La Casa Del Arcoiris: A Short Road Trip To Surfer’s Paradise

Good Morning barns, and happy Monday! Oh wait.. It’s totally the afternoon, right? I have a splitting headache, and my stomach feels like I just took an uppercut from Mike Tyson (he is truly scary at any age). Last night was The Super Bowl, and since I am an even bigger Football kook than a surf kook, I usually just take that Sunday as an opportunity to test my liver, eat like royalty, and watch commercials. However, as little as I seem to know, I do understand that Tom Brady is the Kelly of Football, so congrats to him on his 7th ring, and for giving me a reason to inhale adult beverages.

This week I am writing after having an incredible weekend in Baja California, just across the border from San Diego, in a pleasantly charming, sleepy little surf town called La Fonda. I know what you’re thinking; the barn wants to shift his barney blog to a travel blog? So Lame! I don’t; but when I come across something breathtaking, I won’t hesitate to express what I think makes a place magical.

In California, surfing has become very homogenized. Wake up. Drink coffee. Check it. Surf the local. Go to work. Repeat. I know it seems like I am always painting this dystopian-like picture regarding California, where I’m a helpless cog in the machine. But no, I don’t think I live in a world created by Lois Lowry in The Giver. I think life here is rad! But, it’s also fast-paced, and the area is densely populated, making it hard to park (my least favorite part of living here), and hard to get an uncrowded wave. Where is that get-away-from-it-all spirit that surfers have always had? It’s right across the border, that’s where.

Driving down to Mexico is like entering an alternate universe. What you will notice first are harsher realities. Poverty, corruption, and dark undertones of a bustling city will make for a cautious, muscle-tensing drive through Tijuana. It is so close to San Diego, but so different. The city is lively, and colorful; rich with culture, yet frightening to the passerby. However, as quickly as the city appears, it becomes a distant image in your rearview, and a surfing adventure awaits.

My girlfriend and I decided to stay one night in the Mexican Suite, at The Rainbow House; a vibrant Mexican villa that is perched on a cliffside, directly in front of a swell magnet of a beach – La Fonda. The waves were small this weekend, but this spot still picks up any hint of swell, and gets super heavy when the points in the area start to catch fire. There is usually always a little something to ride at this beach (even if the waves aren’t cookin’, you can still ride the ambience of the area).

Anyways, like I said, I don’t usually review the places that I stay, but I would definitely like to share my thoughts on The Rainbow House. Magical! It is owned and operated by Cathy – a very approachable, kind, and embracing host – she deserves the recognition. Here is what you can expect once you have booked your stay: An email from Cathy describing the area, from suggestions of stunning beaches to visit, and purple landscapes on oceanfront, cliff side drives, to the wine country (an area within a short driving distance with over 200 wineries – be careful, there is almost too much freakin’ wine to be had). Next, you will meet Cathy herself, and all of her rescue dogs who will curiously greet you at the door. As I mentioned, my girlfriend and I stayed in The Mexican Suite; a portal into a post-colonial Mexico, all within short driving distance of our actual home. We walked up the stairs, opened the door, and immediately fantasized that we were two artists settling into our weekend home, for the purpose of seamlessly injecting inspiration, and creativity into our artwork. The blogging Frida, and Diego? Has a nice ring to it. I could describe the scenery; the sensations; but as they say, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Thanks for hosting us Cathy! See you soon!