Friday, April 22, 2011

New home in Centro Historico

We are now down to two weeks before we return to the north after being in Mazatlan since early October. We are in the middle of a move that we wish to complete before we return.
For the last three years we lived in Marina Gardens, a gated community on Cerritos, the north part of Mazatlan. We have many friends in the area, but it is now time to move on. We will miss the swimming pools, the quiet, and all that goes with a community that has all the amenities of the US and Canada.

Our new adventure will start after tomorrow, April 23rd, 2011 when we will move all of our things into our new home in the Centro Historico area of Mazatlan. Over the years many of our friends and activities have become located in this area. It is the cultural center of Mazatlan and replete with restored Mexican style homes. The home we are moving to in a large, 11 room, 3 bedroom, three bath home with a rooftop patio. We are located a block from the library Joel volunteers at and right behind the Mazatlan Art Museum. It is located about 3 blocks from The Plazuela Machado and 1 1/2 blocks from the Olas Altas. Both of these are vibrant places with many resturants, bars, live bands, and many ongoing activities. We will be about two blocks from the beach. The Angela Peralta Theatre is just off the Plazuela Machado. This is the home to many cultural events and where Janice had art lessons.

I have given the positives. There also will be some adjustments. Water often is in short supply in the area and often it only runs at night. All homes have what is called a tinaco which pumps full when the water is running and then is availiable during the day when you need it. At the current time we have purchased a washer, but will not have a dryer, so will use a clothesline on the roof. There are airconditioners in two of the bedrooms, so during July, August, September, and early October much of life will be in the air conditioned areas and at local spots that have air conditioning. As the homes in Centro are older, many 150 years or older, maintainance is often an issue. We have already met some of our new neighbors and it is a friendly neighborhood. It appears an even mix of gringo and Mexican. A wonderful 72 year old Spanish man lives accross the street and a Mexican couple with two daughters also live just accross the street. Next door is a couple that have lived there for six years. He is originally from Chicago and she from Medford, Oregon. We share rooftop patio space along with a woman from New Zealand that also has one of the three houses that are connected. My brother Steve's place is about a 15 minute walk from us. Over the next couple of years we will describe life in Centro.

We expect to be back in Spokane around the 14th of May. Then the 31st of May we will fly to Spain for the month of June and Ireland for the month of July. I am sure this will be the subject of other blogs. Until then :La vida is buena"