack to play poker and made our way into  Centro through the historic district and the Grand Plaza on our way to the central market.

                        

This is the archeology museum.  Eric and I will have to go back and go through it.

We were in search of material for the Christmas food table and pots to repot our plants.  Geraniums, roses, New Guinea impatiens etc. etc.   It was quiet as we walked through the streets leading to the main square and I took a few pictures of them as we walked.

                           

                         The narrow streets of Mazatlan downtown.

                          

The main square was quiet, not many tourists and as we passed the cathedral we stopped to have a look.  There was a wedding taking place and I snuck a shot by lifting the camera high. 

                       

                                                    The main square.

                      

                                                     The Cathedral.

We continued on the the Mercado where all the main shops are and then it got busy.  It was the last Saturday before Christmas t and the Mexicans were busy doing their shopping.   We picked up material first and then set off to find the kitchen shop that sold plant pots.  It was north of the market and when we found it Pat managed to find a few pots.  Back to the Mercado for buns and then a walk back to find Jack.

                      

This wine bottle Christmas tree was in the square on our walk back. 

                     

                     

I caught these cats up in a tree hunting doves on our walk back to the Malecon.  They were both well fed and obviously belonged to someone so I guess it was just for sport! 

When we got back to the Malecon Jack was waiting and we each had a margarita and then headed home.  Since we were passing Home Depot we stopped for a big bag of soil and of course …. a few more plants. 

A good day!

A visit to the Orphanage.

Sunday December 19, 2010

I have decided not to go anywhere today as every time I do I have to update the blog!  Okay, besides which I am tired.

Yesterday morning  I went to the La Mision (Hogar Para Ninos)  orphanage to deliver the big bag of second hand clothes that came from my grand daughters Holly and Abby.  John accompanied  Betty, Sandi and I  with Boomer driving .  John helps with this orphanage as the Salvation Army gets help from many areas and these children need it more.   Both Betty and Sandi had an assortment of goods for the children.  Packsacks, school supplies, sundries  etc. etc etc.  and since John speaks Spanish it was good that he took us.  He and some of his friends have done a lot of work helping Lupita and Geraldo who run the home and they are happy to have anything we bring.  John and Gerri had already delivered a huge load of donated new jackets that they brought from their home in Arizona so this was a second trip for John. 

John told me that Lupita and Geraldo found Jesus and decided to dedicate their lives to the orphan children and so they opened their home to them.   The children come from prostitutes, families who can’t look after them and families who just don’t want them.  They have about 15 children right now and also feed any children in the area who need a meal.  It is a very poor area. 

We arrived with our truckload of goods to smiling happy faces, hugs and help with all that we brought.

Parked outside unloading our goods.

The children were so excited and Betty and Sandi were smart enough to bring treats for the children as well.  Children the world over are just the same and treats are always well appreciated.  The children are well looked after, fed, educated and loved.  Pretty special. 

Heading into their house.

Most of the children with Lupita.  Geraldo was not home this day. 

These little guys are very intent in opening their candy canes and eating cheezies. 

Holly and Abby, do you see your clothes now in Mexico!

This is the temporary area where the girls are sleeping right now. Note the neatly made beds!

I noticed the children hanging out a couple of small holes in the brick wall, and guess what…..they can watch their own ballgames.

They too have Christmas tree for “Feliz Navidad”

John showed us the areas of the small compound that they live in and pointed out the things that he had helped with.  Plumbing so there would be separate showers for the boys and girls and also where Geraldo was redoing the area where the girls sleep.  He has raised the roof so it won’t be so hot and has new roofing so it won’t leak.  

 

The many things that we just take for granted are so special to these children. 

This is Lupita and Geraldo’s room.

It was a wonderful visit and I’d like to go back again.

I noticed one of their little female dogs well fed, but much in need of a wash and if they wouldn’t be offended I would bring supplies for it’s bath.  It probably also needs to be spayed I would guess. But, I’ll check with John to see what he says and if appropriate I’d help with that.  Since it is the children’s pet it would be nice to help if I can. 

When we got back John said how much what we had done was appreciated and I commented that “ I thought we  got more out of it than the children did.”    Very special. 

We say goodbye to Mark and Claire and continue to Teacapan for lunch.

Saturday Dec. 18, 2010

Mark finishing the loading up.

Ready to roll!

We left the park at about 10:30am yesterday to ride out to Esquinapa with Mark and Claire.  Construction slowed us down a little going through Mazatlan and then we made a short fuel stop for Mark and Claire at the Pemex by the airport.

Petrol and bathroom break!

Claire and Mark.
  On through Villa Union and onto the free road to Rosario and then Esquinapa.

Behind my head shot of Mark and Claire riding behind us.  I can’t believe it actually worked.  I couldn’t see a thing.
We passed our turn to Teacapan and rode  out to the last Pemex leaving town.  We said our good-byes and wished them well on their journey.  It was bitter sweet to see them go but it was time for them to continue on their way. 

Good-bye, good-bye, good luck!


Claire changed plans for the days destination to San Blas which brought an “Oh Blimey” from Mark.  They will make their way to Guadalajara and then south.  We will have to watch their blog to see where they go.  Their blog is: http://camelnews.blogspot.com/ if you wish to look.
We had a quick ride out to Teacapan as they have repaved the road……no potholes!!!!! yeah!  Okay well a few but just right close to the gate into Teacapan.  We stopped for lunch at Otto’s Japenesa restaurant and he knew it was us as soon as he heard “Black” and “Blue” roll in.

A shot of the bikes through the trees in the restaurant.

Out front by Otto’s  “Japenesa” sign.
Happy hellos, handshakes and then he said to me……” I am reading your blog! and so he knew Eric and I had been here 3 weeks! “  Too funny.  We had a great meal as usual a nuevo plato which had a sweet vegetable stir fry with pollo, lovely fried rice and deep fried breaded fish.   Yummy, yummy.  We started with an egg roll and a couple of Pacificos each and were given a sweet candied plum from their own tree at the end of the meal.  The cost: a more than reasonable $17 Canadian for two of us.  We told Otto we would be back and bring more people.  His wife brought their little girl out to say goodbye and isn’t she just the sweetest little thing.  Her name is Uke Luna and I would guess she is about a year and a half old.  Thanks for the meal Otto!


Yuke Luna. 

A tractor has to get fuel too!  Why not at the Pemex station. 
As we finished lunch it was now 3pm and we needed to dash for home.  It takes about 3 hours to go the 90 miles home even though we get up to 90k on the highway.  Those small towns really slow you down and as well there are always trucks and slow vehicles to pass.

Sam’s Pacifico stop.  We all needed to stretch our legs and give our bums a break.
As it was Friday night the traffic was heavy.  As we got into Mazatlan it was crazy.  The buses were more aggressive than usual and since it was now 5:30 and getting dark it was really hard to see.  Sam and I took off our sunglasses and that really helped me to see.  We roared along the maxipista for the final bit and made it home by 6pm, getting dark and too late.
Betty came over to give us heck because she was worried!   Sorry, “are we grounded now?”  I figured our friends would all be worried.  We’ll try not to do that again.  We really needed to be gone by 9:00 am to get back in time from Teacapan.  Oh well, it was still fun. 

Mark and Claire continue on their way.

Friday December 17, 2010

Today is my youngest sister Joy’s birthday.  I was 13 when she was born so I was her second mother for the first few years.  She was a sweet little girl that I spoiled and took tons of pictures of with my Brownie camera.  Macaroni and wieners were her favorite food.   She grew up to be a beautiful woman with a big personality.  Happy 4…..th birthday Joy!

Yesterday I played Hand and Foot with the ladies.  We had 8 so we had two tables of four.   Connie and I played against Val and Mary.  It was good fun even if we did loose.  I’m getting the hang of the game and it’s fun because although there is some expertise involved there is not too much.  While we were playing Eric stopped to ask if I wanted to ride out with Sam, Rita, Claire and Mark as far as Esquinapa tomorrow.  Sam, Rita, Eric and I will go into Teacapan if there is time.

We were supposed to climb El Farrow with the gang today but we’ll leave that for another day and have a last ride with Claire and Mark.  I had intended to ask them over for chili last night  but since Pat decided to have appetizers as a last send off for them I’ll bring it there and share with everyone. 

The evening was a success even if  did get some good natured ribbing about illegally practicing my chili cooking skills.  This was the first time I tried the crock pot to cook it in and I’m glad I had a trial run.  The crock pot holds the liquid and I will need to leave the lid off when I do it for the chili cook-off in February.  Everyone ate, yakked and enjoyed themselves.  Lots of fun.

This is dark, but you get the idea! Drinking, eating and chat.

Pat and Claire.  Look at Pat’s Christmas lights….. nice!

I was on food duty tonight so I didn’t take a bunch of pictures. 

We won’t leave until 11ish today as Mark and Claire will have to dry out their tent before they can pack it up.  Lots and lots of stuff to put in their boxes.  They will be sad to leave us but it is time for them to carry on.

I have really enjoyed Claire’s company as she is a bit of a kindred spirit.  The same age as our daughters so she brings out the mother in me but she’s also old enough to just be a good friend.  Some people you meet are bright lights and she is one.  Good luck, safe riding and good karma on your journey Mark and Claire.

The weather is still strange.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Every day when I wake up to go walking I am faced with fog.  We didn’t have fog once last year but apparently La Nina has happened.  The ocean temp. is cold, the air is warm and we have sea fog….mixed with some air pollution.  There are no fish because the ocean is  too cold and we also haven’t seen any sea gulls.  No fish, no sea gulls.  So, not much beach time or swimming . 

We are happy to have the vegetable truck show up every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  Not as cheap as the markets but oh so convenient.

That’s Claire shopping from the truck.  Eric wonders how everything doesn’t fly out of the truck when he bangs over the topes!

I have my Christmas lights up now.  I snuck a couple of  strands into the rig and now have them twined like a barber pole around a light pole.  I have also  added a few potted plants (geraniums, a rose and a “ red pointed setter!)  Very festive.  As we put up our awning and privacy screen this year it looks like we are staying for a while. 

My Christmas presents are bought and wrapped and the Salvation orphans  will come on the 23rd to sing for us and get their gifts.  This year we had to buy for  boys (11 and 7) so we’ll see how I did.  Soccer ball, tee-shirt, truck and hot wheels… what the heck do I know about boys.  Sisters, nieces, daughters and grand daughters  (okay 1 grandson) so not much expertise with boys. 

We will have our Christmas dinner on the 25th this year.  Felipe and his family will join us and we will have fresh turkeys this time.  Everyone is signing up for different dishes to cook so it should be fun.  I’m hanging back and will fill in with what ever is missing. 

Monday night was a  get together appetizer night.  I brought a piece of son-in-law Wade’s smoked salmon and it was a hit.  I dole it out slowly because I don’t have much with us. It was really good and next year I will try to bring more if Wade is generous enough to give me some.  Thanks Wade!

I also finally  managed to finally get the wash in on Monday because it took two days to dry.  Very humid.

Last night Hal came over to tell us that he and Helene were having Mark and Claire over for dinner and a music night.  He explained that it was a Russian/Romanian?  band that they all liked and that they were going to watch a video of the band together.  It would be outside and a bit loud.  No problemo.  In the end Eric and I said it sounded like the Bolshevik revolution being played loud and fast.  The fellow parked next to Hal and Helene is from Alberta but Romanian and he really liked it!  They all had fun.  How odd is it that two couples would like such an obscure band! 

Mark and Claire have been here longer than they expected as the replacement motorcycle tires they thought they would get here only half happened. They got two, but not four.   Mark has been working on the motorcycles steady while they are here  taking this opportunity to get as much done as possible.  The people in the park have really enjoyed getting to know them  and everyone has been chatting .  They have managed to get out and about a bit and also since there are so many people with information about travelling south I think they have gathered useful information.  Hope so. 

Tomorrow is Thursday.  Hand and foot card game at 1pm.  Friday at 8am some of us will head into town on the bus and them climb up to El Farro (the light house.)  We did it last year a couple of times but it is still fun.  

The Ballet and then a ride to Concordia and Copala

Sunday December 12, 2010

Saturday morning I got busy and ran a load of wash through that I will try to dry on the drying rack.  I’m not sure that will work as it has been very humid and even our towels aren’t drying after a shower.   

Saturday night was the Nutcracker  ballet so Connie, Pat and I joined Hal and Helene to head downtown on the bus.

Hal,Helene,Connie, Kathy & Pat….all color coordinated and ready to have a great time!

  We finally caught a Sablo Centro which is the big green air conditioned bus that goes straight downtown.  We left at 5:30 and thought we’d have lots of time to go for dinner before the ballet at 8pm.  Not so much.  It turns out it was Guadeloupe day and there was a procession of Mexicans in our way.  They were walking and carrying statues of Jesus.  Very nice, but it really slowed us down.  We finally got to the square where the restaurant was at 6:50pm. 

As we turned into the restaurant across from the theatre there was a wedding happening! 

I think these little girls must have been in the wedding.

A rush to eat but the food came out quick and was good, cheap basic Mexican fare.  I had two marlin tacos with veggies for 28 pesos and shared a bowl of soup with Pat who had too much.  Off to the ballet which was just out the door across the square. 

We got settled in our seats on the third balcony and we really had nosebleed seats!  We had to peer through the railing or rest our chins on top to see.

See the black framework, that’s the railing.

Plus we were too far forward to see both sides of the stage.  Too funny!  What did we expect for 100 pesos ($8.50.)  Next year we’ll try to get better seats.

The younger students were rats,  aren’t they just so cute!  Remember,  a double click on the picture and you can really see them.

This picture is the finale, ….can you guess whether I enjoyed the production or not!

In the end the production was very well done.  It was put on by the Mazatlan performing arts students and the production was very good.  Great costumes and the students did a wonderful job.  I’d go again next year.  When the ballet was done we decided to take a taxi truck home.  The Mexicans put bench seats  in the box of a small Datsun size truck, add a framework and a tarp and that’s the taxi.  A bit cool coming home and cost us 13 pesos each.  We got to  see Mazatlan on a Saturday night as we travelled home.  Not many tourists but lots of Mexicans partying it up!  A lot of fun. 

Today was Sunday and we left at 9am to go on a bike ride.  Claire and Mark (the motorcycle travelers) are still here and have been joining in on some of the park activities.  Friday night they went out for happy hour with people from the park  and today they joined Sam and Rita and us for a ride up to Concordia and Copala.  Mark has been doing maintenance on the bikes and is still waiting for new tires to come in tomorrow and Tuesday so that is why they are still here.   We set off at nine this morning as we had to get back to the park early enough for Sam and Rita, Mark and Claire as well as Hal and Helene to go to a Venado’s baseball game.  We are to go over to Connie and Manny’s for spaghetti night with a large crowd of people from the park. 

Does this all seem ridiculously busy for us?  You bet!

In the end the ride to Concordia was good and it really is a lovely little town to visit.

In front of the square in Concordia.

Look close and you’ll see a rare picture of the blogger!!!!

That’s Claire and if you expand the picture you’ll see a little baby in the back with a mustache…. he was pretty cute.

The Christmas tree in the square in front of the church.

Mark and Claire in the big chair that they have in the square.

Sam and Rita having an ice cream in the chair.

This is the seat where Sam got his shoe shine but….my battery died and I didn’t get a picture.   My fault as I didn’t read the display right.   Next time an extra battery in the bag.

We spent some time in their square taking pictures, having an ice cream cone and the big thing was “Sam got a shoeshine for his boots!”  He wanted one last spring but it didn’t happen and this time he was determined.  There were lots of guys ahead of him but the shoeshine guy took pity on him and let him jump the line.  He was a happy guy! 

Onward to Copala for lunch and wouldn’t you know it…… another procession holding us up.  It looked  like this one was high school students doing a relay run carrying a torch.  Who knows what this one was for.  When we arrived in Copala we  had a good lunch in a nice restaurant where we have eaten before .  The only downside was we had to have Pacifico light because they were out of Pacifico Clara and the light just tastes like water.  Poor us, we are so hard done by!  Not!

We were home by 3:30 and that gave me time to get garlic bread ready for tonight’s spaghetti dinner.  We are both tired and will just eat and go home to bed.  I’d like to have gone to the baseball game but maybe we’ll go in another week or two.  Too, too tired.

I had a quick chat with Claire today and she said that she and Mark had done another big journey back in 2000 when they travelled for two years all over India, New Zealand, Australia and who knows where else.  This is all huge to us.  Fred and Marion from Saskatchewan who are in the park  have also travelled all over the world so they had a good chat with Claire as well.

Amazing the places people go and the things they do.  Makes us feel pretty tame.  Oh well, at least we made it this far. 

Tomorrow I’m off for a haircut and a pedicure with Sandi.  There is supposed to be an appetizer party at Betty and Boomers late tomorrow.  We really must get some rest!