One of the best parts of a vacation in Mazatlan is eating your way through the bounty of fresh, wonderful seafood and fish available here. First and foremost is the shrimp. Mazatlan is the shrimp capitol of the world. There are more ways to prepare shrimp here than I ever imagined possible. You could stay here a month and not eat shrimp the same way twice. But you shouldn't overlook the other wonderful options: scallops, lobster, oysters, clams, conch...all fresh and yummy.

If you are going to drive into Mexico, there is one very important thing you need to know: how to get gas. Unless you are from Oregon or New Jersey, you are probably used to pumping your own gas. Here in Mexico, your gas is always pumped for you, which means you need to be able to tell the gas station attendant what kind of gas you want and how much.

Tuesday dawned astonishingly warm and humid. A sudden change from the weather we have been having. We hit 80 degrees in the house. Finally, blissful warmth. We drank in the warm breezes – the first hint of the Summer yet to come. When Wednesday came and was even warmer than Tuesday, we realized this wasn't a tease – Summer really is coming. I performed the season's first Ritual of the Space Bag.

Today, April 30th, is Children's Day here in Mexico. It's celebrated throughout the country in a variety of ways. In Mexico City there is always a big parade. In most places the kids still have to go to school but there are no classes and they don't have to wear their uniforms. There are usually lots or games and toys and candy, and, of course, piñatas.

There are many things strange and wondrous in Mazatlan, completely different from the cultural norms in the US. One of the big differences is the attitude toward noise. Noise is a very real fact to be dealt with here. I've gotten pretty zen about it, and usually find myself enjoying it. I've come to see it as the daily, exuberant celebration of life, and a wonderful part of living in this vibrant city. Not so this morning.