#7 Sunday 12/14

Mazatlán, Mexico

Since we have now turned north and are heading back to San Diego, our stateroom verandah is facing east. Last night we had a golden crescent moonrise that marked a lovely pathway through the ocean to the shore. It was followed by an amazing sunrise this morning filling the sky with golden rays and purple clouds. A perfect way to start the day. After breakfast we headed down to security for our four-hour tour of the city/shopping and Mexican Dance show.

Mazatlán is as beautiful as we remembered from 16 years ago. The beaches are pristine, calm water and dancing current in the bay. The tall islands that jet up from the water remind us of Hawaii. The city is at the same latitude as Hawaii so the weather and the foliage is similar.

The weather was 81F, 50% humidity and breezy, very comfortable. Bill bought another “going to town hat.” He now has two dress hats. The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception church in the main plaza was lovely. Mass was in progress. But we were still able to admire the beautifully painted and the ceilings were adorned with amazing chandeliers.

We stopped at another shopping area near several hotels. Bill bought another hat at Janet’s prompting. Janet looked at some bracelets but couldn’t afford the $182.00 for the one she wanted, and that is with a 30% discount! We walked down the street to Hotel Flores and Beach Resort. The hotel sat on the beach with a beautiful view of the bay. We sat on the hotel wall and just looked out at the water and people playing and boating in the water. It took all our energy not to jump in the water with our cloth on! We started to think about flying to Mazatlán, staying in a hotel for a weekend and enjoy the beach.

After pining over the beach, we got back in the bus and were taken to a fabulous Mexican Dance Show. It was great, with authentic dances from the different cities and provinces of Mexico. The costumes were amazingly colorful, the music and the dances lovely.

It is now 2:30, past the time of our arrival on the ship.  We made it back at 3:00 hungry for lunch. Luckly the buffet was still serving lunch. We scarfed down salads and sandwiches and went back to your cabin for a shower and nap before dinner.

Our dinner in the dining room was delicious. The sunset was beautiful. Moonrise was very nice. It was so very peaceful watching the waves go by and the skies change from sunset to moonrise from our veranda!