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Baja California: 16. - 30.10.2009 For the border crossing from California to Mexico we had three choices: Tijuana, Tecate and Mexicali. Since our smart book advised against the first mentioned, to crowded, and the last mentioned was just too far. We chose the golden middle.
After we gave up our US-
Tourist visas and got the stamp that Nisto is exported again, we slowly
drove across the border, just passed a white gate and where in Mexico.
First Nisto got a brief Inspection and then we got sent to apply for
the tourist visas in the migration office. Were stud in front of a
serious looking immigration officer to whom we tried to explain by hand
and feet what we needed. We did learn in the meantime how to order a
grilled chicken in Spanish, but we figured a chicken wouldn’t bring us
much further here. After some back and forth we got what we needed and
filled in our forms, then to get the visas one needs to pay and
therefore is send to a bank, but where to find such an institution?
That is how we even got this serious looking officer to smile with our
first complete Spanish sentence, that was: „De donde es la banca?“ (Now
we even got you to smile ;o) and for the once who’s Spanish isn’t up to
date it means: where is the bank from?) We didn’t get our question
answered, but in some broken English we got explained where the
institution is located.
After we sorted everything for
us, Nistos paperwork was missing. But we could ask as many people from
the border control we always got the same answer: “No “Banjercito”
here, only in Tijuana 30km or Mexicali 138km.” Great, so our precious
information was wrong, but we decided against the shorter but more
crowded Tijuana and left for the longer and more beautiful drive to
Mexicali. As we arrived the search started again, but with our now
proper Spanish that was not supposed to be a problem. In to the border
control station and: “Donde es la Banjercito, por favor?” The answer of
course was in Spanish and we looked like a car, just not as fast. Long
speech short meaning, we found it, settled Nistos paper work and hit
the road towards Ensenada, where we looked forward to sun and beach.
But we were greeted by the good old fog.
We definitely had enough of
that so we moved on the east coast of Baja, the Sea of Cortez, where
the Bahia des Los Angeles seemed to be real promising. To get there one
has to cross the Parque Natural Del Desjerto Central De Baja
California. There is Cactus of all kind almost on one spot, of course,
since it is famous for it, we didn’t let up on the opportunity to go a
bit off road. We just kept going until the threat to get stuck in the
middle of nowhere was just too high so we turned around.
Back on the Highway, it was
day 227 on our trip, it happened: Nisto was leaking air on the rear
left tire. But we wouldn’t be the N-Team if we could not solve such a
minor problem. Within one hour, the leak was found, the wheel
dismounted, the culprit pulled, the hole plugged, tires inflated with
air from our dive tanks, tools stowed and we were back on the road. Now
we are curious how long that is going to last.
The next few days and nights
we spent on wonderful beaches just as we have dreamed of. A bit of sand
couldn’t even stop Nisto, and as it threatened to get stuck half ways,
it meant to release some air from the tires and on it went.
And the moment came, were we
finally could see her with our own eyes. As little children we have
always asked ourselves: does she really exist? Now we can say for sure:
Yes, kids we could see her in person, Speedy Gonzales – the fastest
mouse of Mexico. There is just one question, which was faster: She who
sped into Nisto, or Sonjas legs, that moved flash like right on to the
bench? But what did she want? Apply as fourth in our team? Nope,
nothing free, sorry, denied! So we kindly made it clear that she needs
to leave again.
We enjoyed the time at the
white beaches with views on the turquoise ocean. We slept in, relaxed,
read, and tested our in Venice Beach acquired body board. But how does
it say, when it’s at its best, one should leave. So we went after
almost two week for our last destination on Baja, the town of Cabo San
Lucas, with the El Arco, which we explored by Jet ski.
However for us there was
nothing more to see, we didn’t really like the town, which was set up
for the American all inclusive Mexican adventure Tourist. On the beach
for example where more people trying to sell something than ones who
were enjoying the sun. That was too much for us after our time on the
lonely beaches.
That is why we were kind of
glad to take the ferry in La Paz to Mazatlan on the mainland. From here
we plan to move quite drafty towards Chiapas and Yucatan.
So maybe when you read the next time from us, it might already be from the east coast.
Sincerely yours
Sonja and Markus
Here it goes to the pictures… |
