Tomorrow's First Stop: Dallas

The lab had a mix-up with Jay's email address and we did not get our COVID-19 PCR tests in the evening as promised. They are necessary to both get on airplanes and enter Canada at the land border. 

As soon as I woke up, I called to find out what happened. The lab tried several more times but after another hour passed, I called again. We knew the guy whose English was the best and I gave him my email address. He sent both Jay's and my copies.  Jay's was in Spanish, not that it would pose a problem at the Canadian border. However, our Airbnb host has stepped up to the plate and will be bringing us the certified, signed, and stamped copies in two sealed envelopes! That's above and beyond!  Thanks, Alma!

So, we hope to be heading towards home tomorrow. We will still have a bit of a battle getting on our flights without the last sector.  Last month, American Airlines ceased operations into YVR on a flight that could connect.  Due to the lack of business, they could no longer offer the Horizon flight to get us home. 

Consequently, we've booked a hotel in Seattle for tomorrow night and a bus trip to the border at Blaine for Friday. However, we couldn't check-in for tomorrow's two flights online as the computer is confused. We must 'speak to the agent' at Mazatlan's airport when we get there a few hours early for our 12:35 pm flight. The IATA rules were designed to ensure passenger rights in air travel. However, we couldn't change our tickets to Bellingham, the nearest little US airport near the border, because our destination was originally Canada. This time the rules didn't work to our benefit at all. 

I expect a bit of trouble tomorrow but it'd be nice if I was proven wrong. It hardly ever happens that I'm wrong about anything, but in this case, it'd be welcomed.

 

[Editor's Note:  Ultimately all this was for nothing as when we got to the border we learned that only COVID-19 tests taken in the United States are accepted at points of land entry.  We stayed in Blaine for three nights and got tests at the Bellingham Internation Airport.]

Testing ... One, Two, Three!

 

We grabbed an Uber to Imágenes Diagnósticas de Mazatlán at around 9:45. The driver went via Ave del Mar so we had a chance to see that the beach was not crowded. It seems many local tourists, as well as international tourists, didn't come to Mazatlan during this Samana Santa. The ride took less than twenty minutes and luckily the driver knew to bring us to the new outpatient laboratory rather than the main hospital. 

We were quickly tested and it was our first ever COVID nasal and throat swab.  We need negative results to get on airplanes on Thursday.  Ouch!  The credit card was swiped too. Ouch again!  

After, we walked back to the M A Z A T L A N sign near Valentino's at the North End of the Beach. From there, we called another Uber to bring us back to our apartment.

   

Jay continued napping today as his fever and stomach trouble had not finished. Our test results are promised by email before 8:00 pm. 

Last Visit to Ley Supermarket?

 

Since getting to Mazatlan from Playa del Carmen on February 7th, we've been in the Centro Lay Supermarket countless times.  In fact, a majority of our grocery shopping has been there.  It takes less than 10 minutes to walk to the older, smaller chain store's Centro location

We may have just returned from our last visit a few minutes ago.  We needed one more loaf of bread and six bananas.  If all goes as planned, and we test negative for COVID on tomorrow morning's PCR test, we will have just three more breakfasts here.  

Of course, my hypochondria has kicked in now that all our return plans hinge on the documents we'll receive by email by this time tomorrow.  Unfortunately, Jay really does have his first, small fever after we've been traipsing around both coasts of Mexico for nearly five months.  I think it has to do with a little stomach upset and not some potentially deadly virus.  The sinus head cold, I've been battling for a month, must be something else too.  Right?

Palm Sunday 2021

 

Today marked the beginning of Semana Santa or Holy Week.  In Mexico, people often take vacations and many folks head to beach cities. We can remember this week during our initial retirement winter in Puerto Vallarta.  The beaches were packed with folks who'd driven from Guadalajara and the surrounding areas. 

Now, six years later, we're a bit north in Mazatlan where this is usually one of the biggest tourist weekends of the year. Things surely must be a bit calmer due to COVID-19; however, we saw many more folks in the Centro than on a usual Sunday. The pictures added here were taken at the main cathedral.

 

This Neighbourhood of Ours

This is a franchise tortilla business in our neighbhourhood. Shortly, when we go home, we won't pass this and other places that've become familiar over the past seven weeks in Mazatlan. Already our three months in Playa del Carmen seem long ago. I like to travel because it keeps us open to new experiences. I hope to see New Westminster with new eyes when we get back for the summer. 

It's best to stay curious and occasionally in awe of one's environment and thankful for the things which surround one.

Sauce Powder

We no longer purchase many souvenirs when travelling. We used to but we have a curio cabinet that really doesn't have enough room for the junk we already have. Last summer we did a pretty good spring cleaning, but I still think there's a box of foreign nicknacks in some closet. We try to be more practical now.

All the years of travel have made us good at managing suitcase space. For example, this week I'm going to get rid of most of the underwear I've been wearing and a number of older clothes I brought along. This means at the end of our trips, there is always some space in the bags for a few items that didn't arrive with us. 

I had to pick up my popcorn seasoning for the summer today. This item is most probably available in the supermarket we use in Canada, but carrying the bottle home will make it seem more authentic.

 

Heading Home in a Week

 

Another evening in Mazatlán has arrived. It was, of course, sunny and around 24C.  We went to the main public market in Centro area. We bought enough smoked marlin to last another week.

   

At this time next week, we should be waiting in Dallas/Ft. Worth for a connection flight to Seattle. We're staying the night in an airport hotel and taking a bus to the Canadian border at Blaine, WA on the morning of April 2nd.  American Airlines cannot get us all the way to Vancouver from this city.  At least those are our plans but these depend on us testing COVID-19-free next week.  We've already filled in our mandatory information on the ARRIVECAN phone app.  So, Canada is expecting us!

Our Somewhat Rude, New Friend

Meet one of our regular visitors. This is our semi-adopted but completely-wild dove.  

She guards our terrace with diligence and hates all pigeons with a vengeance.   That can be a bit of a problem as we daily have anywhere between four to fifteen that arrive for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner.  If in the area, our dove utters the most terrifying sound she can muster and battles by raising her left wing to show both how big she is and that she's not kidding.  Sometimes the intruders ignore her but often must comply with her wishes to vacate the property, at least for a few minutes.

On occasion, she has tried eating with others. It's pretty clear that she's not impressed with pigeons' table manners though.  Pigeons do have a propensity for gluttony.  Having to share mealtime is becoming increasingly rare now.  This is because our pictured feathered friend has started waltzing directly into our apartment expecting a private dining experience.  

We've seen her terrifying outdoor spectacles and usually rush to provide at least one evening bite to eat.  When she's done she never thanks us!  Our dove simply either walks straight out or flies away through the open doorway.

 

Simple Cause & Effect

The following photograph highlights a brand of beer brewed locally in Mazatlan, Mexico.  It also showcases the resulting beer belly.

 

Our Winter's End is Getting Near

 

It was another sunny Sunday in Mazatlán. It's now our routine to take the 'green bus' up to the north end of the beach. While near the defunct Valentino's, we walk to the Soriana Hiper supermarket. We did this again today. 

However, today I realized we'd only have the chance to do it one more time. Next Sunday will be the last we have during this spring in Mazatlán. I hope at the beginning of April, the weather we've been experiencing will arrive with us in Vancouver. I know it won't.  The Lower Mainland's cherry blossoms should be nearly ready though.

 

In Mazatlán's Centro District

 

It was a beautiful Saturday morning.  Actually, I have to boast that the weather here always is. 

I didn't snap any pictures during our walk to the neighbourhood Lay supermarket. However, the picture above was taken from out front of our Airbnb place. Our entrance is to the side and we actually are staying on the second floor. The roof of the front part of the building is our terrace.  It lies right above this entire side.

Our outside area is one of the things I've enjoyed best about the place in Mazatlán. We have a flock of pigeons that Jay has trained to come for food. Having such a large private, outside space is easy to enjoy in such great weather.  

The following drone shot was taken earlier in the month. One cannot really notice the green plants and the outside table and chairs due to the shade cover.  We've not used the clothes drier once while here.  Right out of the washer, we hang the clothes in the dry morning air and sunshine and they're ready to be folded after about twenty minutes.

 

People Say, "Write What You Know."

Let's see.  We can't talk about the weather here as it's the same as yesterday and the whole of last month: sunny and mid-20°s on the centigrade scale.  Beware the ides of March? Nope, we made it unscathed past the 15th, earlier in the week.  

There're no big, crucial topics for today's blog entry, I guess.

 

Today, we'll settle for a photo from our walk to the neighbourhood fruit and vegetable store.  We went primarily to pick up some bananas.  We came back with a substantial bagful of assorted fruit.  We usually do.   We now eat freshly-cut fruit salads with yoghurt and ice cream after lunch every single day.  Some routines can be good as well as healthy and delicious.

Daily, ultra-fresh fruit is something I'll miss when we go back under quarantine at home at the beginning of April.  We arrive in Canada at that drought of fruit before BC's Okanagan region starts providing prune plums and later cherries, peaches and apricots.

I Just Sat There with My Mouth Wide Open

Waiting rooms suck. A waiting room is designed for ... well ... waiting.  That is why they suck.  We each had a bit of time in this room as Jay and I shared a dental appointment time for today's general cleaning and check. 

 

The office was owned by a dentist recommended to us by our Airbnb host. We walked from the apartment and found the office in about fifteen minutes.

Dr. Rogelio Suárez Osuna was a really nice guy and chatted with us in English as he worked. He worked alone doing all the prep and procedures by himself. Jay was first in the chair and I followed after about 45 minutes for an equal amount of time. Dr. Suárez explained that he'd been a practicing dentist for 40 years but would probably be retiring this year.  He has a new trainee that works with him for evening appointments and who'll probably take over the practice.   Unfortunately I forgot to ask him if I could take his picture to include here.

It was a pleasant experience (for being a trip to a dentist) and the total bill came to just $US 78.  Oh, and I didn't have any new cavities and very little plaque, he said.  

COVID-19 Testing for the Trip Home

Today, I asked our Airbnb host about getting our COVID-19 tests before our return flights on April 1st. In order to get on an airplane nowadays, one has to show a negative test within 72 hours of departure. We could present a simple antigen swab to get on a flight but entry to Canada requires a molecular test. 

Alma didn't think much of the clinic we suggested. She didn't believe they were very reliable. She said she got a false positive when tested there once. The hospital she does recommend charges 2600 Mexican pesos (about $US 130) for a rapid PCR analysis. At least the 24 hour waiting period ensures we can test closer to our flights and still have valid results if we cross into Canada by land.

   

I took this drone shot over a week ago but as I didn't use it here in my blog, I thought it was a good representative photo for the weather today. Nights have seemed pretty cool to us this week. My Mavic Mini shot looks back over Centro Mazatlán towards the Pacific Ocean. Olas Atlas Beach lies to the right of the image; whereas the mouth of the port is featured on the other side. On top of the sort-of-pyramid shaped hill is where the famous lighthouse sits.

The Month of March Continues Marching

 

We're just in the groove here. I find it generally takes six weeks to make just about anywhere feel like home. By that I mean, one knows the main highlights and all the necessities for getting by. It is the time when one's way around no longer feels odd.  A new routine has now been established and less learning takes place.

Today, we went to the main Centro market this morning for another kilo chunk of freshly smoked tuna. This and smoked marlin have become welcomed additions to our diets in Mazatlan. Also, we Whatsapped our Airbnb host's dentist. We'll have our teeth cleaned and Jay chipped a filling. Better to get that sorted out in the remaining couple of weeks.

Why Showcase Just Beauty?

I find it strange that people generally expect good photographs to be beautiful. Of course, I can understand why attractive subjects would garner a positive response. Afterall, the word attract is part of the word attractive. 

However, as I look through my photo-sharing site, I see a large percentage of my fellow photographers only shoot closeups of flowers; while others include just sweeping vistas of natural solitude. Yeah, that's nice, for sure! However, the world is more than just pretty things. There's no reason why photographs cannot be interesting for their uniqueness or even ugliness. 

This building is part of our life as we often walk past it on our way to Centro Mazatlan. We call it the 'pigeon building' as dozens of the urban birds seem to roost on its sills, sides, and even inside some rooms. I stopped a moment to document it because it is something we frequently go by. It has existed during the moments we are here. To me, it is definitely interesting enough to merit a saved image.

I really should organize some of my non-pretty pictures into a Flickr album.

The Weather Doesn't Change Much

Sundays seem to come and go quickly at present.  It seems weird to think we'll only have a couple more in Mazatlán this spring.  We're still due to board our plane from Mazatlán to Dallas on our April 1st flight.  Then, we're still booked on another flying to Seattle.  However, American Airlines has cancelled our SEA to YVR sector.  It is impossible to make connections home from this city at the moment.  We'll decide whether to try rebooking or simply attempt to get to the land border somehow or other.  If travel during COVID has taught us anything, it is that waiting until the last minute is sometimes best.

Today, we decided to 'green-bus-it' back to the Soriana Hiper supermarket.  As this is a Mexican long weekend, many local tourists are in town.  Also, we noticed the bus route changed some today.  That was due to the Mexican president being in town too.  When going up the Malecon, we had to take inner streets.  To return, we walked back out to the water because the busses were again running from the usual stops.

Colourful Costumes

 

This is a long weekend for Mexicans. Benito Juárez was the 26th President of Mexico and the first of indigenous origin. He was born on March 21, 1806. That is actually next Sunday this year; however, the holiday is now celebrated on the Monday prior to the 21st. Doing so gives many people a long weekend.  Luckily, this year, it also fell close to International Women's Day.

   

This morning we walked to the Centro not really expecting anything special. However, when we arrived at the Plaza República, a stage had been set up in front of the municipal building. A female dance group were preforming.

Mexico has many types of folk dances.  Most Mexican states boast their own costumes and steps.  These have roots in ancient traditions and colonial influences.  The women today were quite beautiful and colourful!

 

A Little Cooler

The temperature only reached 75°F.

A Lot of Eating

 

Jay feeds a lot of mouths or, in this case, beaks. When we have chicken bones, they are saved and discretely placed outside for neighbourhood dogs or cats too.  A lot of us depend on his kindness and skills.

I recently explained a bit about our usual lunches in this post written in Playa del Carmen. One change now that we are on the Pacific is we have the opportunity to buy a lot of smoked tuna and marlin.  Often they are served in the evening. This was lunch the other day.