### What Mexico Has Taught Me
**By The Unknown Gringo**
**Comparison is the Thief of Joy**
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” These famous words were spoken by Theodore Roosevelt, the U.S. President from 1901 to 1909. And I understand his point. When I compare myself to someone who is younger, more handsome, living in a beautiful house, driving an Italian sports car, with whiter teeth and no hair growing out of their nose or ears like I do, I start reaching for the mezcal. There is always someone doing better than me.
Over the years, I’ve compared myself to people who share my passion for a place, just like my love for Ensenada. What it takes for them to get to their favorite locations versus what it takes for me to get to Ensenada is quite interesting.
I met my best friend from college, Dan, when we both moved to Oregon. He met Ruth there, and they got married and settled in a small town between Portland and Salem. They fell in love with Newfoundland in 1998 and have been flying there twice a year ever since. Their journey involves a convoluted route: Portland to Minneapolis or Atlanta, then to Toronto, and finally to St. John’s, Newfoundland. This entire trip takes them around 16 hours from their front door to their preferred hotel.
Dan says the worst part of the trip is in Toronto due to Air Canada’s flight regulations. If there is lightning in the area, the plane must wait on the tarmac for an entire hour after the lightning threat passes to proceed to the jetway. They have often sat in the parked plane for hours, watching their connecting flights take off without them due to this rule.
Recently, they fell in love with New Zealand. Their trip now includes traveling from Portland to LAX, then to Auckland and finally to Christchurch, with an additional 3.5-hour drive to their destination. This totals a staggering 31 hours from bed to bed.
In comparison, my best friend’s daughter, who stayed with me for two years to pursue her acting career in Utah, views Disneyland as her paradise. Her family used to drive a full day just to reach Los Angeles for the beach and Disneyland, which is only 35 miles from where I live. She bought an annual pass and sometimes visited Disneyland twice in the same day. For her, it’s just an hour from my place, even with traffic.
As for me, I travel to Ensenada on my motorcycle. I used to drive a cargo van when I bought solid wood rancho furniture in Rosarito and Ensenada. Now, I prefer the motorcycle to avoid traffic in LA, Orange, and San Diego counties by leaving before dawn. It’s about 213 miles to my hotel in Ensenada, which I can cover on a single tank of gas, using the toll road along the coast, taking roughly 3.5 hours.
The return trip north is different. Crossing back into the U.S. takes more time, but being on a motorcycle has its advantages. Motorcycles can “bounce” the line at border crossings, bypassing long waits by navigating between cars and sometimes using the sidewalks. This makes me feel like a king despite the exposure to wind, heat, cold, fog, rain, oil, and road debris. In motorcycle lingo, those driving cars are referred to as “cagers.”
The trip home takes about the same amount of time, maybe 15 minutes longer due to additional traffic in Los Angeles during daylight hours on a Sunday. But I can’t complain.
However, I do compare. I have friends in better and worse shape than me. At 71 years old, I definitely feel my age. I can complain, but I have three close friends who have passed away. I’m alive, and they aren’t.
Should we compare at all? Here’s an idea: let’s visit my four favorite taco spots in Ensenada – Los Originales, Tacos Don Zefe, La Avioneta, and Tacos Lily – and you take me to your favorites. We’ll compare, and if I lose, I’ll actually be happy to lose. Adios, amigos.
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### Secondary Article: Ensenada’s Culinary Treasures
When people think of Ensenada, their minds often gravitate toward the city’s stunning scenery and vibrant culture. However, one of its most compelling attractions is the food. From streetside taco stands to elegant seafood restaurants, Ensenada has something to satisfy every palate.
**Expanding the Taco Universe**
Recent shifts in local culinary trends suggest a growing inclination towards fusing traditional Mexican flavors with international influences. For instance, at Tacos Don Zefe, visitors can enjoy a unique twist on classic Baja tacos, incorporating ingredients like Korean kimchi and Middle Eastern spices. These innovative spins on tradition not only delight food enthusiasts but also celebrate the rich, multicultural fabric of Ensenada.
**Seafood Beyond Compare**
The fresh seafood is another highlight. With the Pacific Ocean at its doorstep, Ensenada boasts some of the freshest catches of the day. Restaurants like La Guerrerense are famous for their ceviche and seafood tostadas, which have garnered international acclaim. Their dedication to sustainable fishing practices ensures that they offer top-quality dishes while preserving marine life for future generations.
**Craft Beer and Wine Renaissance**
Ensenada is also becoming a notable player in the craft beer and wine scenes. The Valle de Guadalupe nearby is renowned for its vineyards and wine production, and many local restaurants offer extensive wine lists featuring the region’s best vintages. Additionally, craft breweries are popping up around the city, providing a perfect accompaniment to the rich, local cuisine.
The vibrant food culture in Ensenada doesn’t just fill your stomach; it tells a story, reflecting the city’s heritage, innovation, and connectivity to the world. So next time you find yourself comparing vacation spots, remember that Ensenada’s culinary treasures offer a delectable reason to find joy right here.
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Keep exploring TJGringo.com for more insights and stories that celebrate the scenic, cultural, and culinary richness of Mexico.