Mazatlan, Otra Vez - Sail boat Stories by Lynn & Don Campbell

As the old saying goes, time flies when you're having fun, so we must be having LOTS of fun, because I just don't know where the past two months have gone.

Swimming, bike riding, aquacizes, playing dominoes and rummy and of course visiting and going out for dinners take up a major part of our weeks.

One of our first outings, (not counting grocery shopping) was a trip to Plaza Muchado for an authentic Mexican dinner at Pedro & Lola's and then to Iglesia San Jose to a string concert. About 14 musicians, mostly college age, very lively music, a free concert part of the Mazatlan Cultural activities.

Next we toured the Pacifico Brewery with the Friends of Mexico organization. We saw the brewing process in several different stages, where they produce some 36,000 cases a day, even though this is their smallest brewery. They took us up to their guest hall on the 8th floor and served us some free beer while we enjoyed the scenery and the setting sun.

After the tour, Sandy, the organizer from Friends of Mexico, who lives in el centro (downtown) took about a dozen of us to a local Mexican cantina. Great food, live music & dancing, then we took an open air taxi truck back to the marina.

We celebrated American Thanksgiving with a turkey dinner and a show --- recognize this guy?

I went to a cooking/provisioning seminar hosted by one of the long term cruisers and while there, met Deborah & Craig from s/v Infinity. Deborah has wheat allergies and very kindly made us lunch one morning, a gluten free pasta dish, then gave us several bags of brown rice noodles ... something I have not been able to find here, and everything I brought with me is long gone.

They were staying at El Cid marina, so we took advantage of their hospitality and went for a swim in the pool, and visited with some of the local residents of the marina , so accustomed to people that Deborah had them eating out of her hand.

Everyone has been so helpful when they hear of our baking adventures with rice & corn flour. I had another cruiser, Mary s/v Carpe Vita, give me some Quinoa flour, an ancient grain used by the Aztecs, and one that Don is allowed to have.

I have also learned how to make a lasagna type dish using corn tortillas, which I took it to a pot luck condo party, and it was such a hit, that others have also tried it.

Since we couldn't spend Shannon's birthday with her, we spent it with some kids from one of the poorest neighborhoods - we went to the church in the morning and made about 150 sandwiches, then delivered them to these kids whose parents work at the dump, collecting recyclables and re-useable.

Although we do miss home and family & friends, we don't miss the cold and the snow. It really is hard to tear ourselves away from this place ... this is why Don worked so hard to build the boat ... and he is finally reaping the benefits.

We want to wish each and everyone of you a most joyous Christmas and Health & Happiness in the New Year.

Feliz Navidad & Prospero Año Nuevo.

(webmaster's note - I'll be adding the pictures real soon)

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