Vaya con Dios, Mazatlan

Weather Underground predicted an eighty per cent chance of rain by 11 a.m. Monday, and it was spot on. This wasn't rain, though. This was a downpour of tropical proportions. By 2 p.m., the skies were depleted of moisture, and the streets mostly passable, so I started off to Starbucks and the free Wi-Fi.


The gentle creek next to the condos was a Class IV rapids and no turtles in evidence, but the bougainvilla at the adjoining Del Sol condos held the kiss of rain.

A steady stream of traffic on Lomas left wakes in the flooded intersections....

...the little brown and white perro, to whom I say "Hola" every time I pass his fence, had taken refuge from the deluge on a window sill.

A water-filled footprint made me realize that sometimes we are aware of others passing our way only when it rains.

And cattle egrets took advantage of the flooded creek to fish new waters.

Yesterday, warm and sunny and comfortable, we walked in Old Town Mazatalan, miles from the Dorado, the Golden Zone where the tourist facilities are concentrated.

This was strolling at its finest--no destinations, no obligations, no time constraints.

Along old streets....

..past cracked railings..

...revitalized homes....

....curbside flowers....

.....crumbling adobe buildings.....

....their previous lives unknown....

and exquisite wooden doors with welcoming knockers.



The Catedral Inmaculata Concepcion from the late 1800s in downtown Mazatlan....

...with the Star of David at the top of each side window, an expression of gratitude for the Jeweish community's financial assistance in restoration of the cathedral after a devastating fire.

Then, in late afternoon, with rough waves rolling over rippling currents running parallel to the beach....

...watching the sun set at Cerritos....





......and the restaurant stayed open so we could enjoy it.

As the light died, we traveled farther away...

...for dinner at Brujah's on the beach.


Drove home under a full moon, and began packing for Wednesday afternoon's flight back home.

Hasta la vista, beautiful Mazataln. Vaya con Dios.