BajaNomad - Partial retirement Rosarito Beach

Partial retirement Rosarito Beach

SDRonni - 9-8-2006 at 08:13 AM

Question #1: When you moved (either part- or fulltime) to Baja, did you move your furniture there or buy it there? I know they make lots of iron and wood furniture, but what about quality of mattresses/sofas?? Can you recommend a particular furniture store in Rosarito? We are going next week and would like to check it out for the condo we've bought. We know (and hope and pray!) it will be ready in about a year, but I am excited about furnishing and decorating a new place. The condo will be at Las Olas Mar Y Sol (directly south of the old El Oasis Reort).
Question #2: Have heard that SENTRI appointments aren't being taken until mid-October. Any info on that?
Question #3: Can you recommend a couple of good restaurants in Rosarito? I have read the thread regarding restaurants, but looking for something recent.
Question #4: Since we don't have SENTRI yet, can you recommend a good (well, better anyway) time for crossing the border northbound on Thursday?

Didn't read anything negative regarding any problems tourists may have had over the Labor Day weekend. Thankful for that!

My prayers and thoughts have been going out for those poor folks in Mulege! It made me so sad to think of those who lost their homes there. It seemed at first that the news only reported on how CAbo and the big resort areas were spared. It was good to see Mulege was finally mentioned so that help could be sent.

I am a newbie to this board, so thank you for any information you can relay to me re: my ???? above.
:biggrin:

Questions AND answers?

SDRonni - 9-8-2006 at 02:15 PM

:rolleyes:

I had a few questions in a post regarding partial retirement in Rosarito. 34 or so folks have read it and no one had any answers or suggestions for me. Could you please direct me to the ANSWER board????? I thought this was a Questions AND Answers board. I must have been mistaken. :spingrin:

Thanks!

BajaNomad - 9-8-2006 at 02:25 PM

Ronni,

Best to give it a few days - not a few hours - before criticism/negativity such as this.

Booo.

--
Doug

QuePasaBaja - 9-8-2006 at 02:47 PM

Hey guy. How is it going.

#1. you can get cutom made furniture often cheaper and better than in some of the local stores. Just look around the Foxploration area.

#2 Sentri appointments are taking for ever, and it can still take well over a year after your interview to get it. Make sure now that you have a passport. it will help in the long run.

#3 Best places to eat in Rosarito ( and I live here ) Susanna's, it is in Pubelo Plaza. www.susannasinrosarito.com La Estancia which is down the side stree just past the baseball field on the left side. And Portofino at the Festival plaza in town.

For great value and taste in mexican food go with Macho Taco and Las Molcajetes.

#4 Crossing in the earlyu afternoon is the best around 12 noon almost any week day EXCEPT Monday. If you need to be at a job at 8 or 9 in the AM, then most people say they leave the house no later than 4am. But do keep in mind that the Otay border crossing, is only slightely out of the way. But they do have limited hours for some ungodly known reason.

Feel free to mail me and questions at info@quepasabaja.com

[Edited on 9-8-2006 by QuePasaBaja]

Wow, sorry we're late!

DanO - 9-8-2006 at 03:30 PM

But the board's been down. I have a few things to add to QPB's responses, although he knows better than me, being a Rosarito resident.

#1 -- Good quality beds and couches are available. I got a fairly good deal buying in quantity from Bonanza in Ensenada. They represented that the mattresses are actually manufactured in the U.S. Not sure if they have a branch in Rosarito. We have also had some great stuff custom made in Rosarito by a place that makes gigantic chairs -- can't recall the name, but there are a number of shops that will custom design stuff based on just a photo or drawing.

#2 -- I would believe any rumor that Sentri appointments are being delayed. I was there last week and they are underwater with all the applications and renewals. Also, a word to the wise -- do not exhibit the impatience you showed here when you are dealing with the DHS. I have never had anything but pleasant communications with them, but they are very busy and overburdened, and they are in charge, not you.

LOL!

DanO - 9-8-2006 at 04:58 PM

For this kind of service, I expect a tip.

The Gull - 9-8-2006 at 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SDRonni
:rolleyes:

Thanks!

Stay where people like you, like people like you. Baja has enough of people like you.

You're in trouble Ronni

vgabndo - 9-8-2006 at 05:32 PM

You've gotten yourself on Gull's crap list. I don't need to tell you about seagull crap. :lol:

A little patience WILL go a long way. People have been distracted by the multiple disasters in Baja Sur.

Mea culpa

SDRonni - 9-8-2006 at 06:48 PM

Gull: I'm not sure I understand your message to me. I sent a personal message to Doug apologizing if I offended anyone. We are going on Sunday, so I was anxious for any helpful info. Geez, give a Newbie a break!

DavidT - 9-8-2006 at 07:54 PM

Not that this will help, but you reminded me of my friends who bought a condo in Rosarito a few years ago. After every weekend in their new condo they raved about the manana culture, until they wanted a new custom built door. When it was ready my friend told the doorman (bad pun huh?) to bring and hang the new door at 9 am Saturday. 2:30 Sunday afternoon the door arrived and was installed. Well, that didn't sit well with my friends, and as he told the story I looked over at my Mexican friend and coworker. I couldn't read the look on his face, until he started laughing. His only comment, "You can't have it both ways."

OK, Ronnie

bajaguy - 9-8-2006 at 08:20 PM

Info on some great places to eat (in my humble opinion):

#1. Carnitas La Flor de Michoacan - Blvd Benito Juarez 291, Rosarito.

#2. Don't know the name....but....it's the first place north of the Rosarito Beach Hotel driveway...has inside seating with full service, and a great little outside taco stand/bar.

#3. Ortegas....north side of Rosarito.......great buffets for breakfast.

#4. Capuccinos...neat little coffee shop across from the bazar on Blvd Benito Juarez, Rosarito.

#5. In Puerto Nuevo, on the free road, just south of the village, in front of the Puerto Nuevo Hotel.....the NY Deli....breakfasts and lunches...try the NY style pastrami....and say "hi" to fellow Nomad, Dave.

(see, people actually do respond)

My gratitude!

SDRonni - 9-9-2006 at 07:50 AM

Que Pasa Baja, DanO and Bajaguy:

Thank you so much (or should I say Muchas Gracias)! We are looking forward to trying some of your recommendations! And thank you also for tolerating my newbie forum faux pas. I will continue to visit this board for info, but will more than likely just be an observer...

Have a great weekend! Adios!

RONNIE.................

bajaguy - 9-9-2006 at 08:07 AM

NO LURKING (or is that lerking???)

Post 'em if ya got 'em. We want to hear about your adventures....your experiences help others!!!

And remember, forum faux pas are similar to land mines....just try and not step on the same one twice!!!!

:lol:

[Edited on 9-9-2006 by bajaguy]

QuePasaBaja - 9-10-2006 at 10:45 AM

I am not to sure that I would sugguest Ortegas, When we went, the food was just below the standard of crappy. Maybe it was a bad week. But we have not been back since.

As for taco Shops, Tacos Manuel seem to have some of the best. The one directly across from the baseball field is always packed, and they load you with food.

bajanortesunshine - 9-11-2006 at 10:41 PM

Yummy places we've found to eat...

Tacos el Yaqui down the street from the festival plaza hotel, unfortunately almost always a crowd.

Tijuana Jr's for quick seafood just outside rosarito.

El Nido had a great dinner with lots of food!

Breakfast is GREAT at las olas at K38 off the free road next to Robert's K38 motel.

Happy Eating!

Back from Baja!

SDRonni - 9-14-2006 at 04:02 PM

Thanks to you who gave recommendations for restaurants and furniture stores. We stayed at Las Olas (a beautiful property!) for four nights. Went to several of the furniture stores recommended on this board. Fell in love with Fausto Poblano! Felt like Alice in Wonderland after she took the mushroom and got really small! Everything in there is huge! Prices are pretty huge, too!

Loved the tacos at Tacos el Yanque. Lunch one day in Puerto Nuevo, dinner at Ortega's in north of town was very so-so, but the fish taco place on the corner near Las Olas was great! Tried to go to New York Deli for breakfast--only to discover they are closed on Wednesdays! Did say hello to Dave, though! Picked up items at the new grocery store off the toll road--very nice store w/lots of choices! "Mexicana Commercial" I think.

Only regret not getting down to Ensenada this time. Spent lots of time walking on the beach behind Las Olas and sitting on the balcony watching dolphins in the surf. Actually got to go into our unit at Las Olas Mar Y Sol and took pictures from our soon-to-be built balcony. Progress is coming right along. Met an ex-pat at Tacos el Yanque who talked about hearing of our developer, Alex Crosthwaite, having difficulties getting water to the project at Mar Y Sol. Talked to several other people who said those issues had already been addressed and resolved. Has anyone out there heard anything on this issue?

We didn't encounter any problems whatsoever on this trip. We drove during the daytime mostly, except for once out for dinner, but stayed on the main street. I got messed up at the border coming home and veered left when I should have veered right! Thought we'd try the Otay Mesa crossing, but somehow couldn't figure out how to do it so ended up back at San Ysidro. Wait was only about 30 minutes--not too bad. Noticed lots of cars in the 3-people carpool lanes w/o 3 people in them. Does anyone watch that and cite people?

After all the negative stuff lately about violence on Americans, we were a little leery. Happy to report all was well and we are feeling more positive about our condo purchase there.

Also, read Baja Times and Gringo Gazette. Each seem to have very different versions of some of the same things, i.e., "private security guards" and increase/decrease of crime in areas patrolled by them. What's up with that?

DENNIS - 9-14-2006 at 04:21 PM

Good trip, SD Ronni ---

You may not realize it but, your 30 minute border wait was a highlite of your trip. Glad you got to enjoy it.

QuePasaBaja - 9-14-2006 at 05:34 PM

Glad you had a good trip.

I have not heard about the water issues for your condo, but if I find anything I will post it here, and on my blog.

As for the carpool, they are working on getting rid of the lanes I believe, and yes on the weekends, they will cite people. And that is something that you DONT want to happen in TJ.

The Baja times is owned by the same man that owns the Rosarito beac hotel, and about 1/2 of rosarito. get the picture?

The gringo is owned by a " " Fill in the blank with the name of the paper.

DENNIS - 9-14-2006 at 05:54 PM

Both can be read on the net ----- google will show you the way.

Bruce R Leech - 9-14-2006 at 07:01 PM

SDRonni Welcome to the Baja Nomad forum some times we are a tough bunch but you will get to be like family in no time and believe me any time you need help with something these tough guys will be right there to do what ever they can for you. there is no better bunch anywhere.

S.D. Ronni

Baja Bernie - 9-14-2006 at 07:38 PM

Welcome! I have a rather small recommendation for you based on your understanding of time...............Do not attempt to apply the time you grew up with upon the Mexican culture..........slow down and get to know the Mexican folks.......nothing greater than a true Mexican smile because it always lights up their eyes and comes from the heart. Learn this most simple, but difficult, thing and you will be rewarding yourself with a far greater understanding of your new environment and laughter will be a far greater part of your day.

I would suggest that you get the three books I have written on Baja---but then a few of my fellow Nomads would scream........foul!

Check out www.mibaja.com

You will find that screaming is part of the scene here every now and then.
jejejejejejejejejejejeje (if you don't recognize it the proceeding was Spanish)

DENNIS - 9-14-2006 at 07:49 PM

Ah Bernie ----

You are a master of the shameless plug.

DENNIS - 9-14-2006 at 07:52 PM

Hey, wait a minute ---

I thought it was four books ........ ??????

Dennis

Baja Bernie - 9-14-2006 at 08:32 PM

I just have this, honest, powerful desire to share 'mi Baja' with the younger folks who will never be allowed to see it because so much of it is gone.

You can rest easy because I have decided that three books about Baja is enough for me.

I plan to continue to write because I enjoy it so. In the future I will address my attention to San Diego County from about 1850 to 1940. A most interesting period that I became a little more familar with as I did my research on parts of Baja that had disappeared even before I started visiting.

DENNIS - 9-15-2006 at 07:15 AM

Thanks, Bernie ---- for helping keep the memories alive. In many cases, that's the best part of Baja, what it was.
San Diego as subject matter ..... That should keep you busy.

Later ...... Dennis