GRINGOS VISIT MAZATLAN'S CARNAVAL

WOW. Our first experience with Mazatlan’s Carnaval was great fun. One funny, totally Mexican, note: The big music stages and entertainment were set up along the street adjacent to the beach. Gates one block removed were staffed by a large police presence; you needed a 20 peso ticket to enter.

The ticket gate for women was to the left side of the street, and we simply showed our tickets and walked on into the restricted area. Men went to the right side, where they showed a ticket, placed their hands on the building wall, spread their feet, and were frisked - thoroughly. Coming from a country where grandmas and infants are likely to be searched before boarding a plane, we were open-mouthed at this security breach.

Becky, this was the scene along Olas Altas, a block from the Casa, around 8:30 pm.