Our Travels

How beautiful!

My sweet hon enjoying the lobby before we set off for our room.

Walking through the grounds to get to our room!

These grounds are out of control.

I see where I will be spending most of my time!

Our room is outstanding and looks out over the ocean.

Our first night out to dinner and a lovely sunset!

Although tour ships had ceased stopping in Mazatlan due to rising street violence, we were undeterred. The thrill of exploring the city on our terms was too exciting to pass up. So, we set off on a city tour that promised to showcase the best of Mazatl??n's hidden gems.

We paused at a breathtaking vantage point, perched high above the city, where Mazatlan unfolded beneath us in all its sprawling glory. From this elevated perch, the entire cityscape stretched out like a living tapestry, with the shimmering ocean on one side and the vibrant streets on the other. The view was nothing short of awe-inspiring, a perfect snapshot of the bustling life and natural beauty that define Mazatlan. It felt like we were on top of the world, with the city laid out like a treasure waiting to be explored.

Our tour guide!

Our next stop is the Basilica below.

But first, we wandered through the bustling farmers market, where vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas filled the air. The market was a sensory overload, a chaotic blend of local life that drew us in at every turn.

We made our way to the historic theater, a place where time had left its mark most dramatically. Once ravaged by a devastating fire, the theater had risen from the ashes, meticulously rebuilt to its former glory. As we stood in its grand hall, the echoes of past performances seemed to linger in the air, a testament to the resilience and spirit of Mazatlan. The blend of old and new, of tragedy and triumph, added yet another layer to our unforgettable journey through this city of contrasts.

The old Governor's house stood as a silent testament to the city's storied past, its walls echoing with the whispers of history. We could almost feel the weight of decisions made within those walls, decisions that shaped the fate of Mazatlan.

Our walk over to the Basilica.

Finally, we arrived at the Basilica Cathedral of Mazatlan, its towering spires reaching toward the heavens. The cathedral's grandeur was humbling, a stark contrast to the lively, sometimes perilous, streets outside.

As we looked out from the Governor's balcony, our guide painted a vivid picture of the square below, describing how it bursts into life every weekend with the rhythm of music, locals dancing under the stars, and the tantalizing aroma of food filling the air. To our delight, it was Saturday, the perfect night for such a vibrant scene. Despite the distance from our hotel and the risks that came with navigating the city at night, we couldn't resist the call for an authentic Mazatlan experience. Fueled by curiosity and a thirst for adventure, we made the bold decision to journey back to the square, eager to immerse ourselves in the heart of the city's weekend festivities.

Unaware of the chaos that had unfolded earlier. It wasn't until later that we discovered that shootings had erupted in various parts of the city that night. Trucks filled with heavily armed police patrolled the streets, a stark reminder of the city's volatile undercurrent.  

Our journey back into the heart of the city to experience an authentic night of fiesta was an unforgettable adventure. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the sounds of laughter and music that enveloped us as soon as we arrived. I indulged in an incredible chair massage by a blind masseuse, whose skillful hands seemed to melt away every ounce of tension. All around us, young girls, dressed in their finest for their quincenaeras, were the picture of elegance, embodying the joy and tradition of the night. The entire square pulsed with celebration, a vibrant display of culture and community. It was a night that etched itself into our memories, a true testament to the rewards of stepping out of our comfort zone, even in a city that held its share of risks.

We spent most of our days leisurely exploring the lush grounds of the resort, losing ourselves in its enchanting beauty. The pools, like shimmering oases, became our sanctuary, where time seemed to stand still. Everywhere we wandered, we were captivated by the vibrant plants and the stunning architecture that blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Each corner of the resort felt like a carefully crafted paradise, making every moment there feel like a dream. The thought of leaving filled us with bittersweet sorrow, knowing that we'd be saying goodbye to a place that had become our haven.

Farewell for now!