Welcome to Ensenada! We really had a fun time in port in Ensenada, Mexico. We watched the ship dock at around 8am, which was quite an amazing process, to watch them maneuver this huge ship, which weighs over 70,000 tonnes, up against the dock. It takes 3-4 people to lift and tie the ropes, and that was just the port crew that we could see. Looking out from the ship you can see the flag of Mexico, which in Ensenada is the second largest in the country. You can see the city and residences sprawling up the surrounding mountains as they rise above the shore. Palm trees dot the areas between asphalt, concrete, and bustling city life. Buses and excursion transit begin to line up at the port in anticipation of the cruise ship emptying its passengers to explore the various attractions of the city. We disembarked from the Imagination at 8:30, past the photo ops and the lines of numerous other trips to be taken at Ensenada, wine tours, food tours, ATV and Jeep tours, kayaking and more. We found our check in for the Segway tour, of which our family were the only participants, quickly took a bathroom break and headed off with our guide to learn how to ride Segways. None of us had ever been on a Segway before, but luckily, as our instructors explained to us, they are in fact, very intuitive and easy to operate. It takes a few minutes to adjust, but once you do, it is one of the most fun and intuitive modes of transit I have ever taken. If I end up living in a city where I need to get from place to place via long walks and public transit, I am 100% buying a Segway! Our guides were extremely knowledgeable of the city and very easy to get along with, they made you feel like friends from the moment you met them. Their tour is only available through Carnival, and while this blog is not sponsored, if you ever do take a Carnival Cruise to Ensenada, I give this Segway tour a 10 out of 10, would absolutely recommend. They took us past the highlights of the city, recommendations for shopping and restaurants, where not to wander, and more. They even gave me advice for an upcoming trip I am going on later this month! Then they took us to the Riviera Museum and gave us a guided tour. It was a really beautiful place full of history, folktales, beautiful architecture, and some mystery. It starts at the bar where my Dad and I purchased authentic Mexican margaritas (which were very strong and extra delicious, also the drinking age in Mexico is 18, so drink up all you American minors! I'm 26 so I was just happy to have an authentic margarita!). After the museum we boarded our Segway's and concluded our tour. My brothers were ready to call it a day and returned to the ship, while my parents and I went into town to do some shopping. My Dad forgot that many countries barter over goods and ended up overpaying on a few things, but he got what he was looking for so it didn't bother him too much. Obviously, a store isn't really a place to barter, but street vendors are ready and willing to barter. If it isn't something you're used to, try going to garage sales in the states first, they are good places to get some practice, then you can take that new found skill and confidence overseas and fit right in. I found the culture really interesting to observe, vendors standing outside shops and stalls offering compliments and deals, "a Mexican minute to show you my shop" I was told multiple times, it all felt foreign and also familiar. Probably because Ensenada is very Americanized as many Americans retire here as the cost of living is lower but is also a stones throw from the States. On the way back to the ship we stopped at a large street market and bought some souvenirs. I also found some Horchata, which I had been looking for since I arrived. Then we went back to the ship for a very late lunch and to relax in the hot tub as we left port. This was a really great experience, a great place to dip your toes in international travel if you are just getting started and want to test yourself before you go someplace less tourist-y or close to home. Of course one day is always a whirlwind and you get but a taste of life elsewhere, but traveling is traveling, no matter how far or for how long. So enjoy every trip, whether it is to a new place in your state or a new country, you can see and learn something new everywhere you go. Thanks for tagging along in Ensenada, a slice of life and mixture of cultures nestled on the coast of Baja California between the Pacific and the mountains that surround it. Have you ever been to Ensenada? If so, leave your favorite story or part of the city in the comments below! Much Love, Jess
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AuthorJessica Marie Cunningham - Intentional lifestyle blogger, aspiring author, and podcast host. All things Slow Living, Books, Writing, Art, creativity, Christianity, and personal stories. Archives
March 2022
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