Baja California
The Baja Peninsular goes up to the US / Mexico border and has the Pacific Ocean to the west. Baja California means Lower California in Spanish. The Mexican state has a population of almost three million and Mexicali is the state capital. Most residents have American Indian and Spanish roots but there are some people descended from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The main sources of income are from tourism and manufacturing.
Mexicali is the thirteenth largest city in the country and plays an important part in Mexican politics and the economy. Sitting on the border results in many people trying to cross over into the US illegally. There is a large Chinese community here and a thriving Chinatown with many fine restaurants. The Plaza Calafia is the venue for bullfights and national and international championships take place at the professional 18-hole golf course. The most populous and biggest city in Baja California however, is Tijuana and it also sits on the border. It is a favorite destination for tourists and a lively area for nightclubs and shopping. The beach is very popular in the summertime. The positive aspects of the city are unfortunately marred by a reputation for drug abuse and prostitution. Culture plays an important part in life here, with various festivals, opera productions, dance schools and art galleries. There are also two bullrings and the Tijuana Wax Museum. Sports teams represented are basketball, baseball and soccer.
San Felipe attracts a lot of people who want to retire here and is also frequented by young people looking for a fun weekend. The young like to party on the beach, where they set up camp, and to ride their dirt bikes in the sand dunes nearby. Tourists like to come and take photographs of the giant cardon cactus that grow here. The young of Baja California also like to come to Playas de Rosarito, where there is a stretch of beautiful beaches and dance clubs. Their claim to fame is that the movie, Titanic was partially filmed in the nearby Fox Studios. Some sets from the filming are on display in the museum there. Ensenada has the only deep-water port in Baja California and the commercial fishing trade is important for the economy of the area. It also receives cruise ships. Tourism is also significant and there is a lot to do and see here. Visitors like to see the local geysers and it's a popular spot for surfers and windsurfers. There are also tours of the area's vineyards and trips to see the migrating gray whales.
