January 2023 - Leightbloomer

Just in from a shorter-than-usual walk that took me along the malecon, through Plazuela Machado and my old neighbourhood around Constitución. My pal at the beer shop on the corner was there but I’m not feeling great today so didn’t stop to say Hola. I’ve picked up a minor (so far) cold so it’s a laid back kind of day.

Gazing out at the ocean listening to David Crosby’s Guinevere. I am gutted by his death.

On the other hand, the previous four days have been a bit of a whirlwind. Stocking up with food and other kitchen essentials was much easier than anticipated thanks to the generosity of my neighbour Linda. She has a car and invited me along on trips to Soriana (think Superstore) and Walmart. She also took me to the bus station to secure my ticket to Guadalajara and has answered countless questions with great patience. She and partner James are from Quebec City and have been coming here for years. In her spare time, she tiles. And tiles. And tiles.

Some finished works and a flamingo in process on the outside alls of our casa.

I’ve also managed a fabulous long walk on the beach at low tide, a yummy meal at a (new to me) restaurant and a sublime couple of hours with my toes in the sand at Olas Altas beach with friends I met last year. Hoping to see a few more familiar faces when I return to pickle ball this coming week.

Mazatlán itself is the same, and by that I mean in a constant state of flux and growth. Prices are higher this year, and the exchange rate not as favourable for Canadians. Regardless, it’s nowhere near as expensive as home; fresh seafood, in-season fruits and vegetables are still affordable here.

The city is in the process of setting up the Carnaval figures along the malecon, and the rumour is they will be illuminated this year (in case they weren’t already perfect). The thought of thousands filling Centro and the malecon still elicits some dread in me. Even without Covid, those massive crowds would be a challenge, so I totally understand why some just leave for five days. Remains to be seen how much of the celebration I will take in, but I do enjoy watching the preparations for the party!

Rain is slashing against my window as seagulls play in updrafts this morning. Mid January in Halifax isn’t exactly a typical winter scene, but then again nothing is as it was when it comes to earth’s weather patterns.

I am in the final days of preparation before my flight to Mazatlán, Mexico. It will be a homecoming of sorts, having spent almost two months there last winter. I am eagerly anticipating warm (not hot) sunshine, excellent seafood, long walks along the malecon and beaches and spectacular sunsets. And yet, a different kind of Mazatlán was portrayed by the world’s media last week as one of the top leaders of the Sinaloa cartel was recaptured by the Mexican government. And the picture was entirely false.

Yes, El Raton (The Mouse) Guzman was captured, and there was violence, however none of it occurred within the city of Mazatlán. In fact, the only incident anywhere nearby was on one of the highways that was closed down during the fracas. No buses were burnt (the person interviewed by the Canadian media was found to have lied). No bullets flying, no one murdered.

Out of an abundance of caution, people were asked to stay home, and businesses and schools closed their doors in compliance. Airports and major highways were shut down. Cars and taxis pulled off of the normally-busy streets. In other words, everyone did as asked, and the next day it was business as usual.

Life is random. People get murdered in my town with alarming regularity. Folks get mugged at ATMs. And millions of people in Mexico and all over the world walk the streets, sip coffee in cafes and hike on mountain tops taking in the spectacular beauty of this precious planet. Do what makes you happy.

Month: January 2023

Day of Rest

Cartel Countdown