Today we drove into the old part of Mazatlan, the city square, the Cathedral and the market. We have been in Mazatlan twice before but this is the first time we have been able to really explore the city. Our previous two visits were on cruise ships and we never got to see the real Mazatlan, which is hard to do in one day. This had left us with a fairly negative view of the town but our longer stay here has allowed us to see more of the city and come to appreciate some of the hidden treasures of the town which really has a charm of its own.

Mazatlan has three or possibly four zones, the old city center, the original Malecon, the Golden Zone (Zona Dorada) with a fourth developing beyond this area with newer condominiums and hotels. In the Marina El Cid, we are really on the northern edge of the Golden Zone.

We spent the day exploring the original town with its narrow streets, sidewalk cafes and small plazas. The Plaza de la Republica is a busy area in front of the Cathedral and seems to be the place to get a fine shine on your shoes. Two sides of the plaza consist of shoe shine stands, I was sorry that I was wearing sandals. The Cathedral Basilica de la Purisima Conception was completed in 1899 and is quite a fine building. There was a service in progress while we were there and the bells and children singing provided an interesting backdrop to our visit.

Markets or Bazaars are always fascinating and it does not matter where in the world they are. From the Orient to the Mediterranean they all share a similar style and the Mercado in Mazatlan is no different. Anita finally found her Huaraches (Sandals) that she had been looking for months and was thrilled with the price she paid for them. While the market hall is somewhat small, it had two levels, the second being for food where we enjoyed a fine lunch of Shrimp with a soda for under $10, what a bargain!

We found a place to park the car for a few dollars and had it washed while we were gone. The narrow streets in the old city have many trees and a flavor all of their own. It is so nice to sit and enjoy a leisurely coffee in one of the many sidewalk restaurants and watch the world go by. Our return to the Marina was by way of the Cerro Vigia, a hill which overlooks the harbor, the old city center and the Pacific. Another stop was at the Divers point before returning along the Original Malecon.

Our perspective of Mazatlan has changed; it has a lot to offer and even areas of the Golden Zone which to us on previous visits seemed too touristy, grows on you after a while. We had a fine lunch at Panchos yesterday looking out over the sand, sea and islands. It is certainly a city of contrasts and one we have come to appreciate and enjoy.