The town of Ensenada was founded in 1882. Its name means ‘surrounded by mountains’ as there are mountains all around a very large and deep bay. The main industries here are tuna fishing, tourism and agriculture. There are almost 500,000 people in this region making it the third largest city on the Baja, the other two being Tijuana and Mexicali. The weather here is very comfortable year round, much like San Diego it hottest summer temperature is 85 and its coolest is 40 with most days in the 70’s. Many nationalities are found here with over 100,000 people from the US and Canada.
In 1930 the Riviera del Pacifico Hotel and Casino was built and supposedly financed by Al Capone and managed by Jack Dempsey. This facility was heavily promoted by Jack Dempsey who wanted the people to come to Ensenada because of its wonderful weather and location. But a no gambling law passed in 1935 closed the casino and five years later the hotel closed. It was used as a military barracks during WWII and then closed permanently in the late 1940’s.
Most of the furnishings were stolen through the years but when the people here decided to renovate it 35 years ago they found one chandelier still hanging. The reason it was not stolen - it was too big to fit through the doors! The ceilings are painted wood, the floors are Mexican parquet or tile, the wood is from India or Florida, some tile from Spain and Italy and the chandeliers are from Spain. The bar was named The Seven Sins Bar because of the sinful pictures painted on its back wall. This is also where the Margherita was invented and we got to enjoy a sample. Today the Riviera del Pacifico is a convention hall and event center. The hotel part was torn down and beautiful gardens now grace the grounds.
After some sight seeing, a stroll along the shopping district and a beer at Papas & Beer, we were taken out to La Bufadora (aka Buffalo Snort) where we watched a blow hole spray water many feet into the air. We had to endure a long walk between Mexican booths selling all sorts of ‘stuff', Pina Coladas and fish tacos. The only thing we say as we walk by is, “No, gracias!” over and over and over and over.
Today was delightfully warm with a slight breeze, clear skies and a beautiful sunset.
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