Mazatlan, Sinaloa

I've spent some time in Mazatlan recently. One of the delights seen on my walks through the colonial part of town is this big bicycle scuplture made of sticks. The artist, Janeth Berrettini, a Venezuelan, sent me this picture and a note, "Amigo Charles, aqui esta la imagen prometida, la obra se titula 'Bike the Way', espero la disfrutes. Muchas felicidades para este año nuevo, Janeth Berrettini.
Another nice experience in Mazatlan was visiting artists studios as part of the 2nd annual "Open Studio Tour" organized by a former Bay Area artist who now lives in Old Mazatlan, the area of the tour. Find out more at www.openstudiomazatlan.com.

Guaymas, Sonora

I've been in Guaymas many times in transit between Phoenix and southern Mexico. It's a historic port city in the sonoran desert. Father Kino settled Guaymas in 1701. The bay is attractive and edged by cactus covered hills. When the Jesuits were expelled from New Spain the Jesuits in this region, which extends up to Arizona, were rounded up for deportation at Guaymas. (1767 - The Jesuits are expelled from New Spain, as they are considered dangerous because of their riches, their influence over the Indians and their independence towards the government.)