Pictures of the Week 2008-5
Hello All,
As we approached the harbor at Mazatlan one of the first things we observed was El Faro. It is locally hailed as the world’s highest natural lighthouse since it is perched on a 515-foot hill at the entrance to the harbor.
As we approached the harbor at Mazatlan one of the first things we observed was El Faro. It is locally hailed as the world’s highest natural lighthouse since it is perched on a 515-foot hill at the entrance to the harbor.
Mazatlan is Mexico’s principal
Pacific coastal fishing, shrimping and commercial port, as well as one of its
prime resorts. Mazatlan is famous for its beaches and sport fishing with over
7,000 marlin and billfish tagged and released each year. The city is divided
into two areas: Old Mazatlan and the Zona Dorado (Golden Zone). In the older section there is the cathedral,
historical district and local markets; and in the Golden Zone are luxury
hotels, shops, restaurants and beaches.
Since Barb and I had visited Mazatlan a number of years ago we had planned to find a taxi and hire the driver to give us a tour of the city. Mazatlan is famous for their little open air taxis that are wonderful on hot days.
Since Barb and I had visited Mazatlan a number of years ago we had planned to find a taxi and hire the driver to give us a tour of the city. Mazatlan is famous for their little open air taxis that are wonderful on hot days.
However, when we got off the
ship we came across a Trolley Tour of the city that sounded better to us. The trolley made numerous stops and was
narrated in English.
One of our first stops was a
vista overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There were lots of folks selling their
wares--ironwood carvings, baskets, silver jewelry, pottery, etc. We came across
a young man with a pet Iguana so Barb had to have her picture with it!
El Mirador Cliff was our next
trolley destination. This is where divers perform feats similar to those of
their counterparts at Acapulco’s famous La Quebrada. We watched them make dives
from the 40-foot high cliff into the waves below. The key to success is timing
because the water is only six feet deep at times. As it happens, the dives
usually take place at the precise moment a tour bus arrives--go figure!! The divers gratefully accept tips!!
Old Mazatlan centers on a
small square, and is an eclectic district of interesting old Spanish-style
buildings and colorful new condos. The
Basilica looms with its lovely blue and gold spires. Begun in 1875, the
cathedral was completed in 1899. Many of the old buildings in the surrounding
district have been restored as restaurants or shops.
Before leaving Old Mazatlan
for the Golden Zone our guide had the trolley driver go past the Shrimp Market.
The sidewalks in the market were lined with vendors selling fresh shrimp out of
tubs. There were many different species of
both bay and ocean shrimp. The locals prefer the sweeter bay shrimp. The
guide jumped off the trolley and grabbed a couple of one-pound shrimp to show us. They were
amazing!!
Zona Dorada is where Mazatlan’s
elegant hotels and condos are found. Dorada is the tourist neighborhood. Its
boutiques and cafes cater to tourists and wealthy residents. With plentiful
soft sand beaches, golf courses, and great sport fishing it is no wonder the
resort receives more than a million visitors annually. It was fun seeing it all
again.
Throughout our cruise Holland America was taking the norovirus serious. They had already had four sick ships prior to our sailing. They had hand sanitizers placed throughout the ship. You even had to use the sanitizers before they would let you back on the ship when in port. We were lucky in that we did not have a sick ship! However, as you can see by the photo the virus did try to attack Barb and her sister!!
Throughout our cruise Holland America was taking the norovirus serious. They had already had four sick ships prior to our sailing. They had hand sanitizers placed throughout the ship. You even had to use the sanitizers before they would let you back on the ship when in port. We were lucky in that we did not have a sick ship! However, as you can see by the photo the virus did try to attack Barb and her sister!!
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns