Ensenada and Homeward Bound

 

Where is Ensenada?

Ensenada is very popular among Americans because it is so close to the US.  There are several communities that are built for Americans.  It is an opportunity to enjoy Mexico at a lower cost of living and yet be so close to home.  Las Rosas hotel has a beautiful surrounding.

Room at the hotel

We arrived just in time for the sunset

Hotel overlooking the beach and ocean

I have one last "duty" in Ensenada - visit Hussong's or more appropriately Hussong's Cantina.  When I was traveling in Baja California in 1978 I was invited by a group of Catholic priests to meet them there.  It was a popular American bar in Ensenada.  Anyone who has been to Ensenada must go to Hussong's.

I checked the fare and the distance to Hussong's from the hotel on my Uber app.  It was only a $5 ride and about 10 minutes away.  I told my group that I was going there that night after dinner and indirectly, inviting anyone who want to come along.  No one was crazy enough.  Our guide Jazz was planning to come but she had to much to do at home that night.

I asked the hotel front desk where I should wait for my Uber ride.  The receptionist told me that he can send someone to pick me up when I am ready to come back.  I also asked about the safety of the area.  He said it is very safe.  So, here I am, off to my last destination in Ensenada.

Hussong's Cantina in downtown Ensenada

Inside the Cantina

A mariachi band was playing

When I entered the cantina I was surprised to find that there were no Americans, only Mexicans.  I was told later that it has become a very popular Mexican bar.  I took pictures of the place and videos of the mariachi band.  Everyone was amused as to what I was doing there.  I couldn't have been more out of place.  An Asian in a Mexican bar!  However, everyone was very friendly to me and waving at me.  As I was leaving the mariachi band was taking a break outside the cantina.  I had a little snack and gave them a tip.  I called the hotel and the driver was there to pick me up.  In 10 minutes I was back in the hotel.

After breakfast the next morning we were ready to say goodbye to Mexico.  It was about a 2-hour drive to the border.  There we do what we always do when we cross an international border.  A Mexican immigration officer came up the bus and walk through the aisle.  Roberto then drove the bus to the American border.  Our bags were scanned and we handed our passport to the Immigration Officer.  Very soon we were across the border into the United States.

Border fence between Mexico and US

Entering the Mexican side of the border

Entering the US side of the border

Port of Entry in San Ysidro

We are in the US

There is a tram that runs from downtown San Diego to the border.  It is very convenient to visit Tijuana from San Diego.  I know of people who own businesses in Tijuana and commute every day from San Diego.  I understand that many Mexicans also live in Tijuana and commute to work in San Diego.  It is much cheaper to live in Mexico.  There are also buses available to take you to different parts of southern California.

Tram that goes to downtown San Diego

Buses that will take you to different parts of California

It took about 30 minutes to drive from the border to the San Diego airport.  By about 11am that morning we were dropped off at the airport.

This ends our exciting 8-day trip to Baja California, Mexico.  It exceeded my expectations, especially the whales.  We also got an education about the desert and Mexican culture.  We ate a lot of Mexican food and were warmly welcomed by the locals.  A Great Trip and Adventure!