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Published: March 21st 2006
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lost in TJ
missed the first turn to Ensenada cuota so we ended up circling tijuana looking for fwy 1 The weather was conflicting. Was it going to rain or not?
It did, and it even hailed, leaving the ground very wet and muddy—making the whole experience for my parents, tita (aunt), tito (uncle), and lola (grandma) of their very first trip to baja mexico reminiscent of the Philippines.
I warned them that as soon as we cross the border, the cars will be involved in some chaotic dance where everyone will scramble to get to their right “lanes”. The traffic lanes and the order we had in the US will all be a blur because in Mexico, traffic lanes don’t exist. I warned my dad not to drive since he’s no longer used to the chaotic drive that will surely face him in TJ on the way to Rosarito. Driving in Mexico will be a challenge to most especially if one’s not used to the “orderly” driving people are used to down there. It reminds me of Rome, the Philippines, and Thailand. People just drive and could care less if there’s others on the road. In Mexico, even if you’re on the freeway, people cross the four-lane span like it’s a regular highway. Not surprisingly, there are some houses or
Elvin asleep
he's always falls asleep as soon as he gets in the car! Just don't fall asleep when you're driving, bro! squatters that live on the sides of the freeway, so it’s a necessity for people to cross the freeway, but it’s still very dangerous. Recall the signs from the San Diego freeway on the five where there’s a billboard warning of families crossing—not just a single person, but the dad, the mom, and their child in tow—that’s a warning one should heed when driving in Mexico. Be very careful. Once you get to Ensenada cuota away from Tijuana, the driving should be more pleasant, though. Still, be careful. The way to Rosarito, in particular, Puerto Nuevo for some lobstahs, is a scenic drive. You can tell from the horizon which parts of the ocean are being rained on or not. Where we’re headed seems sunny, and surprisingly the weather held up until we got to our destination: Puerto Nuevo.
Puerto Nuevo is a small fishing town in Baja California with one main specialty: their tasty, meaty, deep-fried (yes, deep fried) lobsters. If you’ve always had steamed lobsters, you ought to try deep fried lobsters with garlic butter; it’s too damn good to miss. I’m not a big lobster eater, and according to my allergist, I should be staying away from
Jesus
Once you see Jesus atop a hill, you're close to lobster Heaven: Puerto Nuevo it. I can’t and I won’t. In hindsight, I should have remembered to bring my Epipen (epinephrine injection) in case of an emergency (another warning to all who might need it—don’t forget your allergy pills, and your epipen if you have it), but it’s ok, I’m alright, I’m still breathing—allergies won’t make me stop from eating cos eating’s what I love to do. Well, I’m usually good and stay off of crustaceans. Anyway, the lobstahs...
As one can see from the pictures, the lobsters are HUGE! They’re served halved with garlic butter (per request) or just regular butter on the side, rice, beans, and soft tortillas. We ordered chips and a glop of fresh guacamole (avocado) to nibble on while waiting for the main event, er, course. We’ve been raving about the lobsters in Puerto Nuevo so we took dad and the rest of the family there for his birthday. They weren’t disappointed. I always thought that they only served lobsters, but it turned out that they had other food in the kitchen (no menu). They served us battered sole, battered shrimps and garlic shrimp scampi. I didn’t try the shrimp much (I’m not supposed to), but the sole was
oh so good. Damn. There are lots of lobster eateries in Puerto Nuevo, but there’s only ONE that we go to: Puerto Nuevo 1. It came highly recommended, and remains to be the only one worth going to if you’re faced with the daunting choice to pick from one of the numerous other sites down there.
After the huge meal we had, we walked around the muddy town sampling local nuts and candies before heading down to Rosarito for more shopping. On the way to Rosarito we stopped by the furniture and wood shops to look around. They had some pretty interesting wood sculptures and good quality wood furniture at very reasonable prices. We didn’t need anything for the house, so we just looked around.
Rosarito’s the place to go for endless (alcoholic) drinks and affordable souvenirs. No drinks, no clubbing, and no dancing since we’re with the family and lola. We just did a little shopping and a little sampling of food here and there (as if the huge lobsters weren’t enough!). It was also a bit wet and muddy there so we didn’t even go to the shore to check out the horses. They offer horseback rides for
around $7 for 30 minutes. It’s relaxing, unless you end up with a crazy horse high on yeska—then, that’s not a good thing. One time my little brother rode a horse (his first time) in Rosarito right outside Papas and Beer, and halfway through the ride his horse went crazy and threw him off the saddle. He ATE it (sand), man! I felt so bad and wanted to kick the horse’s ass (it’s my little brother, of course I’d want to get some revenge), but I couldn’t even get off my horse (too high). Our teen guide took a hold of his horse and they switched horses. He was hurt a little bit, but says he’s ok and would still go horseback riding when given the chance.
Anyway..
By midnight we were in Tijuana. It was more crowded and less clean than Rosarito, but the tacos from the street stands were to die for! You can’t find tacos like that in LA! Not even Rambo’s or Leo’s can beat the freshness and taste. Go to TJ if you’ve got the balls and can speak enough Spanish that may be able to get you out of a tight situation. Just don’t
FANTA
fanta in every flavor (although i actually had a corona--didn't wanna make carlo look like a sissy for drinking fanta) get in trouble while you’re there. I’ve heard too many stories.
Overall, the lobster was great! I can’t wait til it gets warmer so we can drive down there soon.
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