Mazatlan, Here We Come (Daily Diary)
Salsa, Salsa and Margaritas (5 1/2 Hours) - Paul & Mary
Overview Learn how to mix, cook and dance with Mexican flair on a tour that includes margaritas and two types of salsas - the food and the dance - at a beachfront resort.
Highlights
- Arrive to one of Mazatlan's best resorts and don your apron to start with an interactive session during which you'll learn how to make tasty margaritas and a variety of salsas, all while enjoying your very own bottomless margarita glass (or hibiscus tea, if you prefer).
- Hit the dance floor for a lesson in another kind of salsa - the dancing kind - and then put your learning on display as you whirl and swirl to the infectious beat.
- Enjoy the amenities offered by the Royal Villas Resort, including a dip in the swimming pool, a walk along the beach, or working on your tan in a complimentary lounge chair.
- Or browse for a souvenir in the resort's "golden zone" shopping area.
Magic Town OF El Quelite (Five Hours) - Jon & Sarah
Discover the rich culture, quaint traditions and warm hospitality of a magical Mexican village, as you visit the town of El Quelite, explore its lively streets and delicious cuisine, and finish off with a bit of shopping at the Golden Zone.
Highlights
- Board your air-conditioned motor coach and enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque countryside of Sinaloa on your way to the hidden gem of El Quelite. Embark on a leisurely walking tour of the town, as you stroll through cobblestone streets lined with old colonial buildings and charming homes adorned by centuries-old potted cacti.
- Pass by the locals, many of whom travel around by horseback, as you learn about the town's colorful history, including its roots as an agricultural hub, before indulging in a few of El Quelite's many surprises, such as a traditional, hand-made carafe ice cream at the Casa de Doña Chela.
- After, delight your taste buds at the Meson de Los Laureanos, where you can purchase a few local handicrafts and savor the flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine, complete with chicken/beef fajitas and local rice.
- Next, enjoy some free time to explore El Quelite on your own, before heading back to Mazatlán and stopping by the renowned Golden Zone, an upscale entertainment district where you can stroll past colorful boutiques and snag the perfect souvenir.
Wake up sleepy heads; we have arrived!!
Almost docked!
We were up early today to prepare for our cooking class. Since there were no tenders to deal with, we walked off the ship and caught a bus to the hotel. It was a short drive down the shoreline.
The beach walkway had many statues of interest!
Quite hunorous!
And intereting!
And scary!
Sports time!
The artists must have had a ball with these!
We walked through the lobby into a large open-air room adjacent to the pool. A table full of margaritas greeted us!
The Royal Villas Resort is located on the best beach in Mazatlan, in the heart of the Golden Zone within walking distance to the main bars, restaurants and shops. Designed especially for couples and families with good taste.
The entrance was interesting!
The yard were well manicured; they probably had Jewish gardners!
We are in Salsa Uniform!
First, each table needed to nominate a Table Capitain!
...and we had to dance!
I showed my moves and several ladies passed out!
Paul kept yelling, "Get A Room!!"
They needed volunteers, and the selection was based on how close your anniversary was! Jon and Sarah won and provided a great demonstration.
Slurp, gurgle,belch!
Now the experts pours
Just a little more!
...and a little more!
They said it is so easy to make margaritas, but you can do it blindfolded.
We examined the table but were warned about the heat from the serrano pepper. I took one bite while the girls screamed at me; it was no hotter than a jalapeno!! The serrano pepper is a type of chili pepper that originated in the mountainous regions of the Mexican states of Puebla and Hidalgo. Its Scoville rating is 10,000 to 25,000. The pepper's name refers to the mountains of these regions. It is commonly used to make hot sauces.
During our visit, we made five different salsas. It was quite easy, and we bought their cookbook so we could make them at home. No more "out-of-the-jar" salsa for Senior and Senior Liles!
She likes it!!
Jon tried the hot peppers and agreed that they were not hot.
We made five different salsas.
We were introduced to the Mokohete
My eyes were watering.
I was checking up on her!
Hot sauce was fantastic.
No more alcohol here!
Avacados galore.
We mashed them suckers flat!!
We must have T-Shirts!
The class is winding up!
The kids were watching out for us all day to ensure Mary did not get into trouble. I, on the other hand, am a lost cause! I have decided my middle name is "Trouble."
I grew attached to the pig!!
Our table was fulll of salsa making tools!
It's time to make salsa—or should I say magic? The surgeon went to work. I chopped, and she used a mortar and pestle to mash the ingredients into what looked like salsa. A mortar and pestle is a kitchen tool used to grind, smash, and mix ingredients. It's a versatile tool that can be used for many cooking tasks, including making marinades, sauces, and spice blends.
We made some and tried it and then made some more!
One of our guides stepped in as the Old Man's leg was acting up!
Be easy on him Mary!
Around and around you go!
Olay!!
Was there any doubt??
Bye bye hotel!
More statues on the way back!
Someone had a siesta onthe way back!!
We HAD to walk through a shopping area before hitting the ship!
She is waiting for us!
Home sweet home!
EVen Jon looks small compare to our ride!
The elephant awaited us!
"Tell the Captain he can go now!"
"I will try hand signals!"
One more port to go!
Welcome to Chef's Table, the most exclusive and elevated dining experience on our fleet. We joined an intimate group of fellow foodies on a private epicurean journey led by the ship's Chef de Cuisine. We sat down to a white tablecloth dinner spotlighting five exquisite courses that range from scallop carpaccio with yuzu vinaigrette, to grilled filet mignon served with truffle potato puree — each expertly paired with the perfect wine to highlight every flavor on the menu.
High above the general dining room we had an elegant view.
We invited Ken to join us!!
Glasses and glasses and glasses Oh my! There were a lot of glasses we had to dirty before dinner was over. Hic!!
The kids looked pretty good!
Each chef explained the plate he especially made for us!
The Ships Wino (I thought that was me) presented his selectino of wines!
Jon is taking it all in... there will be test in two hours!
The presentations were beautiful.
P-s-s-s-s-s-t It is looking at you!!
That is one HUGE chocolate dessert!
hen dinner was over, everyone was done for the day. We then flew VFR to our stateroom and crashed! It was another fantastic day in Mexico.
Mary came in for a smooth landing... I crashed!
