On our last day in Ensenada, before heading back towards Tijuana, the group split into two groups with the choice of either hanging out in Ensenada for a few hours or going to the already scheduled
La Bufadora, one of the largest blowhole, or geysers, in North America.
While it was tempting to shop and enjoy some refreshing drinks, I'd been to Ensenada since childhood with family so many times. It seemed better to see something new. So La Bufadora it was.
I never imagined it would be so packed with families, couples and just so many people happy to be there. It was hard to get a veiw at the blowhole with so many crowds.
Walking back to meet the group I spotted the lady above sitting on a fence.
The blowhole itself is very hard to see from most parts of the viewing area, and some brave visitors climbed up the bare rock to get a better view. I opted to climb up steps to the highest vantage point.
It was totally worth it. We got a great vantage point of the blowhole errupting every couple of minutes and the thunderous sounds were almost drowned out by the crowds cheering and clapping for the larger explosions!
What even proved more amusing than the main attraction was the surrounding market. Many vendors, selling regional arts and crafts, souvenirs and food lined the road to the blowhole, and back.
It was the most amusing mix of colors, sounds, smells - a visual feast! I'll let the photos do the talking.
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| shiny chorizo tubes |
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| clams au gratin - a very popular dish at the market |
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| doll head holding handmade bracelets |
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| candy, nuts, giant pastries and cinammon sugar coated almonds (the best) |
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| elotes - Kristin, our guide kindly gave us tastes of her street corn |
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| This Viagra mascot appears in several pharmacies, in various forms and sizes |
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| frog with maracas? - why yes! |
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| dolls on swings, frog bands and kids having fun |
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| fruit |
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| clamato and tequila shots stand |
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| marionettes |
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| Pina Coladas are the signature drink - samples offered at every step |
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| plate painting and naughty souvenirs (ladies covered with blankets at least) |
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| snakes, parrots, baby lion cub and falcon |
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| more pina coladas, even a hollowed out pineapple full (with $3 refills!) |
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| street chips with hot sauce dispenser from bottom - brilliant |
Another day in the Valle, we made a quick visit to the
Museo del Vino y La Vid. which features the history behind wines of the Valle de Guadalupe as well as beautiful grounds and architecture.
This excursions brought another dimension to the visit, along with the food, wine and landscape. Great suggestions by
Club Tengo Hambre.
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