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About Baja California

Before becoming a state in 1953, the area was known as the North Territory of Baja California. It has an area of 70,113 km2 (27,071 sq mi), or 3.57% of the land mass of Mexico and comprises the northern half of the Baja California peninsula, north of the 28th parallel. The state is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean, on the east by Sonora, the U.S. State of Arizona, and the Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortez), and on the south by Baja California Sur. Its northern limit is the U.S. state of California.

The state has a population of 2,844,469 (2005 census), and estimated 3,165,776 (June 2009) much more than the sparsely populated Baja California Sur to the south, and similar to San Diego County, California on its north. Over 75% of the population lives in the capital city, Mexicali, in Ensenada, or in Tijuana. Other important cities include San Felipe, Rosarito and Tecate.

Baja California is where it all began, our visit to Tecate in 1999 started us on our path. We began working with the city of Tecate and the Bomberos from around the state. We have been working to bring agencies representing millions of citizens in the State together for more collaborative training and operations. Where borders were distinct and rarely crossed there is now more mutual assistance and development of resources. 

In 2009, we began working with the group Bomberos De San Diego, a group of San Diego Fire firefighters that work in the area doing similar work. We partnered to bring training to Tecate initially and eventually worked in Tijuana Bomberos and were able to organize regional training at both Tecate and Tijuana inviting bomberos from around the area. Today, being one of the largest Cities in Mexico,  we regularly rely on these Bomberos to assist us in our training.

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Last full day in Tecate

on . Posted in Baja California

We got to sleep in today with an 08:30 wake up call. Breakfast at the Istancia Inn was once again like every other meal we have had, Perfecto.
 
Our day was reserved for shopping, and we have chosen to spend most of our money in Tecate supporting the local community. They have certainly treated us with respect, and have taken great care of us. Marcos Garambullo, Capitan from Bomberos de Tecate is our shopping guide today and drives a 1975 Fiat Spider Convertible so we took turns riding in it and looking cool.We understand it is snowing at home, but it is definitely convertible weather here.
 
Our first stop was at a pottery factory. I am sure that this is the guy……that clay pot that all of you have on your front porch, living room, floor or out in the yard was made here. The factory was huge and we got to check out the two large outdoor wood fired kilns and watch potters in action hand making, and designing graphics. They even make chimineze (outdoor clay fireplaces) which is just what Greg is looking for. After spending a while in awe watching these craftsman we went to the warehouse and began shopping. Pallets and pallets of pots, vases, and chimeneze and normally the ones we wanted were in the back so we had to do some pallet shuffling. After all is done we ended up with 16 pieces to fit safely back in the trailer for the long ride home. Greg may not be driving so they make it there safely. We did pick up three pots that we will be offering up at our next FFCB fundraiser. Not sure if they will be raffled, auctioned or what but we are sure our wives will be fierce competitors so bring lots of money.
 
Off to cruize downtown with a stop at the park where on weekends they have live music and a street market. Met a group of Americans from Idaho and Eastern Washington who are building a church in Tecate, and I believe the only americans we have seen since we entered the country, except for Bomberos de San Diego. We stopped at a Jewelry Store where Joel got his watch repaired for 2 pesos and then we had another fabulous meal of Tortas. Thank you Capitan.After lunch we visited a tile store that didn’t have what Mark was looking for, but did remember Mark from last year. I am not sure that was such a good thing, I heard something about “Bakering.” The other street fair that we drove by in the morning was closed when we got there so we tried one last tile store which was also closed. We will try and pull some strings to see if they will open on Sunday for us.
 
Last stop of the night was for dinner at the family of Melicio Martinezanother brother Bomberos de Tecate. A huge spread of chicken, pasta salad, Pico, cactus, and more. What a beautiful family. Scott entertained us by flirting with 5 year old Lalona and repeating the words Te ama several times trying to teach Greg to say I love you in espanaol.Mark on the other hand was talking about horses with graffiti on them????? Or painted horses, or something like that.. Mrs. Martinez shared a few shots of her prized Tequilla which she brought home from her last trip to see her family in Tequilla, Guada La Hara. Coffee and Coconut flavored are pretty smooth and very tasty. Joel has a new favorite. Muchos Gracias to the whole family.
 
Our last day in Mexico will be Sunday and we plan to attend the Tecate Bomberos academy in the morning, try the tile shop,and then run for the border for an afternoon in San Diego. It is 6:30 am on Sunday now, Greg typed this blog last night but didn’t save it so now he is doing it again. Adios Amigos tell we speak again and we are bringing the sun home with us..

Tags: Tecate Missions

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