RE: The Real Mexico
I agree most Americans would not want to live in the real Mexico where most Mexicans do. I do not see many Americans risking life and limb crossing into Mexico illiaglly because they can not find a job in the USA.
Several years ago Westinghouse Electric sent me to Naco Mexico to work on a motor generator set. I assure you I could not believe the conditions that people live in. Now this was a border town but the people in Naco told me it was typical of most small out of the way towns in Mexico. I was never so glad to get back into the United States.
Sure are a lot of Americans moving to Mexico and not all of them retired nor moving to gringo enclaves.
The word typical keeps coming up and I am not sure what that means? While there are only a very small percentage of Mexicans who live in mansions, there are lots who live in what anyone would consider a nice home, others who live in ones that are not quite finished and may never be finished, others are in wood houses---some quite nice, and others a shack. Then there are the real poor in the cardboard places. Oh, some still live in traditional style homes much the same as their ancestors. So TYPICAL??? Just can't find a meaning for that.
I wonder how much that person had traveled in Mexico who told you that, or was he just telling you what he thought you wanted to hear---just a possibility.
Diane
RE: The Real Mexico
I agree with moisheh. While we like to joke and say that the REAL Baja does not begin until El Rosario, Tijuana is also real Baja---a part of Mexico.
One of the things we have always loved about traveling Baja and the Mainland is how different so many areas are, and we have our preferences as to where we want to be.
The term Mexican- light I find interesting and confusing. Yes the gated gringo communities do not represent how most Mexicans live, nor do the fancy mansions in Zona Rosa in Mexico City, or the mansions in Merida, but those are owned by Mexicans, so I guess they would not be Mexican-light.
There was an interesting book written many years ago called "Many Mexicos". It would be interesting to take the many Mexicos and name all of them, but then again, those names would very apt to involve judgemental labels.
On the other hand, we are guily of such a label. We live in what we call Old Baja because it is like what much of Baja used to be, even that glitzly place called Cabo.
JMHO
Diane
RE: Spring Break-Queretaro, Hidalgo, San Luis Potosi
About 15 years ago we had a great lunch in the then new fancy bus terminal. Couldn't believe it, the food was GREAT. We then took the bus up into the mountains to Tequisquiapan---a popular weekend spot for Mexicans.
It was during the week so it was not crowded and quite nice. We found a great little outdoor cafe for our comida corrida. I did not have my dictionary, I knew less Spanish than now, so I could not totally understand the special on the menu board. I understood onions, beef, and most items. But after John got to eat two meals and I left hungrey, I never forgot what the word higado meant---I hate liver!---but that is how we learn. Just the mention of Queretaro makes me think about liver and onions.
Chris, what is that town like now? I imagine it is far more built up now and maybe more touristy??? We really liked both Queretaro and Tequisquiapan at that time.
Your pictures are great as are the places you choose to visit.
Diane
RE: What Mexico is Really All About
Diane, we are headed your way now. On our way down, we were with another couple who was in a Class A and didnt want to risk the road with it being torn up.
We really want to see this area of the Baja, and will probably be there in a few weeks. We travel real slow:B Maybe 1-200 miles per day, so give us a week or two, and watch for the rig to be rolling in to Asuncion
No worries about the flak on Baja Nomad, it just rolls of the back. We are living a dream, so it would take a train wreck to get us on the negative side
We are back in the US right now for some business, doctors, and to pay Uncle Sam, but we are heading back down next Friday---there is a League Mountain Bike Race on the 13th and we just can't miss that.
There are no official RV places, but Shari (Shari from the other forum) can set you up near one of her places for electricity if you desire, or there are places to just park. We are easy to find-pm and we will send you our e-mail address.
The road from Vizcaino to the turn-off to to Bahia Asuncion is paved, but rough in a few areas---take it slow. There are also some sand dunes that keep wanting to cover part of the road. It is a little over 40 miles to the turn off
The first 7 or so miles of the road after the turn off are paved, but some of it was washed out in the big rain this year. They are now working on paving more which means there is a detour off the main dirt road. The condition of same depends on when it was last graded. Also, there are a few serious dips---can be real slow going. The rest of the dirt road can be wonderful or washboard---depends. Stay in contact and we will try to give you updates.
Like we said, some people are OK with taking their rigs over the road and some are not----
Oh, fill up with gas in Vizcaino. We have a gas pump which has gas most of the time, but it is expensive. Also, bring cash. There is a bank and ATM in Vizcanio, but not in Bahia Asuncion.
Glad you are enjoying Baja.
Diane
RE: San Ignacio Lagoon
Louisa??
Are you now convinced that you really need to do this! While there are lots of different opinions on how to do this, we all will tell you DO IT---it is more fantastic than what you saw on the video.
Just start writing all of us and then decide what is the best way for you.
Diane
RE: What Mexico is Really All About
Diane, I couldnt agree with you more on the topic of how great the people are down here!
Cindy and I have been here for a little over a month, and we have yet to run across anyone that has a bad attitude, or hasnt gone out of their way to make us feel very comfortable. And this is coming from two gringo's who dont speak a word of English!
Amazing to me when every person I talk to in the States is so adamant about say "Speak English, or go Home!" Most Mexicans could care less if you cant speak Spansih, they'll figure out a way to understand you.
We love it down here and cant wait to come back next year. Oh wait, we havent left yet, that's if we leave this year..LOL
opps, look at the second paragraph---you don't speak a work of English? Typo for sure. :B
We have seen you and your fantastic photos on the Nomad site---even though you have taken some real flak over there, your photos are still just fantastic.
If you want to see old Baja before it changes, head out the Vizcaino Pen. where we are in Bahia Asuncion. However, it is a dirt road and not everyone wants to take their trailer or RV out there---but some do. If you are interested, pm us here or on the other forum---same name and we will give you more information. They are beginning to pave the road and that will change things a lot.
Diane
RE: San Ignacio Lagoon
There is nothing in the world like sitting laguna-side watching the sunset, no electricity or water so it is QUIET and listening to the whales talking as the sun sinks down down down.
Ojo de Liebre. We stayed a week and had we had water, could have stayed much longer.
Yes, it is a special place to camp and the road out there is not bad for any RV IMHO.
One of our campsites.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b192/jdtrotter/iFromSecondCampsiteatLagunaOjodeLie.jpg
Not sunset yet, but it is getting lower in the sky.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b192/jdtrotter/LagunaOjodeLiebre24Small.jpg
The whales are a real bonus added to all of this.
RE: What Mexico is Really All About
Nice pics and story Diane!! Unfortunately most RV'rs tend to do as you described. They live in a ghetto and do not interact with anyone other than vendors and Waiters. Too bad as they are missing out on a great experience. Following is a true story of how some people can be xenophobic: About 12 years ago the Aduana started a program where you could get a 15 year permit for a travel trailer or boat. If your unit was already in Mexico you had to go to the nearest Aduana office and provide proof of ownership to get the permit. There was a lot of people in Kino who wanted the permit but you had to go to Guaymas. None of these people spoke any Spanish and I was asked to accompany them and help with the translation. While in the Aduana office a young Mexican entered with a handfull of applications. Maybe 20 or more. All the applicants were from San Carlos. He spoke excellent English and I asked him why the people did not bring their own papers. His response was that many of the San Carlos crowd did not go to Guaymas other than going to the Supermarket. He told me they were afraid?????? Afraid of what?? I could not understand why anyone would live in Mexico and be afraid to vist Guaymas. This is not some stinky border city. A safe industrial port. Obviously things have changed since then but I think that attitude remains. What a shame!!
Chris: Your photo are never goofy!!
Moisheh
Your story has a silver linning, however. It gave that young man a job. I hope he was paid well. :B
Diane
RE: What Mexico is Really All About
I don't know about this, one little place in all of Mexico? Does this mean you have to drive through all the crime stuff and corruption places to get to the land of Oz? I just have a lot of trouble trying to see why people want to go to Mexico. Can any one enlighten me on this? I'll probably get black balled for this but I just can't see it.
It's the people, not just the ones in this little pueblo. That picture and story is just one example. But that is only how we feel---
It really is not important for anyone else to understand why someone wants to visit and or live in Mexico. IMHO, the worst thing one can do is try to convince others to travel to a certain spot---it is a set up for disaster. Expectations have a way of becoming reality.
Some people we meet who do RV or live in Mexico tend to stay in gringo enclaves and seldom interact with the Mexican people. IMHO, they are missing lots of wonderful things.
Oregon is a beautiful state so there are lots of places for you to travel without going to Mexico.
Diane
RE: San Ignacio Lagoon
Nice pixs Matthew. Last year we were in a panga with a couple who were there for the first time, and it is exciting to watch their reactions. Great that you take others down there with you. We never get tired of being there.
We however, do not care much for Rice and Beans---don't like the location, rooms are too expensive for what you get, RV area is simply a parking lot and the food is EXTREMELY bland.
But we also know people who really like Rice and Beans----just different opinions. We have a little family run place in town that we like.
We have heard, however, that the newer place, Baja Oasis on the highway is quite nice and a lot less money than Rice and Beans---both are going to have some highway noise.
Do you drive out or take a van? This year the road along side where they are beginning to pave the road was a little rougher but interesting. Since we always have our dogs, we drive out to the lagoon.
When we had our small trailer we took it down there. However, we really prefer not to drive that highway with any type of RV--sounds like you feel the same way. But, there sure are a lot of people who don't mind driving the RVs down that highway.
Have you gone out at Ojo de Liebre or Bahia Magdelena? They are also great---just different. Have not done San Carlos at Bahia Magdelena, but have done Lopez Mateos.
Have you read about how the whales are thinner and arriving late?
Diane
What Mexico is Really All About
No doubt about it, Mexico has its corruption problems, its crime problems, growing drug cartel problems, rip-off schemes, on and on--different in many ways from the US or Canada, but the same in many ways. It is also about fishing, beautiful places, and out of the way places---just like the US and Canada.
But to us, this is what Mexico is really is all about.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b192/jdtrotter/GN046copy.jpg width=640
Our home is in a small fishing village in Baja. Not much money there, but lots of heart and a dream. A couple of families started a Mountain Bike Team---part of a league in our municipality. We now have uniforms and some real strong competitors.
This young man, five year old Valentin came in last in a race in August, but this time he came in first with our coach, Aurelio and his wife, Lupita, running the last part of the course with him.
So when you are RVing in Mexico, we simply suggest that one gets away from the RV parks, big cities, and gringo enclaves---find the small villages and enjoy what is happening there
Diane
Moderator's edit: Reduced the width of the picture to the forum's recommended maximum of 640 pixels.
RE: San Ignacio Lagoon
Thanks for the info!! My wife's dream is to go there. I've often wondered about taking our TT but haven't quite had the nerve. It's only 25' long and 8' wide so it's not like a huge MH. I will save your comments and might e-mail you later.
It is our new "backyard" for our adopted second home---happy to answer any questions.
This year we had one do a total breach---all the way out of the water---right next to the boat. But I was watching a whale on the other side, so this is the picture I got----:B
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b192/jdtrotter/W005Small.jpg
But then as a birthday present for John this year, a young whale on his way to the cold north did a full breach right in front of our home rather close in.
It is one of those must do fantastic experiences that is not far away, and rather easy to do---hope your wife gets her dream.
One of my dreams is see the penguins in the far south---that one is far more difficult and expensive.
Ask away---love sharing the experiences.
Diane
RE: San Ignacio Lagoon
Louisa,
Going out in a panga to be with the whales is a wonderful experience. We have done it several times --- in all three of the lagoons in Baja and intend to do it again every year. It is always different.
Season is over for this year so need to do it next year. Now, the whales are arriving a little later these days---good articles on that, but can post those later. Oh, many of them travel right in front of our house in Baja Sur. The easiet choices are Ojo de Liebre by Guerrero Negro, or Laguna San Ignacio.
Anyway, Baja Expeditions does a great job, but you don't need to travel with a group nor sleep in a tent. Information regarding RVing down Baja is a different topic, but lots of people do it, and you don't need a caravan---can't get lost---only one major highway down.
Be aware, however, that after Ensenada Highway 1 is quite narrow and in many, many places there are no shoulders plus you share the road with lots of big trucks. Some Rvers say no problem and others do it once and never again.
Now, the town of San Ignacio is as oaisis and just beautiful--much like the small towns on the mainland. There are places for RVs--can share choices with you later if you are interested. There are also some hotels ranging from fairly expensive and not great, to family run small clean and cheap. There are also some other alternatives.
From the town, you can arrange a tour out to the lagoon for whale watching, or if you have an appropriate vehicle, you can drive out there and just join one of the pangas. The road is dirt, but they have started paving it this year----will be a slow process.
The panga rides are not fancy, but the experience is like no other.
The other alternative is Ojo de Liebre which is a little further north and just south of Guerrero Negro. Again there are RV places and hotels in Guerrero Negro and you can arrange a tour there. Again the tours are in pangas. Or, if you like to boondock, the dirt road out to the lagoon is really easy---mostly salt flat and camping in your RV at the lagoon is wonderful You can not only see some whales in the distance, but at night you can listen to them.
Both places are well run by local ejidos.
Well, this is probably too much information, but if you decide you want to do this, please ask and we will share more specific information with you. There is nothing like having one of those graceful beautiful huge creatures along side you in a tiny boat.
Here's lookin at you.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b192/jdtrotter/WhalesinSanIgnacio5Small.jpg
Diane
RE: stuff you can't get down here
Like so many questions, it really depends upon where in Mexico you will be traveling.
Where we have our home in Baja, we are VERY limited on what is available---and it changes from day to day and everything is far more expensive---understandable as it is trucked in over the dirt road.
There are a few things we bring from the states as we go back and forth and we stop in Ensenada, Guerrero Negro and Vizcaino to shop. Then we try to purchase as much locally as possible.
One interesting thing is brandy. We like Don Pedro and El Presidente but we can find it a lot cheaper in the US---not so with Tequilla. :B
So, plan according to where you are going, and do try some of the local fare. Some people wonder why sometimes RVs are not looked upon as money makers for the locals-well if they bring everything they need with them, they are not contributing much.
Diane
RE: Semana Diabla in Kino
JDTrotter:
The local Mexican people are great. We probably know half of the families in Kino. Their children are not the problem. It is the invasion by wealthy youth from Hermosillo and other states. Think Daytona Beach. We have a new to Kino old pumper truck at the fire department. I wish they would turn the hoses on the kids. Seems to escalate every year. Eventually there will be riots and multiple deaths.
Moisheh
We feel the same way about our pueblo---I was just happy they do their end of the week celebration out at San Roque. They just like to party later than we do. Last wedding we attended we left at 1AM and they were still dancing at 5AM.
But, believe me, the celebration out at San Roque is NOTHING in comparison to what you have there. Even when they pave the road, we hope we stay rather isolated. Some camping areas become VERY crowded, but for the most part, they are crowded with families and that is a VERY different story.
It is just strange around our little town to have it soooo quiet and empty for a few days.
Diane
RE: Semana Diabla in Kino
moisheh
Next year come to Bahia Asuncion for Semana Santa. Half the town leaves to vist relatives or to camp in the mesquite groves, and most of the rest spends at least the last part of it camping 12km north at the abandoned town of San Roque---a real tradition.
Our town is soooooooo quiet during that time. But fortunately, our local mechanic was still in town to epoxy our friend's oil pan on his mustang so he could make it 550 miles back to the US. Oh, while he waited for them to look at his problem, they invited him in to share the afternoon meal---lobster was the main course.
Oh, would you believe that they wanted to charge him a whole $15.00 US dollars and that included one quart of oil? Our friend had already bought most of the oil. Being a holiday and all, our friend insisted they accept more---holiday pay.
Old Baja is really great.
Diane
RE: Caravans Then and Now
While we have not been fans of Caravans for lots of reasons, what happened our our last trip back to our Baja home really surprised me. And I do somewhat understand why some people have the need to be with a group===hard to get lost in Baja, however.
When we got behind a caravan, we did our usual thing---stopped for lunch, and fortunately when we caught up with them they were stopped for gas---we got our gas as quickly as possible and zoomed out of town.
When we arrived at the La Pinta, (or Desert Inn) in Catavina, two of the workers were in a panic. They asked if we speak any Spanish and I told them yes, but only very little. I was handed a phone---
On the other end was a wagon master from one of the major caravan companies. He was trying to request that the young lady at the desk tell the lady at the RV place down the street that he and 15 rigs would be arriving on Wednesday. He did not speak a word of Spanish.
I was able to communicate what he wanted---except he insisted that I keep trying to communicate "rigs" and "wagon master" and there was no way I could find those words---didn't matter, she got the message.
We were really surprised. If we were paying mucho dinero for someone to guide us through part of Mexico, I would fully expect that they speak at least enough Spanish to mnake reservations. Just a real surprise to us.
Oh, they stay at the really ugly park on the highway---if you travel through there and can live without hook-ups for a day or two, stay at the Rancho Santa Inez.
Diane
RE: Improvements in Northern Baja
Diane:
Thank you for that info. We have decided that next year we will go to Baja. Even if I have to arm myself or bring a big dog ( just kidding)
Moisheh
By that time more of the road to our place will be paved---good and bad. Dang, too many gringos are finding this place and since we bought, more are buying. Seriously, even if the road is still part dirt, I hope your rig will be up to it so you can stop by our place.
It was fun paying our property taxes. The first time we went, they were not ready. Then they had no receipts---that happens at the water company all the time. Then the girl was confused as to how we could own a place. We took her a copy of part of our fidieocamiso (sp). Ours is the first Fidieocamiso (sp) in town.
Chris is correct about the real-estate boom, albiet slowed dramatically in some areas with the downturn in the US and the problems. But it is happening too fast for us here!
Baja is really beautiful this year---more rain than usual, so green and more flowers---here are a few wildflowers in our front yard and near by.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b192/jdtrotter/92-1.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b192/jdtrotter/7-6.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b192/jdtrotter/8-1.jpg
Our front yard from our porch.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b192/jdtrotter/1-5.jpg
Viva Baja
Diane
RE: Improvements in Northern Baja
It's hard to share something nice with others without someone coming along and knocking it. So much hatred around the world.
I found the OP's article hopeful. Things do improve and get better. Thanks goodness all countries aren't alike. It would make for a pretty boring world. I couldn't imagine only having two choices; McDonalds or KFC (yuck).
I just read an interesting article about all the Americans buying in Baja and all the great investment, money and opportunity they bring with them which shows in the local economy.
There are things about which we don't agree, but I sure agree with you on this one.
Diane
Improvements in Northern Baja
With all of the problems in northern Baja, especially lately aroung Rosarito, it has really hurt the tourist industry----and it looks like the government authorities are responding----a very good thing!:)
Even though as they state, the crimes have not extreme against visitors, it really is about perception--but this still should help
Rosarito police update
FYI:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 22, 2008
Rosarito Continues Major Police Upgrades and
Improvements for Resident and Visitor Safety
ROSARITO BEACH, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO---The new city administration here is continuing with major police department changes to improve security for its 140,000 residents and more than one million visitors a year.
“Crime is not rampant in Rosarito and we have had very few crimes involving our visitors,” said Mayor Hugo Torres. “But any is too many and, although we have many fine officers, we have had a problem with police extortion.”
The ongoing effort will include creation of a special Tourist Police Force and a special ombudsman’s office, which will be available around-the clock to assist visitors with any complaint or legal problem.
Torres took office Dec. 1, after a decisive victory in a mayoral race in which he pledged to make security and police reform top priorities.
Torres, the principal owner of the Rosarito Beach Hotel, was a leader in the vote for city hood in 1995 and was appointed its first mayor for a three-year term. This time in office, he has vowed to make it the model city he always hoped it would become.
Among the new administration’s actions to date:
• Jorge Montero, a 41-year-old former Army captain, has been brought in as police chief
• In December, all the city’s 150 officers were disarmed so their weapons could be tested for possible crime involvement and they were also sent for polygraph exams
• Military and state and federal police were brought in as replacements during the screening
• At least four former officers have been fired. One, a former deputy commander, has been arrested in connection with a December assassination attempt on the new police chief
• Officers’ salaries have been raised 15 percent, with the opportunity for a 25 percent monthly bonus for good performance
• Academy training will be required of new officers
• A 12-member Tourist Police Force will begin operating in about a month in areas heavily frequented by visitors. Officers will have special uniforms and patrol cars and their chief will work from the city’s Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Ricardo Moreno, a former federal police officer and state prosecuting attorney, has been named ombudsman. His job is to assist visitors with any problems. In case of a crime occurring, he will fill out paperwork for them so it can be reported. He and support staff will be on call 24 hours day
“Before, it could be difficult for people to report crimes at the state office because of language barriers,” Moreno said. “Our office eliminates that problem. People can always reach us through the Rosarito Convention & Visitors Bureau, which will always be staffed.”
Torres said the current perception of crime problems in Baja exceeds the reality, largely because of the highly publicized and visible crackdown by authorities on organized crime.
“But,” Torres said, “the situation needs to be improved and we’ve made great gains. It is a challenge, but with the support of state and federal authorities we will continue to do so. We look forward to showing our many friends and visitors the new Rosarito.”
