This past weekend I had the chance to visit Ensenada, Mexico via cruise ship. My expectations were set pretty low after having received quite a few "tips" pointing out that Ensenada is not the cleanest, safest, or most luxurious place to visit. Fortunately, when you aren't hoping for too much in the first place, there's nowhere to go but up. Which is probably why I ended up having a perfectly enjoyable time.
I was able to catch a city tour that included wine tasting at one of Mexico's oldest wineries, a visit to Ensenada's pretty & artful convention center, and shopping time downtown -- where I definitely paid my dues to the tourism industry by purchasing way too much cheap junk. I practiced my haggling skills, somewhat... although I felt kind of silly because I am certain that the locals live off of American tourists who are convinced they have fabulous haggling skills. (In reality, I'm pretty sure that most items are priced at about double the intended selling value anyway... hence all of the 50% off "sales" everywhere.)
[Inside the winery]
[Inside the convention center... one of the ceilings]
Seriously, these people must think we are pretty darn cheap... coming to visit their city on a fancy ship, and then beaming with pride when we can get a $10 item down to $6. I guess they're used to it.
[Downtown]
Afterwards, I took a slighly sketchy cab ride back to the ship. I was halfway expecting the taxi to fall apart (that poor car was shaking and squeaking like you wouldn't believe), but both the car and myself made it back in one piece. All in all, it was a fun outing with few mishaps.
Okay, so maybe I did get temporarily lost in downtown Ensenada. And this was AFTER the original tour bus had already departed, because our one-hour shopping allowance had come and gone. AND I had left my cell phone on the ship because certain people warned me not to use it outside of the U.S. So I guess that's what I get for taking too long and shopping too slowly. But you know how it goes... all's well that end's well.
2 comments:
Firstly, that Mexican Flag is the size of Donald Trump's ego.
Secondly, I wonder how much money those Mexicans make off dumb American tourists? Maybe I should go open a shop in Ensenada selling "legitimate" tourist items.
Thirdly, the babies seem a little too calm right now. I hope I didn't kill them.
I don't know, but flippy man is awesome! Totally legitimate! And my babies are sleeping soundly in the fridge. Maybe your roommate's voice killed yours? Or maybe they are just really relaxed.
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