Los Flores

I have never had much of a relationship with my dad; circumstances in my life have kept a physical distance between us, but I always knew he was there for me.  I've come to realize that the bond you have with your siblings is one unlike any other.  I grew up with my sister Liz and she is my best friend and the love I have for her can't really be described through words. A few months ago I met some of my siblings for the first time although I had known about them for several years. They were warm, friendly and a lot like me!  I can count on one hand the times that I have felt what I felt that day; an overwhelming joy that tugged at my core and made me feel so blessed.  I went to Union Station making my way from La Placita Olvera nervous and excited I walked in and there they were, Linda, Bianca, Oscar, Ricky, Jesse and Angel- my siblings who have my same last name, facial features and blood.  I finally met the people that I had been building up in my mind; years of wondering what they looked like, what music they like, what their dreams are and if they were anything like me. 

They exceeded my expectations.

We had a wonderful time during my visit.  I got a chance that many people don't get; to reconnect with family and the opportunity to build on these newly discovered relationships.  I hope that one day our children can meet, play and know each other as they grow.  For now, I am happy with having met them, and I look forward to our evolving relationships. 

The Fishing Village of Popotla, Baja California, Mexico

Our view from the seafood restaurant where we had 'mojarras' for lunch.

Some 'pescadores' coming back to shore after fishing all morning.

The seagulls and other birds flocking the shore.

With the one and only enjoying the warm sun and cool January breeze.

Mr. Churro as we called him, making us some of Popotla's finest pastries.

 

In January of 2014 we took a day trip to Popotla- a fishing village in Baja California.  We had heard from the locals in Rosarito that this village was the best place to go for fresh seafood.  As we waited for the 'convi' a van that transported locals to nearby towns Miguel and I made friends with a Mexican man who was dressed in Tejano attire, a handsome and tall man with a mustache who smiled easily. He talked to us about how enchanting Popotla was and told us that we needed to do three things once we got there; eat some seafood, visit Baja studios and walk along the shore. Miguel and I had heard of the shore and the seafood from other locals but nothing about Baja Studios.  The well dressed man told us that once upon a time Baja Studios held tours for the general public but that he didn't think they did this anymore.  He went on to say that this place was special because that is where they filmed an open water scene for the movie Titanic- the one where everyone is frantic in the Atlantic Ocean just after the Titanic went under.  Miguel and I were immediately intrigued, how much did they pay the locals? Was it in filmed in the Popotla shores? How many people were a part of it? The man answered us with this; "Se vendieron por un lonche, solamente les dieron una torta y la gente se avento al agua," they were sold with lunch, it only took a sandwich for people to get in the water.

 

The ride from Rosarito into Popotla was short and quite bumpy but it was nice to get a glimpse of the life of the locals as they were going to or coming from work, selling candy, and picking up their children from school. When we got there the smell of fresh fish, the sound of the ocean shore, vendors selling anything from seashell necklaces to shark meat were hovering us and other tourists just as we arrived. Then we saw a familiar face, the well dressed man from the 'convi' stop was there and he was part of a band that was playing on the shore, where families that were there (many from Tijuana or Southern California) paid them to play some traditional Mexican songs. We smiled and he nodded his head. We felt welcomed, and then proceeded to spend the day eating seafood, shopping and taking pictures with locals.  We would love to visit again with more friends/family and just spend the day at the beach, but not in January, perhaps in the summer!