Category Archives: Uncategorized

May31

I Moved To Mazatlan!

Posted on May 31, 2015 by iamkaren23

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Sipping a Be Light, crunching on Sabritas and nibbling on Oaxaca cheese. I am back home in Mexico after a whirlwind five weeks in Winnipeg. The temperature is a comfortable 29 degrees Celsius.

When I left Winnipeg yesterday it was 2 degrees when Donna drove me to the airport at 5 am.

Westjet did well yesterday. I arrived in Calgary five minutes early and then arrived in Puerto Vallarta ten minutes early. Then a TAP bus to Mazatlan and a taxi to Angie’s house, where I’m staying right now until I find a place of my own. Angie is a friend of the director of the school where I start teaching this week.

The school is called World Class English. My classes for the month of June are varied and interesting. I will be teaching English to hotel staff, have one private student and will also run a conversation club. I’ve had two months off and am raring to go.

I am extremely excited about being back in Mazatlan. When I taught in Culiacan almost five years ago, I discovered this magical city and dreamed of someday living here. Dreams come true when they are pursued, and here I am!

I find the water very relaxing. The malecon and the ocean are mere minutes away from where I’m staying. And that is where I will be tomorrow.

May25

Winnipeg:Week Four

Posted on May 25, 2015 by iamkaren23

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Sunday the weather changed drastically. The temperature plummeted and howling winds soon changed rain into freezing rain into snow. And I moved from Carolyn’s back into my son Kyle’s home. I awoke early Monday morning to find snow on the ground and below zero temperatures. I dove back beneath the covers and slept until after noon. I was quite content to hibernate indoors and check out family photographs and do some writing.

Tuesday dawned bright and sunny. Laura. my computer guru, picked me up and we headed to Best Buy to buy me a new computer. It was absolutely awesome to shop with someone so knowledgeable and computer savvy. Laura has the patience of a saint. She gave me a crash course in using my new technology. And I have begun diligently practicing using my new ASUS transformer book. I love the touch screen and have become quite adept at navigating without a mouse, although I did purchase a cute new blue one. I now have this nifty Seagate Slim for backup and to use to transfer my files from my old computer. Now if only I can figure this one out! SOS Laura!

Wednesday was a hectic day. First stop was Passport Canada. I have to get my passport certified to get an ITIN number from the IRS as my books have been published in the USA and I am a Canadian author. Then it was finally time to book a flight to Mexico for next week, no easy feat with snowbird flights non-existent now until the fall. The evening began with an interesting tour of The Manitoba Legislative Building. The ideas behind the architecture were fascinating and thought-provoking.

My birthday celebrations began on Thursday when Donna treated me to a delicious lunch at McLeod Tea House in Stonewall. The drive in the country was most enjoyable and the weather was sunny and warm.

As relaxing as Thursday was, Friday was hectic. Some shopping, a medical appointment, a visit with my friend Joan and dinner with my friend Rita. The texts were flying back and forth and I now had a place to stay when I arrive back in Mexico, as well as the beginnings of a teaching schedule.

Saturday was my birthday and it was extra-special as I was together with my son. We had an appointment at the bank in the morning. I then spent the afternoon going through family photographs. Kyle barbecued dinner for us. Then we settled down to watch a movie and we both fell asleep and never did see the end of the movie.

Sunday morning we sat out on the deck with our coffee. Then he cooked us a delicious breakfast. We finally got around to eating the birthday cheesecake in the afternoon. I then packed my bags and my friend Audrey picked me up. Week Four was now over.

May16

Week Three In The Peg

Posted on May 16, 2015 by iamkaren23

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Mother’s Day is celebrated in Mexico on May 10th, so this year it coincided with the second Sunday in May which marks Mother’s Day in Canada. Kyle, Krista and I went out for a lovely brunch at Club Regent Casino. It was so nice to be with my kids again.

I spent the week at my friend Carolyn’s. She lives out on North Kildonan, an area where I lived when I was first married some forty odd years ago. It was interesting to see how the city has grown. This community has new housing developments, shopping malls and restaurants now. This is the beautiful view at sunset from the balcony of her apartment.

The weather this week has been cold and rainy. But that didn’t stop us from checking out a couple of malls, one in North Kildonan on Monday and one in St. Vital on Thursday.

Late on Monday I had an unexpected surprise when my friend Lise took me to the cemetery to visit my parents. We then went out for coffee to Mountain Bean.

On Wednesday I had a medical appointment in the morning and then Donna took me to pick up my new eyeglasses. Yay! I can see again!

Friday dawned sunny although cool. I had one last medical appointment and then spent the afternoon with David. He has a huge garden in his backyard, although at this time of year there is not much activity yet. And it was just a tad too cool to walk barefoot in the grass. But we enjoyed several backgammon games and then picked up Chinese food from one of our favorite restaurants.

Friday was also Teachers’ Day in Mexico, and it felt strange being here in Canada. I miss my students. I am so very grateful for the opportunity to teach in Mexico, and I have also learned so much from my students.

It’s a cloudy Saturday today. Carolyn and I are watching TV and will meet another friend for dinner later on. And that will conclude week three in The Peg.

May9

Second Week In The Peg

Posted on May 9, 2015 by iamkaren23

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After a relaxing weekend, the pace picked up. Monday meant two medical appointments.

And then it was cinco de mayo. My second book, Alive Again, was launched at McNally Robinson Booksellers. Since I’ve been away from Winnipeg for so long, and I knew that several of my close friends were not able to attend, I was most gratified by the turnout. Sales are going well in Winnipeg and on the internet which is also encouraging. But I am determined that my next book will be fiction. Two self-help books are more than enough for this writer.

I moved in to my son Kyle’s that night after the book launch. I was exhausted and basically vegged on Wednesday. On Thursday Laura and I went out computer shopping and then enjoyed a delicious lunch at Fionn MacCalls. I spent a lovely day with Donna and Eleanor on Friday. A highlight was going to the Conservatory at Assiniboine Park.

I spent the night at Donna’s and in the morning we went to some local craft sales. Then Glenda picked me up and we had a great visit over lunch at Montana’s.

Now I’m back at Kyle’s and catching up on my writing. I can’t believe that the time has flown by so quickly. Hard to imagine that two weeks ago at this time I was sitting in the airport in Puerto Vallarta awaiting a flight.

May3

First Week In The Peg

Posted on May 3, 2015 by iamkaren23

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Monday dawned dark and dreary. The cool temperature of 7 degrees soon were accompanied by rain. How I long for the sun and the heat of Mexico! But it was time to venture out in this depressing weather.

My first appointment was a medical one. Then there was a break for some shopping. And then off to see my financial planner. And then another quick break for shopping.

It was nice to relax at Donna’s home afterwards. The weather had improved and the sun shone brightly. It had been a full day and a lot had been accomplished.

Tuesday morning rewarded us with sunshine and warmer temperatures, although frost was visible on windshields. Another medical appointment in the morning and coffee at Tim Horton’s. A lovely afternoon visiting with Donna and Glenda was most enjoyable.

On Wednesday Donna and I went to McNally Robinson to check out the display for my book launch.

Then it was off to the dentist. Audrey picked me up from that appointment and we went back to Donna’s to get my suitcase. We had a delicious dinner afterwards at Nikos, my favorite Greek restaurant on the Corydon strip.

On Thursday Audrey drove me to my next medical appointment and then Nancy picked me up. On Friday I saw my optometrist and ordered new glasses. Then Nancy and I had a fabulous lunch at Clay Oven, another favorite restaurant.

Saturday was partly cloudy, but we ventured out for a lovely drive to Lockport and along River Road. I captured this little guy when we stopped to look at the locks.

These are just some of the highlights of my first week back. Way too many appointments, but I guess that’s what I get for staying away for so long. It has been wonderful seeing my friends again and catching up on what has been going on in their lives. And I look forward to seeing more friends in the next couple of weeks.

Apr27

Back In The Peg

Posted on April 27, 2015 by iamkaren23

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It’s Sunday and I’m back in Winnipeg, or Winterpeg as it’s so commonly called. Only this time there is no snow on the ground. And the temperature climbed to a balmy 20 degrees Celsius, almost as high as our night-time lows in Mexico.

My flights back to Canada were uneventful and actually quite enjoyable. On the flight from Puerto Vallarta to Calgary, my seatmate turned out to be a man from Guadalajara who didn’t speak English. I was pleased that I got to practice my Spanish and was able to help him with the customs forms.

I had a six hour wait in Calgary for my next flight and drank way too much coffee in an attempt to stay awake. I also ran the batteries down on my iPhone, my Blackberry and my laptop. But the flight took off promptly on schedule despite the need to deice the plane. Yes, Canada is not quite as warm as Mexico.

Inside the terminal, my bag was one of the first to come down the chute. David was there to meet me and we headed to Tim Hortons for breakfast.

Breakfast was yummy but very different from my usual at Jahanve in Tlaquepaque.

I’m staying with my friends Donna and Loris now. It has been so great catching up on everything. As an added bonus, their granddaughter Ella was here. When I left for Mexico she was an infant. Now she walks and talks and just turned two!

Tomorrow all my appointments start and this will be a hectic week. Doctors, dentist, financial planner……….that’s what happens when I stay away for such a long period of time.

Of course the highlight is my book launch next week, and I look forward to seeing old friends as well as new at this event.

Apr24

A Whirlwind Visit

Posted on April 24, 2015 by iamkaren23

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While I have lived in Guadalajara for most of the past four years, I have never been to Sayulita or Bucerias before. I am currently en route from Mazatlan to Puerto Vallarta to catch a flight home to Winnipeg, and arrived in Sayulita last night for a very short visit with Debbie.

I met Debbie in Guadalajara when she was a housemate for a few days. She bought a house here in Sayulita and has opened a bed and breakfast. Casa Nube is an enchanting place to stay, and I hope to return for a longer visit.

Debbie is quite the equestrian and here is a photo of her horse that she boards at a ranch here.

Debbie’s friend Melaney is also here. Melane and I had coffee in Bucerias this morning while Debbie was at her Spanish class. Then we all enjoyed a delightful lunch at a restaurant and were entertained by these musicians who wandered in off the street.

Bucerias is very quaint, and is a popular expat community. Here are a few candid photos.

Early tomorrow morning I will be on the road again. I hope to return to Sayulita for a longer visit when I’ll have the opportunity to take some photos of the lovely beach and the centro area.

Apr22

Reunion in Mazatlan!

Posted on April 22, 2015 by iamkaren23

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I’m in Mazatlan now and this visit is very different from the usual ones. When I come to this beach area I usually stay at Hotel Playa Mazatlan in the Gold Zone. I spend my days on the beach and my evenings in restaurants and bars in the area. This is vacation time.

However this time I am venturing out of the Gold Zone and the tourist attractions. I am staying with a friend at her condo in a gated community out in the Marina Mazatlan area. It’s extremely quiet and peaceful here, in comparison with the traffic and activity which I am accustomed to.

And we are relaxing and catching up on the past twenty-five years. Yes…….it’s been twenty-five years since we have last seen each other!

When I was first married, my ex and Larysa’s husband worked together for a while. We saw quite a bit of each other during that time. But then we drifted apart as life circumstances intervened. We last saw each other when our sons wound up at the same high school. So we have found quite a lot to talk about!

It turns out that Larysa and Brian have had this condo for seven years and have been spending the winters here. And I started coming to Mazatlan when I first began teaching in Culiacan back in 2010.

Our lives have changed so much in the past twenty-five years. Our children have grown up and are in their thirties. Larysa has four adorable grandchildren!

I updated her on my children, and my grandkitties and grandfishies. Unfortunately my two children live in two different provinces and I’m in Mexico, so I envy Larysa as her family all live in Calgary now.

It has just been the most incredible experience to reunite with a friend after such a long period of time. But it’s very true what they say:

Thank you Facebook for reuniting us! Larysa messaged me a few months ago when my name came up as a suggested friend. And these past couple of days have been truly amazing! And I know that we will see each other again before another twenty-five years goes by.

Apr18

The Adventure Began Here

Posted on April 18, 2015 by iamkaren23

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I am back in Culiacan visiting with my family right now. This is where my adventure all began with my first teaching job in Mexico. The plan was to teach for only one school year. Yet here it is, almost five years later, and I am still teaching in Mexico. When I left Culiacan, I taught briefly in Irapuato. But I have spent most of the past four years in Guadalajara. I lived in San Pedro, a quaint colony in Tlaquepaque. This was like living in a small Mexican town, although it is only minutes away by bus from the hustle and bustle of El Centro.

Culiacan is in the state of Sinaloa. The climate here is much hotter and humid. But the air is so much clearer here than in Guadalajara. There is no ugly cloud of pollution hanging over the city. Traffic is lighter and the streets are cleaner.

I lived in Las Quintas, and that neighborhood hasn’t changed much over the years. But what has changed is ME! Here is a photo of me in my school uniform taken five years ago. I hardly recognize myself!!!!!

When I lived in Culiacan, I taught with Juan at Instituto Senda del Rio. He helped me with my Spanish and I helped him with his English. He and his wife Lucila literally adopted me into their family. At the time, they had one child, Juan Carlos. Their family has grown and I now have three amazing nietos.

Juan and Lucila were already at work when I arrived on Wednesday, so my friend Juan Pablo picked me up at the bus station. We went to his house where his mom made an awesome breakfast of machaca, tamales and frijoles. His sister stopped by and we all went to Forum, the big mall here in Culiacan. We browsed, had coffee and then it was time for lunch. Here is a photo of Juan Pablo and his mom at Via Verde.

Later on in the afternoon Juan Pablo drove me to Juan and Lucila’s. We barely had time to unload my luggage and it was time for Juan Carlos’s soccer practice.

We stopped for raspados after. When we came home I finally had a chance to give the kids the bags of candy, toy cars and bubbles I had brought them. Here is a photo of Juan Carlos and Jose Agustin blowing bubbles.

Yesterday I went back to visit Instituto Senda Del Rio. This school will always have a special place in my heart. It was nice to see former colleagues and catch up. And a great deal of the conversation was in Spanish now. While I am not yet fluent, I have definitely come a long way.

The time here is flying by all too quickly. On Monday I leave for Mazatlan. I treasure every moment I spend with my family and friends here in Culiacan, and always look forward to coming home.

Apr7

Don’t Sleep Nude and Keep A Bag Packed By Your Bed

Posted on April 7, 2015 by iamkaren23

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When I first came to Mexico almost five years ago, people cautioned me against sleeping in the nude and told me to keep a bag packed by my bed at night, just in case. I had forgotten all about that warning until just after six this morning when I found myself out on the street clad only in a beach cover-up and crocs, with my cell phone and keys in my pocket. Yes, the beach cover-up was the first thing I grabbed when I heard my housemate thunder down the stairs screaming that he smelled gas and that we had to get out of our house.

A loud crash had awakened my other housemates, although I had slept through it. Apparently a driver had lost control of his vehicle before crashing into this house.

The sleepy occupants climbed over the wall to get out into the street. Meanwhile the truck spun around and continued down the street where it sheared off our water meter, struck the main gas line and then came to a stop on top of a hydro pole. The driver sat bleeding on the sidewalk until an ambulance showed up twenty-five minutes later. Rumor has it that the man has since died.

The above photos were taken later in the morning when it was light out.

Back to 6 am now. I sat there on the curb with my neighbor Carlos and his two dogs. I thought of my laptop, my life, back in my room. I thought of all my identification and my bank cards left behind. And I tried not to think of the worst case scenario in which everything would be blown to bits by that gas leak. So many items that would be extremely difficult if not impossible to replace. And I silently vowed that I would have a backpack with these items by my bed at night from now on.

I’m a people watcher by nature. I noticed that residents were quite animated and more concerned with their homes being looted by the police than they were with their homes being blown to bits by a gas explosion. And in our haste to flee we had left our doors open! Fortunately for us there were some honest police near our house. One even went back to lock our door.

The street was like a war zone — a blur of flashing lights, debris everywhere, downed power lines, water in the streets, the putrid odor of gas.

Later in the morning, I snapped more photos of the devastation. In the following photo you can see some of the downed power lines requiring repair.

In the photo above you can see the damage to our house where the car hit and sheared off the water meter.

Late in the afternoon, the gas, water and electricity were restored. So apparently things can get done efficiently and quickly here in Mexico, although it is a rarity.

	iamkaren23 on Tuesday February 24 2026
	Larry Price on Tuesday February 24 2026
	Tyronica Smith on WAY TO GO SEAHAWKS!
	iamkaren23 on WAY TO GO SEAHAWKS!
	Tyronica Smith on WAY TO GO SEAHAWKS!

Sipping a Be Light, crunching on Sabritas and nibbling on Oaxaca cheese. I am back home in Mexico after a whirlwind five weeks in Winnipeg. The temperature is a comfortable 29 degrees Celsius.

When I left Winnipeg yesterday it was 2 degrees when Donna drove me to the airport at 5 am.

The school is called World Class English. My classes for the month of June are varied and interesting. I will be teaching English to hotel staff, have one private student and will also run a conversation club. I’ve had two months off and am raring to go.

I am extremely excited about being back in Mazatlan. When I taught in Culiacan almost five years ago, I discovered this magical city and dreamed of someday living here. Dreams come true when they are pursued, and here I am!

I find the water very relaxing. The malecon and the ocean are mere minutes away from where I’m staying. And that is where I will be tomorrow.

My birthday celebrations began on Thursday when Donna treated me to a delicious lunch at McLeod Tea House in Stonewall. The drive in the country was most enjoyable and the weather was sunny and warm.

As relaxing as Thursday was, Friday was hectic. Some shopping, a medical appointment, a visit with my friend Joan and dinner with my friend Rita. The texts were flying back and forth and I now had a place to stay when I arrive back in Mexico, as well as the beginnings of a teaching schedule.

Sunday morning we sat out on the deck with our coffee. Then he cooked us a delicious breakfast. We finally got around to eating the birthday cheesecake in the afternoon. I then packed my bags and my friend Audrey picked me up. Week Four was now over.

Mother’s Day is celebrated in Mexico on May 10th, so this year it coincided with the second Sunday in May which marks Mother’s Day in Canada. Kyle, Krista and I went out for a lovely brunch at Club Regent Casino. It was so nice to be with my kids again.

The weather this week has been cold and rainy. But that didn’t stop us from checking out a couple of malls, one in North Kildonan on Monday and one in St. Vital on Thursday.

Late on Monday I had an unexpected surprise when my friend Lise took me to the cemetery to visit my parents. We then went out for coffee to Mountain Bean.

On Wednesday I had a medical appointment in the morning and then Donna took me to pick up my new eyeglasses. Yay! I can see again!

Friday was also Teachers’ Day in Mexico, and it felt strange being here in Canada. I miss my students. I am so very grateful for the opportunity to teach in Mexico, and I have also learned so much from my students.

It’s a cloudy Saturday today. Carolyn and I are watching TV and will meet another friend for dinner later on. And that will conclude week three in The Peg.

After a relaxing weekend, the pace picked up. Monday meant two medical appointments.

I spent the night at Donna’s and in the morning we went to some local craft sales. Then Glenda picked me up and we had a great visit over lunch at Montana’s.

Now I’m back at Kyle’s and catching up on my writing. I can’t believe that the time has flown by so quickly. Hard to imagine that two weeks ago at this time I was sitting in the airport in Puerto Vallarta awaiting a flight.

Monday dawned dark and dreary. The cool temperature of 7 degrees soon were accompanied by rain. How I long for the sun and the heat of Mexico! But it was time to venture out in this depressing weather.

My first appointment was a medical one. Then there was a break for some shopping. And then off to see my financial planner. And then another quick break for shopping.

It was nice to relax at Donna’s home afterwards. The weather had improved and the sun shone brightly. It had been a full day and a lot had been accomplished.

Tuesday morning rewarded us with sunshine and warmer temperatures, although frost was visible on windshields. Another medical appointment in the morning and coffee at Tim Horton’s. A lovely afternoon visiting with Donna and Glenda was most enjoyable.

On Wednesday Donna and I went to McNally Robinson to check out the display for my book launch.

Then it was off to the dentist. Audrey picked me up from that appointment and we went back to Donna’s to get my suitcase. We had a delicious dinner afterwards at Nikos, my favorite Greek restaurant on the Corydon strip.

On Thursday Audrey drove me to my next medical appointment and then Nancy picked me up. On Friday I saw my optometrist and ordered new glasses. Then Nancy and I had a fabulous lunch at Clay Oven, another favorite restaurant.

Saturday was partly cloudy, but we ventured out for a lovely drive to Lockport and along River Road. I captured this little guy when we stopped to look at the locks.

It’s Sunday and I’m back in Winnipeg, or Winterpeg as it’s so commonly called. Only this time there is no snow on the ground. And the temperature climbed to a balmy 20 degrees Celsius, almost as high as our night-time lows in Mexico.

My flights back to Canada were uneventful and actually quite enjoyable. On the flight from Puerto Vallarta to Calgary, my seatmate turned out to be a man from Guadalajara who didn’t speak English. I was pleased that I got to practice my Spanish and was able to help him with the customs forms.

Inside the terminal, my bag was one of the first to come down the chute. David was there to meet me and we headed to Tim Hortons for breakfast.

Breakfast was yummy but very different from my usual at Jahanve in Tlaquepaque.

I’m staying with my friends Donna and Loris now. It has been so great catching up on everything. As an added bonus, their granddaughter Ella was here. When I left for Mexico she was an infant. Now she walks and talks and just turned two!

Tomorrow all my appointments start and this will be a hectic week. Doctors, dentist, financial planner……….that’s what happens when I stay away for such a long period of time.

Of course the highlight is my book launch next week, and I look forward to seeing old friends as well as new at this event.

While I have lived in Guadalajara for most of the past four years, I have never been to Sayulita or Bucerias before. I am currently en route from Mazatlan to Puerto Vallarta to catch a flight home to Winnipeg, and arrived in Sayulita last night for a very short visit with Debbie.

I met Debbie in Guadalajara when she was a housemate for a few days. She bought a house here in Sayulita and has opened a bed and breakfast. Casa Nube is an enchanting place to stay, and I hope to return for a longer visit.

Debbie is quite the equestrian and here is a photo of her horse that she boards at a ranch here.

Debbie’s friend Melaney is also here. Melane and I had coffee in Bucerias this morning while Debbie was at her Spanish class. Then we all enjoyed a delightful lunch at a restaurant and were entertained by these musicians who wandered in off the street.

Bucerias is very quaint, and is a popular expat community. Here are a few candid photos.

Early tomorrow morning I will be on the road again. I hope to return to Sayulita for a longer visit when I’ll have the opportunity to take some photos of the lovely beach and the centro area.

I’m in Mazatlan now and this visit is very different from the usual ones. When I come to this beach area I usually stay at Hotel Playa Mazatlan in the Gold Zone. I spend my days on the beach and my evenings in restaurants and bars in the area. This is vacation time.

However this time I am venturing out of the Gold Zone and the tourist attractions. I am staying with a friend at her condo in a gated community out in the Marina Mazatlan area. It’s extremely quiet and peaceful here, in comparison with the traffic and activity which I am accustomed to.

And we are relaxing and catching up on the past twenty-five years. Yes…….it’s been twenty-five years since we have last seen each other!

It turns out that Larysa and Brian have had this condo for seven years and have been spending the winters here. And I started coming to Mazatlan when I first began teaching in Culiacan back in 2010.

Our lives have changed so much in the past twenty-five years. Our children have grown up and are in their thirties. Larysa has four adorable grandchildren!

I updated her on my children, and my grandkitties and grandfishies. Unfortunately my two children live in two different provinces and I’m in Mexico, so I envy Larysa as her family all live in Calgary now.

It has just been the most incredible experience to reunite with a friend after such a long period of time. But it’s very true what they say:

Thank you Facebook for reuniting us! Larysa messaged me a few months ago when my name came up as a suggested friend. And these past couple of days have been truly amazing! And I know that we will see each other again before another twenty-five years goes by.

Culiacan is in the state of Sinaloa. The climate here is much hotter and humid. But the air is so much clearer here than in Guadalajara. There is no ugly cloud of pollution hanging over the city. Traffic is lighter and the streets are cleaner.

I lived in Las Quintas, and that neighborhood hasn’t changed much over the years. But what has changed is ME! Here is a photo of me in my school uniform taken five years ago. I hardly recognize myself!!!!!

Later on in the afternoon Juan Pablo drove me to Juan and Lucila’s. We barely had time to unload my luggage and it was time for Juan Carlos’s soccer practice.

We stopped for raspados after. When we came home I finally had a chance to give the kids the bags of candy, toy cars and bubbles I had brought them. Here is a photo of Juan Carlos and Jose Agustin blowing bubbles.

Yesterday I went back to visit Instituto Senda Del Rio. This school will always have a special place in my heart. It was nice to see former colleagues and catch up. And a great deal of the conversation was in Spanish now. While I am not yet fluent, I have definitely come a long way.

The time here is flying by all too quickly. On Monday I leave for Mazatlan. I treasure every moment I spend with my family and friends here in Culiacan, and always look forward to coming home.

A loud crash had awakened my other housemates, although I had slept through it. Apparently a driver had lost control of his vehicle before crashing into this house.

The above photos were taken later in the morning when it was light out.

The street was like a war zone — a blur of flashing lights, debris everywhere, downed power lines, water in the streets, the putrid odor of gas.

Later in the morning, I snapped more photos of the devastation. In the following photo you can see some of the downed power lines requiring repair.

In the photo above you can see the damage to our house where the car hit and sheared off the water meter.

Late in the afternoon, the gas, water and electricity were restored. So apparently things can get done efficiently and quickly here in Mexico, although it is a rarity.

There just never is a dull moment on Calle Zalatitan!