I haven't written for awhile because we have been here in Mazatlan catching up on things, seeing people we met the last time we were here, and meeting new people. I think I have made a new friend, and I am really happy about that.
It is nice and cool here. While I do sort of miss warm water and swimming and being tan (at least tan for a redhead) it is nice not to be sweating like crazy all day long. It is also nice to have the boat open and not use the AC. When we use the AC, it sits in the companion way, and we have to climb in and out of the hatch in the vee berth to get in and out unless we want to engage and disengage the AC every time we leave or enter the boat. Not the end of the world, but definitely a hassle. And it is a chance to wear some different clothes for a change.
I seem to write less when we are in port like this, in great part because it is more like regular life. We get up, make breakfast, clean the boat and do chores, then visit with friends, go to dinner, and so on. Not real interesting. But to me, living here in Mexico is an adventure almost every day, if I really stop to think about it. For example, yesterday Mike and I went out to get some pieces of aluminum for the new solar panels and then to find the proper stainless steel bolts, nuts, and washers to complete the work. We had to go to a new area of town, which was very interesting because it was not in the normal tourist areas. The guys at the storefront that sells every kind of screw imaginable do not speak English, and explaining that sort of thing goes way beyond my general knowledge of Spanish. Our measurements for the aluminum pieces were in inches, while the shop uses centimeters. And we walked for a long time, winding around through little alley-type streets. We ate at a local taco place and the tacos were awesome - carnitas with all sorts of chilis and vegetables and spicy onions.
My nephew has been here for about a week now and it has been great to have him. He and Mike have already installed the new windlass, and Walt is working with one of the local men sanding and re-varnishing the brightwork (teak on the outside of the boat). It looks fantastic, and Walt is gaining much "cred" from other boaters here on the dock with his excellent work. Mike is working on the solar panels, and I expect that everything will be completed within the next week. Our passports expire next month, so we have applied for renewal and the new ones should be ready around the 10th or so. Hopefully it won't be much longer than that.
We have also been enjoying seeing old friends here. There is a wonderful music scene here in Mazatlan and we are in it up to our ears! We made many friends among the various musicians - what stimulating company! Just being around people like that is very - I don't know - inspiring? motivating? I am really not sure. At any rate, the music is awesome, and there is nothing better than singing and dancing and all that goes with it.
We also went to a seminar about the El Salvador cruisers rally we plan on joining in March - I am more excited than ever about going to Central America. In fact, after we leave here, all the places we go will be totally new. I went to Puerto Vallarta once as a tourist about 20 years ago, but otherwise all the places between here and El Salvador will be new. Having lived so long in southern California, Mexican culture is pretty familiar to me. This will be new. Many of the people we will encounter will not speak any English and may not speak Spanish - only Indian languages. The food is different - we have been told there is no spicy food south of Mexico! So I told Mike and Walt not to worry - we would stock up on hot sauce prior to leaving. They also do beautiful weaving and fabric work there and I am hoping to get some nice things.
So that is all for now - just know that things are wonderful down here, I love Mazatlan, and wish everyone a really great day!
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