Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Back in Maz - finally

And just in time for a fiesta. How does that happen?

The Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration is to remember friends and family that have died. I know it doesn't sound like fun, but it was a hoot!

The celebration includes a callejoneada (parade) around the historic old town of Maz. Everyone gathers at the Plaza Machado waiting...

Then the bands start playing, fireworks explode, and dressed up donkeys are pulling wooden carts filled with kegs of beer. Now that is a party!

We all follow the donkey carts around the cobblestone streets jockeying to get our free cold beer. There is dancing and singing and dead people walking around.

The challenge: catching up with the beer cart and hanging on tight so you don't get run over!

Along the way, the parade stops at all of the shrines that families have created to celebrate their dead. They are all beautifully unique and colorful.

This shrine was created by some young travelers from the around the world and was in memory of John Lennon.

And amazing costumes - our pictures don't do it justice, but you get the idea.

So, if someone invites you to join in on the festivities, you gotta go!

Back on Moondance... well, it isn't near as much fun, but we are making progress. When we left in July, we had to prepare the boat for hurricane season - just in case.


So, the sails, the canvas, and everything on deck had to be stuffed below - mostly on our bunk - what a mess! But, we are getting things back in place.

While we were on our summer vacation, our new engine was installed - it isn't working yet, but it is installed.

Doug is wrapping up some projects associated with the new engine, modifying our charging system, and rebuilding our steering, and other fun stuff.

As soon as we get our alternators modified, I think we are going to fire up the engine - how exciting. Smaller and faster - we are going to be zooming to the South Pacific next Spring!

We really enjoyed our summer vacation and seeing all the friends and family, but it is sure nice to be back where it is warm!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a pretty new engine.

Ana said...

Looks like fun, maybe next year!

Jim and Heather on Meerkat said...

Good lord. The guy even smiles when he's working on the engine. Is he human?

Anessa Collins said...

We are already having 30 degree nights so we need some heat and SUN. Better warn the locals...we are white on white!

Just a Minute said...

Welcome back to Mexico! I was starting to wonder if you would make it. We are aiming to be in Maz in med December - will you still be around there, or further south by then?
Laura