The US had a day off, accepting a forfiet from Iran. The Mexican World Cup organizing committee is responsible for providing food for all the competing athletes during the games. They had originally committed to ensure that food prepared according to halal principles would be provided for the Iranian contingent. When they reneged on this promise, the Iranian team withdrew. The Calabria contingent, minus Nico who needed to scout Turkey and review Japan game footage, took advantage of the situation to make a day trip to Mazatlan. We arrived by noon, made a brief tour of the old city and had the MOST amazing lunch ever.

We then walked down to the beach and strolled up the promenade where we had a chance to watch a pair of cliff divers taking a 45 foot plunge into 8 feet of undulating seas (I will post video/pics when we return). Kyle ventured to the diving platform but wisely decided not to attempt the feat.

See if you can figure out which part of the statue below is alive.

We concluded our sightseeing with an ice cream break and then made the 2 hour and 45 minute return drive to Culiacan.