Rosarito

We just got back from an awesome week-long vacation in Rosarito, Mexico (thanks to Mike and Kathy). It wasn't too far - only about 3 hours away. I was kind of worried because of all the stories I heard about crime, corrupt cops, and tourist traps. But, it was not bad at all, once we learned how to navigate the free-for-all driving rules (or lack of them) the moment we crossed the border (thank goodness for insurance and even more for not having to use it). As we drove through TJ and saw the decrepit and dilapidated shacks falling apart on the sides of cliffs, we could not help feeling grateful for all of our blessings in the US. Then it was smooth sailing once we got on the toll road. We managed to pass our resort the first time, and had an interesting off-road adventure trying to turn around. What we didn't realize was that this bumpy, dirt road was the regular off-ramp for our resort!

The resort and surrounding beach community was beautiful. We took a day to walk down to the pier (built for the cruise ships, but with the wrong specifications so they can't dock - LOL). We visited the historic Rosarito Beach Hotel and then walked around the tourist shopping corridor. Another day, we drove down to Ensenada to walk around the town and shop. Then we drove to a peninsula called La Baloma (the blowhole), where ocean currents shoot up through a hole in the rocks, forming a large 50 foot blowhole. One night (okay two, since I made Brian go back again) we went to Puerto Nuevo for lobster. For $40, we got a large 4-5 lb. whole lobster (deep fried) with all the home-made mexican fixings to feed an entire family. And while we were there, we shopped again. And even though we did a lot of shopping while we were in Mexico, all we brought back was Mexican jumping beans and a magnet!! Out of all the beautiful magnets they had, I chose this brown one with a broken wheel b/c it reminds me of the dirty, trashy roads in Mexico! LOL :-)

The rest of the vacation, we spent relaxing on the beach, swimming in the pool, reading, watching movies and playing tennis, billiards, and board games. It was so nice to just relax and spend time with one another. We've been so stressed with work and school, we haven't had much time to do that lately. It was definitely a vacation to remember. I'd say it was the best one we've taken together, but nothing can top Hawaii last year. :-)