Baja Review A community newspaper serving Ensenada, Valle de Guadalupe, and Rosarito in Northern Baja California
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Last night I asked my wife how long we have been back in Minnesota. She said, “Two weeks.” Funny, I thought, it seems more like three. Generally, I can’t believe how fast the time goes by. So, it’s strange to think that time has slowed down here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Or is it because I so desperately miss Baja, Rosarito, all our friends, the ocean and all the rest.
I miss our three times a week stretch sessions at Vive Fitness with Javie. I miss my weekly men’s card game at Rene’s on Monday with friends. I miss my Thursday political discussion group and our weekly farkle game at Paradise Cove. I miss bunco at Mongolian Grill. I miss grabbing a bite to eat at Charly’s, having a terrific lunch at Susanna’s. I miss our special friend, Rosie.
I miss the smell of the salt water, the sound and sight of the surf crashing onto the beach, watching the changing tide, and the feel of wet sand between my toes. I miss the gliding pelicans soaring overhead and the shorebirds. I miss the sight of swaying palm trees and the rattle of their branches in the breeze. I miss seeing horses on the beach and cowboys leading them back to the ranch at night.
I especially miss the taste and smell of food. I miss Francesca’s tamales which she delivers each Saturday morning. I miss Yaqui tacos and freshly made guacamole, mangoes, papaya and the smell of freshly roasted peppers.
I miss the friendly smiles and morning greetings of the men and women who work in our building. I miss our manager and his wife and their darling girl, Valentina.
I miss attending the meetings of organizations which have become a part of our lives: Friends of the Library, Flying Samaritans, and the Rosarito Theatre Guild. I miss driving down Benito Juarez Blvd.
I realize now, more than ever, that life evolves. I lived comfortably in Minnesota for fifty some years. Always there was a yearning to venture outside my region. Always there was the traveler’s call to experience other lands, other cultures. But, I remained comfortably nestled in my community. Now, I realize I don’t have the connection I once thought I had. Many friends have moved on or have become busy in their own world of family and friends. My life has evolved.
Living in Rosarito and Baja from day to day one begins, perhaps, to take for granted all the wonders and blessings the area has to offer. I know that Rosarito feeds my soul. I need to return to be nourished and renewed spiritually and physically.
