LOS MOCHIS

For a mere 16 pesos each, you can take an old school bus from Topolobampo to Los Mochis, a city 30 minutes away. Since the kids had abandoned schoolwork since their trip to Arizona, Jim and left them behind in the marina to catch up on school while we toured the vast city life of Los Mochis. It was delightful!

Jim and I got off the bus at the Plaza in downtown Los Mochis and walked many blocks. The sidewalks were bustling with local people and vendors were selling their wares. We discovered several grocery stores, but decided we would prefer to buy our items at the mercados and stands. Again we discovered that the prices are much better than the Baja side: a kilo (2+ lbs.) of juicy tangerines for 6 pesos (.50), plump Roma tomatoes for 5 pesos (.40) a kilo (2+ lbs.), a huge bundle of golf-ball-sized crunchy radishes for 6 pesos, boneless/skinless chicken breasts for 70 pesos a kilo, and the list goes on. There was a plethora of fresh produce and dry goods. Meat markets with fresh fish, shrimp and meats were busy. I bought a cute shirt for Carolyne's Christmas gift for a mere 69 pesos ($5.50) and the tag actually says HECHO IN MEXICO.

Along the way to find the bus back to Topo, we asked a local guy where we could locate the bus stop. He walked three blocks to show us the location. We find this behavior typical of Mexican people. They go over and above to show us the way. And as usual, we typically have no idea where we're going. We bumble around and manage to find our way around places without a Lonely Planet guide or paid translator. I must say, my Spanish is getting so much better.