Vino and Tacos

Photos: The Food Scene

midlife_nomad — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 02:55:00 GMT

Yummy food in Ensenada

So Many Fish in the Sea

midlife_nomad — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 17:12:00 GMT

Our whale watching excursion was fun. No mishaps, just fun. A bit long, and I fell and wiped out two guys, but other than that, just fine. Sergio’s Sport Fishing took us out to Todos Santos island , which is the migratory route for the gray whales. We saw several; one even breached super close to the boat. But do you think I could get a picture of any of those whales? No! But I did get lots of pictures of deep blue water. Imagine a whale just below the surface.

On the ride out to sea, the crew threw in some fishing lines and let the passengers bring in the catch. Debbie’s fish came with a little old man attached.

Off the Beaten Path

midlife_nomad — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 16:50:00 GMT

Monday morning, Debbie and I set out to visit a winery. All the reviews said it was a long trek out, but worth it for the spectacular views. Off we go on the paved road and then on a dirt “highway”. The dirt highway turned into an off roading course like I’ve never experienced. I had to reach into my bag of tricks and pull out my NASCAR and Baja 1000 skills. Lil’ Mama ( my car) did her thing, but I was seriously worried about breaking an axle. Large sections of the road had been washed away, replaced by craters! It went on like this for about 5 miles. Finally we came to a section of the road that was completely covered by water. Since I couldn’t gauge the depth, we had to turn back. All of that and we didn’t even get any wine.

Locked Up Abroad

midlife_nomad — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 16:38:00 GMT

For our first Sunday meeting in Ensenada, we made plans to meet with my liaison and follow him and his wife to the kingdom hall to attend the Piedras Negras English congregation meeting. Cool. Although it was only 15 minutes away, it felt like a lot farther. We made regular turns, slight turns, u-turns and hairpin turns on “paved” roads, gravel roads, dirt roads and packed clay roads. We went up 90 degree inclines (if that means straight up into the air) with zero visibility, then over and straight down the other side. Much like a roller coaster, but scarier because I was driving. Once again I had my game face on, but my screaming may have given me away.

Of course the meeting was great and the friends eagerly invited me to join their congregation. As nice as they were, I don’t think I could ever find that place again.

After the meeting, Debbie and I were the last to leave the building. We said goodbye to some brothers who walked out ahead of us. We got into the car, pulled up the route for “home” then drove around to the front of the kingdom hall only to find that we were locked inside the parking lot. Yes, I said inside. I texted my two Mexican contacts, both of whom I met earlier that day, and we waited. We inspected the landscaping, took selfies, took photos of each other and just when we thought this might be our end, the brother who locked us in, showed up to let us out. I asked him if this is how they threat all their guests. He basically replied, yes, this is how they get new members.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I must admit that the whole deal lasted about 20 minutes. The worse case scenario would have required that we wait until the next congregation came for their meeting. But keep in mind that this was only day 2.

There's No Place Like Home

midlife_nomad — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 16:19:00 GMT

I booked an apartment on Air BnB for the month of March. Google maps has done a great job of getting me all over town, even with no street names posted. We when we we found the apartment and Dona Yolanda was waiting as promised. The apartment is located in a typical neighborhood that is both safe and quiet, except for the bird that sings all night long.

Inside we found a lovely welcome package with local artisinal wine, olives and bread. And the interior of the apartment is fabulous. Props to Dona Yolanda. I will miss this place when my month ends. Did I mention it’s located just minutes away from Starbucks, CostCo, Walmart and Sam’s Club?

Photos: Whale Watching II

midlife_nomad — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 11:47:00 GMT

I saw whales but failed to capture any in photos. Enjoy the beautiful ocean views.

Photos: Driving in Ensenada

midlife_nomad — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 11:08:00 GMT

Photos: Temp Home

midlife_nomad — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 11:07:00 GMT

Photos: Whale Watching I

midlife_nomad — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 11:07:00 GMT

The crew threw in lines and let the passengers reel in the catch.

Crossing the Border

midlife_nomad — Wed, 8 Mar 2017 14:03:00 GMT

Having never crossed the US/MX border by land, I was a bit nervous, but I had done my research and knew exactly what to expect on that fateful Saturday morning:

1) Drive into the line that says “Items to Declare”

2) Pass through the traffic light. Green = proceed, Red = stop for inspection.

3) Stop at kiosk to complete visa application

4) Pay fee at bank

5) Return to kiosk for passport stamp

6) Drive into Mexico

What actually happened is that I was in a sea of cars and all the lanes were labeled “nothing to declare”, so I just kept moving with the traffic. I got to the red/green light thing and I got a green light….kept moving. Then I looked for a kiosk, but I didn’t see any so I kept moving with the traffic. In the middle of this massive crush of cars, a MX border agent appeared and motioned the truck behind me to the side for an inspection. I was waved through. When I slowed down enough to figure out where I was, I was on the MX Highway 1D on my way to Ensenada. Oops! The whole thing took about 7 minutes.

In my research, I had read about military checkpoints on MX highways so I imagined Debbie and I would be stopped at one and held for days or we would arrive at Ensenada and be sent bask to the border to do things the right way. I spent the entire white knuckled drive to Ensenada (80 miles on winding roads in the mountains above the coast, with people driving far beyond the posted speed limit) worried about getting pulled over, tazed and thrown into jail (think Brokedown Palace). I tried to keep my game face on, but I don’t think I fooled Debbie.

Upon arriving in Ensenada, I immediately called my liason and ‘splained what happened at the border. He said there was nothing to do because everything is closed over the weekend; wait until Monday. So Debbie and I spent two days as illegal immigrants in Mexico. That’s one for the “have you ever” game.

Early Monday morning we went to the immigration office and got right with God and man. No more laying low and using fake names. I am legally allowed to remain in MX for 180 days!

Photos: Crossing the Border into Mexico

midlife_nomad — Wed, 8 Mar 2017 13:44:00 GMT

The Long Drive Home

midlife_nomad — Tue, 7 Mar 2017 12:55:00 GMT

So, the drive from Iowa, USA to Ensenada, Mexico was officially 27 hours, but we took 5 days. That included a stop in San Antonio and two short driving days. Border crossing day was only 2.5 hours, San Diego to Ensenada.

OMG, we saw so much natural beauty. Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma didn’t have much to offer. They should name it MissKanHoma because it all looked the same. But Texas was amazing! Flat and brown at first, then lush and green, then hills…and so big. I was afraid we’d never get out of there. New Mexico, Arizona and California all offered amazing landscapes.

The US is so spacious. I kept thinking of the cowboy and Indian movies my mother watched when I was a kid. How challenging it would have been to cross that wide open, rugged terrain on horseback or wagon. So glad I crossed in a car, with air conditioning because that sun is killer.

Speaking of Lil’ Mama (my car) we only had one maintenance issue during the whole trip. InCalifornia, my oil light came on. After a 1400 miles, Lil’ Mama was thirsty. So we gave her a drink and continued on our way. Good thing too, because we immediately started climbing from sea level to 4000 feet. She performed like a boss.

Oooh, I almost forgot the best part. First we saw a border agent at a gas station and we both geeked out. Smiling and staring. It’s embarrassing now that I’m writing this, but you have to realize that I've only ever seen those guys on natgeo. Then we passed through two border patrol check points. They didn’t search us or anything. I think it was the combination of Iowa plates on the car and me grinning from ear to ear with my camera ready to take pictures. They just asked if we were American citizens and waived us through. Disappointing but still a cool experience.

So that was the drive. It was beautiful. Debbie is a beast behind the wheel. Left on my own, I think I’d still be in Texas. Seriously indebted to her.

You won’t believe what happened when we crossed the border into Mexico.

Photos: The Long Drive Home

midlife_nomad — Tue, 7 Mar 2017 11:47:00 GMT

Iowa to Mexico

A new life for Jackie

midlife_nomad — Mon, 6 Mar 2017 11:16:00 GMT

January 20, 2017 was my last day of secular work. After 15 years, I thought I would feel some sadness at leaving. Instead, all I felt was joy and happiness at my future prospects.

I had big plans for the 38 days before I left for Mexico. I imagined spending copious amounts of time in my bible ministry, lunching and dining with friends and family, and maybe even a mini-vacay. None of that happened because it took all 38 days to condense my life into the back of my car.

I went through several stages of parting with my material belongings: denial, bargaining, denial, tears, denial, and finally acceptance. Don’t misunderstand, my Kitchenaide mixer came with me and so do my Ninja Bullet and Le Cruset Dutch oven…I have my limits. It was stressful for sure, but I’m glad I did it and I look forward to simplifying even more.

I thought I’d slip away quietly but my friends insisted on a despedida. And not just a regular going away party. There was rented space in a hotel, a buffet of beautifully displayed hordeveurs, cocktails, a DJ and a dance floor with lights. And did I mention we dressed up! It was a blast. I loved having so many of my friends and family in one place. And then there was the cake with a fondant rendition of me…so cute. Such an outpouring of love.

After a day of rest, I hit the road, accompanied by my friend Debbie. Taking the plunge into a new life. Follow me to hear the rest of the story.

Photos: Profile Pics

midlife_nomad — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 16:11:00 GMT