Daily Archives: February 6, 2014

February 6, 2014 Ensenada Part 2, Take 2

We had trouble posting our second blog from Ensenada so we are trying again!

On our first full day in Ensenada the wagonmaster had arranged a bus tour of the city.  We boarded 2 large buses with an English speaking guide for the short drive into town.  We stopped at their convention center which was originally Hotel Riviera del Pacifica, a hotel built in 1930 and popular with the the rich and famous especially in the 1950’s until it closed in 1964.  At one time it was one of the most prestigious and luxurious hotels in Baja.05-P104011404-P104010906-IMG_20140206_09443507-IMG_20140206_105617 It especially became famous during Prohibition in the United States when alcohol was banned.  Some say the margarita was invented at this hotel.  They had a list of many of the people who stayed there.10-IMG_20140206_105352They even had a quote from President John Kennedy on the grounds of the hotel.08-IMG_20140206_105129 The building had beautiful wood ceilings and mosaic tile floors. The grounds around the hotel were beautiful and we spent some time walking around.  04-P104010909-IMG_20140206_105201

We then went down to the port area near where the cruise ships come in walked to Plaza de Las Tres Cabezas where there were 3 large busts of famous Mexicans patriots and heroes,11-P1040118 as well as a large Mexican flag.  We stopped at an area selling fresh fruits and vegetables as well as other items for sale.12-P1040116 Our tour guide then walked us down to the fish market area where there were large displays of fresh fish.  There were many little sidewalk cafes selling fish and shrimp tacos and of course margaritas and Mexican beer.  A large group of us had lunch together and sampled the many salsas provided, some of which were very hot and spicy!! 13-IMG_20140206_124903

A tradition with the Mexican Connection 8 is their 4:00 Happy Hour.  Each day at 4:00 everyone meets in a nice building provided to us by the campground where we had happy hour and announcements.  It was a great way to meet others and hear about everyone’s adventures.  We are enjoying our campsite and the camaraderie of the group. 23-P1040095

February 6, 2014 Ensenada, Mexico Part 2

On our first full day in Ensenada the wagonmaster had arranged a bus tour of the city.  We boarded 2 large buses with an English speaking guide for the short drive into town.  We stopped at their convention center which was originally Hotel Riviera del Pacifica, a hotel built in 1930 and popular with the the rich and famous especially in the 1950’s until it closed in 1964.  At one time it was one of the most prestigious and luxurious hotels in Baja. 05-P1040114 04-P1040109 06-IMG_20140206_094435 07-IMG_20140206_105617 It especially became famous during Prohibition in the United States when alcohol was banned.  Some say the margarita was invented at this hotel.  They had a list of many of the people who stayed there. 10-IMG_20140206_105352They even had a quote from John Kennedy on the grounds of the hotel. 08-IMG_20140206_105129 The building had beautiful wood ceilings and mosaic tile floors. The grounds around the hotel were beautiful and we spent some time walking around.  04-P1040109 09-IMG_20140206_105201

We then went down to the port area near where the cruise ships come in walked to Plaza de Las Tres Cabezas where there were 3 large busts of famous Mexicans patriots and heroes, as well as a large Mexican flag.  We stopped at an area selling fresh fruits and vegetables as well as other items for sale. 12-P1040116 Our tour guide then walked us down to the fish market area where there were large displays of fresh fish.  There were many little sidewalk cafes selling fish and shrimp tacos and of course margaritas and Mexican beer.  A large group of us had lunch together and sampled the many salsas provided, some of which were very hot and spicy!! 13-IMG_20140206_124903

A tradition with the Mexican Connection 8 is their 4:00 Happy Hour.  Each day at 4:00 everyone meets in a nice building provided to us by the campground where we had happy hour and announcements.  It was a great way to meet others and hear about everyone’s adventures.  We are enjoying our campsite and the camaraderie of the group.  23-P1040095