Sometimes, I just can't believe how very blessed I am. I just returned from a fabulous spring break trip to Mazatlan, Mexico with my guys. We met my parents there and had such a great time.
Mazatlan is a beautiful place...
...and the place we stayed was incredible. We spent some time around the pool (which is where my previous post originated. There was a lot of aging going on there...not all of it graceful!) and spent some time in town. Our friends, Pattie and Larry, live in Mazatlan and were kind enough to tour us around town.
The streets are a colorful array of bright houses and shops.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Even the cathedral is bright! This is the Catedral Basilica de la Immaculada Concepcion. It's a lovely yellow that pops against a brilliant blue sky on a sunny day.
Last time we were in Mazatlan, I got a great photo of the cathedral's statue of Jesus...which is not digital...so I can't locate it at the moment. But, I did find this atc I made, using the photo. This cathedral is a perfect photo subject. I discovered, after my visit, that it's the only Roman Catholic Church, in the world, to display the Star of David in each of its 28 stained glass windows...which, unfortunately, I didn't see but plan to catch on the next visit.
One of the many highlights of our trip was when Pattie and Larry took us to Stone Island.
To get there, we caught a boat off this fisherman's wharf. It was thick with pelicans and gulls, waiting for a meal.
One of these little boats was our water taxi.
Stone Island is a much more laid back atmosphere than other parts of Mazatlan. It's covered with long stretches of undeveloped beach, bordered by acres of palm groves.
We did nothing more than sit at one of the palapa restaurants, owned by a friend of Pattie and Larry, talk, eat shrimp and drink cokes...all day. (Well, my guys did ride the banana boats.) It was wonderful! The breeze was cool, the company was lovely and the view was superb:
Previously, I've had the pleasure of meeting up with Pattie only online. I loved being able to meet her in person. She and Larry were such gracious hosts...taking us on several car tours and even a walking tour of Stone Island. Pattie makes the most marvelous clothing...she really should start a her own line. When I first met her, I drooled over the lovely, cropped top she wore. I suggested we do a trade and the next thing I knew, she was giving me the shirt off her back!
Here's my talented friend (who also makes beautiful jewelry) wearing the sweet top that now belongs to me. (love it!)
She also gifted me with this gorgeous, handmade purse...filled with goodies. I muled some art stuff to Mazatlan for her but I really think that I got the better end of this deal. Thank you, Pattie!
Back in Mazatlan proper, we discovered this street artist, one night. He created beautiful works of art with spray paint. I was amazed, watching him work.
We watched fire dancers on the beach...
...ate lots of good food...
...shopped...I was hoping to find a clay cross, like this, to add to my collection. I was thrilled when I spotted it! Pattie took me to a few of her favorite haunts where we found some outstanding goodies, including this artisian, barro negro, black clay cross from Oaxaca...
...and this whimsical tin mirror...with nesting love birds...
...and one more tin cross for the collection. I took tons of photos...
It was wonderfully restful, disconnected from the internet and cell phone, but I've returned home to a plenty long to-do list. Back in the saddle...but looking forward to next time...
Wow!Deryn, I want to go there! Just beautiful! But..I really want your new top!!! :0)
Posted by: Lorraine | Friday, April 02, 2010 at 08:23 AM
Deryn, your trip really looked like a dream! And you got to meet the sweet Pattie of Mazatlan! That is really incredible... as soon as I saw that you were headed to Mexico, I was wondering if you two would meet...what an unlikely opportunity..so happy for you both!
Posted by: Cindy | Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 08:53 AM
yes. the charm and allure of mexico with her open hearted people. and art. everywhere. an on going celebration of hearts and hands expressing themselves with a passion. i fell in love with mexico at age 16 when my travels began. deep into the interior. over and over..mexico and her people have filled me to the brim. this is why i host the annual up coming shrine auction for oaxacan streetchildren grassroots...to give back to the culture that has blessed me in countless ways.
thank you for sharing these postcards from paradise.
Posted by: rebecca | Monday, March 29, 2010 at 10:44 AM
Deryn, what great photos! I LOVE all the colors. And those last two of the sunset were so wonderful. I just love sunset & sunrise photos. How great you got to spend time with your family & friends. Patty looks like a great gal. Lucky you with that cute top. Glad you are back safely. HUGS my friend. Talk to you soon. Charlene
Posted by: Charlene | Sunday, March 28, 2010 at 04:11 PM
Yummy, yummy, yummy, from your photos, to the things you saw, to the things you ate. Wowza! What a trip it must have been! I missed you though and am glad you're back in your usual niche all safe and sound. Whew!
Posted by: Sally Turlington | Friday, March 26, 2010 at 11:52 PM
Thanks for sharing your Mexican vacation, especially the bead/cross purchases! Loved seeing the picture of you and your wonderful family. Not sure I have seen wife whisperer before! Did you buy anything silver????
Posted by: Denise Tucker | Friday, March 26, 2010 at 10:51 PM
Stunningly beautiful place. I must get there one day as it really is a very short trip for us and I would so love to meet Pattie in person. She's a sweetie, no? Thank you so much for taking my little bead goodies down to her.
Posted by: LeAnn | Friday, March 26, 2010 at 10:05 PM
Goodness Little Sister,
You are way to kind!!! What a wonderful gift to be able to spend time becoming friends in the "physical" world along with our little Bloglandian neighborhood!!! A tote and top are the least I can do to thank you for being such a gracious "mule"!!!
Thank you for the wonderful photo journal of our incredible city. Your photos certainly show why Mazatlan earned the title of the Mexican "Pearl of the Pacific"
You know there is always an open invitation to you and Wife Whisperer at our casita!! :)
Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mx.
Posted by: Pattie | Friday, March 26, 2010 at 09:48 PM
What a fabulous trip Deryn... thanks for the beautiful photos showing us not only the scenery but also your lovely goodies!
Posted by: Janine | Friday, March 26, 2010 at 06:01 PM
What Great pictures! Glad you had such a wonderful time.
Posted by: Shelby | Friday, March 26, 2010 at 03:07 PM
Beautiful pictures Deryn. Looks like you brought a suitcase of goodies back home. I love the tin mirror with the love birds~such beautiful colors.
Posted by: diane cook | Friday, March 26, 2010 at 02:21 PM
Wow! It was like I was on a mini vacation too.
Posted by: Lori B | Friday, March 26, 2010 at 12:00 PM
It looks and sounds incredible!! Your photos are fantastic. How great that you were able to meet up with Pattie. Wish I could go visit too. The houses look so wonderful.
Posted by: Renate | Friday, March 26, 2010 at 11:50 AM
what great photos! i've been to Mazatlan once and it was a great time.
glad you had a great trip and got to meet pattie, i follow her blog too.
Posted by: sandra | Friday, March 26, 2010 at 11:37 AM
beautiful pictures! what a gorgeous blue sky. i really love the boat pics, and the buildings against the sky, and the sunset through the buildings.... :)
Posted by: Sherry | Friday, March 26, 2010 at 11:09 AM
What a wonderful family trip. Thanks for all the photos. I so enjoyed as if maybe I were there too.
Posted by: Sharon @ norah'S | Friday, March 26, 2010 at 11:01 AM