Mazatlan, Mexico, el dieciocho de noviembre, 2019

I had another great day.  I spent the morning planning my next 2 months.  It’s nice to travel independently, but what a lot of work!  I’ve pretty much got my schedule figured out, at least for the next month with train tickets understood and accommodation booked.

I went grocery shopping and had a salchitaco for lunch.  It’s nachos stuffed with chorizo, smothered with queso, salsa and chilorio.  They offer large, medium and small-

I had a small for $2.05 and it filled me up for the day.  I added some jalapeños too.  I like them-

My only goal  for the day was to get to Starbucks and buy more coffee.  I came with quite a bit but I use lots each day and certainly do not want to run out.  It was also a good excuse to get a bike and go along the Malecon.  Coming home I went past my usual turn off spot and went as far south as the Malecon goes-

There were a few surfers-

Fernando Valadés Lajarza (1920 - 1978) was a  composer, singer and pianist with a repertoire of more than 300 songs-

Back at Plazuela Machado, where I parked my bike, a young woman was celebrating her 15th birthday-

On my way home I stumbled upon a tailor also selling masks.  I think this would be perfect for Rider games but maybe a little hot.  It always amazes me how people can’t take proper pictures.  Couldn’t she see that string hanging over the front?  Or maybe she thought it just adds to the whole effect, I mean, why is this woman making me take a picture of her wearing this weird mask-

Once back at home, I went upstairs to invite my neighbours from Powell River, B.C. to come down for a beer.  It was 7:15 and they were just going to bed.  WTF I thought - ”we are old!” Theresa said. That’s okay I thought and went home.  Fifteen minutes later there was a knock at the door and guess who?  Theresa said she felt bad so she came fown for about an hour.  We had a nice visit.  She’s a retired elementary music teacher and was saying how sad Vancouver has become.  They used to rent a 2 bedroom home on the West Side for $1000/month and now of course you can’t get anything for less than $2000 if you’re lucky.  They ended up buying a place in Powell River and you need to take a boat to get there.  I don’t think I’d like that. They’ve been coming to Mazatlán for over 40 years because it was the cheapest and easiest from Vancouver.  She did mention Isla Piedra, a short walk and boat ride away so that’s what I’ll do tomorrow.  They go home on Wednesday.

Tomorrow is another day - it’s gonna be great!