5C's Que Pasa

As I mentioned in my last post we decided to not do the big things this year like the firework display ( although from the photos I have seen, they were spectacular ) nor the parade but we did want to get into town and enjoy the energy. This is the paper mache statue at the Plazuela Machado.

Last Friday was day two of the celebrations and things were certainly happening.

We dined at La Tramoya and sat at a front row table so we could take in all the action around us.

Such as this. They ended up dancing around the square.

Banda is the music of choice during Carnaval in Mazatlan and this group was exceptional.

However this band was playing just a few yards away from the main kiosk and were totally drowned out by the main band. I wonder if they were being paid or working for tips. Regardless it was a waste of their energy as we could not hear a note that they were playing.

After dinner we went for a stroll and discovered a side street full of vendors. This year one had to pass through a metal detector to enter the Plazuela.  We saw no vendors on the street that we came in through ( one of two entrances ) and so were relieved to find this area of fun.

So much to buy should the desire strike. Not us, well at least not this year.  Lovely wigs on the left.

Hanging out with Dad and having a very special time, creating a wonderful memory.

So very many trinkets to choose from.

If beer is your thing, this might be the next purchase you make. You can have 2 open cans of beer at the same time and keep your hands free as you sip at your leisure to shop for more beer or hold hands with your lady or just have a great time at Carnaval 2016.

This family were just sitting on their front stoop as the action took place all around them.  Pretty cool.

Some enterprising duo used the open space of a parking lot pedestrian entrance to set up their taco stand.

Who can resit buying some of these treats? Anything you wanted was right there.

Right behind the treat stand was this fellow cooking up some peanuts. What I spared you was the next photo of him using his apron to wipe the perspiration from his face.

Incognito for the night or just someone who is enjoying the romance and mystery of Carnaval.

…and the band played on.

More ‘concrete’ being poured but not for us. The RV park is putting in the white tube to hold up the electrical lines. The tree on the left did the job until it was hit by lightening a few years ago and it is about to fall over.

A very long way up.

Meanwhile the wind had died down and we are back to highs of 27C.

Caeli likes to sit on chairs.

…but sometimes under them.

Another park project involving heights and ladders.

Time to trim the park trees.

A very serious expression on his face.

We meanwhile have just been taking it easy, very easy.

We have had a cruise ship in three days this week.  As some are so find of expressing….the end.

We were out and about to check out the various statues lining the malecon for Carnival.

The theme this year is” Mazatlántida ‘The allegory that emerged from the waves.’ ” 

As our pulmonia traveled up the malecon we were able to view most of the paper mache statues.

The attention to detail is amazing.

Our destination was our annual breakfast at Panchos. A true iconic restaurant in the Golden Zone. However today was rather nippy and nary a beach vendor was to be seen never mind beach walkers.  Note the yellow flag blowing in that North wind.

Even Panchos is ready for Carnival as is the rest of Mazatlan. Take note of my fleece jacket.

As we strolled away from the Golden Zone I noticed this lovely bougainvillea growing over the roof of a restaurant.  Good thing I did as right next door was an ATM booth which was the most important part of our journey into town.  How could I have forgotten to pick up some pesos!

The new fountain feature at the renovated round about in front of Valentinos restaurant. Complete with a Carnival statue in the background.  Rather apropos I thought.

Sidewalk impediment. I would have to have totally double over to walk under this tree and even then my back would have touched the lower limbs.  Only in Mexico will they redo the sidewalk but not remove the obstacle.

The final stop of the day was to pick up a few groceries at Mega, the mostly gringo grocery store in Mazatlan. Loved this neat ride waiting in the parking lot.

Last nights sunset….not much tonight, besides I was too cold to notice.

Sunset last Saturday, the 30th of January. Amazing how different they are each evening, especially the colors.

The girls are totally into relaxation.

Always something to watch pass us by. How could anyone become bored here, so much to see, so much to do and so much of nature to absorb.

Colin is back at work on his Spanish lessons. Fidel arrived early so Colin had to study and eat his breakfast at the same time.

Some serious relaxing going on here. I was so relaxed that all of these photos were taken from my patio chair where I was reading 🙂  Only simple swiveling required.

I must say that last Saturday’s sunset was pretty special.

We were walking the beach and I caught Caeli enjoying the moment.

Just a random beach scene. That is the Puesta Del Sol restaurant reno in progress in the background.  Looks like it is being built to last for a very long time.

I love watching this fisherman night after night. One day I must get up at dawn and see what he catches…..well maybe next year.