Annie T. - 1-26-2005 at 04:20 PM
We have arrived from Mazatlan. Came over on the new ferry from Topolobampo. Nice to sit up all night in the bar and play cards and other things.
Nice smooth ride, worth a try. It rained our first night in La Paz< and everything is fresh and beautiful . We anded up at the Hotel Plaza Real as
the Las Palmas left much to be desired. Couldn't even see out the windows. More later. Annie T.
Save me
Tio Rocky - 1-26-2005 at 04:50 PM
Save me some beer....... be there for Carnaval next week.......
Tio
carnival
comitan - 1-26-2005 at 06:35 PM
carnival times changed due to election feb 15--20th.
Bruce R Leech - 1-26-2005 at 06:46 PM
they cant change the dates on carnival. it needs to end on lint. are you sure about that?
Not
Tio Rocky - 1-26-2005 at 07:47 PM
Yes it?s true??? The date for Carnaval in La Paz has been changed to February 15th / 20th?. I myself could not believe it and just got off the phone
with the Mexico State Tourism Office in La Paz who confirmed it.
This is a very sad statement for Baja Sur and Mexico in general. One would think that these issues would have been seen and worked out years ago.
My heart goes out to any of you that have already made, paid and planned your vacations around this Event.
For any of you who wish to confirm this yourself you can reach the Tourism Office in La Paz at (612) 124-0100.
Tio
[Edited on 1-27-2005 by Tio Rocky]
Bruce R Leech - 1-26-2005 at 07:53 PM
thanks Tio . wow you really had me going for a while . what a relief.
carnival
comitan - 1-26-2005 at 08:08 PM
You were replying to someone in La Paz the carnival dates in La Paz Have changed. At least thats the word going around La Paz
tim40 - 1-26-2005 at 10:12 PM
Annie T. Wife and I hooked a good air fare (274 per person)from LAX and will be in La Paz this Thursday thru Monday morning. I am hooked on Los
Arcos (been staying there since nearly a baby).
La Paz Carnival
akbear - 1-27-2005 at 12:15 AM
The Baja Insider has Carnival in La Paz on Feb. 15-20.
Also, Super Bowl Sun. is Election Day. No booze on sale Sat. or Sun. Stock up Early !!!
http://www.bajainsider.com
http://www.gringogazette.com
akbear ---<*})))))><
La Paz & Carnival
Annie T. - 1-27-2005 at 01:48 PM
THanks for all the info. In reply: Tim we are wandering around for a month with a couple of gals from Germany and are traveling on a beer budget;
stayed in our time share in Maz. for the luxury part of trip so the gals could lay around the pool and beach and dream(?) and now we are showing them
the real Mexico as we know it. Bruce, I love what you do to the king?s English. Please don?t use spell check, ever. About the carnival, I
just checked and it?s true and is just *]*%&%$ &///&%$#$/(). So I guess we still don?t get to be in La Paz for carnival. Guess we?ll go to Todos
Santos for the craft fair after we drink all the cervesa here.
By the way does anyone know who one can get in touch with about a street dog. He has a knotted electrical wire collar on, is hungry and
unfortunately, has mange. I will pay to have him taken care of either way, but don?t know how to get him to a vet or to whom to go. Thanks to all,
Annie T.
[Edited on 1-27-2005 by Annie T.]
Vet in La Paz
MaD - 1-28-2005 at 07:32 AM
There are wonderful vets in La Paz - a husband and wife team - Dr. Hilda Elizondo and Dr. Tomas Rodriguez - Dr. Tomas speaks excellent English. Their
phone is 122-5662 - they are located at 2340 Madero between Pineda and M. De Leon
Annie T. - 1-28-2005 at 05:49 PM
THanks MaD,
I?ll note the info. However, like a toothache and the dentist, just after I posted the message the dog disappeared. When he shows up I?ll act.
Happy Trails Anne
Eli - 1-28-2005 at 07:02 PM
Hi Anne, just wanted to wish you well, and happy times where ever you land. I personally like La Paz a lot, if I was going to live in a city in Baja
Ca., expect that would be where I would land. Todo Santo-s too, so many places I would live if I could be in more than one place at a time, sigh...
Hasta......... Sara
Annie T. - 1-29-2005 at 01:20 PM
THanks Sara, We love La Paz, too. We now may not get to Los Barrilles this trip. One of our party took a header and with seven stitches and various
cuts and bruises she is in no mood to wander around. It all involves margueritas and a turtle. Can?t take those Europeans anywhere!!!! Annie
Eli - 1-29-2005 at 07:23 PM
Annie,
Even though I have always found it to be an intriguing "old Mexico" kind of city, great architecture, friendly vibes, I remember sitting in "La Perla"
resturant on the Malecon with Dad being special experinse, (he knew everyone from the old days), done some wandering around shopping downtown, playing
with the dolfins when they were in town was one of the high lights of my life, but they are gone now.
So now that I think of it I have never gone to La Paz on vacation, (it has always been about business, get in, get it done, get out the quicker the
better). You being there got me thinking, what are you doing? What are some of the sights you are seeing?
Annie T. - 1-30-2005 at 12:55 PM
Sara,
That must have been a time full of good memories for you. We just stroll a lot, up the malecon, down the malecon, to the square, to Mercado Bravo
where we have empanadas and tamales at the stand in the corner of the market---they are wonderful (and then we buy ones that have gone cold to feed to
the street dogs) and then a chocomilk with platano for dessert. Other times we stop at the stands for a taco, pausing at a cafe for a cervasa,
smiling and talking with people (a lot of it in sign for us) and this time a special treat for us. Our balcony is just over a restaurant with good
local music every night. We sit, play cards, drink brandy and listen to the soft and clear music. We took the girls to the beach, Tecolate, where
we looked for shells and lay in the sun. We dont? stay in the better hotels, we look for simple places. How much better can it get? Have a lovely
day with your work. Later........Annie
[Edited on 1-30-2005 by Annie T.]
Thanks for the review Annie,
Eli - 1-30-2005 at 07:17 PM
Expect that is pretty much what I would do too, if I was there on vacation in La Paz. When you are strolling the malecon and you walk towards
Pechilinge and you are near the Peaking Chinese resturarant, (which has some great eats and ice tea by the way), there is a house next door, run down,
intriguing as all git out, huge, ornate with lots of gingerbread. I heard the servent and dog inhertited the house years ago, and that she is quite
old now, I have never seen any actifity in the yard. I always wanted to take a look inside, now that would be an adventure to do if I could, maybe
some day yet I will...
Annie T. - 1-31-2005 at 01:55 PM
Is that the house with the large yard with many trees (orange, etc)? If so we have wondered about that one many times. We?ll walk down that way
later and and see. We have stayed at Los Gaviotos, up one block from the malecon and east one from the Nuevo Pekin so we are a little familiar with
that area. We went again to the beaches today with a friend, Alberto Zussarey (sp?) and he will guide us to the whales at Lopez Mateos later this
week. He is so good with little details of geography and history of this area. His great grandfather was a pearl diver and his grandfather and
father were fisherman here. Last night there was a political gathering on the malecon, with a lot of music and speech making, very festive. Alberto
said the priest at mass asked everyone to pray to save the souls of all the bad politicians who changed the dates for carnival this year. We have
learned of a new restaurant that serves a buffet of real Mexican food for only 80. pesos. So we need to take a siesta and prepare for it. Later,
Sara. Annie
Sorta Pagota style?
Eli - 1-31-2005 at 06:23 PM
At least as I recall. Yep, all kinds of trees, it is a beauty of a yard and a unique unto it's own structure, of course it has been a couple of years
since I took a gander in that direction, but it has some real fun details, that I do recall.
It?s funny you know, I have the worse sence of direction in the world. I could get lost in my own backyard of Los Barriles I expect. Of course makes
for some outstanding never would have wound up there adventures in my confused wanders.
Anyway, I am trying real hard to remember if Gaviota was the last place I stayed with Dad when Dave Deal came down and we pulled the ol man out of the
hospital. If it is the same, it is not the cheapest place in town, but pretty reasonable, real homy, kind folks. It would most likly where I would
stay again if I was to do an over nighter in La Paz.
If it is the same place, it has a small simple underoof courtyard with the reception desk on the left as you enter, and a big T.V., with comfy chairs
and a sofa there. Than out a small hallway into the area where the rooms are two stories high, I think?
Love Alberto's comment about the priest asking God and the people to forgive the bad politicians. Might mention that while they are at
it...........there are a million issues out there to forgive those guys over.
Might ask Alberto if he ever knew of Jimmy Smith, if he does, I can assure you that will provoke a chuckle and a story.
Thanks for warm visions and sweet memories of home Annie, yes, thank you very very much.
[Edited on 2-1-2005 by Eli]
tim40 - 1-31-2005 at 10:38 PM
Within the last year, the 'house on the malecon with the fruit trees' sold. It was in poor repair, but as been my luck to date, I was too late in
getting in on buying it....I think it is one of the most beautiful pieces of land in all of La Paz.
Yea, I think its the same place we have stayed.
Annie T. - 2-1-2005 at 10:26 AM
Both places are the same. Sorry you missed out on it Tim. Like Sara, Iwould like to go inside. I{ll be sure to ask Alberto about your Dad, Sara.
Annie
bajajudy - 2-1-2005 at 12:16 PM
And what was the name of the restaurant that only costs 80pesos? I would be interested in that!
I'm also in La Paz this day.
jrbaja - 2-1-2005 at 12:24 PM
If you see a truck with a bamboo rack and two big ol dogs in the back, give a shout.
PS
jrbaja - 2-1-2005 at 12:27 PM
Judy, I see you are on here now, Espacio Don Tomas perhaps? That's where I'm at ahorita.
Annie T. - 2-2-2005 at 03:08 PM
BajaJudy, We ended up not going there yesterday, but I?ll find out the name tomorrow. Alberto says it?s too far to walk to so he?ll take us when we
want to go. Today we walked all the way to the serpendario (?). out past the VW dealership on the four lane. Long walk and the price of entry was
$8.00US each, but it is well done and we help support entry for the school kids, so go. JR, if we see you we?ll yell out loud and clear. Annie
hey Eli
fdt - 2-2-2005 at 03:36 PM
I know the house, was inside once, you see (if it's the same place I'm thinking) The Pekin is in one block and the house is on the next block and at
the end of that block was a small palapa house were I lived with Mr. Bill Callahan the original owner of La Posada. Since I knew Mr. Callahan from
the days he had "La Posada The Inn In La Paz" some of owr mutual friends (Anita Walker "English with Anita")asked if I could watch over him. He was an
american that had married a very rich La Paz lady MT Ruffo, but had been abandoned by everyone even his children( probably now very prominent Pace?os
the Callahan Ruffo)
tim40 - 2-2-2005 at 05:06 PM
ftd: I just knew your post was gonna end with and here is who you can call to buy it! 
Que, que? nfm
fdt - 2-2-2005 at 05:44 PM
just got back ourselves
expat2B - 2-2-2005 at 05:57 PM
...from a 5-day visit, and what a revitalizing experience it was. The gubernatorial political campaigns sure were in full swing, weren't they? We
could not make our way down Obregon and not end up with an armload of stickers, caps, and related swag. One of the candidates set off a huge
fireworks show in the stadium just south of downtown - the initial explosion made us jump out of our skin as we were only a few blocks away.
Curiously, the campaigning took on a festive air, even though the supporters were obviously passionate about their candidates.
We did manage to explore several of the cafes and restaurants that were mentioned on the earlier La Paz dining thread. After a lengthy and enjoyable
chat with Jorge and one of his waiters (Ernesto), we're pleased to report that business appears to have picked up at La Fonda. The outdoor dining
area was nearly full both times we dined there, and the breakfast clientele was local except for our party. We also tried Bismark II at Degollado
and Altamirano, which previously drew criticism. The seafood entrees we tried were well prepared (not the best in town, mind you, but quite
serviceable) and the prices were middle-of-the-road (<290 pesos for a large lunch for three, including drinks).
We saw the same dog you mentioned with the wire 'collar', begging on the malecon - called to him to undo the wire, but he was skittish and darted
towards traffic - hope he finds a loving home somewhere. Unfortunately, he was one of several dogs in pretty desperate straights (one was tethered
atop a corrugated steel roof, another had mange so bad it was nearly hairless) - please keep us posted if you find a dog rescue group or shelter.
Saludos
tim40 - 2-2-2005 at 06:47 PM
FTM, I understand 'what what' but not nfm? I was teasing you for not ending your interesting story with how to buy it as several of us have.
About the Pagoda house,
Eli - 2-2-2005 at 07:59 PM
Isn't it amazing how many folks have tuned into what is stashed in that yard behind those trees? I thought I was the only one; guess that is never
true is it?
tim40 - 2-2-2005 at 08:04 PM
Eli, that place raises those 'I quit' words to the back of my mouth....it just gets you thinking of all the possibilities that could provide life
enjoyment and even business related income.
Heather - 2-4-2005 at 09:54 AM
Speaking of La Paz, have you noticied the little lighthouse that is on the Malecon, near Los Arcos hotel? Well, my mother-in-law's father used to be
the "keeper" of it. I guess they used to live in a little house right behind the hotel and she used to talk to all the American tourists (kids?) that
would stay there. So, she still has a few words in English that she picked up back then! Her father died young, though, so they moved out of town
(in those days), which isn't really too far away now!
I'm glad everyone has such fond memories of La Paz. My in-laws live there and I never want to spend too much time there...it could be that the toilet
never works, and that someone in the family is always fighting with someone else, or that it always seems to be about 10 degrees hotter than in Los
Cabos, and the fans are always broken...or that it's the in-laws, but I can enjoy a two or three day visit before it's time to go!
My kids really like the beaches in La Paz, so we usually spend the days there, and just go to the in-laws to sleep...on the hard, hot floor!! saludos
and enjoy the city. H.
Natalie Ann - 2-4-2005 at 11:52 AM
Wait, wait.... somehow I'd missed this thread... but I've had my eye on the Pagoda house, lot & trees forever. Perhaps we all can share?
bajalera - 2-4-2005 at 12:25 PM
ftd, what happened with Bill Callaham, anyway? The last time I visited him at that little house he said he had brucillosis (sp?), and the next time I
made it to La Paz he had disappeared.
bajalera
Bill
fdt - 2-4-2005 at 03:42 PM
Yes he got very sick and finaly died. After I came back to Tijuana, he would call me and I would pick him up @ the Tijuana airport to take him to the
hospital in San Diego. He was a very good friend to many. He got to friendly with the bottle too
Lera
fdt - 2-4-2005 at 03:46 PM
how did you know Mr. Callahan?
The world just keep getting smaller
Eli - 2-4-2005 at 04:52 PM
Now to the question of who presently holds title to this dream?