nicobot
Newbie
Posts: 3
Registered: 1-30-2008
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safety issues and first time baja travel
Hi all,
I've been lurking for the past week in preparation for an upcoming trip I had planned a while ago to Ensenada (driving down from San Jose, CA). But I
will be taking my 3 year old and 4 adults(1 Spanish speaker) and I've been a bit disturbed by the violence reports in the Tijuana area.
So then I was thinking maybe we should just change plans and fly into Cabo or La Paz(warmer anyways!). Is safety still a huge issue in the
south/non-border area? (we will be only driving in the day time and leaving our silicon valley toys at home in any case.) I am a little more
conservative when traveling with my child than I was when I was when traveling India by train or backpacking in Costa Rica by myself.
Do y'all think we should just stay home? Or change plans to fly Cabo or La Paz area? Or is driving through Tijuana really not that bad?
Thanks! It's been educational reading your posts. 
Nicole
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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Nicole
Good to have you on board. Travel in daylight, no problemo.
If you are headed to Ensenada, my suggestion would be to cross at Otay Mesa, take the Blvd 2000 to Popotla and jump on the toll road headed south to
Ensenada at Pureto Nuevo.
We have a place in Ensenada and do it all the time, with no problems.
You will find the people in Ensenada (including Nomads) friendly and helpful...........
Don't forget to eat breakfast at Moniques
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nicobot
Newbie
Posts: 3
Registered: 1-30-2008
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Thanks for the reply.
Is there a good map I can get here first? I have the Moon Guide, but its maps seem under-detailed. Google maps is giving me no love for Baja.
We have a vegetarian in our group. Is there any hope? I remember in Costa Rica practically everything had chicken stock in it.
Nicole
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
Member Is Offline
Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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maybe the vegetarian can drink Pacifico???...just kidding
Use the search function on this board to find the Blvd 2000 map or route details. If you can't find it, send me a u2u.
Also, Pick up an Auto Club map of Baja. Once you are Ensenada, stop at any PEMEX/AM-PM and get the Ensenada City map
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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Terry....
You know full well that Pacifico is made from wombats.
Nicole...Drive slowly during the day and enjoy the scenery. Don't worry. Have a great trip.
U2U me if I can do anything for you here in Ensenada.
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nicobot
Newbie
Posts: 3
Registered: 1-30-2008
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Dennis, are they organic, free range wombats? That's really the big question.
But most importantly, where is the highest octane coffee?
nicole
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
Member Is Offline
Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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D'Volada coffee shop in Ensenada
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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Other than my house?.........Starbucks, Costero Blvd. Ask anybody where.
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TKT
Banned
Posts: 4
Registered: 1-30-2008
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The biggest safety issue I have driving in and through TJ is the huge potholes. There are some suspension breakers around. Especially bad if you're
holding a cup of coffee when you hit one.
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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TKT is giving us clues as to his secret identy.
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thebajarunner
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3718
Registered: 9-8-2003
Location: Arizona....."Free at last from crumbling Cali
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Mood: muy amable
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Personally, I would favor the direct San Ysidro to Ensenada route, via the Cuota (toll/scenic road)
Do it mid-day and you will be just fine.
The Otay/Ave 2000 might just get a bit complicated for you, and it is in some stretches quite remote and not any signs of civilization.
Just my thoughts.
Thru the arch at the end of I-5, hang a right at the Ensenada/Scenic sign and you are on your way.
Piece of cake!!
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BajaWarrior
Super Nomad
Posts: 2307
Registered: 9-27-2006
Location: Mission Bay, San Diego. Playa Hermosa, San Felipe.
Member Is Offline
Mood: Anxious to get south
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
TKT is giving us clues as to his secret identy. |
You think? It's becoming obvious.
Haven't had a bad trip yet....
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