Anyone who has read this blog for long knows how much I love Mazatlán. But sometimes I just don’t understand things around here.
For example, earlier this year there was a large civic project where some of the malecon concrete surface was chipped out and replaced North of the Fisherman’s Monument. Seemed strange to me since that portion of the malecon seemed in very good repair already. Of course I was hoping they’d continue on South from the Fisherman’s Monument and clean up Los Pinos and Olas Altas, too.
For those of you who don’t know Mazatlán well, Olas Altas is the beach at Centro Historico, and is a major tourist attraction for the city.
At the top is a representative picture of the seawall at Olas Altas. Not so attractive.
Below is a picture of the way many of the planters have fallen apart.
And here is a picture of one of the better looking handrails at the handicapped ramp. You can’t neglect metal this close to the ocean or it will just disappear!
Then, instead of having nice looking street signs all around Centro (and the rest of the city) they have put up these things with advertising at the bottom. And if you didn’t know better, wouldn’t you think the Gran Plaza was this way (or that way?)
Look what they do in Mérida. Not only is it a gorgeous street plaque, but the neighborhood is depicted with the lovely graphic tile. Color me jealous!
Or how about the end of the malecon, where there is the roundabout called “the shield.” Every parade and marathon goes around there. Carnaval bandstands are there. It is our city shield, after all. Needs a bit of help, don’t you think?
And then, here is my favorite little square, the Plaza de los Leones. There is a library in the center. But is there anywhere to throw a piece of trash? No, the garbage cans were all removed a couple of years ago. Here’s what we have now:
I hope you know how much I love Mazatlán. I am bringing these things to light because it isn’t right that I only show the positive. But even these frustrations can’t overshadow how much I love this city and its people.
Steve Cotton
December 7, 2009I saw the shield when I was in town last month — and thought the same thing. It is a great city. But every town can use some work. Nice post. Just the right tone.
Jonna
December 7, 2009It’s often odd what city govt thinks are pressing issues, believe me there are problems here as well.
Did you take the video? and who was that yelling “way to go” in English?? Heh! Cool video, we used to go to the balloon fiesta in Albuquerque and they would do a mass lighting of the balloons at night. Incredible!
Nancy
December 7, 2009Steve, You’re right about that!
Jonna, Merida seems to have its head on a lot straighter than here… But this weekend was the Marathon of the Pacific and people came from all over. The city did a fabulous job managing all the traffic revisions and all the blocked off streets were blocked off with palms in pots! So some things look very nice! And the fireworks show to kick off the marathon was amazing. There were four big hot air balloons up and down the malecon and the fireworks were staged all along the bay. We went to a beach party in front of some friends condo and had an amazing view. My friend Dianne is the one who shouted out on the video, she can get pretty whipped up! I had never been so close to one, it was pretty amazing.
Leobardo Alberto Rivera Lizarraga
December 8, 2009Look this videos from the “Festival of Lights”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06e1MYpudjw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aU4reMSGlo
Nancy
December 8, 2009Thanks Leobardo!
Michael
December 8, 2009I was thinking as I read this: “Maybe the city has more pressing things to do. Maybe it’s in next years budget.” Then I say the picture of the shield. And the beloved venado hablando!
Jackie
December 10, 2009Nancy,
Wayne writes about crazy stuff on his blog. Some of the things that have been done on Isla make absolutely no sense either.
Nancy
December 15, 2009I know, sometimes things are hard to figure!