film festival, details, locations to be · 2015-08-21 · carnaval #1024 col. centro 982-4446 &...
TRANSCRIPT
A former gringo neighbor who moved four years ago from here to Acapulco
recently told us he was very happy there except for one thing.
“I miss the culture,” he said.It’s true. You can go to perhaps
more glamorous-sounding places like Acapulco or Cancun, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a resort with more cultural activity than Mazatlan.
Our thriving cultural scene traces its roots to the restoration of the Angela Peralta Theater and its next-door companion, the Municipal Center for the Arts. Large-scale activities began in both those places in 1992, when the First Lady of Mexico cut the ribbon reopening the theater with a gala performance of “Carmen.”
Nothing has been the same here since. Not only has the theater played host to an ever-increasing number of concerts, dance performances, recitals, operas and zarzuelas (light operas), the creative spirit has spread out through the surrounding Historic Center. That area has grown more colorful with the arrival of resident artists, galleries and studios to join the existing museums.
While September is not the liveliest month of the year for arts events, the Municipal Cultural Institute recently invited a large gathering of locals who are active in, or help promote, the arts. The cultural arm of local government, headed by Lic. Raul Rico, announced to
the group that it is mounting a campaign to inform the general public as to how the arts enter all the senses -- taste, touch, smell, hearing and vision. And maybe at the same time, this campaign
aims at reminding people of how lucky they are to be in Mazatlan, where the arts are flourishing.
An international sampling of independent film called Cineseptiembre is penciled in for Sept. 12 to 18. The organizers, who have been calling internationally for entries since January, have received 157 works from 16 countries, among them 96 short subjects, 8 full-length dramas, 43 documentaries and 10 of the sort called Video-Art.
The entries are from Mexico (74), Argentina (33), Spain (27), as well as from Turkey, Egypt, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, and Central and South America. How much of this will be intelligible to an English-speaking audience is anybody’s guess, but watch for further notice on our website: www.pacificpearl.com -- click “updates”: on the upper right.
Incidentally, a modest step toward theater in English is being taken by Ken Albanese, organizer of a new Mazatlan Film and Theater Society. He is looking for a few people who like to read plays, to join his existing group; if interested, write to [email protected]
As mentioned, September is a fairly quiet month for arts events. But come October, November, December -- watch out! The Spanish language International Festival of Theater (Oct. 2-8) may not appeal to you, but events scheduled for the Sinaloa Cultural Festival (Oct. 22-30) are sure to please. And then the Mazatlan Cultural Festival (Oct. 13 to Dec. 17) has a lineup of 52 events that
should offer something for every taste.The listings below may not be complete as of our deadline. For updates, changes, cancelations, please check our website.
SEPTEMBER1 -- Photographs by Jesus Garcia Rodriguez, 8:00 p.m., Carlos Bueno Gallery, Mazatlan Art Museum2 -- Art exposition, works by Salvador Leon, 8:00 p.m., Carlos Bueno Gallery, Mazatlan Art Museum12-18 -- Cineseptiembre international film festival, Details, locations to be announced22 -- Exposition, paintings inspired by the Youth Festival, Carlos Bueno Gallery, Mazatlan Art Museum’23 -- Art works from Taiwan on exhibition7:30 p.m., Roberto Perez Rubio Gallery, Mazatlan Art Museum24 -- “Mexico Lindo y Querido,” songs sung by Elisa Perez Meza, accompanied by the Mariachi Continental, 8:30 p.m., Jardin de la Trova, Melchor Ocampo no. 510, Centro, Admission: 150 pesos
Teatro Angela Peralta (TAP)Carnaval #1024 Col. Centro
982-4446 & 982-4447Tickets available only atthe theatre box office.
Hours: 9am-3pm, 5pm-7pm
Elisa Perez MezaSept. 24th, Jardin de la Trova
2 September 2011 Where the needs of the world and your talents cross, there lies your vocation. – Aristotle
Welcome to Mazatlán, the pearl of the Pa-cific, where the average temperature hov-
ers around 82 degrees, the sun shines every day, and outdoors is the place to be. The activities this city has to offer will appeal to everyone. Here on the Sea of Cortéz, Mazatlán’s coast-line beckons you to stroll along its numerous beaches, or its 10 kms of Malecón—seawall, or to hike to El Faro—lighthouse, the second highest natural lighthouse in the world.
Beaches – Our beaches all have lifeguards for your protection, and warning flags along the beaches indicate by their color the condi-tion of the water. Swimmers should know:
FLAG WARNINGS:Green — calmRed — dangerWhite — jellyfishYellow — cautionOrange & Yellow — manta rays
B E A C H SPORTS—try them all: parasail, kayak, boogie board,sail on a catamaran, jet ski, banana boat, shore fish, swim, bodysurf, play beach volleyball...or laze the day away under a palapa.Do as much or as little as you want.
In the area of the Golden Zone: Playa Sábalos: Sábalo beach is on the north side of Valentino´s nightclub (castlelike structure). Playa Gaviotas extends from Hotel Playa Mazatlán to El Cid Mega Resort.
In the area of the Hotel Zone, you will see three islands rising offshore. Las Tres Islas: Wolf, Deer and Bird islands. Deer Island (center) has a small beach with great tide pools for snorkeling and can be accessed by boat cruises.
Isla de la Piedra – Stone Island is lo-cated at the southern end of the city and is actually a peninsula but is easily accessible by taking a water taxi from the harbor (20 pesos return) This is a laid-back destination where you can walk, horse ride, or rent an ATV to explore the miles of undeveloped beaches, or hang out in one of the several open-air restaurants.
Olas Altas means high waves.Located in Centro Historico— Old Town, Olas Altas is the starting point for the Malecón, the city´s seaside walkway and continues for 10 kms, up to Valentino´s. Shops, galleries and restaurants offer art, sil-ver, souvenirs and great food.
Playa Los Pinos: between the Marine House and Fish-erman´s Monument. Local fishermen sell their daily catches here in the early morning or late afternoon.
Playa Norte: North of Playa Los Pinos, Playa Norte is a popular site to watch locals play beach baseball and soccer.
Playa Marlin: Along Avenida del Mar. Fresh seafood is served at beachside restaurants.
Punta Camarón: the rocky point next to Valentino´s is a favorite with experienced surf-
ers who love this area´s big crashing waves.North Beaches: Playa Bruja and Pun-
ta Cerritos—take any of the buses marked “Cerritos” and you will find these more iso-lated beaches. Popular with surfers, it is also a great area for horse riding and has a relax-ing atmosphere with good open-air restau-rants serving delicious seafood.
SIGHTSEEING—Mazatlán is proud of its rich history, as evidences by the many monuments throughout the city that have be-come landmarks to us all. The Fisherman’s Monument is the most prominent, located on Avenida del Mar and Gutierrez Najera. The Sinaloan Family, looking towards the future, is located near Valentino´s and was a gift to the city from our famous artist, Antonio Lo-pez Saenz, at the turn of the century.
El Centro – Downtown is the original Mazatlán where you will see neo-classi-cal architecture and the European influ-ence of this port’s early settlers. Take a Sábalo Centro (green) bus that travels from the north of the city, to downtown. Visit the Cathedral, Central Market and Plaza Revolución.
Centro Historico –Old Town—Walk a little further south and west of Plaza Revo-lución and you will find Plazuela Machado and the Angela Peralta Theater in Centro His-torico, the restored historic center of the city which now extends to many streets with new
shops and restaurants. If you continue walk-ing west, toward the sea, you will come to the seaside area known as Olas Altas, Mazatlán´s original tourist zone. Here you can visit the Archeological Museum, the Museum of Art and art galleries. If you are here on the first Friday of the months between November and May, you can tour the studios of local artists. Further along Olas Altas, you can watch cla-vadistas—cliff divers, diving from the rocks, into tidal pools.
ACTIVITIESShop the Golden Zone: Handicrafts, silver jewelry, leather clothes, huarache sandals, handmade gold and silver jewelry, Mexican zarapes, hand-painted pottery, talavera dish-es, fine wood sculptures, Mexican blankets and so much more are available in the shops of the Golden Zone.
Restaurants & Nightclubs: Enjoy different restaurant every night—from local, succulent seafood to hot & spicy Mexican plates, to in-ternational fine dining. And the nightlife never ends. Happening clubs for those who like to party long and late, and romantic dance floors for easy listening and dancing. They´re all here.
Sport Fishing: The local waters are teem-ing with swordfish, sailfish, marlin, tuna and dorado. Farther north is the best fresh water bass fishing in Mexico.
4 September 2011 Nobody notices what I do, until I don’t do it.
September is a rich month in historical commemorations for Mexico. September 13th, the Dia de los
Niños Héroes is in honor of the six young military cadets who gave their lives while defending their country from invading U.S. forces at Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City in 1847. One cadet wrapped himself in the Mexican flag before jumping from the roof to preserve the flag from falling into enemy hands. The six young cadets were between the ages of 13 and 19 years old.
On September 15th, the Grito de Dolores (“Cry of Dolores”) or El Grito de la Independencia is the event that
now marks the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence in 1810 (the most important national holiday observed in Mexico.) The morning of Sept. 16th, Father Miguel Hidalgo, a Roman Catholic priest, ordered the church bells rung to gather his congregation for mass. Carrying a banner bearing the image of the Virgen de Guadalupe, he called for his assembled congregation to revolt. Now observed beginning at 11:00 p.m. on Sept. 15, crowds gather in all of the decorated town squares to await the interactive reenactment by the president of Mexico, who rings the same historic bell rung by Father Hidalgo, recites the cry and the crowd responds with ¡Viva Mexico! and ¡Viva la independencia!
Dia de la Independencia, is as important to Mexico as July 4th is to the U.S. The Mexican War of Independence began September 16, 1810 as an idealistic peasants rebellion; an armed conflict between the people of Mexico and the Spanish colonial authorities.
Consumatión de la Independencia – September 27th commemorates the end of the Mexican War of Independence
on this date in 1821, 11 years after it was begun.
Natalicio de José Maria Morelos y Pavón honors the September 30, 1765 birthdate of this Mexican Roman Catholic priest and revolutionary rebel leader who led the Mexican War of Independence movement after the execution of Father Hidalgo in 1811. Born in Valladolid, Michoacán, the city was renamed Morelia in his honor. - M.B.
6 September 2011 The only person getting his work done by Friday was Robinson Crusoe.
Every year, more and more people leave their country in search of more
affordable health related treatments. Mazatlan is one of the destinations of many Americans and Canadians for a variety of procedures. There are hospitals, clinics and individual practitioners that are equipped and prepared to treat a foreigner here in Mazatlan.
This article deals primarily with dental implants. Every country has different legal considerations on
what training is needed to perform dental implant work. For this article I interviewed a local dentist, who just so happens to be one of the first dentists to have started working with implants in the whole state of Sinaloa. He specializes in dental rehabilitation. This is the specialty in Mexico that oversees the work that is necessary to perform implant work. This specialist tells the oral surgeon what teeth to remove, where to implant and how to implant the titanium.
As with all services, the best referral to a practitioner is word of mouth referral. Practitioners may have available patients that you can communicate with that will give you
feedback on their experiences. At this point, enough English speaking patients have been treated in the city, that providing you with contact numbers of English speaking patients should not be a problem. You can communicate with
the dental office by phone or through the internet. Some offices have web sites. With the money that can be saved, you may wish to visit Mazatlan and arrange for a face to face consultation. As with all health services, it is important that you feel comfortable and confident in the people that will be treating you.
If you have had cavities, gum disease, trauma or suffered bad oral hygiene and you have gotten to the point where implants are a treatment option, Mazatlan can be the place for you. Check out prices, doctors and the quality of the doctor. Implants have a 95% success rate and the success is based on the dentist and the quality and quantity of bone that you have to work with.
Dr. Steven Backman is an American licensed chiropractor residing in Mazatlán.
Rumor no more! They have broken ground on the Marina-area
commercial center to be anchored by Liverpool and a Super Wal-Mart. Officially known as The Shoppes at Marina Mazatlan, the site is located at the corner of Carlos Canseco and Ave. Delfin, just past the Tec Mileneo
campus and across from Anglo Moderno High School. The Shoppes at Marina Mazatlán represent an investment of more than 800 million pesos placed on 400 acres of land that will also house a Sanborn´s, Aurrerá , MM cinemas, among others and have the shopping mall requisite food court.
September 2011 7 Friction is a drag
One of the many great joys of slowly catching
on to the Spanish language is learning some of the classic wise old sayings, many of them without an exact equivalent in English. About ten years ago I wrote
a Pacific Pearl column, dubbed “Pearls of Wisdom”, mentioning a few of my favorites, such as “Cada chango a su mecate” (Each ape to his vine). Well, I’ve heard a few good ones since then, like the pithy “Cuentas claras, amistades largas” (Clear accounts, long friendships). These
four little words contain an immense amount of wisdom, and make for a good rule to live by, right up there with Shakespeare’s “Neither a borrower nor a lender be” (almost twice as many words).
Another four word wonder, “Mucho ruido, pocas nueces” (Much noise, few walnuts) is originally a tree shakers’ lament. It might be appropriately applied to a good for nothing squirrel who’d rather chatter than forage, and a myriad of other unsatisfying things, from politics to poker. Again, Shakespeare adroitly parries it with “Much ado about nothing”. “Hombre preparado vale por dos” (A prepared man is
worth two) is not particularly witty, but it sure is true. Maybe even an understatement. It pre-dates the Boy Scout motto “Be prepared” by eons and remains more valid than ever in the 21st century.
The following six word adage is considerably wittier, but contains a mild profanity which we will of course not be printing in this family oriented newspaper. You didn’t hear the “P” word from me, but I will give you a hint: it rhymes. “Amor de lejos, amor de pende..s” (Long distance romance is for dumb....s). There is a variation, “Amor de lejos, felices los cuatro” (Long distance romance, happy all four).
Rather an unromantic view of affairs, but nevertheless good advice to keep in mind.
Also, possibly my favorite (though probably not a good rule to live by): Mas vale pedir perdón que permiso (Better to ask for forgiveness than permission). No Shakespearean rebuttal comes to mind...
Well, I hope that’s enough for the slender September issue! If I’m still around in ten years maybe I’ll have some new ones... See y’all come fat October, meanwhile stay cool!
EG Brady has been writing lighthearted columns for the Pacific Pearl for over eleven years.
Joe meets Bill and says, “Hear you
found the perfect girl-friend?” Bill replied, “Na, she’s as weird as the others!” A typi-cal couple progressing
toward developing a relationship begins by a talking over demographics such as: where are you from, where did you go to school, and what do you do for a living, etc. Next, they progress to discussions about interests and things they enjoy. After a brief passage of time they discuss values. Interests bring peo-ple together, com-mon values allow their relationship to grow. Problems hap-pen when people move at different speeds toward the same goal. Some go through the following steps potentially leading to commitment.
1. Awe – Is the first feeling that’s hard to explain. Some call it falling in love. The WOW effect.
2. Rude Awakening – breaking the tran-quility, situations or information uncov-ered that impacts the awe.
3. Walls – People put up walls to protect themselves. Such as fears of being hurt
again. They add up to setting the stage for failure. Be careful not to sabotage a developing relationship out of fear.
4. Awareness of what the Self really wants – The lies you tell others is one thing, but the lies you tell yourself about relationships can only be harmful in the end. When forming a new relationship, don’t jump to the conclusion that this is “ THE” relationship. You might have “A” relationship with someone with whom
you golf or go bowling. Once you say “THE” relationship you throw cau-
tion to the wind. As long as you can view it as “A” relation-
ship and see where it is going you will be in safe territory. Grow beyond self- limit-
ing thinking. Take a “Leap of Faith”. Learn
about yourself.
5. Willingness to Commit – Many people tend to repeat steps 1 to 3 just to avoid real in-depth relationships.
Emotional growth rates also impact couples. One partner may freeze at the high school graduate level; the other keeps growing. Some couples move from awe to sexual intimacy quickly and then find it is difficult to fill in the preceding steps. Thereafter, the man will expect sexual intimacy as the first touch point while the woman frequently
expects the emotional component as the first touch point.
Some people thought they found their soul mate only to learn they were really just a heel!
Notice Good, Laugh Loud, Love Often!Michael & Phyllis are contributing from their work to advise readers on keeping the most important relationships healthy toward happiness here in paradise. Look for future articles and free relation-ship workshops. Their website address is www.lovesgps.com and email [email protected].
Restaurants:La CorrienteYoopers
Map Index:
1Churches:
Vineyard Church / La Viña
Other Services: ActinverPacific Pearl
Real Estate:Paradise Bay
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10 September 2011 The trouble with life is there’s no background music.
You remember how the smell of new crayons and freshly-sharpened new
pencils helped create excitement to return to the classroom from all summer playing in the great outdoors? Friends of Mexico (FOM), endeavors to instill positive impressions about education in
local kids. Sadly, some children would have to return to classes without even a pencil but for the goodness of those
who care about a more positive future for those whose families struggle for basic necessities.
For over 13 years, the great people who meet under the moniker Friends of Mexico have seen to it that many school-age children in Mazatlan receive back-
to-school care packages. The FOM bylaws state: the purpose
of the Association is to be a community-minded organization that supports the education of students in impoverished schools in Mazatlán and seeks to enhance the experience of its members living in Mazatlán.
Beginning in 1998, FOM charter members gave 25 first graders at Sor Juana in Colonia Azteca uniforms, shoes & socks and backpacks full of supplies and provided supplies for their teachers, as well. The continuing success from this beginning step is summarized in the following paragraph from the FOM
website:“We have observed
children as old as nine now entering the first grade seeking to be educated, as the result of our programs. Graduation rates at the schools we support have increased and now most of the graduates are continuing on to secondary schools. In fact, each of the twenty-five students who graduated from Sor Juana in June of 2006, which were in the first grade when we began our efforts, continued on to a secondary school.”
13 years later, FOM now has 8 adopted schools and will provide supplies to 2156 students this year! The August 9th work party saw members busily assembling the supplies that would be distributed to the schools at the end of the month. That’s where I found this industrious and cheerful group of do-gooders, up to their elbows in the bustling activity of sorting and packaging the carefully planned purchases. Sue Parker, School Support Chair, related
how she shops comparatively online for the very best prices for every item and submits her order in May to leave time for all items to be received before the August meeting/work party. Funds for supplies come from membership dues, donations, fundraising events and newsletter and web banner advertising.
On this day, in addition to long-time FOM members, there were many young volunteers from the Vineyard Church in Toledo, Ohio and a vivacious vacationing brother and sister from Vancouver. Invited by an FOM member, Nella and Giovanna Amenta were beaming with the positive energy of purpose, new friends and the spirit of volunteerism.
Providing school supplies is one way FOM works toward its goal of helping local children in Mazatlan improve and extend their education, and they
also make scholarships available to deserving students. Additionally, members go out to the schools each week and teach classes in ESL, English as Second Language. Want to get involved? You can join Friends of Mexico at any general meeting (held on the second Tuesday of each month at the Vineyard Church) or online at www.friendsofmexicoac.org.
Happy Helpers
The Colorful Care Packages
September 2011 11Mental backup in progress - Do Not Disturb!
BLOODY MARYSOUP
Take the recipe for the cocktail, Bloody Mary, also referred to as an “eye opener” and as a cure for a hangover, be adventurous and adapt the ingredients to a first course or as an appetizer. That is what I have done in developing this recipe “Bloody Mary Soup”. As an alternative, replace the vodka with Tequila and you can call it “Bloody Maria Soup”. This is your choice. A few words about the origin of the Bloody Mary Cocktail, they are all questionable. It has been said it was a bartender named Petiot at Harry’s Bar in Paris, France, or that it was created by an actor named George Jessel, also claiming fame a waitress named Mary, who worked in a Chicago Saloon called “Bucket of Blood”, and countless others. Perhaps the name refers to the blood like color of the cocktail.
INGREDIENTS:2 cups Tomato Juice2 cups Vegetable Juice Mix½ cup Vodka1 tsp celery salt1 tsp Sugar, white granulated2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce½ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper
4 shakes (drops) Tabasco Sauce
GARNISH:4 Celery Stalks for soup cups, 4 tsp chopped celery leaves for soup bowls
METHOD:Transfer all the ingredients to a medium size saucepan. Whisk to blend. Heat over moderate heat, stirring occasionally until hot, and small bubbles appear on the surface. Do not bring to a full rolling boil. Meanwhile, heat soup bowls or soup cups with hot water, discard water, before filling with the soup.
Garnish: Insert Celery Stalk in soup cup, scatter 1 tsp celery leaves on soup in bowl. Yield: 4 servings
We invite you to submit your list of your Top Ten Favorite Things to do Mazatlán — and include your photos! Send in your photos of you and your friends DOING your favorite things here. We will publish our favorite submissions in the Pacific Pearl and add you to our Top 101 Favorite Things to do in Mazatlán compilation on our website!
Top Ten Favorite Things to do in
Mazatlán
12 September 2011 Living on Earth may be expensive... but it includes an annual free trip around the Sun.
TEMPLO DE CRISTO REYCañonero Tampico y Germán Evers, Tel. 985-1604TEMPLO DE LA SAGRADA FAMILIACisne #2 Fracc. Gaviotas Tel. 913-5287, Eng at 8:50 a.m.SUNDAY MASS FOR TOURISTS10 a.m., Hotel Playa Real Tel. 913-1111CRISTO REDENTOR LUTERANOCarvajal #1205 Sur Centro. 5:00 p.m Español, Tel. 981-3636IGLESIA ADVENTISTA DEL 7o. DIARío Evora y Trop. de Cáncer. Col. Estero , Tel. 985-2511CHURCH OF CHRISTJuan de la Barrera #1401, Col. Olimpica Tel. 668-3159, Sunday 10-2, Wednesday 4JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES ENGLISH CONGREGATIONAv. de la Marina No. 899,Public talk Sun. 9 a.m., Tel. 988-0799 / Centro Sunday 10 a.m., Av. Cuauhtemoc 1410, Col. Burocratas, 669-150-5567SAN JUDAS TADEOAv. Mojarra #55 Fracc. Sabalo Country Club,8:45 am English Mass Tel. 916-6246
THE VINEYARD CHURCHEnglish Services, Sundays at 9 a.m., La Viña Culto Espa-ñol., Dom. 11 am Tel. 916-5114 See the ad.IGLESIA CRISTIANA CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH5 de Mayo y Melchor Ocampo Centro, English Services Sun. at 8:30 a.m., Tel. 985-1607 Year Round ServicesLA IGLESIA DE JESUCRISTO DE LOS SANTOS DE LOS UL-TIMOS DIAS Sun. 11am - 2pm Dr. Rafael Domínguez #401Col. Palos Prietos, Tel. 982-8396EJERCITO DE SALVACION / SALVATION ARMYSun. 3 p.m., Gutiérrez Nájera #514 Ote. Tel. 982-3453CATEDRAL BASILICABenito Juarez y Canizales Tel. 981-3352IGLESIA PRESBITERIANA “SION”Coromuel 232, Playa Sur Tel: 985-0308Servicios Dominicales: 11:30 am & 6 pmNEW APOSTOLIC CHURCHSunday 10 a.m. Col. Francisco Villa, Tel. 983-9716
In case you just arrived here, you may not know that Mazatlan has been practically underwater. Not the underwater of owning an
overvalued home, but really underwater from the recent
heavy summer rains. The greatest devastation was caused when the Arroyo
Jabalines which wends its way throughout the southeast side of the city overflowed its banks into dozens of surrounding colonias.
The newspapers were full of dramatic photos of people wading in water up to
their knees, carrying family members and pieces of furniture to higher ground. One major problem is that this waterway has been blocked at various points by garbage and discarded items of all kinds, so that it cannot follow its natural course into the estuary leading to the Navigation Canal.
According to the Spanish language daily newspaper Noroeste, Mayor Alejandro Higuera assembled documents and photographs of the damage that caused two deaths and affected 2,000 homeowners. He has presented the evidence to the National Water Commission (CNA) in hopes of getting financing for some heavy-duty digging to deepen the Jabalines -- it hasn’t been done in the past 20 years, they say. The project also calls for shoring up the arroyo’s banks with concrete in certain places and for constructing two dams at strategic points.
The mayor actually applied for this kind of assistance in early June, well before the floods, according to the report, but he got no answer. But now the funds are coming through from the coffers of the National Disaster Relief program, and they gave the city 30 days starting in mid-August to get the project done. Deepening of the Jabalines is now well under way.
DRIVING fORCEPublic transportation in Mazatlan is
the best in the state, says Roberto Jaime Rodriguez, the coordinator of driver education for the South of Sinaloa.
His department conducts courses that drivers have to pass in order to get a chauffeur’s license. At this moment, there are 6,500 persons with a license that allows them to drive buses, taxis, pulmonias or aurigas here. Plus, unfortunately, he says, a number of pirates who have no such authorization but do it anyway.
Jaime Rodriguez’s course teaches the rules of the right-of-way, of passenger safety and the local traffic regulations. But most of all, he says, the students learn to practice good driving habits. Two-thirds of the graduates are driving correctly, but the educator says there is still about 35% who throw all the rules to the four winds.
AND fURTHERMORE . . .While on the subject of public transit,
a corps of inspectors in the municipal transport and traffic department have been checking the fitness of the buses that are actually in service. They’ve just rejected 60 buses from the road for broken windows or slashed seats or mechanical/maintenance problems.
The surprise inspections also netted several drivers with expired licenses and at least three pulmonias that were deemed “unable to guarantee adequate public service.”
Once the bus inspections are over, the same crew plans to go on to check out taxis, aurigas (the red trucks with benches in the back), and any other form of public transport offered in the city.
CLEAN SWEEPEvery profession and occupation
in this Roman Catholic country has its patron saint, and if you noticed that the streets of Mazatlan were a little less well kept the weekend of Aug. 6-7, it was because the street sweepers were celebrating their saint’s day.
Araceli Millan, leader of the union of City Hall workers, noted the importance for tourism of those who keep the public spaces clean. “They are fundamental to the conservation of the city, the face we show the tourists who visit us,” she said.Mazatlan has 200 barrenderos, as they are called in Spanish, 130 regularly employed by the city and the rest temporary workers. They receive 117 pesos a day plus a monthly stipend of about 580 pesos. And
on their special day, Aug. 6, they each got a gift of an extra 235 pesos.
TAxING TALkAs we’ve reported before, the city could
sure use the extra cash that’s missing from slow-paying property owners. Latest report has it that 17,000 past-due notices have gone out since July, with an extra 3,000 sent to the areas with the most debtors: the Golden Zone and Cerritos. These areas have the least number of taxable properties, says chief tax collector Maria Guadalupe Zamudio Quinones, but the highest amount of debt. Most of the taxes are owed by hotels, she added.
As for residential property owners, she said, “We’re hoping that the property owners in Lomas de Mazatlan, El Toreo, Sabalo Country and Cerritos will pay up. With these reminder notices we have had people coming in to our office to check their bills and some who owe large amounts have paid part of their debt. All told, the response has been good, and I hope we can collect at least 80% of the 300 million pesos that are owed to the city in back taxes.”
BRIEfLY NOTEDResidents in outlying areas of Mazatlan
have good reason to pick up shovels and hoes and plant trees in their neighborhoods. Mayor Alejandro Higuera sees to it that those who dig in receive rewards in the form of dispensas (packages of basic foodstuffs) . . . The municipal mechanic’s workshop is full -- saturated with some 80 broken-down police cars, pickups, garbage trucks, you-name-it, many waiting for parts the cash-strapped city can’t afford to buy . . . Municipal authorities are once again stressing their campaign to encourage partygoers to appoint a designated driver; the municipal breathalyzer equipment will be going to work on suspect motorists . . . Liverpool, the department store chain that owns Fabricas de Francia, has begun construction on a new store in the Marina Mazatlan, serving as anchor for a shopping center that will be co-anchored by a new Walmart . . . Cinepolis, the upscale movie chain that recently opened in the Gran Plaza here, has set its sights on building similar deluxe movie houses in 13 U.S. cities, beginning with San Diego.
September 2011 13~ Success is often not a matter of talent, but a matter of tenacity. ~ Nathaniel Bronner Jr.
O R G A N I Z A T I O N S & D O N A T I O N SAMERICAN LEGION: Mazatlán’s Garcia-Jimenez Chapter, Post 11, will not have meet-ings during the summer, the next meeting will be on October 18th. Lunch at 12 noon, meet-ing at 1 p.m. Bill Howard, Commander. Email: [email protected]
AMIGOS DE LOS ANIMALES (Mazatlán Humane Society)To report injured or aban-doned domestic animals, or adopt pets, or to find information about their next meeting, telephone: 986-4235.
fRIENDS Of MExICO 2nd Tues. Sept. 13 at The Vineyard Church on Camarón Sabalo north of the Panama Bakery in the Golden Zone. Social hour: 9 am to 10 am. Meeting from 10 am to 11am. All welcome. visit:www.friendsofmexicoac.org.
HANDS ACROSS THE BORDERS This group welcomes anyone who wishes to at-tend the meetings which are held on the third Wednesday of the month (May-Sept.), Sept. 21 for breakfast and friendship at 9:00 am. at the Hotel Playa Mazatlan. Everyone welcome!
MAZATLAN MEMBERSHIP LIBRARY A non-profit with both English and Spanish titles. Centro Historico at 115 E Sixto Osuna, one block from Olas Altas. 982-3036. Summer Hours (through October): Mon - Fri from 10 am to 2 pm. email: [email protected].
DEMOCRATS ABROAD - DAMAZ The Maza-tlán Chapter will be resuming their meetings in October. Please email [email protected] for information on the upcoming meeting schedule.
ROTARY CLUBSThe three clubs meet weekly. North Rotary Club meets every Tuesday night at 8:30pm at the El Cid clubhouse, Center Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at 8:00am in the Agua Marina Hotel and the West Rotary Club meets every Thursday night at 8:30pm at the Agua Marina Hotel.
DONATIONSThe orphanages are always grateful for mon-etary donations, but each month they need to buy items that you might be able to bring them:
napkins, toilet paper, canned goods, toiletries, fruits and vegetables and snacks.
The Mazatlan Archeological Museum has need of a few volunteers who can make the place more visitor-friendly to English-speaking tourists. If you can help out for a few hours each week - even though you´re only here for the season - please contact Miseal Lopez Nevarez at (981-1455 (English & Spanish) or email him at [email protected].
TRES ISLAS ORPHANAGE fUNDS: Serving Orfanatorio Mazatlán, Salvation Army Home for Children, Father Tovar´s Home for Boys (Hogar San Pablo), Ciudad de los Niños, and FloreSer. One hundred percent of your dona-tions tax deductible. Please visit our webpage: www.orphanagefunds.org for information on how you can help.
BOYS´ HOME (HOGAR SAN PABLO): tel: 982-3720 (Padre Horacio Rabelo Moreno) Address: Paseo del Centenario No. 9, Centro
MAZATLáN ORPHANAGE: Cristina Peña de Herrera, President, Board of Directors. Ad-
M A R K Y O U R C A L E N D A R S . . Holidays, Celebrations & Dates to Remember.
dress: Zaragoza 227-A, Centro. Tel: 981-2214
SALVATION ARMY CHILDREN’S HOME/HOGAR (HOGAR DE NIñOS): Captain and Mrs. David Sanchez 980-7609
HOSPICE MAZATLAN Office: 182-1486 - Si-erra Rumorosa #33, Fracc. Lomas de Maza-tlán, in the rear of Walfre Real Estate. www.hospice-mazatlan-aip.org For info: Lois Croly, Nursing Director, cell: 669-162-54-41 (English)
PUSH INTERNATIONAL Señor Sergio needs local help distibuting wheelchairs & walkers to disabled people in need. If you have an hour or two to spare, please contact Señor Sergio Valdez in Spanish by local cell phone at 044.669.163.2528.
RANCHO DE LOS NIñOS is a home for special-needs children with adoption as the hoped for end result. Currently, 23 children call Rancho de los Niños home.www.ranchodelosninos.com
CASA DOWN - Founded in 1993 is home to 29 young people affected by Down’s Syndrome.
Casa Down needs volunteers, financial donations, school supplies and maintanence help. Call Laura Elena Arias 669-136-0821
Sept. 1 President’s “State of the Union” address to the legislature Sept. 4 Water Polo Match at La Puntilla City Sports & Youth Dept. 7:30 a.m. – 12.00 noon. Sept. 5 Labor Day (US & Canada)Sept. 10 & 11 2nd Annual Heath fair at Mazatlan International Center. Free entrance, testing and transportation from all Soriana´s. Sept. 11 Grandparents DaySept. 12 - 18 CineSeptiembre-International Independent Film Festival in Centro. www.cineseptiembre.com
Sept. 13 Dia de los Niños HéroesSept. 15 ‘El Grito’ (de Dolores - Cry of Dolores) - ¡Viva México! - the call to arms that marks the beginning of the War of Independence at (or just before) midnight of Sept 15.Sept. 16 Dia de IndependeciaSept. 21 International Day of PeaceSept. 23 Autumnal EquinoxSept. 27 World Tourism Day party at Mazatlan Convention Center with President CalderonSept. 27 Consumatión de la Independencia-Celebrates the end of the Mexican Independence
War in 1821, 11 years after Father Hidalgo´s grito. Sept. 30 Natalicio de José Ma. Morelos y Pavón- Birthday of one of the founding fathers of the Mexican nation.
LOOkING AHEADOct. 2 - 8 Festival International de TeatroOct. 22 - 30 Festival Cultural SinaloaOct. 29 1st Mazatlan Dorado Shootout Sportfishing Tournament from El Cid Marina. Oct. 31 - Nov. 3 Gran Fiesta Amigos - MachadoNov. 15 Pro-Mexico Bazaar Brunch from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. $230 pesos, call 981-6638.
Nov. 19 & 20 11th El Debate Sportfishing Tournament from Marina Mazatlan. feb. 5, 2012 Champagne Brunch Fundraiser, Amigos de los Animales at Hotel Agua Marinafeb.16-21 Carnaval International de Mazatlanfeb. 21-25 Manitoba ̈ Over 30¨Mixed Slo-pitch baseball tournament. For more information write [email protected] 11 – 15 Semana de la Motofeb. 16-21, 2012 Carnaval de Mazatlanfeb.21-25, 2012 Winnipeg Slo-pitch baseball tournament
NOTICE We will accept information from your charitable organization in writing only, from your official communications representative, 1 per organization, by deadline, the 15th.
14 September 2011 Right now I’m having amnesia and deja vu at the same time. I think I’ve forgotten this before. - Steven Wright
CLASSIfIED DEADLINE fOR EACH EDITION IS THE 15TH Of THE MONTH PRIOR TO PUBLICATION.
Commercial Rates: $360 pesos for 15 words per edition, (60 pesos per additional 5 words) Regular Rates: $180 pesos per 15 words, per edition ($30 pesos per additional 5 words). for all capital letters the price increases 20%. Prepaid ads only. for more information call 913-0117. (We will even help trans-
late ads for you). Add Red or Blue 15% More.fOR SALE
BOOkS fOR SALE OR Ex-CHANGE.Over 5,000 titles-New releases & much more. Mazatlan Book & Coffee Co. Across from Costa de Oro Hotel. Behind Banco Santader Tel. 916-78-99 P
f O R A L L Y O U R S E W I N G NEEDS see ALICIA at the Plaza next to Banamex in the Golden Zone, Local 8-A, next to Farmacia Moderna. Mon-Fri: 8am.-7pm & Sat. 9am-4pm. Tel. 669-2119 P
CHIROPRACTOR American Li-censed. Don’t suffer pain any longer Call Dr. Steven Backman, D.C. at 916-75-00 for an appointment. P
BOOkS & ExCHANGES
SERVICES
LEARNING SPANISH in Mazatlan. Licensed Spanish Teacher. For fur-ther information call 982-0267 M-F 15:00-18:00 [email protected] 0911
fOR QUALITY CARE Of YOUR PETS in your home please contact. Bonnie @ cell# 669-932-3343 0911
OCEAN fRONT CONDO at Costa Bonita Fully Furnished 2 bedroom, 2 bath, non-smoking unit, monthly/weekly.email: [email protected]: 044-669-918-2734 Irma P
DRESSMAkER
INVESTOR fOR GREAT-GOING Bar/Restaurant. Excellent return on investment. Call 668-2247 Mike P
INVESTOR
RENTALS
BEACH HOUSE: 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 5,000 sq ft. Gated community. All offers considered Financing avail-able. [email protected] 0911
CENTRO DE IDIOMAS ESRAH, Spanish & English all levels, French, German, Portuguese, Hebrew courses. Phone: 193-1249 Cell: 669 932-0931E-mail: [email protected] www.esrah.mx 0911
HOTEL DIRECTORYAguamarina 981-7080Azteca Inn 913-4425Belmar 985-1112Costa de Oro 913-5344Costa Bonita 988-0121DeCima 982-7311Del Sol 985-1103Don Pelayo 983-2221El Rancho 988-0099Emporio 983-4611Fiesta Inn 989-0100Hacienda 982-7000Hacienda Blue Bay 988-0954Holiday Inn 913-2222Inn at Mazatlan 913-5354Islas del Sol 913-0199Jacarandas 984-1177La Casa Contenta 913-4976La Siesta 981-2640La Siesta 913-5100Los Arcos 913-5066Luna Palace 914-6299Marley 913-5533Oceano Palace 913-0666Olas Altas Inn 981-3192Playa Bonita 983-8000Playa Mazatlán 989-0555Plaza Marina 982-3622Posada Freeman 981-2114Pueblo Bonito 989-8900Pueblo Bonito Emerald 989-0525Quality Inn 989-2317Quijote Inn 914-1134Ramada Inn 983-5333 Riu 989-7900Royal Villas 916-6161Sands Las Arenas 982-0000Sea Garden 988-0045Stone Island Hotel 981-9274Suites del Real 983-1955Suites Los Girasoles 913-5288Suites Playa Maria 988-0643Solamar Inn 913-6666Torres Mazatlán 988-0080Vidalmar 981-2190Villas at Estrella del Mar 982-3300
MINIBLINDS SHUTTER, Shangrila, horizontal, vertical, roman, bamboo, mosquito screens, aluminum doors and windows. Free estimates (best price in town) 20% off blinds. Call Carlos Cel: 044-669-113-3689 0911
Dr. Carlos Chavez passed away at his home in Holton, Kansas on April 22, 2011. He and his wife Gayle were frequent visitors to Mazatlan for many years.
Dr. Chavez was born in Mazatlan and attended medical school in Guadalajara. He was a family practice physician in Kansas until his death.
He has been returned to Mazatlan and a service was held for him on August 21, 2011 in Mazatlan along the beach with his family and friends attending.
The family of Kash Starzenski sadly announces his passing on July 8, 2011, in Sun City, AZ. Kash proudly served with the U.S. Army in Europe post WWII, and discovered the gypsy in his soul. Following his retirement as an electrical inspector for the City of Oakland (CA) in 1982, he continued a
multi-faceted career as an electrician in areas of interest to him. This included two austral summers spent in Antarctica. He also worked a windmill site, a water purification plant, and an auto factory. Curiosity was the name of his game.
He and his wife moved to Sequim WA. in 1984 and they commuted to Mazatlan for many years. They resided in Sabalo Country and were charter members of Friends of Mexico.
Kash will be returning for a final walk along the malecon and for a final sunset stroll in his former neighborhood.
He is survived by his wife, E.M.”Kennie” Starzenski of Sun City, a sister, Sophie Starzenski of Elkhart, IN, 4 children, 2 stepchildren, 12 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.
In Fond Memory - Dr. Carlos Chavez
In Fond Memory - Kazmer “Kash” Starzenski
LANGUAGES
September 2011 15Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time. - Steven Wright
BANkINGMost banks are open from 9am to 4pm Monday-Friday and some are open on Saturdays. Because of frequent changes with all the banks, it is best to check with them for their current policies. At press time, these are their policies: BANCOMER does not exchange cash to pe-sos. From 9am to 2pm, they will cash travelers´checks with your passport up to a $1,000 maximum daily. BANAMEX will cash travelers’ checks from 9 am to 2 pm daily to a maximum of $450 with your passport. They will also exchange US and Canadian dollars for pesos. BANORTE will only accept dollars and travelers’ checks for deposit (pesos) in an account. HSBC does not cash American or Canadian dollars to pesos, nor cash travel-ers’ checks. SANTANDER only cashes travelers´checks if they are deposited into your account. They do not cash American or Canadian dollars. SCOTIA BANK does not cash travelers´checks, but will cash US and Canadian dollars to a maximum of $300. Debit card and credit card cash advances are available 24 hours daily at ATMs only. Please note the Bank of Mexico has increased the fee of withdrawals at ATMs ranging from 17 to 36 pesos. To avoid hassles, exchange American or Canadian cash (no coins) at a casa de cambio—money exchange. You may get a lower exchange rate, but you will get pesos.BEACHESAll beaches in México are federal property up to high tide lines, and thus, public. Watch for a colorcoded flag system informing swimmers of surf conditions.DELIVERYCheck the food delivery policy with your hotel. Some allow the delivery to the lobby, others request that you wait outside the door of the lobby.DRINkING THE WATERPurified water and ice are available in all restaurants, bars and lounges. Purified water can be purchased in all supermarkets.E-MAILThere are numerous cyber-cafes in the tourist areas. Malecon has Wi-Fi, as do many restaurants in the Pla-zuela Machado and the Golden Zone.HEALTHPharmacies are generally staffed by knowledgeable people. Many will deliver and some are open 24 hours.MONEY ExCHANGESeveral casas de cambio can help you change dollars (and occasionally other currencies) for pesos. Casa rates are sometimes not as good a deal as the banks (usually by a few cents) but they are generally open longer hours with much shorter lines. Some hotels offer exchange services.PHONING HOMEAlthough hotels can assist with long distance calls, dialing direct can be expensive. Call collect or bill the call to a calling card for the best rates. Dial 090 to reach a TELMEX inter-national operator and ask for an English speaking operator. When calling cell phones, dial 044669 before the number. Most phones work by using LADATEL cards, which can be purchased at various supermarkets for 30 or 50 pesos.Mexican Phone Codes:Long Distance (Dial Direct)Domestic 01USA & Canada 001Rest of the World 00Long Distance (Through Operator)Domestic 020International 090Special ServicesTime 030Wake-Up Call 031Info - Domestic Directory 040Line Repair 050Cust. Service (Long Dist.) 055EMERGENCIES 0661-800 Numbers (not free)
For numbers: 1-800 dial 001-880 1-888 dial 001-881 1-877 dial 001-882 1-866 dial 001-883POSTING MAILThe post office is located downtown, across the street from the main plaza & the other one inside the Central Bus Station. However, for those located in the Golden Zone, it’s more convenient to go to Post@Ship for all postal services. Post@Ship is an official agent of the Mexican Postal Service. Located in Plaza La Lomita next to Dolphys and in the Marina.REPORT CREDIT CARDSWhere to report misplaced or stolen international credit cards in Mexico.Mastercard: 1800-307-7309American Express:Travelers Checks: 001-800-828-0366Credit Cards: 001-800-333-3211Visa:Credit Cards: 001-800-847-2911Collect: 001-410-581-9994Mastercard:Credit Cards: 001-800-622-7747Collect: 001-314-542-7111TAxESA national consumer tax of 16% known as IVA is tacked onto most purchases, although it is gener-ally included in most restaurant menu prices. Hotels charge a 18% tax.TRANSPORTATIONAlways negotiate the price of the ride before entering a taxi. If you are not satisfied with the price, just step back and wait for the next one. The following charges are fairly standard thoughout Mazatlán — Taxis (red & green): from downtown to Golden Zone 40-60 pesos. Pulmonias: from downtown to Golden Zone 60-80 pe-sos. Aurigas: (red pick-up trucks) 55 pesos (8 person capacity) Green Bus (airconditioned): 9.50 pesos (will give change) Yellow Bus: 6.00 pesos (will give change)TIPPINGAt restaurants, 10 to 15% is standard. Check to ensure the tip is not included in your bill. Be sure to differentiate between the 15% tax and a tip. Bellmen usually receive about $1 U.S. per bag and maids 15 pesos per day. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers unless they have ren-dered special services, such as waiting while you go into a store or business. Tour guides should be tipped for a tour well done. The boys and girls at supermarkets typi-cally receive 1 to 2 pesos for helping bag groceries, more if they bring them to your car - they receive no salary. Delivery people should also be tipped.DRIVING IN MAZThe speed limits in Mazatlán are 40kph in the city, 20kph in school and hospital zones and 90kph outside urban areas. When pulled over for a traffic infraction, the police will no longer take your driver´s license. They will now give you an infraction. If parked illegally, the police will no longer re-move the license plate of your car. They will now issue an infraction that you may pay at the Transito office. Watch out for unmarked topes, or speed bumps. Some are fairly high and can cause severe damage to your vehicle.
CONSULATESU.S. CONSULATE IN HERMOSILLO, SONORA. Hours: 9a.m.-5 p.m., Mon-Fri. Closed Mexican and U.S. Federal holidays. Call 01-(662)217-2375 for officer.01-900-849-4949 for visa appt.U.S. CONSULATE IN NOGALES, SONORA. Hours: 8a.m.-4:30p.m., Mon-Fri. Call 01-(631)913-4820 for appt.U.S. CONSULATE AGENCY IN MAZATLáN.Playa Gaviotas 202, Local 10, across from Hotel Playa Mazatlan. U.S. Consular Agent Luis Ramirez. Notary
Stamp $50 USD. Hours: 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Tel / fax (24 hr. emergency): 916-5889 email: [email protected] To call the Ameri-can Embassy in Mexico City, dial 01-555-080-2000CANADIAN CONSULATE OffICE IN MAZATLáN. La Marina Business and Life Commercial Center, Blvd. Marina Mazatlan 2302, Office 41. Wendy Osuna, Honorary Consul. Hours: 9:30am-12:30pm, Mon-Fri. Tel:913-73-20, Fax:914-66-55. To call Canadian Em-bassy in Mexico City dial: 01-555-724-7900. For after hours emergencies, dial: 01-800-706-2900.OTHER MAZATLAN CONSULATES:Germany: 914-9310, 916-5980Denmark: 981-7642France: 985-1228
SERVICE CLUBS(see This Month in Mazatlán, “Organizations” for more clubs)AL-ANON Thursdays 10am at the same place as AA (below) ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Av. Camaron Sa-balo No. 306, Golden Zone, North of Applebees through oval rod iron gate. AA meetings for this summer: Mon-day through Friday 6:30pm to 7:30pm, Sunday 10am to 11am. Thursday— Al Anon 10 am., Tuesdays— Wom-en’s meeting 10 am – 11 am, Men’s meeting 6:30-7:30 pm. Sunday— 10 am. Contact Roger: 669-118-4260fRIENDS Of THE ANGELA PERALTA THEATER - 982-4446LIONS CLUB Av. Insurgentes No. 1000, tel: 983-2800PRO-MExICO A Mazatlán organization dedicated to helping people help themselves. Tel: 985-2611RED CROSS 1801 Av. Zaragoza, Downtown, tel: 981-3690
Please Supportthe (Cruz Roja)
Red Cross WorldWideThey save lives without....discrimination.
Zaragoza 1801Tel: 981-3690 or 985-1451
AIRPORT/AIRLINEPHONE NUMBERS
Aeropuerto (directo) 982-2177Aeroméxico 914-1034Alaska Air 981-4813Continental 985-1881Viva Aerobus 981 46 59Aerocalafia Tel. (669) 984-43-00 apto. (669) 985-43-00 Aeroguerrero 669-112-0677 Cel.: 669-164-3375Republic Air 01(55)5203-8090U.S. Airways 981-1184West Jet (México) 001-800-514-7288
Editor’s note: The Madrid-based travel company Pullmantur has initiated a series of one-week sailings that begin in Acapulco, arrive in Mazatlàn, then continue to Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo before heading back to base in Acapulco. Staff writer Jackie Peterson was among the 36 people who boarded the ship on its maiden visit to Mazatlan. It was already carrying nearly 1,000 passengers from Acapulco and boarded about 250 more in Puerto Vallarta. This was the first time passengers have been able to board a ship in Mazatlàn since possibly the days of Angela Peralta .
“You will hear nine short blasts on the ship’s whistle and then one long blast,” said the officer on the Ocean Dream.
Those words during the safety lecture were the only English announcement we heard for a week on board. The staff must have looked at our gringo faces, or perhaps checked the passenger list and found gringo last names and decided that they should give the bilingual lecture on that particular occasion.
The Ocean Dream, which has been making seven-day circuits of ports on the Mexican Riviera all summer, is owned by Pullmantur, a Spanish company. They have decided to go after the Mexican market by offering the current summer series of cruises that visits Mazatlàn each Tuesday and will continue through the end of September.
Members of the English-speaking
community have been dithering as to whether they would like to cruise on the Ocean Dream, seeing as how they can embark and disembark right here at
the Port of Mazatlàn. Our advice is that unless you speak at least some Spanish, or are extremely tolerant as well as adventurous, this is not the cruise for you.
The daily schedule of events that’s distributed nightly to every passenger’s cabin, the administrative staff, the games, the dance instructions and crafts lessons, the menus, the shows, the casino -- all Spanish. And of course it’s difficult to strike up a conversation with your shipmates for the same reason. It’s an intensive language lesson for anyone who wants immersion in another language and culture.
As any cruise veteran can tell you, how you spend your day aboard ship is dictated in large part by whether you’re
scheduled for first or second sitting for dinner. (This, of course, does not apply on the enormous newer ships with multiple restaurants.) On this ship, first sitting is
at 7:15, and second is at 9:45 p.m. So the cruise director has arranged for people at the very Spanish late sitting to see the nightly shows at 8:15, before they have dinner, while those at the early sitting see the second show at 10 o’clock.
Speaking of food, we were surprised to note there were no tortillas on the ship, only various types of breads and rolls. But refried beans and various hot salsas were available at the buffets served on the Lido (swimming pool) Deck, and they certainly would have been available in the dining room on request. However, the
dinner menu (in Spanish, remember?) listed an array of continental cuisine that normally wouldn’t call for salsas.
Besides the daily timetable of late meals, the Latino flavor aboard was evident mostly in the elevator music played over the sound system. Then too, an almost-daily activity out by the midships pool was a dance lesson in salsa, meringue, cha-cha or the newest dance sensation, bachata.
Surprisingly, the music at the shows was almost entirely familiar to these northamerican ears. They used a lot of show tunes and other popular melodies. One evening they offered a salute to Michael Jackson and included songs from his early
days all the way up to his last years. But the m.c. told his jokes in Spanish and even did some ventriloquy with a Spanish-speaking dummy named Wilfredo.
The captain’s cocktail party took place on our last night at sea, during the long nonstop haul from Acapulco to Mazatlan. The crew aboard the Ocean Dream comes from 31 countries, said the Portuguese captain, Amadeu Albuquerque. He shook hands and posed for pictures with every last passenger, then hopped up on the stage to introduce the heads of every department and hand out “employee of the month” awards.
Mazatlan was a welcome sight from our cabin window next morning. A week is about enough on any cruise ship, but especially on one which stretched our Spanish-speaking abilities to the limit. In
this all-Spanish world, there was only one major nod towards the land north of the border: When we went to pay our shipboard bills, we discovered that he Ocean Dream accepts only U.S. dollars. - J.P.
Lido Deck pool on Ocean Dream
Waiters Mambo-ing on Tropical Night