The pace of life is definitely slow down here, but it usually is whenever and wherever we travel. Down here it's expected. Before we knew it, noon was fast approaching.

We left the motor home around 11:30 and took the panga back into town across the harbor. We wanted to explore a little without a particular plan in mind except to check into getting a refill on two prescriptions which require a doctor's written permission. Down here most of the meds that require prescriptions in the US are over the counter. Got those filled Monday with help from our new friend, Mazatlan Lee. She was coming into town again today and offered to help us with the language problem we have, especially trying to purchase a controlled substances. Just for the record we are not "druggies", just like Xanax for occasional anxiety and a pain reliever for Ellen's back aches -Vicodin. We agreed to meet at a restaurant in the "Golden Zone" - an area on the north end of Mazatlan that is known for it's upscale hotels, restaurants, beaches, and I belive night life as well. What a beautiful part of town!

We had lunch with Lee (unfortanately we did not know she was planning on lunch and we ate before she arrived). Her spot was much better - it was right on the ocean. We then went on a quest to find a doctor who could meet our needs. Lee stayed with us to help because she speaks Spanish and most doctors do not. Going to a doctor down here is much less expensive than in the US. It's kind of like going to the "clinic" at a Martin's grocery store. You pay the doctor, he (she) writes a prescription, and then the pharmacy fills the order. Only down here the doctor charges 10 - 25 pesos for the consultation - the equivelant of $0.70 to $1.75 US instead of $50.00! However, not all farmacias here have a doctor on site and those that do are not all able to write prescriptions for controlled medecines. Plus the doctor's hours are sporatic. One just needs to be in the right place at the right time. We were not in the right places at the right times today. We did get in to see a doctor, but she was not allowed to write the prescriptions we wanted (controlled by the government). She did not charge us for that info (god bless her), but sent us to a doctor who could write a Rx for what we were after. We got there but the Doctor was out until 4:00 pm.

Had to get back to the dogs and could not wait any longer - it was 3:30 by then and already gone for 4 hours. We will try again another day. Hey, we have had the prescriptions good for the US, but they are not honored down here. We'll go back next time in town (now we know when the doctor is in) and show him (her) our sought after prescriptions. It will either be yes or no. Thing is, it's just so cheap down here to refill. We would like a 3-6 month supply of everything before heading back north. For the price it would be foolish to not do so. US customs are a little more lax about what quantities can be brough back across the border thanks to efforts by AARP to help people in the US reduce their Rx expenses. We are all for it!

But enough about drugs. I need to fix us another drink.

Lee has really gone out of her way to help us with the language barrier as well as providing insight into Mazatlan history, customs, and simply getting around. We will be forever thankful for her help and friendship. I gave her website link in a previous post. Check it out.

If no new pictures tonight, look for them tomorrow!

Well they are here tonight!

Our local fish market. Just another picture as seen from the harbor. Adds some "color" and if you were here "smell" to the actual experience. Hey, the fish we bought was fantastic! Just need to be observant about who you buy from. The pelicans seem to like every vendor.

Views from a Golden Zone hotel restaurant


Lee and Ellen in the pulmonia on our way back to El Centro (Old Mazatlan) where farmacia prices are cheaper.

Entry to the Golden Zone restaurant with the water barely visable in the view.

Another view of the Golden Zone beach looking back to Stone Island where we are staying.


This is a shot of the Malacon. The sidewalk along the ocean in Mazatlan. This will be "party central" in two weeks for Carnaval. Used to be the third biggest celebration in the world, but now reported to be the second biggest, only Rio being #1.

Some practicing for the Carnaval going on along the Malecon