Tijuana's Revival: Part Three
Much has been written about Tijuana's sleazy reputation (not least on this blog), and it is on Avenida Revolución ("La Revo") and surrounding streets that this reputation was largely built. What then of the reality of the situation, in light of the revival going on elsewhere in the city? We decided to take a look for ourselves...
Tijuana's Revival: Part Two
The appeal of the Tijuana area extends well beyond its city limits, and by heading south just a short distance along the Mex 1 highway many other places of interest can be found, not least Popotla, a no nonsense fishing village off the beaten track which is attracting attention for its excellent fresh fish and seafood.
Part One: Xolos and Tacos
Things are changing in Tijuana, and people on both sides of the border are noticing. Shorn of its traditional clientele after the triple blows of worldwide recession, narcoviolence and swine flu in 2008/09 scared people away, San Diego's southern neighbour is reinventing itself as a culinary and cultural destination, and may finally shed its unenviable reputation as the city with the worst reputation in the world (CNN June 2012).
Of all the tremendous attractions the Baja California peninsula offers the most unique has to be whale watching. The opportunity to get up close and personal with these friendly giants is an unforgettable experience, and it is this proximity which sets Baja whale watching apart from the cetaceous encounters available in other parts of the world. The Grey Whales complete an annual migration from the Bering Sea near Alaska down the Pacific coast past Canada and the US to reach their breeding grounds on the peninsula. At 5,000 - 6,000 miles (16,000 - 19,000km) it is the longest known migratory pattern.
Situated just 70 miles south of the US border along the spectacular Pacific coast, Ensenada offers a relaxing alternative to Tijuana, its more boisterous big brother on the border. That's not to say you can't have an action-packed visit though, with a variety of attractions within easy reach.
