Baja Glass Studio and Art Gallery Expands

by Marilyn Helgeson

When it opened 4 years ago, Baja Glass Studio and Art Gallery, located in the courtyard of historic Hotel Calafia, immediately became an anchor of the Rosarito arts community. Co-owner and docent, Larry Kelly, has organized Literary Art and Fashion Shows as well as events featuring the works of many of Baja's distinctively talented artists. Do join their mailing list or follow Baja Glass and Gallery on Facebook. These events, which also feature wine and hors d'oeurves including Larry's famous sweet onion dip, are well attended highlights of the Baja area calendar.

The gallery opened featuring the glass art of artists Jose Ghilarducci and Lee Manning. Last month, the gallery expanded to include the works of well known fabric designer, Marilynn Pardee, and a newcomer to the professional art scene whose works are selling before the paint dries, Janine Richardson.

How To Buy Your FMM Tourist Card Online

• Print out the FMM form in minutes

• Online fee: $332 pesos - approximately U.S. $20 per person

• The fee may be paid by Visa or Mastercard only (credit or debit card)

• The FMM must be validated/stamped at an INM office at the border in these states: Baja California (Norte), Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas

• The stamped online FMM is valid for land travel throughout Mexico.

• Requires a valid passport or passport card

• After printing your FMM form, it must be stamped by INM within 30 days to be valid.

• The FMM is free if your trip is 7 days or less and you are traveling by land.

• May be issued for up to 180 days

Inside the Historic Hotel Riviera

Inside the Historic Hotel Riviera
By Martina  Source: Baja Bound Insurance

Hotel Rivera del Pacifico Ensenada
Driving by the majestic and historic Hotel Riviera del Pacífico on the way through Ensenada, the traveler might mistake it for a government building with its sweeping lawns and graceful arches. But hidden inside is the story of the prohibition days with all of its glitz and music and famous names from the north. The US put the cork in the bottle making hooch illegal. The Riviera Social, Civic and Cultural Center was a grand hotel built right at the water’s edge specifically to take advantage of the prohibition in the states. Coming in from the parking lot you enter a hacienda like patio where vendors of the

The Mystery At El Descanso

The Mystery at El Descanso
By David Kier / Source: Baja Bound Insurance

Baja California is home to the first eighteen Spanish California missions as well as nine more added while the Franciscan padres were busy adding missions in Alta California.

Once the Franciscan President, Padre Junípero Serra, saw the land from San Diego and beyond he was easily convinced to turn over all of Baja California to the Dominican Order within five years. The Dominicans had pleaded for some responsibility in the California mission program. They would get more than they bargained for!