Monday, April 28, 2008 - 01:19 PM

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.

Monday, April 28, 2008 - 01:37 AM

The lime is a very overlooked fruit in the US. It's use is pretty much restricted to margaritas and Key Lime Pie. I certainly never kept limes in the house. They were expensive and would often shrivel up in the fridge before I got around to using them. But here in Mazatlan, the lime is as pervasive as the tomato, and I always have 15 or 20 around.

Monday, March 31, 2008 - 12:02 AM

Today marks the end of Mazatlan Bike Week 2008. It's the last festival in a closely packed season. We were just recovering from Carnival when Semana Santa started, which blended directly into Bike Week. It has been a veritable cornucopia of eye candy with all the custom bikes.

Friday, March 28, 2008 - 05:59 PM

The salt-air and humidity in Mazatlan don't mix well at all with anything metal. Anyone who lives here and most who have visited will have already figured that out and be wondering if I have a point. We've all seen the rust on the iron bars on our gates, on metal shelving, silverware, pots, cars, and numerous other things. Most of us know that things like iron gates need to be painted to protect them from rusting. I want to mention a few things that won't be news to anyone who has spent extensive time here, but may be a bit of a surprise for short time visitors or people starting to consider moving here.

Thursday, March 27, 2008 - 12:18 AM

Today is the first official day of Spring. I know your calendar may have told you different. Ignore it. It's wrong. Today is the day – the one, glorious day. You know that day each year. You wake up and can just smell it in the air, and then, you see that ultimate harbinger, that signal that Spring has truly arrived.