CALAFIA

31 August

We three were very excited about today’s adventure. We were heading south to Rosarito and beyond to Calafia, a famous historical and cultural center. Calafia also has a hotel and restaurant. We were going for lunch. “David, I am sorry but I have only $30 today. Manuel’s school costs more this year because he is starting Secundaria in Villa Fontana. I did not have enough money to buy all of his supplies and uniforms. Do not worry, next week I hope to earn enough at the border to buy the rest of what he needs.” I felt sad about accepting her money but she would not hear of me lending her money temporarily. From Villa Fontana it was a long drive to Calafia. The girls enjoyed the scenery, the view of the ocean, and the many beautiful homes built along the way. This was their first view of the Pacific Ocean from Mexico. The toll road from Tijuana to Rosarito is excellent and the trip went smoothly costing only $1.20.

Rosarito is a bustling, booming, tourist town; a fraction the size of Tijuana. The main street is lined with shops, hotels, restaurants, and motels. The Rosarito Hotel, a landmark attraction, has several restaurants and many shops. It also has a very long and very deep beachfront. Many ride their horses on the beach so it behooves one to walk with care.

Calafia was another restaurant recommended by our friend Eleazar, the manager of UETA, the duty-free store. He has been so correct on his several choices.

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The first inhabitants of the area date back to 7000 years B. C. Calafia has historical importance in that in 1773, the first division of the old and new Californias took place in this area. Calafia also hosts many educational societies that come here to study the ancient wall paintings. One-quarter of a million visitors come here each year. Due to the time and distance from Tijuana, we could, not avail ourselves of these other interests. Besides, we were hungry!

Weekdays are good times to do our restaurants. Traffic is light and the dining rooms are not crowded. We were seated at a table overlooking the ocean. Though 4 pm, there was still plenty of sun, and we were treated to a beautiful view. Maria was enchanted with the waves crashing against the break wall far below and the spray almost reaching our window. As we always do, we ordered our cocktails and proceeded to enjoy this new experience.

Finally, to the relief of the waiters, we ordered our meal. Mexican waiters act guilty if they are not constantly attending to their customers. Actually, I believe the reason is that we are Americans. We see few Americans in the restaurants we have been frequenting lately. Anyway, they are very polite and we all like the attention. Marge ordered the swordfish, Maria, one of the chicken dishes, and I ordered a shrimp plate.

As we chatted, the traditional band of Mexican musicians made its way through the dining room. “No thank you, not today. “ Business was slow for them today as the room was almost deserted. After the meals arrived we sampled eachother’s selection as we have become accustomed Everything was excellent. The conversation slowed considerably as we dined while enjoying the ocean view. Maria was quiet while absorbing this new experience. Later she told us that this was her very favorite place. The long ride both ways was worth the enjoyment that we shared.

We arrived back at Villa Fontana at 7 pm, just before the boys came home from school. In Tijuana, the schools are operated in 232

morning and afternoon sessions. There are just too many children to attend both mornings and afternoons. Manuel goes to his school at 2 and returns at 8. Javier takes two buses back to Mesa Otay and usually comes home about the same time. There was no room for him in the grammar school in Villa Fontana this year. Next year he will attend junior high with Manuel. At 9 pm, the streets are crowded with students and people, coming home from work and school and many frequent the food stands that occupy almost every corner. At 1 pm, the scene is identical; buses, jitneys, taxis, and bikes, all flying in every direction. The autos fly by continually, speeding, ignoring stop signs, most without an inch of road courtesy. What fun! Marge closes her eyes while I drive on, praying, likewise, Margie prays. The Stop signs say ”ALTO.” Yet, hardly anyone stops, really, stops!

Mark your calendar my friend, September 12. That is the day we will celebrate your new home. “We will be ready, David and the house will be very clean. I am so excited that I will be able to show our friends my most beautiful “American house!”

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