Ensenada

We arrived in Ensenada yesterday around 2 pm. The drive was nice- very curvy through the mountains. Ensenada is one of mexico’s largest cities so there is lots to do. I booked an Airbnb just as we lost service leaving san Felipe. I didn’t get to do much searching and I hadn’t researched the area because we hadn’t planned to be here at all! I found a cheap place just a block off the beach. When we pulled in I was skeptical- the pictures can tell the story. David laughed at me and said- “Where’s your sense of adventure?? Don’t you remember the places we stayed in the south of Spain?” I guess I forgot about those! The man who showed us the apartment is also a mechanic so he said he’d help us in the morning with the car. We brought up all of our things as we were advised not to leave anything in sight. I was feeling a little lazy after a couple days so three flights with all of our stuff felt refreshing! After settling in we made some lunch (quesadillas with retried beans i had prepped in Tucson) and then we took a long walk down the beach. When we returned the kids immediately started playing with the kids in the neighborhood. Our apartment is in a large building and there are lots of kids that gather to play all kinds of games together. They all have rules that can mostly be explained with gestures and watching. I helped translate as needed, but mostly leave mine to interpret as they go. The neighborhood children are very sweet, energetic and thankful for new friends. The kids played for hours running around . We decided to cook at home again- (we haven’t eaten out once!) We walked about a mile to the store and bought avocados, lime, onion, and tostadas. I pre made rice before we left and brought cans of beans so we made a nice dinner. After dinner the kids all got showered and we watched a family movie. We have been completely technology free but it was nice with all the challenges and changes to have a night on the couch. The kids got right to bed and we all slept until 7. Thank God. For breakfast we made eggs and tortillas - a delicious Crawford specialty. Our host called around 9 and said he was on his way. He and David drove around and it seems we have a place that can replace the starter motor in the car. In the meantime we walked to the beach and the kids have been playing games and having fun. We are located south of the main drag in the more modest neighborhoods. In the distance i can see a giant cruise ship that has docked and the biggest Mexican flag (flag in general) I’ve ever seen! I’d like to make it down to the downtown area to try some food.

I feel so greatful for the experience the kids are having. They are well aware of the trash that lays all over the roads- the giant random holes, and those that dig for food and treasures in heaps of rubbish. They are at an age that we can begin talking about these things and talk about how to notice without judgment. I’m thankful that they are gaining a new perspective as well. They are being invited to see the poverty and the love. As they play with children who speak a different language and live a different life but play the same games and laugh st the world- it’s really beautiful. I couldn’t have planned this experience. I would have never known we’d choose an apartment in a neighborhood wit) such friendly children- I didn’t plan for the car to break nor to be in Ensenada at all. I’m thankful to have married a man who embraces chaos and the unknown- who can sit on a beach and relax while reading a book with our car sitting in a parking lot- no starter motor - in hopes that our host calls in the next couple hours to take him to a place to get it fixed.

I always loved the scene in the movie Titanic when Jack talks about not needing anything. He won his ticket in a bet- had the clothes on his back and smokes in his pocket- the world is just one adventure waiting to happen...

As our journey continues our motto stands- it’s not where you are- it’s who you know. And we have met some lovely people.