MeXscape

Our first winter here it was cold, at least for people who weren't prepared for 60 degree weather, which we definitely were not. Starting in mid-December, and lasting until the end of January, we were pretty miserable most of the time, especially living up on the hill with the stiff, unceasing ocean breeze. But even at the beginning of November, when it was still deliciously warm, we saw women running around town in fur boots and fashionable parkas. I got a good laugh.

Seriously?!? That was all I could say. (Yes, I watch too much Grey's Anatomy.) Actually, I did have another choice phrase that was oft repeated, but I would never embarrass myself by putting it here, in writing, for the whole world to see. I like to pretend I don't use that kind of language. So what caused my verbal eloquence? I was stung by a bee - again. Seriously.

It's bee season here in Mazatlan. Over the past couple years we have grown used to seeing the fruit and pastry carts bothered by bees. It's not unusual to see 15-20 bees hovering around them. I am allergic to bees and am grossed out by the little buggers crawling on everything so I stay away, but the Mazatlecans don't seem to find them a nuisance; they don't seem to notice them at all.

I have heard rumors that it once snowed in Mazatlan, but I have never spoken to anyone who was actually here to see it. It's always my friend said, my uncle said, my hairdresser's aunt said, never a first-hand account, so I am highly skeptical. I really never thought I would see a snowball fight here, but I should know to never underestimate the ingenuity of children. Last week were lucky enough to witness a snowball fight - Mazatlan style.

It's Sun Day! And while it is not exactly sunny right now, I can see a few patches of blue opening in the sky, and I have faith. In a few hours, I am sure it will be a beautiful day to go to the beach. I am checking my beach bag to make sure it has all the things we need. I know I said you can get everything you need at a palapa, but we have discovered a few things we like to have with us. So, what's in my beach bag?