Pictures of the Week 2008-8
Hello All,
After sailing through the night we arrived at our next port of call, Pichilingue, early the next morning. The port of Pichilingue serves the capital city of La Paz which is about 10 miles away. Free bus service was provided from the port to town and return. Although La Paz is the industrial and political center of the region, it is tranquil and traditional. Many shops still close for siesta. Local people are friendly, good-natured and hospitable. It’s a real Mexican town, and preserves an air of timelessness.
La Paz is a place to relax. The water is flat, days are sunny and long, sunsets are spectacular, and the local seafood tasty. We arrived about 10 days after Mardi Gras. However, due to a local election the city had delayed celebrating Mardi Gras for two weeks. They were busy setting up booths along the streets and businesses were decorating in the Carnival theme. Too bad we couldn’t have stayed for the celebration.
After sailing through the night we arrived at our next port of call, Pichilingue, early the next morning. The port of Pichilingue serves the capital city of La Paz which is about 10 miles away. Free bus service was provided from the port to town and return. Although La Paz is the industrial and political center of the region, it is tranquil and traditional. Many shops still close for siesta. Local people are friendly, good-natured and hospitable. It’s a real Mexican town, and preserves an air of timelessness.
La Paz is a place to relax. The water is flat, days are sunny and long, sunsets are spectacular, and the local seafood tasty. We arrived about 10 days after Mardi Gras. However, due to a local election the city had delayed celebrating Mardi Gras for two weeks. They were busy setting up booths along the streets and businesses were decorating in the Carnival theme. Too bad we couldn’t have stayed for the celebration.
We strolled the malecon
snapping photos. It is La Paz’s seaside promenade of shops, hotels, and
restaurants. Fine boutiques offer
better-than-average arts and crafts from all around Mexico.
In another area of town there
were large trees lining the sidewalk. The bases had been painted white and some
had polka dots painted on them. We found it interesting and another photo
opportunity!! Note how they also use the trees as poles for power lines!!
Our next stop was the
Cathedral de Nuestra Senora de la Paz (Our Lady of Peace Cathedral), La Paz’s most
treasured historic building.
Construction began in 1861 using the foundation of the original Jesuit
Mission. The majestic but simple
architecture is evocative of other California Missions.
La Paz is considered to be one
of the world’s leading eco-tourism capitals, and there is a strong local drive
to maintain the pristine regional habitat. A mountain range south of the city has been designated a “world
biosphere reserve” in order to maintain its tremendous resident population of
plant and animal life. The beaches just north of the city are among the nicest
in Baja California. There are also many
uninhabited offshore islands--each with its own pretty beach. A desert city, La Paz offers unique beach
atmosphere with a backdrop of semiarid mountains. It is also an outstanding fishing and diving
destination.
Back on the ship is was a lovely evening to be out on deck. At 5:00pm the crew let go of our lines and we started to make our way out of the Port of Pichilingue. A Baja Ferry was departing at about the same time. The ferries run to Topolobampo and Mazatlan.
Back on the ship is was a lovely evening to be out on deck. At 5:00pm the crew let go of our lines and we started to make our way out of the Port of Pichilingue. A Baja Ferry was departing at about the same time. The ferries run to Topolobampo and Mazatlan.
We were provided a fantastic sunset this
evening. It reminded us of molten lava
from a volcano it was so bright.
The ship's southerly course
took us to our next port of call, Cabo San Lucas, but more on that later.
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns