#Presidio del Mar Villas

[northameicanblog]

Presidio del Mar Villas, Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands: Presidio del Mar sits on its own promontory on St. John's spectacular north shore where the sky meets the Caribbean sea... Saint John is one of the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea and a constituent district of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), an unincorporated territory of the United States.  Wikipedia

[eltelescopiocl]

Hugo Bustamante y Denisse Llanos fueron condenados a cadena perpetua calificada por el crimen de Ámbar El Tribunal de Juicio Oral en lo Penal de Viña del Mar comunicó este martes sentencias de presidio perpetuo calificado para Hugo Bustamante y Denisse Llanos, ya declarados culpables, ambos, del brutal crimen de la adolescente Ámbar Cornejo Llanos, quien fue violada, asesinada y desmembrada el 29 julio de 2020 en la comuna de Villa Alemana. @radio_pulso @eltelescopio.cl (en Viña del Mar, Quinta Región) https://www.instagram.com/p/CXMS8XoODNi/?utm_medium=tumblr

[oatstravels]

Winter Activities

As the winter in Mazatlán progressed, we became very accustomed to a different routine. Normally we would go out for dinner once or twice a week but this year we were eating at home all the time. The evenings were spent watching TV or reading. Netflx was a source of some entertainment. Hockey, curling and golf filled the TV screen on a regular basis.

We did go out for dinner a couple of times prior to Christmas. We limited our restaurant choices to outdoor venues. Fresh air and distancing were the norm. There is no shortage of places that qualify.

The authorities kept the businesses in check with suspensions and fines. Taxi and truck delivery drivers were fined for not wearing masks. Even some businesses changed their service by serving at the door rather than allowing customers to enter. Every business entered had restrictions on numbers of people. There were marks on the floor indicating safe distancing. But there were evening parties too. Near where we live there are a couple of night clubs and the parties would continue until 4 or 5am. In many ways Covid-19 was seen by some as not a real threat – especially the younger people.

Walking was a regular morning activity. We were able to walk mask-less. When we met other people, we would quickly put on our mask as most of the other walkers followed suit. We felt very safe in the new environment.

A favourite spot to stop on our walk . . . and meet other walkers!

High tide

Our Sundays changed too. Our routine of going to the English/Spanish church service became a challenge. For many months the church went online. In October/November things were opening and the church was one of them. Initially, people over 60 were asked not to attend live services. In November we attended the church but the closeness and lack of ventilation caused us to withdraw from the live church services. We missed the people and fellowship of the group. We also missed the brunch with friends after the service. Our safety from Covid-19 was our priority.

As we progressed into the new year, we read about a strong second wave of Covid-19 hitting Canada. Our families and friends at home were faced with a new lockdown. We were able to follow all the news reports either on TV or online. But for us there was no second wave of Covid-19.

Each week my friend Al and I took drives around the city or into the country to explore places we had not seen in years. Places like La Noria, Concordia, Copala, Villa Union and the dam on the Presidio River. Routinely we would stop at a local spot and enjoy a refreshing drink and usually some nachos. In many ways it was an opportunity to get away from the isolation we all felt.

Relaxing in Concordia

Al and I were at Copala for the unveiling of the new sign.

Hotel and restaurant in La Noria 

Fishing resort at Lake Pacachos

The weeks became somewhat routine. Everyday at 4pm some of the group played crib together. Generally a happy hour would follow. The news of the day was discussed. There was always an attempt to keep the conversation light. We all found laughter a great source of strength from the isolation we all experienced. Sometimes we would receive a facetime call from some of the friends that had not come to Mazatlán this year.

On occasion our group would venture out for dinner together. We avoided weekends and especially long weekends. We visited the Plaza Machado to see the Christmas lights and enjoy a favorite restaurant.

Photo booth in Plaza Machado

Weekly routines became . . . weekly routines!

Mondays we had nothing specifically scheduled. Errands were completed, bills paid, banking or grocery shopping.

Tuesdays were regular golf day with a group of men – 12 to 24 would participate. Marion golfed with three other ladies. Later in the winter, Marion started making a regular trip to another golf course (Estrella del Mar) with friends.

Wednesdays became the regular social day trip with Al. Marion had a biweekly Zoom meeting with a group of ladies from Saskatoon. House cleaning and laundry somehow fit into the week. The evening was a regular visit with two other couples studying a video series on the Ten Commandments.

Thursdays were my regular morning marshal shift at the golf course from 7am to noon. Marion’s weekly women’s golf group at 10am. We hosted a weekly Zoom meeting with 13 others from Saskatoon in the evening.

Fridays were regular early morning golf game for Marion and me, often a friend would join us. If there was an opportunity to enjoy some music in a “spaced” environment, we would join with another couple to step out into the Mazatlán evening. This was rare in December and January, but became more acceptable later in the spring. There is no shortage of good live music.

Music in Olas Altas - Rob and his group.

Good ‘ol rock n roll - Beach Seekers.

Saturday has been a regular skin’s golf game for years. 20 to 35 golfers would play for money – sometimes we were lucky! Our condo group of eight or nine always ordered in a meal and enjoyed a social time together to wind up the week. We tried many different take-out meals – pizza, ribs, sushi, lamb tacos, burritos, Japanese food, or salads. They were almost always delivered hot (well the sushi and salad weren’t) and on time.

Sundays we enjoyed church online in the morning followed by a lengthy walk along the ocean at Olas Altas followed by brunch at one of the many places we have frequented over the years.

Olas Altas