Gringo Gazette

Gringo Gazette

What Mexico Has Taught Me

BY THE UNKNOWN GRINGO

I Just Wanted Breakfast.
I had noticed this place before. It was right next to a now long-gone mezcal store that I used to go to a lot. Right on the beach but a longer bicycle ride than I wanted to take. So I caught a city bus three blocks from my hotel for 13 pesos, about 70 cents currently. I’ve been going there now for years.

I like the city buses. Cheap and you usually don’t have to wait very long. Maybe 10-15 minutes max. They are all small, retired rural-country buses from the U.S. since they were only meant to seat about twenty. In Mexico they can hold a WHOLE LOT MORE. (They usually still have signs in English inside telling you what to do in an emergency.)  A full bus in Mexico can be an experience that might challenge you but I find it interesting in how people treat one another. The men are often quite gallant.  Children and seniors are treated with consideration. The buses going north in the morning towards El Sauzal will always have a lot of students who are going to the cluster of universities around the Punta Morro Hotel. When they get off, the bus is often close to empty.

When it gets close to the restaurant, Terra Noble, I tell the driver to stop at the City Express Plus building that is next to it. It is 12 stories tall and I assume all the drivers recognize it versus my small restaurant. If you are approaching from El Sauzal to the north then point out the 20 stories tall Viento building since that blocks City Express visually going south. Both of these monsters were not there when I first started going to Terra Noble. To get off any city bus you just ask the driver to stop. I hunch down close to him and point as well. You do not have to get off at a bus stop with a sign and bench. Magic!!

Walk towards the restaurant and look for cats before you enter. My favorite is Bellota. That means acorn in Spanish. She is a total lover and might flop on her side so you can rub her belly. She often follows me in but I walk straight through the restaurant to the outside tables just above the beach. As I do this I will ask for coffee, with milk, no sugar. I already know what I want to eat; the omelette Mexicano.  The guacamole that comes with this is excellent. I seat myself… and look.

The ocean is right there. I have seen dolphins right in front of me, jumping and swimming. This last time I saw a flight of 14 pelicans in a tight formation. Of course there will be squawking sea gulls and sometimes an elegant white crane going by. The coffee cup gets refilled while I wait for the food. I’m in heaven. The omelette comes and gets devoured. I do have to ask for salt. There’s more than one table but I almost always have the ocean to myself. I pay the check and then the real adventure begins.

I go down a small bluff to the beach and hike north. It’s a rock beach. If the tide is low you can try walking on the exposed sand, but I prefer the rocks. They are about the size of a clenched fist or bigger. You will slip and slide. An unusually high tide might get you pushed up against the short bluff but I’ve never had a problem. I walk the rocks carefully to find pieces of boats, thick plastic or fiber ropes, fishing nets, rubber boots and shoes, sea shells, driftwood, dead pelicans, plus lots of interesting things that I have taken home over the years on my motorcycle. It isn’t easy packing stuff on a motorcycle so that means I must really like what I take. Walk carefully on those rocks to avoid a twisted ankle. It’s worth it. Finders Keepers.

A few hundred yards up the beach there’s a stairway built into the bluff that easily gets you off the beach. It’s at the Ramona Beach Trailer Park. And they have cats and dogs there. At the office and those of their customers. A bonus for me. For years two hound dogs there have greeted me with their distinctive howls. 

The coast highway is right there. Get out your 13 pesos and flag down the next southbound city bus. You don’t have to have exact change for the driver but I wouldn’t give him anything larger than a twenty peso note or coin. The bus will either go down the coast / Costero road to the McDonald’s / Three Heads Park intersection and then turn left towards the downtown bus station or will head inland / downtown / Centro from the big intersection just below the universities / Punta Morro. If you take that bus it will end up at the bus station across from the Soriana on 6th between Gastelum and Miramar.  The coast bus gets me closer to my hotel but the downtown bus only makes me walk another three blocks. I would rather take the first bus that comes along in front of Ramona Beach and save time waiting since there are lots more Centro buses versus Costero buses.

Terra Noble opens at 8:30 and closes at 5:30. I have never eaten from their dinner menu. I have never eaten anything but the omelette Mexicano because I like it so much. Maybe I’m the Village Idiot. They are starting to build a website and I was told you can find them on Facebook and Instagram. They are closed on Mondays. 

I just wanted breakfast but I also got an interesting bus ride, cats, an ocean view, a beach hike, more cats, dogs, and another bus ride. Even the Village Idiot knows when he’s found a good thing.

This last time I built a shrine to my deceased family on that beach. I can’t imagine it will survive the waves for long and maybe that’s the point. None of us are here forever. And some of us aren’t even here for a long time. We should work hard to be here for a GOOD time. Time is the most precious commodity on Earth.

Remax Baja Realty Expands to Todos Santos, Baja Sur

Remax Hidden Paradise Arrives in Todos Santos to Revolutionize the Local Real Estate Market

The magic of Todos Santos merges with the experience of Remax in the newly inaugurated Remax Hidden Paradise office. Located in the heart of our Pueblo Mágico, the agency promises to become a benchmark for those looking to buy or rent properties in the region.

With a team of highly trained professionals and extensive knowledge of the local market, Remax Hidden Paradise offers comprehensive services to meet the needs of its clients. Whether you dream of a beachfront villa in Los Cabos, a refuge in the Todos Santos desert, or an investment in the growing La Paz market, this new office will provide you with the necessary advice and support at every stage of the process.

“Mariela Frias, said, “We are excited to bring the Remax brand to Todos Santos and contribute to the development of this unique community. Our goal is to offer a service of excellence, based on trust, transparency, and commitment to our clients.”

The opening of Remax Hidden Paradise marks a milestone in the real estate market of Baja California Sur, expanding the options and opportunities for those looking to settle or invest in this privileged region.

For more information, visit the Remax Hidden Paradise office in front of Banorte, or call +619-632-70-45.

Rosarito Takes Center Stage with First Opera Encounter

BY ARCHER INGRAM

Gear up, opera lovers and curious bystanders! The city of Playas de Rosarito in Baja California is gearing up to host its first-ever Opera Encounter in Rosarito (ENOR), set to transform the State Center for the Arts into the opera hub of the region from July 27 to August 3. This inaugural event is not just a series of performances; it’s a cultural movement aimed at making opera accessible and enjoyable for all.

The Baja California Secretary of Culture is spearheading this initiative, with a packed schedule that includes masterclasses, rehearsal sessions, insightful lectures, and riveting recitals. The event will gather a mix of experienced maestros, professional singers, and up-and-coming talents, all dedicated to providing a unique artistic experience that cultivates a deeper appreciation for this majestic art form.

According to Marco Antonio Nuño Sánchez, the coordinator of CEART Playas de Rosarito, the essence of ENOR is to foster artistic development, broaden the opera’s appeal to new audiences, and strengthen the cultural community. “By creating spaces for opera, we aim to not only entertain but also educate and inspire connections among local, national, and international artists,” Nuño Sánchez remarked.

This sentiment is echoed by Javier Carrillo, the artistic coordinator of ENOR Rosarito, who emphasized the festival’s role in breaking down the elitist barriers often associated with opera. “ENOR is designed to integrate opera culture in a natural and accessible setting for everyone. This week-long event focuses on unveiling the behind-the-scenes of opera production, from singer preparation to the complexities of staging an opera,” Carrillo explained.

One of the highlights of the Opera Encounter is the grand concert “Il baccio di Tosca,” scheduled for July 31. This performance will commemorate the centennial of Giacomo Puccini’s passing by bringing to life scenes from his iconic opera “Tosca.” The event will feature renowned opera stars Maria Katzarava as Floria Tosca, César Sánchez as Mario Cavaradossi, and Carlos Conde as Il Barone Scarpia. They will be accompanied by the Ghukasyan String Orchestra with Andrés Sarre at the piano, under the skilled direction of Armando Pesqueira, coordinator of the State Music System of Baja California.

As ENOR draws to a close, the festival will segue into the twelfth edition of the “Opera by the Sea Festival,” which will take place at the CEART Rosarito arts esplanade. This event is free to the public, further emphasizing the initiative’s goal to make cultural events accessible to a broader audience.

Local businesses and tourism operators are also set to benefit from the influx of visitors and cultural aficionados expected to attend the festival. This aligns with the broader vision of the organizers to not only enrich the cultural landscape but also stimulate the local economy through high-quality artistic events.

For those interested in experiencing this operatic extravaganza, further details about the program and ticket information can be found on the websites and social media pages of the Baja California Secretary of Culture and CEART Playas de Rosarito. This is a golden opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of opera right in the heart of Baja California.

Celebrate the Harvest in This Year Fiestas de la Vendimia

BY LEONARDO QUINTERO

From July 31 to August 18, 2024, Ensenada, Baja California, will once again be the epicenter of Mexican wine culture with the XXXIV Fiestas de la Vendimia. Organized by Provino, which encompasses 84 wineries, this festival aims to promote Mexican wine, attracting an expected 120,000 attendees and generating an economic impact of 800 million pesos.

This year’s theme focuses on sustainability in agronomy, highlighting the industry’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices. As Provino celebrates its 24th anniversary, the festivities will feature over 30 events throughout the year, offering something for everyone.

Wine enthusiasts can indulge in tasting tours priced at 1,350 pesos, experiencing the rich flavors of local wines. Additionally, events like the one at Viña de Liceaga will showcase local talent such as the group “La Gran Familia” from Mexicali. For 1,450 pesos, guests can enjoy wine tastings paired with delicious paella.

Safety is a top priority, with the business sector collaborating to ensure a secure environment for all attendees. Despite the expected influx of cars, the event has a history of incident-free celebrations, a tradition they intend to uphold for many years to come.

Join the celebration of Mexican wine at Fiestas de la Vendimia and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Ensenada’s Valle de Guadalupe.

July 15, 2024 Edition

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July 1, 2024 Edition

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San Diego Zoo Experts Support Ecotourism Park in Ensenada

A team of experts from the San Diego Zoo, including veterinarians and biologists, recently visited the PaiPai Ecotourism Park in Ensenada to share their knowledge and implement improvements in animal care. Edgar Pérez Ortiz, the park’s director, highlighted that this collaboration aimed to enhance animal welfare through an exchange of expertise and experience.

The team consisted of 22 specialists from U.S. zoos, with 16 from the San Diego Zoo and 4 biologists from UABC. Together, they worked to apply innovative practices in animal care, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between conservation institutions.

At PaiPai’s farm, over 50 rescued animals, including goats, pigs, rabbits, ducks, roosters, and hens, received attention. The lion habitat saw significant improvements with new substrates and climbing areas, promoting natural behaviors.

The visit included various activities focused on environmental enrichment and animal health. Experts shared advanced techniques for managing and maintaining suitable habitats for the park’s diverse species.

“PaiPai is home to around 600 animals, including lions, tigers, jaguars, primates, birds, reptiles, small mammals, farm animals, and birds of prey like the Virginian Owl,” said Pérez Ortiz. The staff includes 28 zookeepers and 3 veterinarians.

In the stables, horses, ponies, donkeys, llamas, and some goats received hoof trimming and habitat enhancements. Water and air quality analyses were conducted to ensure a more comfortable environment.

Pérez Ortiz stated that the collaboration helped identify areas for improvement and develop long-term strategies benefiting both animals and the environment. “The San Diego Zoo’s expertise was invaluable in elevating care standards at PaiPai Ecotourism Park,” he affirmed.

June 17, 2024 Edition

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Tijuana’s Ultimate Wine Festival Returns!

UPDATE: This event date was changed to Saturday, October 5th, 2024.

Get ready to sip and savor, wine enthusiasts! The third edition of the “Festival Vino sin Fronteras” (Wine Without Borders Festival) is set to take Tijuana by storm on Saturday, June 29th at Club Campestre Tijuana, starting at 3:00 PM. This fantastic event is all about bridging our border with the rich enological and gastronomical offerings of the region, thanks to the efforts of the Comité Provino Baja California. 

Last Wednesday, June 12th, a press conference was held at the CANIRAC Tijuana conference room to unveil all the juicy details of this year’s festival. Attendees included representatives from Provino Baja California, Zaida López Sánchez, President of CANIRAC Tijuana, Dr. Karim Chalita Rodríguez, President of COTUCO Tijuana, and José de Jesús Quiñónez, Deputy Secretary of Tourism of Baja California. 

“The main goal of the event is to continue promoting the culture of wine to the public on both sides of the border, while also serving as a significant promotional platform for enotourism among national visitors and those from Southern California,” emphasized Juan Carlos Ochoa, General Manager of Provino. 

This year, the festival moves to the picturesque Club Campestre Tijuana, providing an ideal atmosphere surrounded by trees to enhance the enogastronomic experience. Attendees will get to enjoy the best from the Valle de Guadalupe and Baja California’s wine valleys, with 45 participating wineries offering tastings and sales of over 100 wine labels, including whites, rosés, reds, and sparkling wines. Additionally, Temecula, CA, will be the guest wine region, featuring prominent wineries such as Doffo Winery, Falkner Winery, Churon Winery, and Oak Mountain Winery, enriching the event’s wine selection. 

Thanks to a partnership with the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry (CANIRAC) of Tijuana, the festival will feature 25 regional restaurants from Tijuana, Ensenada, Valle de Guadalupe, Tecate, and Rosarito. These establishments will offer a variety of gastronomic samples, supported by supplies from Distribuidora La Canasta, and some will also sell dishes. 

The musical lineup is set to entertain with regional talent, including DJ Maury de la Vara spinning retro ’80s tunes, DJ Amy with contemporary electronic sounds, and DJ Winstone closing the night with a tropical set guaranteed to get everyone dancing. The main act will be Astros de Mendoza, a Mexican duo with 12 years of experience, who will delight the crowd with their blend of organic and electronic tropical sounds. 

Tickets are priced at $1,500 MXN per person, including a wine glass and tastings of wine and food (while supplies last). Attendees are encouraged to arrive on time to fully enjoy the enogastronomic and musical experience. The event also has a social impact, as part of the proceeds will support Provino Baja California’s projects benefiting the communities of the wine valleys, such as the reconstruction of San Vicente Park in the Valle de San Vicente, south of Ensenada, where the Antigua Ruta del Vino is located. 

Tickets can be purchased at various Farmacias Roma locations in Rosarito (Giramar Juárez), Tijuana (Paseo Playas, Triángulo de Oro, Campestre, Las Américas, Conquistador, Hipódromo, La Mesa, Tropicana, Plaza Torre Agua Caliente, Zona Río Urbana, Chapultepec, Cuauhtémoc), Mexicali (Justo Sierra, Caballito, Plaza 686), and Ensenada (Parque Revolución).  Online tickets are available here.

New International Flight Connects Tijuana and Las Vegas

Heads up, travelers! Starting October 29, you can hop on a direct flight from Tijuana to Las Vegas, thanks to Volaris. This new route is not just about hitting the jackpot or seeing dazzling shows; it’s about connecting cultures and boosting tourism between these vibrant cities.

Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda and Miguel Aguiñiga Rodríguez, Baja California’s Tourism Secretary, are thrilled about this development. They believe it underscores the region’s growing connectivity, making it easier for more folks to explore the hidden gems of Baja California and enjoy its rich offerings.

Ticket sales kicked off this June, so you can already start planning that Vegas vacation or a business trip. And it’s not just about convenience. This flight is a bridge between communities, fostering stronger economic and cultural ties. Nevada ranks as the third-largest source of tourists to Baja California, right after California and Arizona, which means there’s already a keen interest in travel between these spots.

Volaris is equally excited about this new venture, aiming to diversify its travel destinations and strengthen its presence in key markets. This new route is a big win for everyone involved – from everyday travelers looking to expand their horizons to businesses eyeing new opportunities.

Whether you’re in Tijuana looking to experience the thrills of Las Vegas or a Nevadan curious about Baja’s attractions, this new flight is your ticket to new adventures. Check out Volaris’s website for more details on flight schedules and bookings, and get ready to take off on a new international journey.

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