BajaNomad

Mainland Mexico

Capt. George - 2-29-2008 at 04:30 PM

Never again in this lifetime....

adios Mexico Viva Baja!!!!!!!!!!!

baja to mazatalan to chetumal to playa del carmen to victoria to matamorros etc etc.

they can keep it all.........

cap'n g of florida and baja

DENNIS - 2-29-2008 at 04:47 PM

What happened, Cap?

Packoderm - 2-29-2008 at 04:53 PM

Is there a reason why you said what you said without giving specifics? For effect?

David K - 2-29-2008 at 04:58 PM

George, this story sounds like a good one... but please repost it in either the trip reports forum or the general discussion forum. 'Baja Miscl.' is one of the classified advertisement forums on Nomad. That way it can be found easier.

Capt. George - 2-29-2008 at 04:59 PM

roads people topes rip offs it ain't no Baja. cap'n g

Capt. George - 2-29-2008 at 05:00 PM

not much else to say glad to be back in the good old U.S. of A. no need to move post I'm done g

stanburn - 3-1-2008 at 01:41 PM

Living on the mainland, your posts kind of explain how I feel about your "good old U.S. of A. Enjoy it as I am trying to never return because of the people, crime, cost of living, corrupt governments, etc.

The only thing the US is missing is topes, but here in Mexico if you really have to worry about them then you are in too much of a hurry.

It is a matter of perspective. You are entitled to yours and this is mine.

bancoduo - 3-1-2008 at 04:09 PM

Years ago Santiago was a great surf spot. Is it polluted yet?

JZ - 3-1-2008 at 04:47 PM

This is the dumbest thread that was ever created on this board. Anyplace is what you make out of it. Apparently George didn't make much of it. Mainland Mexico is better off without ya...don't let the door hit you in the a$$ on your way out...


[Edited on 3-2-2008 by JZ]

Roberto - 3-1-2008 at 04:58 PM

Ok, now that you've vented, would you like to provide some information?

bajalera - 3-1-2008 at 05:25 PM

Unfamiliar places don't appeal to everyone, so staying home is a good decision.

robrt8 - 3-1-2008 at 07:35 PM

When you can, more info please.

stanburn - 3-1-2008 at 08:25 PM

Santiago is still a great surf spot in the summer when the tropical storms start to develop. It doesn't seem to be polluted, at least I haven't noticed it when bodysurfing!

Yup, I know....minor hijack, just answering a question.

Mango - 3-1-2008 at 08:48 PM

Personally I prefer the mainland. Baja is a great place; but, it's nowhere near as varied as the mainland.

That being said. I'd think the mainland would be a horrible place for an RV/camping type vacation. It's much better done via bus/foot/taxi/small car as it allows you to get into the smaller out of the way places without having to worry about your rig. Camping areas on the mainland are rare and not very nice in general.

Baja is great and I love it for what it is; but, it does not have:
















I've always compared Mexico's Baja to our Alaska. If you show up to Chicago or New York city ready to hunt, fish, and camp in your RV you might be disappointed. There are plenty of great little towns as well; but, you will never find a campground at them since most Mexicans think camping is silly since there are plenty of perfectly good hotels even in the smallest of towns. It's different on the mainland for sure.

Either way. I'm a little sad you had a bad time. Mainland Mexico is very diverse and usually people find someplace they like.

gibson - 3-1-2008 at 09:05 PM

mango is such a great fruit. salut

Sallysouth - 3-1-2008 at 09:23 PM

Beautifl pics Mango.The angles, lighting, colors, just lovely..Thanks, maybe I would be so lucky to get there some day!

El Camote - 3-1-2008 at 10:13 PM

Fantastic shots, Mango. They really do tell a story.

As a quick hijack, we're flying into P.V. for the first time in April and will be staying in Sayulita. Anyone ever been? Any must do or sees in the area you'd recommend? Can't wait! :bounce:

larry - 3-2-2008 at 09:30 AM

I love Baja, but the coast of Nayarit is my favorite spot in the world and home to the most beautiful beach I have ever seen.

As JZ pointed out above, all places are what you make of them and every place has something to offer if you are open to it. Mexico is a great, diverse country with beauty, culture, history, music and wonderful people. Baja has the least representation of much of this, and it is still a very cool and fascinating place.

So I think Capt George's original post is quite an unfair assessment.

Mango--great photos

Bajafun777 - 3-2-2008 at 10:54 AM

I just got back from making the drive to Maztalan on the toll road and if Capt George would have had the ontheroad.com map he would have know ahead of time where the topes, ag checks, military checks, federal police checks, Premex stations, hotels or resturants to eat, etc, even before he got to them to make choices and be prepared even before he crossed the border. My wife and I had a good trip and had no problems with the people, food, use of buses, shopping in towns, locating cantinas with cold beer, and some of the best scenery like Mango posted. I still like Baja the best so far, maybe because I have spent more time there with my family over the years and feel I know it better. However, I will continue to explore Mainland as it is something that has adventure and fun waiting for you. Later---------------------------------bajafun777

Stickers - 3-2-2008 at 12:19 PM

I have just returned from Central Mexico and had a great time. Baja is very different but you wont find little dogs dressed as cowboys as you do in San Miguel de Allende.:lol::tumble: see picture

San Miguel pet_1.JPG - 44kB

Kell-Baja - 3-2-2008 at 01:03 PM

Thanks for sharing such great pictures.

Iflyfish - 3-2-2008 at 03:38 PM

I'd be panting too!

Iflyfish

Bob H - 3-2-2008 at 05:18 PM

George, I just don't get it. We spent three weeks in Southern Mexico touring the Myan ruins - rented a car and saw a lot of neat stuff. The people were wonderful and the many places we visited on this trek were just outstanding. Very lush and tropical landscapes - water falls, butterflies, howler monkeys...all of it was breathtaking!
Bob H

Alan - 3-2-2008 at 05:50 PM

Give the guy a break! It obviously just wasn't his cup of tea! So what? He never suggested no one else should go just that it wasn't particularly to his liking and that he preferred Baja. Get over it. Do you folks get this defensive when someone orders something different than you from a restaurant menu?

Bajafun777 - 3-2-2008 at 07:58 PM

Alan, only if it is a colder beer than mine:lol:. Later-------bajafun777

Steve&Debby - 3-2-2008 at 08:00 PM

Nice Topes:tumble::tumble:

JZ - 3-2-2008 at 08:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Alan
Give the guy a break!


He doesn't deserve a break; the post was stupid.

castaway$ - 3-2-2008 at 09:23 PM

There was a dog in the picture I'll have to go back and take another peek or two or four.

Mango - 3-2-2008 at 09:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Alan
Give the guy a break! It obviously just wasn't his cup of tea! So what? He never suggested no one else should go just that it wasn't particularly to his liking and that he preferred Baja. Get over it. Do you folks get this defensive when someone orders something different than you from a restaurant menu?


I think people are fine letting him have his opinion. I just think many people thought it was broad, unspecific, and a little negative.

Many people have misconceptions of Mexico to begin with. Our friends often think we are nuts for even going to Mexico. (Bandits, crime, evil cops, blah blah blah)

I'm fine with Cap' George not liking the mainland. I'm sure he has his own reasons and that is fine with me. I realize everyone has different ideas and goals about how vacation should be spent.

I could list off several towns both in Baja and in the mainland that I don't like; but, I think it's unfair to write off an entire region because of a few bad places or experiences. I and others just want people to see the other side of the coin before they form preconceived ideas that may keep them away from someplace they may truly enjoy.

I love mountains and forests; yet, I'm also a big fan of Spanish colonial architecture. The mainland has plenty of both. Baja is just one example of the great diversity of Mexico, as would be a congested street in Mexico City.

Solitude and wilderness is easy to come by in Baja; but, some of the best wilderness in Mexico is on the mainland. Finding true solitude on the mainland can be difficult but it is posible. I have many fond memories of returning from a long hike and curling up in a blanket next to a small fire as torrential rain begins to fall outside in the cloud forest.

I still think the best way to experience the mainland is by bus. Otherwise, you are essentially shut out of the cramped historic districts of almost every town in central Mexico. With a large vehicle you are relegated to the cinder block burbs on the outskirts of town where the roads are wider, more modern, and conducive to large rigs and parking.

Like I said before: I'm fine with Capt George having his opinion. But, I don't have to agree with it any more than he has to agree with me. I just wanted people to see the other side of the coin before they let their preconceived ideas keep them away from someplace they may enjoy.






standingwave - 3-2-2008 at 10:14 PM

I remember sitting on the beach with some friends after a good surf (Pescadero, c.1983) when this gentleman came up and started going on and on about how, and I remember his exact words, "Mexico is a land of liars, cheats and thieves". We looked at each other, laughed uncomfortably and waited for him to go away without being too rude. It was obvious that he hadn't had much fun lately and we felt sorry for him. At the same time we could see how his attitude, his "opinions" weren't making things any better for him, except perhaps when he found agreement and could feel better after commiserating with someone else. Needless to say we didn't agree with him at all and were happy when he left. Now if he had come up and said, "I've had a real miserable day and feel like s**t, anyone got a beer..." maybe things would have been different...:lol:

Skipjack Joe - 3-2-2008 at 10:37 PM

Mango, you've made your point about mainland Mexico eloquently with those pictures. I agree with most everything you say except about the best way to see it. I believe that having your own vehicle and traveling at your own pace is far better than taking taxis and buses.

I also feel that I know where captn George is coming from. Mango, you're a seasoned mainland traveler and George is not. My first trip was much like George's: a series of frustrations and anger as everything seemed to conspire against me. At the same time I was well aware of the new world that was opening up to me. As you travel more you ignore the bad and seek and appreciate the good. It's a growing process.

The other option is to stay at the hotel, use the pool occasionally, take a few tours, and fly back home. No headaches. A different vacation. It's what the vast majority do.

P.s. I look at the first of the two pictures in your last post and am drawn to it as it characterizes much of latin america. It's photographed lovingly by someone who know exactly what he likes.

[Edited on 3-3-2008 by Skipjack Joe]

Mango - 3-3-2008 at 01:09 AM

Skipjack, to tell you the truth. I've never driven on the mainland, I've only driven in Baja. Although, I personally don't have much desire to drive on the mainland, due to some reasons outlined by Capt George, I agree with you about having a car out in the country. I've seen so many great places/roads fly by the bus window that I have wanted to stop at or turn down. But, alas.. there is always "next trip" or the option of returning on a local bus the next day for a day trip.

I usually stay at really old hotels right in the center of town with no parking and am very glad not to have a car. It makes me slow down, walk around, and enjoy where I am, instead of zooming off to somewhere else where the grass is supposed to be greener. Its very cheap to travel by bus and you have much less to worry about.

I really enjoy taking day trips from the cities/towns while riding in the back of pickups/combis/buses down little roads to the little towns nobody goes. It's slower; but, you get to meet the locals and find out about find out about the hidden gems you'd miss otherwise. (I've spent many of hours on a hard seat in a noisy bus terminal or sat next to screaming kids as well, so it does have its drawbacks.)

I too know where Capt' George is coming from. The mainland can be intimidating, hectic, and unfamiliar. The fist time I went to Guadalajara I hated it. I had a horrible time. It was my first trip to Mexico and I had only been in Mexico 3 days when I was abandoned my my taxi driver at the closed train station in the middle of the night. It was in a seedy industrial area and I was unable to find another taxi or bus.

I spent the whole night taking refuge in "Hotel Estation" (The worst hotel in all of Mexico IMO) Giant roaches climbed the walls as freight trains roared by just outside my window all night long. I pulled the bed to the middle of the room, wrapped myself in my bug net, and tied a knot at my feet and waited for the sun to rise. It was so bad I left an hour before sunrise and took my chances walking the streets in the dark. I took the first bus I could get out of there.

:lol:

A few years later I decided to give it another try and loved Guadalajara. Go figure, that horrible night in the hotel almost ruined the town for me.

The best thing that I did on that first trip was take each day, person, and place as a new one. I wound up throwing out most of my plans and listened to locals about where to go and stay. I had a great time, spent very little money, and I was hooked.

bajaboolie - 3-3-2008 at 11:43 AM

Mango, those pictures were beautiful. What city is it?

For myself, I've only been to the mainland once. In college at summertime, I went to Morelia and lived with a family for a month. We visited Guanijuato and Guadalajara in that time, and I really enjoyed the trip.

I'd love to go again sometime, but there are so many places in the world I'd like to visit. So much to see, so little vacation time....

Sorry to hear you had a bad experience, Capt.

Skeet/Loreto - 3-3-2008 at 12:26 PM

For you newbies.
Capt. George:
From the Streets of New York, to Cape Cod, to Key West Fla. George got a Whiff of Baja and there he went, First to Loreto, then to the Pacific, then to Alaska, then back to Baja!
Always moving, seeking Adventure.

Capt. George is one of those :Lost Souls" always seeking that which he cannot Find!
PEACE OF MIND!

I Pray that one Day George will look deep in his Heart and know that where he goes his Demons will follow until such time as his Heart becomes the Center of his Universe and he will Finally be at Peace.

I liked George the first time I layed Eyes on Him at Key West, I wish Him
well. May God Bless you Capt. George.

From an Ole Texas Cowboy to a New York Street Fighter.

Iflyfish - 3-3-2008 at 01:17 PM

Few countries on earth provide such rich geographic, cultural and culinary options as does Mexico.
Who could forget the zocalo in Oaxaca (flor de Mexico) and it’s anthropology museum, public market and mole stands; The Yucatan and the jewel of Tulum and the ancient Maya Pyramids, miles of white sand beaches and turquoise water, sacred cenotes to swim in; Monte Alban and over a hundred archeological sites; Puebla and it's musical Spanish and tiled everything ; Querétaro and its history, home of Juanipero Serra who named the missions of California after the cathedrals’ in Queretaro, patrimony of humanity city; the tunnels, streets and mummies of Guanajuato; the winding hills and tiled roofs of Taxco and it’s wealth of silver; the mariachis and the triple deck public market in Guadalajara, murals, gardens; the pyramids of Tlaxcala where you can still see the original colors of the murals, The Voladores of Papantla ; the cuisine of Merida and its unique architecture, parks and public music/dance/theater; El Fuerte and the Copper Canyon, land of the Tarahumara; the flamingos of Celestune; The verdant Michoacán; lovely Colima with its museum of terra cotta dancing chiwawas; the beaches of the pacific coast; the jungles of the south; the murals of Orozco and Rivera; Ballet Folklórico de México. So many Mexico’s and so little time.

Iflyfish

vandenberg - 3-3-2008 at 02:00 PM

Growing up in Holland and always having "the Wanderlust", traveled all over Europe, by "thumb", bike ,scooter and bus and train while in my teens and early twenties.
Did a 2 months trip into mainland Mexico a few years back and enjoyed that immensely also. Wonderful people, great scenery and great old colonial architecture. Stayed downtown whereever possible. Drove a small car to easily maneuver the narrow streets. Had one "bad" experience, but that shouldn't deter a seasoned traveler. Write it off to another life's lessons learned.:saint:
Here some pics from central Mexico: Durango, Zacatecas, San Miguel, Queretaro, etc. Hope they post:













Natalie Ann - 3-3-2008 at 02:39 PM

Your photos are beautiful, Mango - thank you so much.

Nena

sylens - 3-3-2008 at 04:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Iflyfish
Few countries on earth provide such rich geographic, cultural and culinary options as does Mexico.
Who could forget the zocalo in Oaxaca (flor de Mexico) and it’s anthropology museum, public market and mole stands; The Yucatan and the jewel of Tulum and the ancient Maya Pyramids, miles of white sand beaches and turquoise water, sacred cenotes to swim in; Monte Alban and over a hundred archeological sites; Puebla and it's musical Spanish and tiled everything ; Querétaro and its history, home of Juanipero Serra who named the missions of California after the cathedrals’ in Queretaro, patrimony of humanity city; the tunnels, streets and mummies of Guanajuato; the winding hills and tiled roofs of Taxco and it’s wealth of silver; the mariachis and the triple deck public market in Guadalajara, murals, gardens; the pyramids of Tlaxcala where you can still see the original colors of the murals, The Voladores of Papantla ; the cuisine of Merida and its unique architecture, parks and public music/dance/theater; El Fuerte and the Copper Canyon, land of the Tarahumara; the flamingos of Celestune; The verdant Michoacán; lovely Colima with its museum of terra cotta dancing chiwawas; the beaches of the pacific coast; the jungles of the south; the murals of Orozco and Rivera; Ballet Folklórico de México. So many Mexico’s and so little time.

Iflyfish


while it is true that a picture is worth a thousand words, some words are as evocative as some pictures. thank you, iflyfish, for the memories. i have not visited all the sites you name, but i know most of them. :yes::yes::yes:

de acuerdo "so many mexicos and so little time."

Iflyfish - 3-3-2008 at 05:54 PM

Lili, thanks for the kind words. I still have not sorted out how to post pics on this site so words will have to suffice.

Iflyfish

Mango - 3-3-2008 at 06:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaboolie
Mango, those pictures were beautiful. What city is it?


Last two I posted were San Miguel de Allende and Taxco. Two fine cities.. nowhere near the beach.

Iflyfish - 3-3-2008 at 06:51 PM

Great pics Mango, you captured them both.

Iflyfish

bancoduo - 3-3-2008 at 06:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mango


Last two I posted were San Miguel de Allende and Taxco. Two fine cities.. nowhere near the beach.
The SMA picture looks like it was taken on Calle sto. Domingo. I used to live on that street a little farther up the hill.

Bajafun777 - 3-4-2008 at 12:08 AM

Mainland has like most have expressed something new around every corner and each state definately has it's own products, industries, cultural finery, and people that enjoy interacting with Americans especially if you can speak some spanish. My spanish is very elementary to my ears but my wife's spanish is very good as she worked 18 years for a produce company and took care of all the payroll along with all of the insurance. It was a job which she talked to most field workers from Mexicali. We have even been in Mexicali and had some of these workers approach asking if she remembered them and she gets their names most of the time, I would not be able to remember their names after 15 years like she does. Mango is right to a point we drive my truck down but in towns we stay in we use the buses for transportation and interact with the locals. If you show an interest and talk to people it makes your trips down south so much more pleaseant and you also find out about the local places to eat and shop that can be very good. I just love watching people, seeing their handywork, and going to local parks where entertainment is and interacting with them. Fun people and not in any hurry when they are off work on their day off. We Americans are always in a hurry and we miss so much by doing that. Capt. George needs to try again but go down with another Nomad that has been before, so he does not have to be so tense when going down. Once upon a time, I had reservations about driving in Mexico anytime but the calling from the South made my curious wondering give in to just go for it. "No Hurry No Worry Just Fun" Later,bajafun777

motoged - 3-5-2008 at 02:32 PM

Nomads,

I just got back from 2 weeks in Zihuatanejo area (Troncones and Barra de Potosi, to be exact) and enjoyed these two places as all I wanted to do was eat tacos, drink Indio, and get a tan.

I got the tan, drank the Indio, and was disappointed in the fish tacos..because Baja has spoiled me as the BEST FISH TACOS IN THE WORLD ARE IN THE BAJA !!!!

I prefer the Baja for it's desert variety, the uninhabited beaches, and outback vibe. It does not provide much of the colonial architecture and related cultural influence, it does not provide the wide range of Indian culture that the mainland does....it's a different place.

I have a preference for the Baja, but still dream of a winter off motorcycling throughout ALL of Mexico....but if I had a month for a Mexico hit, Baja would be my choice.

This forum tends to attract those who have a special affinity for the place....and we usually help each other enjoy and discover it for ourselves.

This thread was initiated as a comment that reflected the
writer 's view...not as an accurate description of the mainland.

And you know what they say about opinions
;)

daveB - 3-5-2008 at 03:46 PM

Captain, you had a look and were not impressed, I see. But don't give up on Mexico, the real Mexico i mean. Baja is great for many things and I'll always love it for the hiking, the desert landscapes, the open spaces.

But we stay north in the summer and during some of the shoulder seasons. The wind and the coolish weather, combined with the colder ocean temperatures during the winter periods impart a minor dissatisfaction with Baja for us. At those times we feel we would not see Baja at its best. We're older now and need warmth!

Mainland Mexico is where we've been for the last six winters and enjoyed every moment, most of time on a beach, but we travel around some too. We're near Guadalajara for the moment. We always RV.