Discovering Ensenada…

Sooo….

Mexico.

We took a shuttle out of San Diego. Mexico is a laid back country in most aspects (like Chris says, Manana doesn’t mean ‘tomorrow’, it means, ‘not today’), but driving is an exception to the rule. If a ‘Califorornia Roll’ over the stop line would get you a good horn honking, I don’t even want to imagine what a full fledged stop would get.


I have to admit that I had my doubts about our bus driver. She was barely clearing 80 pounds and there were more teeth missing than showing in her mouth.

Once again, I learned not to judge.

She NAILED the trip.

On the drive home she yelled and honked with the rest of them. She inched closer and closer to a car blocking an intersection and said, ‘I’ll just give them a little bump OK?’ as she smiled back at us.

Fortunately the car moved in the nick of time.

She gave new meaning to the Carrie Underwood song, ‘Jesus Take the Wheel.’

I felt like I was driving with dad (control in chaos) and there was a comfort in that.



My Spanish vocabulary is limited to words shared with the English language. For example, I can say: burrito, taco, enchilada, tortilla, and rodeo. Beyond that, it’s an awkward game of charades.

Fortunately, the only word I really needed to know was ‘Margarita’ anyway.

Love you mom.



We stayed at the Hotel Corona on the water. Other than the plaster on the inside, it looked just like a Holiday Inn… except for the vending machine in the lobby.

Hmm.

D-7 = Doritos
B-1 = Nature Made Granola Bars
A-2 = Marlboro’s
A-3 = Marlboro Light’s
G-9 = condoms

Add beef jerky and it’s pretty much 7-11 in a cute compact case.



As for the food, we had fresh fish tacos at a very non FDA approved taco stand. They didn’t speak English but I’m pretty good at pointing and Spanish numbers. I said ‘Ocho’ and held up one finger. She looked confused but perhaps she didn’t get my enunciation.



They told me not to drink the water but… what’s the worst that could happen? I get sick? I could get a giant intestinal worm?

Come on! Both of those would result in effective, rapid weight loss.

I’m playing my girl card here. Give me some water.

Unfortunately I didn’t get sick and I didn’t lose weight.

Some people just don’t have ANY luck.



The wedding was a very traditional Mexican wedding – meaning – no one showed up for the ceremony and EVERYONE showed up for the party. If there’s one thing the Mexican people know how to do well, it’s throw a good party.

Reception start time: 7PM
Dinner: 10:30PM
Cake: 1:30AM
Go home: 4AM

Weddings on this side of the border suddenly look like glorified tea parties.



Not sure when I’ll be returning but Chris’ uncle and aunt - Steve and Carol - definitely made this trip memorable. I wouldn’t think to go without them… ever.

In fact, I don’t think I’ll ever travel internationally without them.

… and the next thing you know…