While running a quick errand during lunch hour, it was hard to not notice how many tourists were exploring the streets of my home city. Staring and pointing at landmarks while waiting for traffic to clear crosswalks. Locals also seemed to be caught up in the hubbub of the urban experience.

For me, it reminded me that - in reality - I would rather be standing on a corner of a very different type of city (or in some instances, town). In this case, I drifted off to Ensenada, Mexico, where I had cleared through customs during a sail last fall from San Diego to Cabo with my Dad and uncle. The buzz of the typical US city just doesn't cut it for me and it's probably relates somehow to why I so enjoy chartering in far off, culturally different locales.

The sights... sounds... smells... Honestly, they're not always the freshest or happiest. But, they are different, new, and bring a new perspective in unexpected ways. And, it's the texture that makes visiting these places - particularly by boat - so remarkable.

On virtually any corner in Ensenada, there were curious shops with names are only vaguely understood. Farmers were camped out at various locations selling their best produce. Food stands were serving up carne asada tacos. And - I was just a little uncomfortable with which direction I should had and that made it pretty enjoyable. Everything about it felt new and exciting.

Isn't that what travel and adventure are supposed to be about?