At the end of a year I always like to do a bit of “summing up.” I think about what went well and what didn’t for the year just ending and often think of about my hope for the future. I did make my own resolutions this year, but that’s not what I’m talking about here. I’m talking about my Mazatlán hopes for the new year.
So many of my previous “hopes” have come to pass – the new organic market every Saturday (starting January 7) and English language play readings and independent film showings. So here you go – my hopes and dreams for Mazatlán in the coming year:
- I hope that tourism recovers, since there are many people struggling to make ends meet these days. I hope every one of us will take whatever opportunities present themselves to tell people how much we enjoy the city. You don’t need to have a blog to get the word out, either. You can comment on newspaper articles, share positive stories on social media sites, and – of course – talk to people!
- I am so happy to see that there is less graffiti here in Centro – as we all know it’s important to paint it out quickly in order to deter new tags. There appears to be a civic effort to paint it out right away now -all I can say is that’s fantastic! Let’s all make sure we keep it up!
- I would love to see Mazatlán’s expat community have a community space. I dream about a building that would be perfect for seminars, movies, play readings, lectures, classes, and more. There has to be a space out there that would be perfect for this – perhaps one of you reading this even knows of a space that is available or could be made available. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?
- I’d also love to see Centro become more pedestrian-friendly. When we travel we always enjoy the downtown areas where certain areas are closed to traffic – like they’ve done in Oaxaca, Mexico City, Tlaquepaque, and Puebla. I believe Mazatlán’s most important attractions are Centro Historico, the malecón, and the beaches. We should make sure they are clean, well maintained, well lit, secure, and walkable.
2012 is stretching in front of us, wouldn’t it be great if some of these dreams could come true?
Rainie Baillie Bowie
January 3, 2012I too hope you will have a community center in 2012. In Merida we are fortunate to have the Merida English Library… a home away from home for many expats. Not only can we check out books and DVDs but we have a variety of social and educational events that help us all stay connected, entertained and informed. Of course, if the end of the world comes in 2012 you won’t have the needed. (hee hee)
Nancy
January 3, 2012Rainie, We have a fantastic English library but the space they are in is totally maxed out. I really hope we can find something this year!
Contessa
January 3, 2012I think they are all lovely wishes and hopefully attainable in the near future. Number 1 is my main priority.
Brava!!
Marilyn
January 3, 2012I hope your dreams for Mazatlan come true, Nancy. Our organic market started out tiny but now is so big and crowded and full of amazing creative and healthy food that I look forward to every Tues. Today I found a new treat! You’re gonna LOVE this…Cauliflower ceviche! It is fabulous. Good luck with your community, I suspect all those dreams will come true soon.
I’m more worried about the country!
Andrew
January 3, 2012I agree completely that we can all promote Mazatlan through any of a variety of social media conduits like Twitter, Facebook, travel and other blogs. I’ve commented on a cruise line blog and on Facebook and have found folks are generally receptive to common-sense suggestions for travel to Mazatlan. I’ve started a Tumblr blog to promote the port (and my rental); just need to post a bit more often to hopefully get some traction. Cheers!
Kim
January 4, 2012I promote Mazatlan every chance I get for the past five years I have taken someone new with me there and shown the magic of Mazatlan. As soon as they get a glimpse of the beaches, malecon, centro they are completely hooked!! Many of them go every year now with or without me as schedules permit. The Canadian media is not much better in their protrayl of Mexico either unfortunately… I simply don’t get it!!!I feel safer there than I do in my own community and we have our own gang wars and drug trades in our own back yard without pointing fingers elsewhere but I digress. I still get the questions is it safe? I answer and enthusiatic yes!!! Danger is everywhere nowadays you can live your life in fear or you can just live your life! Viva Mexico!!
Eric
January 5, 2012The Benjamin Franklin Library in Plazuela Hidalgo, also known as Plazuela de los Leones – would be a PERFECT space for the Expat Community.
It is already an English language library, which is severely under-utilized. One day, as an experiment, I arrived at the library when it opened – and stayed there reading until it closed. For the entire day – I was the only visitor.
It is a marvelous location that has all the makings of a vibrant community space – it just needs people to show up and make it happen. The space is a dusty, forgotten gem just waiting to be re-discovered.
Thoughts?
Eric Streit
Sandy
January 5, 2012When in Mazatlan we always visit the Benjamin Franklin Library – it is indeed a dusty jewel. SM
Nancy
January 6, 2012Thanks so much, everyone, for your great comments. We’re ramping up to try to see how much community involvement we can gather – see my next blog post for details. And Eric, I am visiting the library this afternoon to check it out, thanks for the suggestion.