Crazy Legs Mexico

Already, Carnaval preparations are starting. Nothing remains still here for long. I understand there is a longstanding competition with Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans for the largest celebration. Mazatlán and New Orleans are tied for second place. Rio is the top dog. I don't care, I'll be in bed by 8:30. But, I do love the 30 foot "statues" being erected along the Malecón. Called monigotes, or "rag dolls", they are made from treated cloth pieces stretched over a wire framework. Very whimsical. We have our very own 30' pirate here in Plazuela Machado.

Couple of crazy days. First of all, Dina tested positive for covid.  At first, we thought it was a cold. I was getting over one at the time. However, the symptoms were different.  Sore throat, congestion, etc. She's turned the corner already, I think. I mean in a good way. But, we also forgot to pay the light bill. So, two days in, the fridge was starting to smell and produce interesting cultures. Since it was the weekend, nothing was to be done. I took the opportunity to clear out all of the leftovers. No internet, TV etc. Did I feel free?? Sort of.

Turns out, the electric bill has to be paid here. Just like in the states. We have been without power since last night. The irony is that it takes weeks to get someone to change a lightbulb but, if you don't pay the bill, the power is gone immediately. I was going to tell them that my wife is handicapped and needs oxygen (just like all of us). My good sense got the better of me.

Hey, Zues! Two days after taking down the Christmas decorations, Carnaval is starting. So far, it's one holiday after another here.  I love this installation. A corpulent dude on a unicycle with a cigar and a beer. Towering 30 feet over the Malecón. I think it's papier maché.

Stand by for news.  It's been a few days since I posted. I had a chest cold. Now, Dina is suffering from the same affliction. But, hers is presenting with a sore throat, fatigue, and hoarseness. Also, because of MS, it affects her balance and leg strength. I'm attending to her to my best ability, but... this is not my strongest skill. In fact, I went for a short bike ride this morning. However, the gods were not with me. The seat broke after a couple of miles.  You can see the seat in the water bottle cage. The poor thing (Dina, not the bike)is resting quietly now. Also, added some new words to my Spanish vocab! Resfriado: Cold (viral) Garganta: throat Cough: tos Etc.

Off to Concordia this morning. I had yoga at 7:30 then traipsed around the barrio trying to find some breakfast take away. We started out around eleven for the one hour drive into the Sierras. Concordia is remarkable for the stone church that dates back to the 1500's.  Dina was also interested in visiting a pottery studio, and, after asking around we found an amazing little place by the side of the main road. It almost looks abandoned. There we introduced ourselves to Felipe Piña, the 3rd generation potter. Right now, while I write this, he is giving Dina a lesson. And chattering away in Spanish at the same time.

In this cool morning of Mazatlán, my blood runs cold with the anticipation and dread of the day ahead. Just kidding. Great day today! ¡Me encanta Mazatlán! Dina and I fed the pigeons while waiting for Mass to finish at the cathedral. After Mass, we went and enjoyed a half hour in the church. After that, we walked for a mile or two in Old Town, running into some new friends. The locals are very friendly and exuberant. We enjoy using our pidgin Spanish on the locals. Whether they enjoy it or not, is a different matter.  Yesterday. I started with Irma, my new Spanish tutor. She is very smart and wise in the ways of learning. She kept me teetering on the edge of frustration. Then, pulled me back from the abyss until my eyes uncrossed. She has a great sense of humor and we shared some memories and photos of Sadie and Macy's recent trip here. So, she's also patient! Today, Dina and I finally got to see the cathedral near our apartment. It is more beautiful t

There is a huge building Boom in Mazatlán going on right now. There are at least 20 high rise condos going up along the popular Malecón.  According to some, there is already a fresh water crisis in Sinaloa. I can't imagine how these new structures, with all the residents, are going to affect local infrastructure. Hopefully, there is some master plan. But, from my experiences of México, there isn't. One local tour operator told me it is a money laundering operation for the Narcos.

Dina and I both got emails today telling us that El Chapo's son was arrested early this morning in Culiacán (127 miles north). We were warned to stay home and if we did go out, to remain alert.  I went for a short walk to the Plazuela and all the stores and restaurants, except for one, were locked up tight. Talking to our neighbors on the roof tonight. They said things would be back to normal tomorrow.  It's like a snow day!