Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Ensenada, Mexico



After leaving the Hawaiian islands we enjoyed four lovely sea days as we cruised back across the beautiful Pacific Ocean.  I enjoy sea days so much as it really gives me a chance to relax and read and do nothing if we please.  On this cruise there was Tea Time in the afternoon that we enjoyed.  Along with gazing at the ocean and walks I'm a happy camper.


This cruise was basically a trip to the islands of Hawaii.  It also included a stop on the way back to Long Beach in Ensenada, Mexico.  We were curious about that stop and were informed that because of the Jones Act it was required because of US maritime law.  The Jones Act basically says, no foreign registered ship is permitted to transport goods (or passengers) from a US port to other US ports and back without stopping in a foreign country.  The Carnival Splendor is registered in Panama. 

Today was also Grayden's birthday!  Our daughter arranged to have a cake delivered to our stateroom along with Spumante for her Daddy's special day.



After the birthday surprise, we headed out to our excursion to visit the coastline of Ensenda and Blow Hole.  Ensenada is located in Baja California and only 90 miles south of San Diego.  It is often referred to as the La Cenicienta del Pacificio--The Cinderella of the Pacific! 




We boarded the bus attended by our guide, Benji!  This young man was so smart and told us he learned English from American television shows he watched as a child.  Yes, he was Mexican and was delightful telling us all about their economy and culture.



The rugged coastline we followed was so lovely!



Our destination was their famous Blow Hole.  Getting off of the bus, Benji explained to us how to barter and that it was expected.  We have experienced it before and I must say I'm not good at it!  I want to pay what the price says, but that is not what they do!  We bought the grands a few things and Grayden bartered for them.





There were many folks viewing Blow Hole so I could hardly get a decent photo along with the mist that enveloped the area! 



This area is blessed with magnificent beauty!  How can you look at such beauty and not feel gratitude for the beauty of our earth?







Ensenada was a delightful surprise for us!  We are so glad we stopped here for a visit. 



This was the last day of our 14 day cruise.  The next day we boarded our flight home full of happy memories!  Thank you for coming along with us!   ♥






30 comments:

  1. What an interesting law that turned out to be very good for you. I don’t believe that I’d enjoy bartering either.

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    1. Vee, bartering is really uncomfortable to me. I don't like the process of buying a vehicle here as well, much less everything you buy there! ♥

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  2. What a thoughtful daughter to arrange for birthday surprises!

    Those four cruise days sound fabulous . . . tea time and relaxation, ocean vistas and breezes . . . ahhhhhhh . . .

    I am fascinated to learn of the Jones Act. I must learn more about the particulars. It worked out wonderfully for you though. Otherwise, you may have never seen these beautiful and interesting sights!

    Thanks for taking us along on another journey. I always learn things when I travel with you!

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    1. Cheryl, the Jones Act involves a lot of different aspects that are fascinating. Thank you for your kind words as always! ♥

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  3. fabulous! that was a great experience! Love the pictures.

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  4. Home Again, Home Again, Jiggetty Jig! All good things come to an end, and this cruise has been such a lovely thing to do. You did well to capture the blow hole too! Had I not known, I would say you were in Northern CA! The coast line is very similar indeed.
    I have a question: why does your name badge say "Benji"? Or, is that in case you get lost you remember your tour guides name?

    ~~~Waving~~~From Across the Pond~~~Deb in Wales xoxo

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    1. Deb, Benji had everyone wear his name tag so as not to get on the wrong bus upon leaving Blow Hole. Can you believe there was a group with us that did get on the wrong bus? Crazy tourists!
      I agree the coast is very similar all the way. Have a lovely day, my friend. xoxo ♥

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  5. Wow, what an amazing tour you took us on. It was a fantastic tour enjoying in particular the coastline. How thoughtful your daughter was with the Birthday surprise.

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    1. Thank you for coming along with us! Our daughter is so thoughtful, if I do say so myself! ♥

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  6. What a magnificent trip! And, you came home with a beautiful photo of yourself and the ocean that you love. Thank you for taking us along to faraway places that, otherwise, we might never see!

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    1. It's so nice to have you come along with us, Chip Butter! ♥

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  7. It looks like such a ruggedly beautiful place! And what a sweet (and masculine looking) cake your thoughtful daughter had delivered to your room. You do make a cruise sound wonderfully relaxing. I enjoyed bartering when we lived in Africa. I guess we often do it when we have a garage sale too--maybe then not as much fun!

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    1. Dotsie, we enjoying cruising very much. You can do as little or as much as your heart desires. I must admit to never enjoying bartering. I'm glad my husband doesn't mind! ♥

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  8. Some spectacular land and seascape! And that birthday cake looks delightful.

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    1. Cathy, my husband loves chocolate, so his birthday cake delighted him! ♥

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  9. Thanks for sharing your ocean views from the boat.. I would just love that. I may get my husband talked into a cruise some day. What a fun place you visited! I stayed in Puerto Vallarta for a week and loved it. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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    1. Teresa, we have visited Puerto Vallarta as well. I have fond memories of our time spent there. I do hope you are able to take a cruise. ♥

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  10. These are beautiful pictures of the waters in Mexico, Martha Ellen. We took a vacation to Baja many years ago and had the most wonderful time. It was the whole family. Happy Birthday to Grayden. That was so nice of your daughter to have a cake delivered to your room. It looks Yummy. This is a wonderful picture of you, and you have a lovely smile.

    I hope the new year is being kind to you so far, Martha Ellen.

    ~Sheri

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    1. I wondered if you had visited this area, Sherry. I'll give Grayden your wishes. We are enjoying the new year and I hope you are as well. We may get some snow this weekend so we are all excited about that! We don't often get much so we're hoping it's not all hype this time. Have a wonderful weekend. ♥

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  11. What beautiful pictures! That was nice of your daughter to have the cake delivered!

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  12. Martha and Grayden, GLobe-trotters! Where are you off to next? My son says eastern Europe is fabulous, Czechoslovakia and Romania. He gets around alot too.

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    1. Jeri, we both love traveling so much! We have our favorites, but always want to explore new places. ♥

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  13. It looks and sounds like you had a perfectly lovely time.

    Blessings~

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  14. What a fabulous cruise you went on, and lovely photos of you and Grayden, and such a sweet surprise from your daughter on his birthday. Your guide sounded delightful too. I always enjoy reading travelogues Martha Ellen, this is a wonderful read with great photos. Thank you :)

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    1. I'm so glad you came along with us, Denise. I have two more weeks of our trip to England to blog about. I hope you will approve as it's in the area you said you are from. Stay cozy and warm. ♥

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  15. What a wonderful trip, such lovely photographs you've included in your post.
    What a very thoughtful daughter with the Birthday surprise.

    All the best Jan

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    1. We enjoyed this trip so much, Jan. Thank you for coming along! Hopefully soon I'll share the remaining days we enjoyed in your beautiful country. ♥

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