Valentines Day in Centro.

 Saturday, right in the middle of Carnaval we decided take a trip to Centro. Called an Uber who took us the back way. Lots of things to see but his back windows were so tinted I could not get a decent picture. He let us off on the other side of the Plazuela Machado then where we usually enter. So first time this year I've seen this drawing of the Virgin. She is starting to look a little faded. 

The beautiful Angela Peralta Theater with hardly any one in front of it. 

The details on the building are beautiful. 

We stopped to check out this lamp. Beautiful work and design. And more details of the building. 

Just another look at it. 

Just one of many, many Pacifico booths set up for Carnaval goers. In the Plazuela Machado. 

The street we usually come down is closed to traffic and lined with vendor booths for a couple of blocks. 

We were there about noon, only a couple of the restaurants were open. Heard today that over 500,000 people came to the city for Carnaval. Guess they were still asleep when we were out. 

Bill and Ramon, our guitar playing friend. I like his guitar. 

Oh goody! the barrier that was around the building while it was getting a face lift is gone. It has been repainted the same color. Not all of the windows/doors on second floor have been redone yet. Hope to get over to see it again before we leave. The art gallery that was there a couple of years ago was closed. 

Another updated utility box. It says, "True success is that which is shared."

We stopped to eat lunch at Gaia. This audio/video was being filmed across the street. It was amazing how many people just walked right between them without even noticing. They had to do it over about three times.

Wow1 Never expected to see something like this here. Even has white walls. Yellow and blue Ford truck. 

Walking around a little looking at things. Hum...don't think I want to sit there. 

Papel Picado, traditional delicate and intricately cut paper decorations hanging over the walk way outside a gallery. Yes, I had to look up what they are called. They look so festive. The shadows are neat too. 

In need of some TLC. See the bush growing out of the roof. The front of the building was updated several years ago and has a couple of neat murals on it. 

The murals or drawings. Very intricate. 

Oh, oh, we stayed downtown too long. We called for an Uber and discovered the gates over the streets had been closed already. Had to met him in a different place. 

Going by the Panama Bakery We'd already been there. A pink car for Valentine's Day.

One of the cakes in the bakery. 

Valentine donuts any one? 

The girl is holding Bill's loaded tray of baked goods. 

Had to walk a couple of blocks to get the Uber. Sadly this building is now empty it used to contain a Spa, which has moved closer to the Plazuela Machado. Hope some one rents it or that it is at least kept up. 

A very big and beautiful bougainvillea in the residential area. Nice home too. 

The tile is a nice detail. 

This is a business, there is seating for something on the roof. 

About a half block away there is a huge quilt shop. Has all kinds of good material and sewing machines and long arm quilters. I stay out of there. Too tempting. 

A city tour company uses several pulmonias with different designs on them.

One of the new buildings under construction on the Malecon. The round things are the street lights. So pretty when they are lite up. 

The Fisherman's Monument. 

We were at a stop light right next to this monigote of the boy sitting on a drum. 

At the stop lights there is entertainment. He is dancing in costume.

Monument near the aquarium. don Cruz Lizarraga, the creator of the renowned Mother of all Bands known as Banda El Recodo. 

And of course Neptune.

And then another back way home. Lots and lots of traffic out and about. Stayed home rest of day except to go to Pancho's to eat dinner.  

Mish Mash of Pictures out and about in Mazatlan

 Going back a few days trying to catch up again. These pictures are from the 11th and 12th. Last Wednesday and Thursday. The day before Carnaval started and the first day of Carnaval. This is right in  Centro. It is apartments or condos not sure which. But I have always liked it. 

Back to the Plaza to wait for my shoes to be ready. He is working on them, one is done. 

His shop. One of many surrounding the Plaza Republica/Revolucion Across from the Cathedral. 

The ride home through the city. Interesting paint job. I think it is all one building. 

We didn't go right to the Malecon as traffic was bad there. So we went  past the flower market. Almost didn't recognize it. Most of the flower dealers were closed, one of the few open ones. We used to go there at least once a year just to walk around and check out the flower arrangements and different blooms. Almost all of the sections have murals on them. 

They are getting a little faded with the time. Whole building needs to be given some TLC.

Guess it was garbage day.

So many of the shops were closed. Maybe there is a newer area now. Or are the small vendors just disappearing?

Back on the Malecon. The Mazatlan sign is fenced off, it was being repainted. Getting ready for Carnaval starting the next day. 

Just some sights from our balcony - watching the world go by. Some huge busses in town delivering people for the festivities. I sure wouldn't want to be driving one of them. 

On their way to work. 

Interesting pick up. I see him every morning. 

Bill and I took a short walk one of the days. I remember several years ago when he showed up on that buidling. 

One of the big busses trying to make the turn. They all have to back up some to get around. 

I noticed this sign so of course we had to walk down to see it. 

A couple of restaurants on the beach. So here is the whole fish.  

People on the beach enjoying the day. Lots of vendors too. 

Walking back to the main street a REALLY YELLOW building. Really Yellow!

Just liked the reflection. 

Only two more days of Carnaval and we will be heading home a week from tomorrow.