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One of my goals is to learn Spanish. I learn much better in a structured environment. I'm wondering how to find a teacher down in the Estero Beach part of town.

I've looked online and there's a language school with an immersion program downtown. I might do that later. Right now I'd like to find perhaps a local high school or college language teacher who takes on students on the side. Or a small language school down here that's not on the Internet.

Any ideas or suggestions?

On another note, I've noticed that although TJ and Rosarito are well-represented online; Ensenada isn't. That's a good thing in some ways. But it's difficult to find local services.

Post your question here:

PUNTA BANDA COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

Google this for a link. It's a yahoo group so you'll have to register. It's safe.

puntabandanewsletter : PUNTA BANDA COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

Originally Posted by Marty Cortez

puntabandanewsletter : PUNTA BANDA COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

Why, thank you, Martin. I'd have put up a link, but when I do, it goes to my open account and anybody can just start posting under my name. I already have enough problems without that.

Originally Posted by TacosDePescado

One of my goals is to learn Spanish. I learn much better in a structured environment. I'm wondering how to find a teacher down in the Estero Beach part of town.

I've looked online and there's a language school with an immersion program downtown. I might do that later. Right now I'd like to find perhaps a local high school or college language teacher who takes on students on the side. Or a small language school down here that's not on the Internet.

Any ideas or suggestions?

On another note, I've noticed that although TJ and Rosarito are well-represented online; Ensenada isn't. That's a good thing in some ways. But it's difficult to find local services.

What Ensenada info do you need????

Originally Posted by Teniente

What Ensenada info do you need????

Anything and everything. Doctor, dentist, plumber, electrician. Where to buy the best fruits and veggies? Is there anyplace to buy a decent bagel? Where's a good auto mechanic? Body shop? etc. etc. All the little things that you take for granted when you can speak the language and use the Internet. It would be great to have a little directory of all these kinds of things.

I'm accustomed to finding everything on the Internet. Down there there's really no Internet presence at all. As an example, Craigslist has a huge number of apartment listings in TJ but hardly any in Ensenada. Commercial activity in Ensenada is off the grid. If you're Mexican, if you need something you probably have a cousin who can help you out. If you're a newly arrived Americano, you stumble around and end up running errands in San Diego. Must be a better way.

Originally Posted by TacosDePescado

Anything and everything. Doctor, dentist, plumber, electrician. Where to buy the best fruits and veggies? Is there anyplace to buy a decent bagel? Where's a good auto mechanic? Body shop? etc. etc. All the little things that you take for granted when you can speak the language and use the Internet. It would be great to have a little directory of all these kinds of things.

I'm accustomed to finding everything on the Internet. Down there there's really no Internet presence at all. As an example, Craigslist has a huge number of apartment listings in TJ but hardly any in Ensenada. Commercial activity in Ensenada is off the grid. If you're Mexican, if you need something you probably have a cousin who can help you out. If you're a newly arrived Americano, you stumble around and end up running errands in San Diego. Must be a better way.

Between the Punta Banda Newsletter/Bulletin Board, Dennis and myself I think we can point you in the right (or left) direction.

The newsletter should answer most of your questions from a place to live to Doctors and Dentists, car mechanics (Chuy in LaJolla) and possibly body shops (I recommend Autocarr, on Third Street at the wash/river. Ask for Ricardo, he is the manager).....for plumbers and electricians, the newsletter abounds with names and services............if you are at a loss for something, post a question then sit back and comb through the answers till you find one you like.

For bagels, the Hogaza-Hogaza bakery in town has two locations, and if you take a stroll along Calle Primera (Avinda lopez Mateos) you will pass many boutique coffee shops that will carry them, not to mention the two Starbucks and the several D'Volada coffee shops.

If you are still at a loss for information or services, i suggest you stop in Cafe Orleans next to the GM dealership on Blvd Costero. Grab a cup of coffee or a bowl of gumbo and pick Jjerry's brain for your topic of the day....except wednesday....you are on your own, Cafe Orleans is closed on Wednesdays.

Fresh veggies???....the veggie lady stops by Cafe Orleans every Thursday evening around 5:30/6:00PM, or hit the vendor stalls at Los Globos located between 9th and 10th on the east side of Reforma.

Oh, don't forget to get out and drive around or better yet, take the Micro........you will be surprised at you will see and find

Pick up an Ensenada city map at your nearest 7-11/PEMEX, it will make your travels more enjoyable.

Originally Posted by TacosDePescado

Anything and everything. Doctor, dentist, plumber, electrician. Where to buy the best fruits and veggies? Is there anyplace to buy a decent bagel? Where's a good auto mechanic? Body shop? etc. etc. All the little things that you take for granted when you can speak the language and use the Internet. It would be great to have a little directory of all these kinds of things.

I'm accustomed to finding everything on the Internet. Down there there's really no Internet presence at all. As an example, Craigslist has a huge number of apartment listings in TJ but hardly any in Ensenada. Commercial activity in Ensenada is off the grid. If you're Mexican, if you need something you probably have a cousin who can help you out. If you're a newly arrived Americano, you stumble around and end up running errands in San Diego. Must be a better way.

Why are you even considering coming here? You've already said you don't like the place for it's lack of amenities that you consider normal and necessary for your comfort zone.
There is a better way for you; stay where you are.

Originally Posted by DENNIS

Why are you even considering coming here? You've already said you don't like the place for it's lack of amenities that you consider normal and necessary for your comfort zone.
There is a better way for you; stay where you are.

I already live here. Are you confusing me with someone else? And why the hostility? Have I said something to offend you? Surely an Americano new to living in Mexico would be wondering where to find various services. Very open to hearing what I said or did to evoke your response.

I don't believe I ever made the statement you attributed to me; nor does that represent my feelings.

I posted looking for Spanish lessons. You having a bad day?

In the interests of forum harmony, world peace , and amateur psychotherapy, we have certain amenities available here just right for situations like these:
Public Service Reminder - TalkBaja.com

Originally Posted by Marty Cortez

In the interests of forum harmony, world peace , and amateur psychotherapy, we have certain amenities available here just right for situations like these:
Public Service Reminder - TalkBaja.com

Marty, I'm all for world peace and amateur psychotherapy. I'm not looking for public online drama; especially on a forum I haven't been a member of very long.

But your solution's unsatisfactory. Your link goes to a page that describes how I can put another member on my Ignore list. But if I put someone on my Ignore list, and they continued to reply to my posts with insults and falsehoods; then every other member of the forum except for me would see those insults and falsehoods. I'd be the only one who couldn't read them! And therefore I would be unable to defend myself.

Surely you can see the logical flaw there.

I'll pass my other comments regarding this incident on to you privately.

Doubt I'll be back on this board again.

Well; that's certainly discouraging.

Are we going to allow running off of new members; what's the value to the board?

I'll tell you how I feel

Mejor que él vaya en vez de tí.

Originally Posted by Marty Cortez

Well; that's certainly discouraging.

Are we going to allow running off of new members; what's the value to the board?

I'll tell you how I feel

New to the forum: AlanMexicali - TalkBaja.com


I wasn´t too pleased with my first few posts here and a person´s question but got over it.

Originally Posted by TacosDePescado

You having a bad day?

Yes. I really was having a bad day. I won't try to explain, but I do apologize.

Originally Posted by TacosDePescado

Doubt I'll be back on this board again.

I wonder if he ever got his bagels???

Originally Posted by Teniente

I wonder if he ever got his bagels???

Your evil post # 666.
It's always nice when someone apologizes although editing works wonders too.

I was just catching up with an old favorite author of mine, and remembered his wife offers personalized Spanish lessons online.

Study Spanish with Violeta!
by telephone or Skype from Mexico

Cannot vouch for and certainly not cheap, but Fred seems a decent fellow.

If somewhat critical of American women.

Dear TacosdePescado...to know Dennis is to love him!!! We all have bad days amigo and drama is part of life...may I suggest you take the high road and accept the apology.

Now about the spanish lessons...I teach spanish immersion but am rather out of your neighbourhood but I can suggest finding a mexican friend who speaks english and spending a few hours a week with them...take them to lunch...do something fun...maybe a field trip every week where you can learn new phrases...I found it much easier to learn that way rather than a course or classes...learn at your own pace doing things you like to do..that way you learn how people actually talk...the local jargon etc...plus it's waaaay cheaper and a win win for both parties.

Maybe take my lovely daughter who lives in Sauzal out for lunch and she will teach you what you need to know...plus dial you in on where to find stuff...she's a translator, bilingual and lots of fun.

Originally Posted by DENNIS

Yes. I really was having a bad day. I won't try to explain, but I do apologize.

Much appreciated. I've had those days myself. Gracias amigo!

Originally Posted by Teniente

If you are still at a loss for information or services, i suggest you stop in Cafe Orleans next to the GM dealership on Blvd Costero. Grab a cup of coffee or a bowl of gumbo and pick Jjerry's brain for your topic of the day....except wednesday....you are on your own, Cafe Orleans is closed on Wednesdays.

Thanks for the great suggestions. I had breakfast at Cafe Orleans and it was awesome. Met Jerry. Thanks much!

Originally Posted by TacosDePescado

Thanks for the great suggestions. I had breakfast at Cafe Orleans and it was awesome. Met Jerry. Thanks much!

I see on the PBBB, Jerry is trying to sell the restaurant.