Experiencing Local Culture (Mazatlan Part II)

When Casey and I travel, we attempt to somewhat immerse ourselves in the culture of our destinations. While we’re not completely opposed to visiting touristy spots, we also like to go where the locals go. This is often accomplished by speaking with the indigenous folk and asking where they eat and play. Thus far, this has led us to some memorable experiences.

On our Mazatlan adventure, everyone we spoke with directed us to the Plazuela Mercado. This local gathering place is especially hopping on weekends, so we were sure to walk over to the area the first night we were in town. Unfortunately our 5:30 p.m. arrival on a Saturday was way too early for the local scene. When we arrived, there were quite a few fanny pack-toting, black sock/white shoe-wearing individuals looking for an early dinner. Since we were already in the area, we chose one of the many restaurants surrounding the square for a snack and cool beverage. This alfresco locale supplied us with an optimal vantage point for watching the sidewalk vendors unpack their wares and the evening musicians set up their equipment. It was actually quite relaxing to just sit and watch the people and bustle of the square. In Mexico, we rediscovered how meals are certainly not something to be rushed and you may have to wait a half hour for your check after you are through. (Not that I’m complaining—I love the slowdown of vacation!)

After sitting there contently for a while, we opted to stretch our legs and check out some of the local shops in the vicinity. When we returned to the plaza a bit later, we realized our “snack” has spoiled our supper and had to settle for just wandering through the crowds for a while. Though there were clearly visitors on hand, it was definitely refreshing to be surrounded by a mix of locals and tourists. Obviously the secret of the square is out, but it is still quite the charming area. We revisited the stop a couple other times throughout our stay—once for dinner and once for morning coffee.

After booking our trip to Mazatlan, Casey bought me a tour book as an early birthday accompaniment to the trip. While perusing the pages, we both read about the local bull fights. This is not something we can catch any day back home. And after reading the fights were “in season,” we decided it was a cultural opportunity we could not pass up. When questioned on the subject, our lovely hotel proprietor told us her uncle regularly attends and they are definitely something to be seen.

Therefore, Sunday afternoon found us cruising along in a pulmonia away from the ocean, deeper into the heart of the city. The ride there was interesting, as we caught a glimpse of people living their everyday lives. Eventually we arrived at the arena, and the pulmonia driver pointed us to the ticket booth. Because we read the bull fights begin at 4 p.m., we were a bit surprised the gates were not yet open a mere 15 minutes before the four o’clock hour. However, when Casey purchased two tickets, he was told the entertainment wouldn’t begin until 5:30 p.m. that day. Resigned to the news, we settled in to enjoy the warm weather and outstanding people-watching.
Let me say, the hour and a half prior to the gates opening was quite enjoyable. Who knew what an interesting crowd a bull fight would attract?! All ages and types gathered at the arena. We saw many older men, lots of excited children and couples of all ages on what appeared to be dates. “Refreshing!” we thought. There was little English spoken, so it was laughable to see what Spanish we could catch from passing conversations.

This event definitely brought out the best in entertainment. If you wondered whatever happened to banana clips, I found them in bulk. The bling-bling was out in full force—especially for the guys. And you’ve never seen people travel as quickly and efficiently in high heels over uneven ground, steps and bleachers as the ladies in attendance. Oh, and if you felt a bit peckish during this waiting period, there were even concessions…in a wheelbarrow. Who knew such fun could exist? I mean, this is much better than a circus and possibly even rivals the state fair experience.

As we approached the time when the gate opened, a line began to form and soon stretched through the parking lot. When the people started pouring in, we joined the queue and slowly made our way toward the entrance. Inching forward, we noticed a vendor with his wares spread out on a sheet covering the dusty ground. I glanced over the merchandise, noting more of the strange masks we had seen other patrons carrying with them upon arrival. This was obviously another interesting addition to the bull fight. Perhaps their version of a rodeo clown wore masks at bull fights. Hmmm…

As I weighed the new development, items at the far end of the sheet suddenly caught my eye. “Wait—are those toy figurines of wrestlers? As in the fake kind of wrestlers?” Yes, in fact they were. You could purchase miniature versions of fake wrestling rings with your favorite wrestlers. Wow—this place did have it all!

And then as we passed through the entrance, it all came together. Those multiple versions of “Yo Soy AAA” shirts weren’t a coincidence. AAA was in town, and the classic bull fight was bumped for this version of local entertainment. For someone who grew up in a real wrestling family and never gave “professional” (a.k.a. fake) wrestling the time of day, this was excruciatingly ironic and hysterical. At this point, what else could I do but laugh? And laugh I did…all through the evening’s entertainment.


Yes, Casey and I had traveled across town, waited two hours and ended up at the Mexican version of professional wrestling. Instead of hightailing it home, we stayed to take in the entertainment. You see, my friends, the city had come out for this occasion. Even our favorite waiter from the hotel was there. While is wasn’t the cultural experience we had searched for, we did find the locals!

Happy travels!

Getting Out is the Hardest Part… (Mazatlan Part I)

Last week, the hubby and I packed up and headed off for a long weekend of rest and relaxation in paradise. The excursion was a highly anticipated trip for both of us. As I’m sure most can attest, there is just a plethora of pressure these days. And since the trip took us beyond our borders, it was truly possible to turn off the PDAs and leave it all behind. That in itself is a wonderful benefit to a vacation!

Because of a rather early flight, Casey and I arose bleary-eyed in the middle of the night to shower, zip up the suitcases and head to DFW. For once, I was actually ready to depart before my ever-so-punctual husband. However, due to the abnormal hour and lack of sleep, I did not rush him or comment. We had plenty of time to get to the airport…or so I thought.

Halfway there, I turned to Casey and said, “I’m not married!” This being our code for ring-less, he knew immediately that I left my wedding rings safely but unhappily at home. Being the accommodating Casey that he is, he handed me his phone while instructing me to check in for our flight online. Then without further comment, he took the first Texas turnaround towards home. Simultaneously, I futilely attempted time and again to check in for that promising flight from reality. Unfortunately, checking in for an international flight on the Blackberry did not seem to be an option. By that time, we were running out of minutes.

Internally, I struggled. Did missing my rings really outweigh the chance of missing our plane? For most, that’s probably an obvious answer. It should have been for me as well, but I tend to analyze things. And I didn’t want to feel like the mistress on a vacation with my husband! While I was pondering, Casey quickly opted for the solution that could potentially both appease me and ensure our departure.

Upon our return to home, I sprinted for the rings, and Casey headed for the computer. Thankfully the check-in worked, buying us enough time to make it to the airport with our carry-on baggage. Finally, with rings and public displays of our marriage in tow, we were on track for paradise…

Happy day!

Opera Etiquette

While I reserve the right to comment further at a later date, for now I just need to make a couple remarks regarding opera guests.

1. If you got all gussied up, drove to Fair Park and sat through multiple acts, could you please have the courtesy to stay through the final curtain and show your appreciation to the cast and musicians? Leaving before the lights come up is so disrespectful to the many individuals who put their heart and soul into creating an experience for you—the audience. And are you honestly going to get out of that chaotic parking lot that much sooner?!
   
2. Please refrain from wearing black Crocs with your black suit. You may think they blend in. Let me tell you—they don’t.

And thanks for the tickets, big brother! I believe I discovered my favorite opera tonight!

Birthdays…Pretty Much the Icing on the Cake

What fun it is to celebrate birthdays! A whole day—or week if your husband is a rock star—to celebrate you!

Some of you may have been let in on the fact that I regularly experience mini crises, beginning with my quarter-life crisis when I turned 25. I literally had a panic attack that year when I realized—assuming my Nelson genes push me to 100—a quarter of my life has passed. When the short breaths of fear eventually lengthened and I returned to a calmer state, I found a solution to my issue. Always think of life in days, hours or minutes. Even 25 years versus a mere quarter definitely resonates more clearly. So now I constantly think in smaller increments. All this neuroses aside, I have found my happy medium and rarely breathe into a bag these days.

Life, my friends, is good. And what better time to celebrate it than on birthdays! And if you feel so inclined, I am also a proponent of celebrating other times as well… For example, why wouldn’t you tell a substitute Sunday school teacher that is was your birthday so the entire classes sings to you? I can find no fault with my friend who pulled that stunt once upon a time. In fact, I bet she’d do it again should the opportunity arise… Like me, she'd probably do most anything for a song and a piece of cake!

All this to say, today is my day! Although the celebration started a week ago with a spontaneous but official birthday dinner, every day this week has been special. Thank you, husband and friends. Today the marketing crew is taking me to lunch, and Lisa is providing her scrumptious fruit pizza for all to share. I also love this day, because I typically hear from favorite family and friends from afar. Nothing puts a smile on my face faster than an unexpected call from someone I don't get to see enough. And tomorrow the celebration continues, as hubby and I are off to Mazatlan! Already, this has been a birthday to remember. The only thing that could make it better is if Mom remembered to mail my favorite cupcakes. I’m crossing my fingers in hopes the mailman will be delivering them today!

Happy, happy birthday to all you fellow February honorees!