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Sonoyta, Sonora, like most Mexican cities, centers around "El Centro," or more commonly known north of the border as downtown, yet unlike most Mexican towns, it does not have a traffic circle, with a towering statue of Mexican hero Benito Juáez towering over the traffic circle, and intimidating most drivers not familiar with the traffic circle concept. As a side note, the author has observed more traffic circles sprouting up like weeds, north of the border, in his home region of Sacramento; perhaps the traffic circle circle seems to have migrated north, following the migration of the fish taco?
Left: Sonoyta's famous obelisk, at the junction of Federal Highway 2 and 8. The shady park is just beyone the highway sign and the obelisk. Right: Looking west on Calle Altar, in the commercial district of Sonoyta. The intersection of Federal Highways 8 and 2, a.k.a. Bvd. de las Americas and Bvd. F.C.O. Euesbio Kino is the heart of Sonoyta, and at the "y" that the highway junction creates, there is a municipal park, complete with many eucalyptus trees, which provide lots of shade for many visitors to the park, who want to relax, rest their bones, or watch their children play. The park also features a large cement statue of Benito Juárez, a 100-foot tall obelisk, and it's a place where locals mingle, relax, and watch their children play, It's also the business hub of town, and if you walk the few blocks surrounding this intersection, you can visit the local merchants, and purchase almost anything that the town has to offer. I wasn't in the mood to shop, but during my visit, I was in the mood to eat. Click on the highlighted link to revisit some of my many culinary experiences that I enjoyed during my visit to Sonoyta.
Left: I stayed at the Excelsior Motel, to the left of the photo, as I look west of Highway 2. Right: A modernized cement statue of Benito Juárez faces north, where Highway 8 heads south to Puerto Peñasco. The heart of the town of Sonoyta is the intersection of Highways 8 and 2, and on all sides of the busy junction, lie most of the business that keep the town alive. You'll notice many small restaurants, diners, taco shops, taquerias and puestos, plus lots of clothing stores, hardware stores and other businesses that cater to a town of nearly 18,000 people. Downtown Sonoyta isn't a maze of honkey tonks, strip joints and red light stuff, and you won't find a single hooker or street girl, as this behavior is frowned upon in small-town Mexico, and you'll have to go to Nogales or Mexicali if that's your preference. Instead, you'll find many honest, friendly, working-class people, who will be happy to cater to your every need, and will treat you like a friend.
Left: Local residents relax at the park, located at the intersection of Federal Highways 2 and 8. Right: Here's a small shopping center located at the west end of town; note the sign that points toward the USA. True to what I like to do, I explored Sonoyta's centro by foot. Perhaps the most interesting incident that I enjoyed was a visit with a municipal policeman, Juán Gómez, who I met directing traffic, at the corner of Highway 8 and Calle Benito Juárez. Note that in Mexico, except in rare occasions, highways become city streets, and traffic enforcement is directed by local authorities, who delegate the responsibility to the man-on-the-street, a municipal cop such as officer Gómez. You know, during all my visits to Mexico, I have never had the "guts" to ask a municipal police officer for his photo; note the word his, as you'll rarely find a policewoman in small-town Mexico. Anyway, I walked up to officer Gómez, greeted him with a "Buenas tardes," and asked him if I could take his photo. I recall that he smiled and asked me why I wanted to take his photo, and I replied with a lame comeback of something like "I'm on vacation, and I want to take photos to remember my visit to Sonoyta, as I've never been here before..." which was perfectly true, as I was a complete stranger to the town. He smiled and posed for me, and even gave me a striking pose as he kept his hand near his .357 magnum revolver.
Left: The cement statue of Benito Juárez faces north, as a big rig roars by on the way to beautiful Puerto Peñasco. Right: How could I not resist photographing a trio of beautiful women waking west on Calle Altar? Photos: Friendly Sonoyta municipal police officer Juán Gómez strikes a classic pose, at the coner of Highway 8 and Calle and Benito Juárez. I politely asked the officer, in Spanish, for permission to take his photo. He thought I was a bit weird, but he granted permission for me to take his photos. Note the "classic" cop pose, as his hand is close to his revolver. I love it!
Like their law enforcement colleagues north of the border, the municipal police offers in Mexican towns, including Sonoyta, do a fine job enforcing the law, and keeping the town safe. It's a gringo myth to attempt to bribe a Mexican police officer, Mexican police officers are good guys and are there to protect you and offer help as needed. Like their colleagues in the U.S., I salute Mexican police officers.
Left: Oh yes! Sonoyta has natural beauty, and the beauty of local residents, especially the resident wearing the light blue jeans. Right: Highway 2 crosses Puente Sonoyta, at the west end of town. Puente Sonoyta is basically a dry wash, that becomes a raging torrent during a thunderstorm. Downtown Sonoyta, Sonora, is a fascinating place to explore, visit, and savor the fine atmosphere and fine taquerias you'll enjoy. I love downtown Sonoyta!
Copyright(c) 2007 Eric's Enterprises, Etc. All rights reserved. This site has been on the web since January 19, 2005. Web page design has been created by Eric's Enterprises, Etc., website design, and more...
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