Back in the Sierras

Back at home in the Sierras, a bit of remodeling and a bit of play. All is good. We'll be back aboard El Tiburon in April in time for the Amanda Miguel Concert.

Learning new tricks.

RICARDO DOES ENSENADA

Richard goes native - again. This time, it's with Tommy in Ensenada.

My brother Richard came to Ensenada and we did our best to show him our favorite spots. We started at Santa Tomas Bodegas for some Covelli’s wood-fired pizza and local red wine. The next day, after a nice swim and jacuzzi, we headed to Floresta for street tacos.  

Y U M !  

Fresh fish or shrimp served with a compliment of cabbage, cilantro, salsa fresco, pickled onions, radishes, peppers, and a variety of VERY spicy hot sauces. They just raised their prices to 12 pesos, costing us of total of $3.00 US for breakfast. 

Tommy gets a kiss from his sidekick, Mickey.

We drove out to the Estuary for a walk along along the Bay and enjoyed the spring flowers, shorebirds, quaint, and not so quaint to grande casas that line the beach. Inspired by the crisp clear day we decided to head out towards Bufadora - the famous blow hole at Punta Banda. After 3 days of steady rain the muddy-swampy-dirt roads short-circuited our trek.  Besides, we were side tracked by TOMMY the Zebra (aka donkey) and his perky side-kick perro. Both have been well trained to entertain tourists for 10 pesos. The dog jumps on and off the donkey’s back, gives him kisses, and together they strike many poses for the camera. Unfortunately, they move through their well-planned routine faster that I can work my camera. We have heard from old-time cruisers that the duo also rides the bus hoping for increased tips.

So many choices. 
We chose spicy olives for martinis and honey for tea.

Olives, Peppers, and Plenty of Spice 

This time I had my camera ready to snap pictures of the colorful olive and honey and tamale stands that line the roadside. Once again, I was charmed by the genuine friendliness of the local people that offer tasty local products to tourists. Mexicans - often referred to as Mexi- CAN Do’s - sell these flavorful homemade treats in a variety of familiar containers. Did I mention I LOVE Mexico and her people? I know, in just every post, I elaborate on the service minded, friendly, fun loving citizens of Mexico. It’s what keeps us here.

Tarta de Fruta

Well, that was a full day, but not over yet. Back downtown to our favorite lunch spot, El Mason del Don Fernando for Chili Rellenos.  Can’t forget dinner. So, up a few blocks thru town back to Santa Tomas Bodegas for some fresh Yellowtail Tuna and butterflied shrimp for dinner, finished off with a fruit tart from Hogaza Hogaza. Oh My, we are on a roll, and only half way through the weekend.
We watched some HBO Hitchcock movie, had a martini or two, passed out, and slept soundly.

Palm trees, vineyards, blue skies, and dos amigos.

The next morning - off we went to the Vinicola for some wine tasting. Ah, spring was in the air. Green, Green, Green.  Three-hundred and sixty degrees of palm trees, lush green mountains, freshly pruned vines, bright yellow lemon grass, and brilliant blue skies.

Monte Xanic

Vinas de Garza 

Our very favorite, and considered by many, the BEST winery in the Valle del Guadalupe, is Vinas de Garza. The venue is captivating and Senor Amado Garza, is a handsome, charming, and yet unassuming vintner. He is a refreshing change from the pretentious Napa Sonoma snobbery. He is also a very good friend of our dentist - Dr. Ortiz - who is a great dentist and a vintner too! We made a couple of more rounds, had lunch, and headed home a for a little R & R, Bar-B-Qued Shrimp, and watched “The World’s Fastest Indian” with Sir Anthony Hopkins.

We enjoyed lunch at Rancho Maria Teresea

Alas, Monday morning arrived, and it was time for my brother to catch the shuttle back to San Diego and time for Darrell and I to start packing up for our trip north for a bit more remodeling of the old homestead. We’ll be back to Ensenada, El Tiburon, and Marina Coral late April for the Amanda Miguel and Diego Verdaguer concert. More eating, drinking, musica, and fun to follow.

www.vinosdegarza.com

You can also see September 2012 post about Vinas de Garza, the Valle de Guadalupe, and the Ruta del Vino. Tres Mujeres is another fine winery we encourage you to enjoy.

Fine Vino Tintos served at Tres Mujeres

CARNAVAL PARADE

A variety of Baja motorcycle groups started off the Carnaval Parade.

No Comment

After balloons and masks were bought, food consumed, and rides ridden, it was time for the real celebration of Carnaval, the PARADE. Families started gradually moving away from booths and began gathering along the side of the streets. We followed along. Down the street, we heard and then saw, an entourage of Harley Davidsons to Hondas announcing the start of an endless procession of fantastic floats and dancing girls. The FUN begins. Tuba, accordion, mariachi, and rock ‘n roll music blares from all directions of the city. The people of Ensenada are feeling festive, Sarah included.

The pageantry exemplifies Mexico’s love for dramatic-over-the-top brilliant and screamingly loud colors. The crowd cheers and the street comes alive in a whirl of excitement. The floats - powered by huge mack tracks - carry costumed characters of all ages throwing confetti eggs and candy to eager children and expectant adults! 

The Princess of Ensenada

The King and Queen of Carnaval

One of the first floats presented the Princess of Ensenada. Dressed in a sparkly pink satin gown, she waved and blew kisses to her many admirers. Regal in a golden cart, the reigning King and Queen of Carnaval, followed close behind the Princess. The next float had a variety of bejeweled Aztec Princesses and Warriors standing solemn and obviously proud of their heritage. The women of Mexico - regardless of their regional heritage or the occasion- are gorgeous. During festivals in particular, their carefully applied make-up and elaborate gowns extenuate their natural beauty. Darrell and I are often stunned by their style, grace, and glamour.

Looking almost like Vegas showgirls, 
the Aztec women were beautiful.

 The Spanish heritage was represented on this float. 

Too cute for words.

Several floats had gingerbread houses with toys larger than the happy children they carried. Troops of students from the Institute of Oceanography dressed as sea creatures marched by. Close behind more university students dressed as leopard-skinned feathered birds with head pieces fashioned as huge beaks danced wildly to the rhythm of beating drums. Almost on cue, the popular Day of the Dead Skeletons procession began. Then more dancers, more floats, on and on it went, each more colorful than the last.

Happy Colors, Happy Dancers

Happy University Students participated to the fullest.

The church, sombreros, and tubas are ever present at any festival.

More Happy Colors and Beautiful Women.

No parade is complete without a Day of the Dead Skeleton. 

After a couple of hours it seemed things were winding down, so we started heading home, only to turn the corner to see many, many more floats and dancers stretching down several blocks. For us, the parade was over, and we continued back to the quietness of Marina Coral. Later we learned that the parade in its entirety would repeat for the next 3 days!

This country knows how to party!

Viva Mexico!   

God Bless America too!

CARNAVAL!

Back aboard El Tiburon.  Deep Sigh.  Good to be Home. 

Our timing was perfect, Carnaval had just begun! A multitude of colors, foods, rides, floats, and lots of dancing girls. Big happy crowds of families with giggling ninos enjoying a Saturday afternoon with the winter green hills of Ensenada as the backdrop.

The crowds are just starting to arrive.

Balloon man still has lots of cartoon balloons to sell.

I wanted the octopus.

Everyone loves to put on the dog, especially the chihuahuas. This trio was one of the biggest attractions before the parade started. The rides ran a close second. Small ninos stayed with the stay-on-the-ground-cars, while the older kids and adults lined up for a bigger thrill. YUCK, my stomach turns upside-down just watching. 

Putting on the Dog

Chihuahua Glamour Chic

Can you see the teeny tiny legs dangle precariously over the crowd?

The Kiddie Kars were much more my speed.

Better yet, trying to catch a rubber duckie suited me the best.

Did I mention food? Holy Cow! 

Such a variety of choices, and all psychedelically colorful. First, choose from al pastor, bacon wrapped hot dogs, or maybe artisan cheeses?  There were booths offering fresh baked breads, carts with grilled corn, and wheelbarrows chalked full of roasted nuts. The carved fruit arrangements look as good as they taste. Mangos, watermelon, coconut, papaya, some with chili seasonings and some with sugar. If it’s sugar you want, just go straight to the candy cart, or head over to the fellow spinning up blue and pink cotton candy. Our preferred decadence is flan. 

We love Flan. Thick dense syrupy F L A N. 

If you are thirsty there is no shortage of flowing Tecate served with limes and chili pepper or try the delicious tropical fruit drinks.

Al Pastor - marinated pork sliced, then grilled. OH MY.

Bacon wrapped hot dogs (Perro Caliente con Tocino) 
grilled with chilis. Woof!

An array of artisan cheeses.

And now, a little dulce for dessert?

PURE SUGAR!

Blue Spun SUGAR!

Healthy Choices

Bouquets of strawberries, papaya, pineapple, watermelon, 
and coconut with a bit of whipped cream.

Our personal favorite.....F L A N !

One day I will try the mangos on a stick with sugared chili pepper.

Makes you thirsty, yes? 

TECATE! 
Translation: "It's Easy to be a man, for you!"

Darrell wanted a cowboy hat to take back to Graeagle (next will come shit-kickers). He decided on a white straw hat for the summer months. I chose a hot pink sombero. Carnaval is all about foolishness.

 How about this one, honey?

Darrell thinks his new cowboy hat helps him blend in with the Mariachis.

 Just plain RIDICULOUS!
The girl selling corn was obviously NOT impressed.
Silly Gringa.

Better have a bit more FLAN before the parade starts.

Floats with dancing girls to follow.....Stay Tuned.

Migrating South

Ahhhh, Morro Bay. Tranquila.
Our Airstream International 25.

We have started our migration south, back home to

 El Tiburon in Marina Coral, Ensenada, Mexico.

Merry Christmas

From Our House to Yours...

Merry Christmas

 Local Mule Deer stopped by for breakfast this morning.

Sweet Innocence.

A stag stares at me from our backyard.

He spent the day just hanging out, and even took a nap under a tree.

Darrell, Sparky, and I enjoyed a walk across the street before the snow arrived.

We are enjoying our first California Christmas in a couple of years, but are looking forward to returning to El Tiburon and Mexico after the New Year.