Mazatlan, Mexico: A little happened last night. Very little. We spiffed-up and had a cocktail in the Observation Lounge, just in time to catch another gorgeous sunset, before having dinner in the Manhattan Room. Dave had Thai Noodle Salad and Shrimp Scampi. I had bruschetta and roasted chicken. We were asleep before ten o'clock.
Early to bed equals early to rise and thank goodness, or I would have missed this sunrise:
An hour later we were docked in Mazatlan inside their very busy and very noisy port.
Sorry if you have seen/read all this before. We have been to Mazatlan so many times, as we have been coming since the 90s. Still always a fun and busy town. It really isn't much of a foreign tourist destination, and except when cruise ships are in town. On a normal Thursday, I suppose the Old Town would be quite pleasant. This time of year, the town squares are preparing for Easter. But, over the Easter holiday every hotel in town is full with Mexican tourists.
After leaving the ship, shuttle carts are provided to get the passengers safely through a traffic-jam of fork lifts, then we must "exit through the gift shops" of course, before walking/taxi to the Historical Town Center. We always walk - it is about one mile, mostly flat, and the tourist office provided a blue line to follow on the sidewalk. On days cruise ships are in town, local ex-pats (mostly American and Canadians) volunteer on street corners (in uniforms) to help guide the wanderers. They also know where to get the best this-or-that, and are so friendly and always smiling. Also, the city provides flaggers on busier intersections to stop car traffic for pedestrians. Mazatlan must love cruisers.
The German Department Store was opened in 1845 by the Heymann Scuesores Company, when so many Germans lived in Mexico. They sold luxury furnishings and decor, Steinway pianos, and European crystal and china. they closed at the beginning of World War II. The building still looks abandoned.
Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
Our next stop is always the market. Anything you could possibly want to wear or eat can be found in this busy colorful market. Dave had to go see his favorite leather shoe lady, Lupita. She remembers him, even if he doesn't buy a pair of her huarache sandals.
Time for lunch. I had done a little research before leaving on this trip and discovered a fun place right in the Historical District - Totem. Not only was the food delicious, the restaurant itself is so cute and inviting. On the ground floor is what seems a coffee shop, but there are two other levels - and the top level is a rooftop terrace.
Everything was obviously made from scratch, and so much care was put into every detail. Our server, Anna, was so lovely and answered my many questions (considering we did not have a common language!). I need to step-up my enchilada game at home. Both our plates had a schmear of refried black beans on the bottom. They held DT's tacos upright and added a ton of flavor to both our meals. Good find!
And then it was time to retrace our steps back to the barco grande. I had my 10000 steps before 2 o'clock this afternoon!
And don't forget, another gauntlet of shops at the cruise port. Anyone need a new tee shirt?
Will again post this while still in port (when wifi is good) and will update if anything exciting happens tonight besides us eating and drinking too much again. Manana? Cabo San Lucas. There is a 50% chance we will not even get off the boat... or maybe fish tacos are once again in our future?
Until my next update, I remain, your Mazatlan correspondent.
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