South Baja – Finally Warm!
Over the last few days, we explore the old towns of Loreto and La Paz, visiting missions, churches, museums and beaches. The wind continues to gust but dies down today and we finally wear shorts and t-shirts.
We are staying at a wonderful hotel in La Paz called Hotel Casa Jalisco with two large attached rooms and a lovely swimming pool. The owner, Juan, is a gracious host and makes us feel at home. Paul and Quinn spend the afternoon at the pool while Connor and I take a long walk along the malecon (ocean-front promenade) to the old town. Connor gets his first Mexican haircut and looks muy guapo.
Juan tells us about a taco stand just one block from the hotel, and this quickly becomes our favorite dining spot. We sit at the counter among locals, eating delicious tacos filled with carnitas (pork) and cabeza (head – Quinn and I don’t partake…). Quinn even asks the cook directly for “uno mas”.
After almost 2 weeks in Baja, I have some random thoughts to convey:
– Baja is filled with RVers, hippies, motorcyclists, and dirt bikers from the U.S. and Canada. I am surprised that we see few young people or families.
– It is easy to travel here without speaking any Spanish, since most locals speak at least some English.
– Baja is much more scenic than I expected. I have been awed by the stunning mountains, canyons, palm oasis’, white sand beaches and crystalline water.
– We have felt extremely safe, despite all of the negative press about travelling in Mexico. We have not had any issues with theft or personal security, and have never felt in danger.
– The Mexican military are everywhere. Throughout the day, trucks filled with military men with big guns patrol the towns and highways. Quinn always waves; the police and military have been very courteous to us.
– Like the U.S., the prices vary greatly. We can have a meal at a taco stand for less than $15 or a meal at a decent restaurant for $60. The prices for goods sold at Walmart and grocery stores are comparable to the U.S., sometimes even more expensive for imported products.
We take the overnight ferry from La Paz to Mazatlan on tomorrow. This will be the closest that our kids will get to a cruise… Mainland, here we come!
Tags: Mexico
hwy1alltheway
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