Mazatlán Written by Yvon Marier
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Nightlife The nightlife in Mazatlán starts late and will live up to your expectations. Many of nightclubs and discos do not even open until 9 or 10 pm and close around 3 or 4 am. A large selection of dancing, live music, Mexican Fiestas and Theme Night Spectaculars, and festive watering holes to choose from. Music at local bars, sport bars and discotheques ranges from easy listening piano bar music for a quieter evening to mariachi groups or tambora bands. Most places don’t require cover charge, but some do. Many bars offer ‘ladies nights’ during week with free admissions and drinks. One thing for sure, you will love Mazatlán after dark! Event There's always something happening in Mazatlán. They have several activity events every month. What to See Acuario Mazatlán (Mazatlan Aquarium) - located half a block east of Avenida del Mar at Avenida de los Deportes #111. Over 250 species from around world of fresh and saltwater marine life from colorful reef, fish to moray eels. Interesting sea museum and an auditorium with film about sea life. Daily show of sea lion and exotic birds is presented several times everyday in an open-air amphitheater. There is an adjoining botanical garden with various tropical displays and small zoo with crocodile exhibit. Mazatlán's Aquarium, one of largest in Latin America, it's perfect for a family visit. Open daily 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m, admission is charged. Old Mazatlán Historical Zone - oldest part of city just inland from Playa Olas Atlas. In heart of Old Mazatlán is large 19th-century cathedral with its high, yellow twin towers and beautiful statues inside. Two blocks south, attractive Plazuela Machado is centre of a large historic area of Mazatlán. It's surrounded by unique sidewalk cafes and beautifully restored historic buildings such as Teatro Ángela Peralta, built in 1860. Blocks of historical building structures and private residences including rows of town house with wrought-iron and stone trimline narrow streets. Cliff Divers - cliff divers are a tradition in Old Mazatlán. They jump into a small shallow cove and come very close to rocks. The divers are not paid and they only jump for tips and for fun. This is also where families gather and enjoy food and snacks from street vendors, including fresh coconut drinks. Activities Mazatlán is famous for its sport fishing - especially for marlin, swordfish, sailfish, tuna and dorado (dolphinfish). There are plenty of fishing operators, all of whom should offer tag and release options. Water sports such as scuba diving, water-skiing, sailing, parasailing and boogie boarding are all available year-round. The best surfing is at Punta Camarón and 'Cannons', off point near old fort on Paseo Olas Altas. Guided Tour A tour guide is a good way to see city highlights, history and several points of interest surrounding towns and area. If you want to enjoy sights and best shopping of Mazatlán. We recomand Frank as your guide, he will meet you at your hotel, at cruise ship dock or at airport with a very comfortable, clean and air conditioned vehicle. He speaks English and Spanish, very friendly and knowledgeable about city, and he will answer any of your questions. Visit his website at www.mazatlan-tours.com Jungle Tour - tour boat will pass harbor featuring largest shrimp, tuna fleets in country, Mexican navy boat, Pacifico Brewery, shrimp packing plants and thermoelectric plant where power is produced for state of Sinaloa. You will cruise through mangroves-lined waterways and inlets, and up to Isla de la Piedra (Stone Island). It is ideal for bird and nature lovers. You could see Mexican Brown Pelican, Sea Hawk, Blue Heron, Osprey and other exotic water fowls in this protected wildlife refuge. The tour stops at a native farm for a snack. You will go for an wonderful ride through coconut plantation to a private beach. Where you would enjoy sunbathing, horseback riding, or a stroll down beach looking for seashells and maybe largest sand dollars. A delicious charcoal-grilled fish, Mexican rice, homemade tortillas, and coconut candy desert will be served. On your return, get ready to enjoy Pelican and Frigate bird show. Recommended Reading "Mazatlan IS Paradise" by Charles A Hall. This book is available at La Vina church and Mazatlán Book and Coffee Shop in Mazatlán, also online at www.iuniverse.com or www.amazon.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This article is just a small portion of what Mazatlán has to offer. There is so much about its history, beach, real estate, rental, medical, dining, what to see and do, events, wild life rescrue, charity, fishing, bird watching and much more. I highly recomand reading book mentioned above "Mazatlan IS Paradise". Then you will fall in love with this city as I did. Whatever your passion, this is place. Mazatlán, where you can still experience "real Mexico" with friendly people, very good food and activities to choose from, and nice long streches of sunny beach and spectacular sunsets.

About the author: Yvon Marier, waiting to retire and moving full time to Mazatlán. For more info about your travel booking, go to: http://www.easytraveling.net
| | My visit to Little Rock's new William J. Clinton Presidential LibraryWritten by Will Robertson
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That’s not really a library in my mind, but I didn’t want to go through all those papers anyway. I was interested in Daryl Hammon video and Oval Office replica. I also liked Chelsea’s tiny ballet shoes, displayed under glass. I wondered if she ever wants them back? The building is floored throughout with light stained hardwood. Very beautiful. The day was overcast, but whole place was still flooded with light, as you might guess from all windows. Photographers will be thankful, because you aren’t allowed to use a flash. That’s one point entire staff is clear on. How many times would you have to flash a replica Cabinet member chair to fade original, 1,500 miles away in Washington? I didn’t get it; but I’m sure they have good reasons. The elevators are on first floor in main lobby. There are also stairs and an escalator to second floor. There are several tidy bathrooms at different location in building, all very accessible. Floor space is plentiful, exhibits are layed out well, and crowds flowed well. Only a few times people got congested around some of videos that play throughout building. Inside main row of exhibits in museum, Clinton’s voice can be heard from several (3-6) speakers at any one location simultaneously. The ambience was lively, and effect was energizing, though it wore me out after a couple hours. Not so with Craig, he stayed a total of 7 hours until they closed at 5:00 PM. On 2 – 300 yard stroll back to parking lot, I ducked in Mr. Clinton’s new School of Public Service. It’s housed in red brick, historic Choctaw Train Station. The builders have done a very classy remodel. It certainly seemed an uplifting atmosphere for improving your brain cells. Before opening my car door, I did a slow 360 to take in panorama. Huge lawns of sod and landscaping are just taking root around Clinton Library. The city skyline is blossoming with fresh, invigorating building projects. The River Market district has a new energy with its trolley, mounted police, and a river walk (soon to connect with North Little Rock across now defunct train trestle in front of Clinton Library). Also Heifer Project International Village Complex is being built next door. Downtown Little Rock is becoming a fun spot. Driving away I looked forward to another lazy afternoon exploring area.

Outdoors Adventurer, Writer and Webmaster Will Robertson lives with his family in Little Rock, Arkansas. Explore the best hiking vacations and gear on the planet at: http://www.hiking-vacations-and-gear.com
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