Our First Ever Real Vacation, Mexican Riviera Cruise June 1-8, 2008 About This Page:

[sueh818]

Day 4, Part 2 – World Famous Cliff Divers ??!

After a good twenty minutes at the cathedral, we boarded the bus. Our next stop was to “watch the world famous cliff divers take the plunge." I had been looking forward to this part because I'd always wanted to watch world famous cliff divers take the plunge. In my mind's eye, world famous cliff divers would be standing regally in tiny speedo's at the top of impossibly high cliffs, executing perfect swan dives into deep blue waters below. I came to find out that cliff divers such as these do in fact exist!...in Acapulco!

Cliff diving in Mazatlan is of a different sort.

Here is a Mazatlan cliff:



The cliff here was more like a 50-foot high rock formation.




The cliff diver looked more like your run-of-the-mill crazy guy diving from 50 ft. rocks ...



...into waters and rocks like these...






I was terrified that he was going to crack his skull open, and was relieved when he completed the dive and came up unharmed to collect tips (his only pay.)



Although the cliff diving was a disappointment, I had to admit that the scenery was beautiful.

There were a lot of street vendors here. They definitely were not shy about getting into your face but did respond to a polite, firm “no thanks.”

Back on the bus we embarked on the next part of the excursion described on the DCL website as “Be surrounded in the magnificent beauty of Mazatlán as you journey via air-conditioned motor coach — past scenic seaside views and captivating coastal terrain — along one of the longest and most picturesque waterfronts in the world. During the 15-minute journey, learn about the fascinating history of the renowned city and bay from your friendly guide. Then, marvel at the picture-perfect views of the late 19th-century El Faro lighthouse and snap a picture of the offshore islands in the distance during a stop at Cerro del Vigia, commonly known to the locals as "Lookout Hill."

The coastal route did indeed pass many scenic seaside views and monuments.






The Cerro del Vigia stop was also very beautiful.




These islands are a Mazatlan landmark called "The Two Brothers."




I was disappointed and did not "marvel at the picture-perfect views of the late 19th-century El Faro lighthouse." We could barely see it!




On maximum zoom:




We boarded the bus and made our way back toward the city on a more inland route.

Here is a canon that long ago was used to defend the city.




This is the Pacifico Brewery where Corona beer is brewed.



Downtown Mazatlan:




A local fish market:




Coming soon: Fiesta & Flyers

[sueh818]

Oops! Double post. Could someone with the authority please delete one of them?

[chezp]

What a shame the cliff divers weren't quite what you expected - my goodness, they do need their heads examining to dive into that though!

[Kenny]

Beautiful pictures... and you got double prints!! I knew that watch had to be there somewhere... are you sure you didn't just put it there so you could get an extra souvenir?!

[Colexis Mom]

Great pictures!! What cool rocks!! Sorry the cliff diving disappointed More please

[YoHoTales40]

Well, the cliff diver you saw might have looked run of the mill, but at least he wasn't 70 + years old and rail thin like the one we saw at the same dive spot on the Best of Mazatlan tour. A woman and her young daughter were standing next to me for what seemed like 20 minutes as we waited for the gentleman to shuffle (literally!) his way to the rock and then up the stairs. Once on top, we waited again for quite some time, as I assume the gentleman was waiting for just the right waves and wind. I overheard the young daughter ask her mom, "Mom, when is he going to jump?" to which her mom replied, "I guess he's waiting for a stiff wind to blow him off." I couldn't believe at 70+ this man was still doing such a crazy thing. He even climbed the rock face from the shore after his jump to shuffle his way again back to the dive rock. What a dude!

[NanaTink]

Great photos! Too bad about the diver...I would have been a little disappointed in no "hunk, just chunk" too!
(you can delete the double yourself...just go into edit of one of the posts, and there is an option to delete)
Can't wait to read more!

[sueh818]

Thanks for the tip Nanatink

[sueh818]

Originally Posted by YoHoTales40

Well, the cliff diver you saw might have looked run of the mill, but at least he wasn't 70 + years old and rail thin like the one we saw at the same dive spot on the Best of Mazatlan tour. A woman and her young daughter were standing next to me for what seemed like 20 minutes as we waited for the gentleman to shuffle (literally!) his way to the rock and then up the stairs. Once on top, we waited again for quite some time, as I assume the gentleman was waiting for just the right waves and wind. I overheard the young daughter ask her mom, "Mom, when is he going to jump?" to which her mom replied, "I guess he's waiting for a stiff wind to blow him off." I couldn't believe at 70+ this man was still doing such a crazy thing. He even climbed the rock face from the shore after his jump to shuffle his way again back to the dive rock. What a dude!

I saw that man there! Didn't get a picture though. You won't be surprized to hear that he had to stop diving that day because his arm got cut on one of the rocks!

[YoHoTales40]

Originally Posted by sueh818

I saw that man there! Didn't get a picture though. You won't be surprized to hear that he had to stop diving that day because his arm got cut on one of the rocks!

Oh, my gosh! Amazing he didn't hurt himself more than that. I wish you had gotten a pic of him because I didn't and now I'm wishing I had. No one would believe what this gentleman looked like, if they hadn't seen him themself.

Keep up the great TR!!

[DyanKJ130]

Great updates, Sue!! Your photographs are beautiful!!!

[sueh818]

Whew! Just finally getting better from a raging sinus infection! I am very happy to feel well enough to write more.

Day 4, Part 3 – Fiesta & Flyers

Our next stop was the Aztec Theater where we were to “Delight in the many styles of dance found throughout Mexico — from the early pre-Hispanic era to the more recent folkloric age...”

This outdoor theater was situated behind a small market place with a lot of touristy things. Since we had 20 minutes or so before the next show started, we were released to shop around. Theo got a Mexican-style casual shirt, Chloe and Daphne got Mazatlan t-shirts, and Lucy got a pink sun dress.

When it was time for the show we were led through the entrance. We were offered a choice of soda or beer at a drink station before taking our seats in the bleachers.

The stage:




At the far right of the stage was a shop with blankets, sundresses, vanilla, etc., for sale





The show started with tranditional Mexican dancers.




Then a group of Totonac indians performed the first part of the Dance of the Paplantla Flyers. This part represented searching for the straitest tree in the forest to use for their ritual.




I believe this part of the dance was honoring the four winds. The dancers held on and spun around on that wheel for a while.




Next a young man performed spectacular feats with a lasso, while these two ladies went blanket shopping.




After that was a ritualistic dance representing a deer hunt. Mazatlan means “land of the deer.”




Mardi Gras is a big deal in Mazatlan.




After the mardi gras dancers danced around for a bit they came around the audience and tried to get people to dance with them. For a while Chloe was the only volunteer.



After a while a few more people joined in.




For the finale the Indians came out to finish their dance. There was a leader playing a flute and drum, and four other men representing the elements. They danced to the pole, then danced around the base of the pole and started to climb.




At the top the leader played the instruments and danced on a 12 inch diameter platform (no harnesses, ropes, or safety nets), while the other four climbed up and tied around their waists the ends of a rope wrapped thirteen times around the around the top of the pole. (13x4=52; 52 was a significant number in their calendar as well as ours.)




Then they went off the edge and began slowly turning and descending as the rope unwrapped.





Once the flyers were on the ground the dancer on top descended one of the ropes hand-over-hand.




After the show it was back to the bus and back to the ship. Yay!




Back on the ship the first thing we wanted to do was eat; we were all really hungry! Since we were so tired from the excursion we decided it was the perfect time to give the table service lunch Lumiere's a try.

I was so tired that I forgot to write down what we ate. I'm sure at least some of the kids had mac & cheese. Theo and I had a cheeseburgers. They were really big, but a little too greasy for my taste, but not too greasy for Theo.

After lunch the only thing any of us wanted to do was take a nap. So we headed back to our rooms and napped for an hour or so. After we were rested we decided to catch the matinee performance of "Twice Charmed."

The maintinee performances are not as popular as the evening shows, and we were there about 15 minutes early, so we got really good seats up front. In need of a sugar fix, Theo checked out Preludes and brought us all back sodas and Mickey candy bars. Then who should we find sitting behind us but fellow Passporter, Tracey (YoHoTales40). We had met up briefly at the sail away party, but I hadn't seen her since. (It's a big ship!) We chatted for a bit and made plans to get together on the next at-sea day.

Of course, the show was great. Afterwards we went up to deck nine to see what was going on and get some ice cream. There was a mariachi band playing by the goofy pool. We didn't stay on deck long because of the vaguely unpleasant aroma that seemed to pervade the Mazatlan port. Theo and the girls wanted to try out the Quartermasters arcade, and I happily went back to the room to rest some more.

They came back in time to get ready for dinner. Tonight our dining rotation was at Lumiere's, and Theo and I also had reservations at Palo for 7:00. We took the kids to Lumiere's for dinner. The Lucy, Ceclia, and Daphne had their requisite mac & cheese. In addition, Lucy and Cecilia tried the Minestrone soup, which they did not like. Chloe had the Shrimp medley and the Tenderloin, both of which she liked very much. Since we were going to be eating at Palo soon, Theo and I ate lite. I had the Ratatouille appetizer and a Theo just had a little bread. I also had a cocktail called a Cactus, which tasted remarkably like what I image a cactus would taste like. Interesting, but I wouldn't get that one again.

By then the time was nearly 6:45, so we skipped dessert, look the kids up to their clubs, and then headed to our highly anticipated dinner at Palo.

Our server was Tomas from the Czech Repoblic, who of course was an excellent server. Theo started with the Tuna Carpaccio, which was a sushi type thing. I had the Portobello Mushroom Polenta, and I was glad I did because it was fabulous. When we were nearly finished Tomas brought us a dish of Pesto Shrimp with Asparagus because he thought we would like it, and he was right!

The photographer came by, so we had our picture taken.




For our main courses, I couldn't decided between the Mushroom and Hazelnut Risotto and the Tenderloin. Tomas suggested I get a half order of each, which was an excellent suggestion. They were both delicious. Theo had the Pan Fried Tuna with Linguini, which was also excellent.



For dessert we both had the Chocolate Souffle and shared a Tiramisu.



Absolutely bursting, we headed out, picked up the kids, and turned in.

Coming soon: Outdoor Adventure in Puerto Vallarta

[chezp]

The show looked like a lot of fun - dinner at Palo sounds superb.

[NanaTink]

Great update! Your photos are wonderful! And your dinner sounds yummy too!

[DyanKJ130]

Glad to hear you're feeling better! Great update! That show looks like it was amazing!! I bet the kids will remember that for a long time!! Can't wait to hear more