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Baja Bernie
`Normal` Nomad Correspondent
Posts: 2962
Registered: 8-31-2003
Location: Sunset Beach
Member Is Offline
Mood: Just dancing through life
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Chapter 1--San Diego City Jail/Introduction to New Site
A small introduction to whys and maybes of my being added to the Special Correspondents section of the Nomad board
Well! Being the retired old guy on the block who has nothing much to do since we sold our home in Baja—all I do is take care of the bills, say yes
honey whenever my wife gives me another chore, read all the posts on the Nomad Forum, play with the cat who is even older I am, fix supper or is that
dinner, write books, research books, read the Nomad stuff, etc. As you can see this leaves me with plenty of time that I can’t figure what to do with
so I approached Jefe Doug aka Mr. Nomad with the idea of posting excerpted story’s from my first book Mi Baja No Hurry No Worry that I wrote way back
in 2000/2002. I thought it just might be fun for the Nomads, especially the young en’s who got here after so much had changed. My idea was that if
this effort proved to be well accepted then we could go out and con some of the other Baja authors to contribute to this effort.
Dave being the easy going guy he is—heck he only works about 26 hours every day of the week—said, I think the people just might find it fun so why
don’t you just work it out and give me your ideas by Friday.
He did strongly suggest that I use the Special Correspondents section. So I did and here goes……………….
Sure hope we all have some fun as we wander back in time.
San Diego City Jail
I was first introduced to the Land of Mańana (dictionary says tomorrow—but it really just means NOT TODAY) early in April of 1964. I was a young hard
charging rookie cop and Captain Art McLaren was a middle aged, hardnosed, boss from the old school. We all thought he was hard as nails and in
routine conversation he conveyed that impression with his deep, almost a whisper, gravelly voice. But!—When he began talking about Baja California
his voice mellowed out and his shoulders relaxed a bit. He was a large heavy boned Scotsman who delighted in becoming involved in new and different
experiences. When he got caught up in his Love Affair with Baja he didn’t just wade in—he jumped into the culture and became very concerned with its
people.
Over coffee one morning he told us about his efforts to secure corrective surgery for a young man from La Mision. Pepe was about fourteen years old
and was a fairly handsome young guy except he had a cleft palate that detracted from his looks and caused the other kids to tease him. Art told us
that he had arranged for a team of doctors to donate their skills for nada (nothing) and Scripps Hospital was willing to provide care for Pepe. The
largest problem was getting his parents to agree to let their son go ‘north’. Next was getting through all of the paperwork that both governments
required. Art laughed and said, “I’m used to getting past bureaucrats. That’s what I do for a living.”
A few days later Mac asked me if I would like to wander down to La Salina with him. I jumped at the chance and as a result my life was changed
forever. I fell in love with Baja and its people. I learned to live with one foot in the United States and the other in Mexico. Years later I
developed a very strong desire to capture the magic, humor, the fun, and yes, the sadness too, of this small campo nestled on the shores of the
Pacific Ocean just a few miles south of the San Diego.
Over the years I have read many books about Baja, but with the exception of “God and Mr. Gomez” by Jack Smith, most of them only addressed HUNTING,
FISHING, and looking for new forms of cactus. No one had written about the Baja that a whole bunch of us crazy gringo’s had discovered. We had come
to Baja just looking for a place to get away from the ‘rat race.’ A place to just kick back and enjoy life! We soon found that it was a much more
pleasant experience when we interacted with the happy, smiling, people who lived in our part of Baja—I know it is really not ours—but our new friends
made us welcome. They taught us how to put together a fiesta, to eat, drink, dance, and enjoy each other’s company. They taught us to slow down, to
watch the sunrise and then to watch for the green flash as the sun slid into the Pacific.
Without saying it they showed us how to breathe to the rhythm of the crashing waves. To know that watches were really of no practical use in this
little bit of paradise. That time was only your friend if you realized that its passage only added to your enjoyment of life. Getting older doesn’t
matter, it only matters that you live your life with your family and friends and that you extend your hand in friendship to all of the wonderful
people around you.
These not so simple people taught us how to enjoy life! They nudged us into a better and more honest understanding of ourselves. They helped us to
build our homes. They taught us to see much more than we previously could or would, to see and understand things that proved to be so much more
meaningful and added so much to our lives.
Hopefully, in reading this book you will find that in a round about way it is a “How to Book on Living in Baja.” You will learn how to build a house
and to appreciate that it is a living thing. You will understand how to become a ‘legal’ alien in Mexico. How to acquire land. Notice that I did
not say how to ‘own’ land. How to understand, work with, and enjoy the people that make this place what it is!
With the proper attitude, learning a different and more relaxing way of life will be so much fun. You will learn how to party at the drop of a hat.
AND you will learn what is truly important in this life!
You will learn—THAT ONCE THE DUST OF BAJA SETTLES ON YOUR SHOULDERS YOU MAY NEVER SHAKE IT OFF.
[Edited on 11-16-2006 by Baja Bernie]
[Edited on 11-25-2006 by Baja Bernie]
My smidgen of a claim to fame is that I have had so many really good friends. By Bernie Swaim December 2007
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
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Good idea Bernie ..... Thanks.
Do you think you might start with your latest book? That way I wont have to buy it.
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Lee
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3455
Registered: 10-2-2006
Location: High in the Colorado Rockies
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Baja Bernie
A small introduction to whys and maybes of my being added to the Special Correspondents section of the Nomad board.
You will learn—THAT ONCE THE DUST OF BAJA SETTLES ON YOUR SHOULDERS YOU MAY NEVER SHAKE IT OFF.
[Edited on 11-16-2006 by Baja Bernie] |
As relevant and meaningful today, as when it was experienced back in the 60s. Glad you were there Bernie. Thanks for the culture.
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thebajarunner
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3687
Registered: 9-8-2003
Location: Arizona....."Free at last from crumbling Cali
Member Is Offline
Mood: muy amable
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If I don't start getting bigger royalty checks....
then I just may start posting the chapter that I wrote for your most recent opus.....
"Think you know Baja?"
(and since you are still selling that one, giving away the heart and soul of the book will strike deep into your pocketbook)
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FARASHA
Senior Nomad
Posts: 848
Registered: 6-3-2006
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Baja Bernie
You will learn—THAT ONCE THE DUST OF BAJA SETTLES ON YOUR SHOULDERS YOU MAY NEVER SHAKE IT OFF.
[Edited on 11-16-2006 by Baja Bernie] |
YES PLEASE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Waiting for some DUST to be shared with US!!
Have no chance in getting your Books here anyway (yet?).
So I'm looking forward to dust it off my screen!! 
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Iflyfish
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3747
Registered: 10-17-2006
Member Is Offline
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Glad you got a computer and learned how to use it. Nice writing!
Iflyfish
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jorgie
Nomad
Posts: 430
Registered: 8-25-2006
Location: on another road,again
Member Is Offline
Mood: on the road....again,again
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Bernie; from one 'ol guy yo another, you got good stuff. I look forward to much more. Lots of luck , good penning , have a great day, every day.
jorgie
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Eli
Super Nomad
Posts: 1471
Registered: 8-26-2003
Location: L.B. Baja Sur
Member Is Offline
Mood: Some times Observing, sometimes Oblivious.
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Bernie,
Sometimes it is so hard for some of us (like me) to slow down and read more than 3 lines at a time, even more so on this electric devise that throws
out infinite information, way more than we can consume even if we gave it our every waking mintue. I am glad I took these few moments to slow down and
revisit the images that you have with words painted of your vision. I for one do certainly Thank you for starting out this new site with the above
postive mission.
Ah yes, and in regard to your observation and identy of being with one foot on either side of the fronteer, I think that you and many on this board
have a right to that admission. Yes, I can somehow relate; Although my body and soul most certainly reside on the South Side of the boarder, I do feel
like the bas*ard child of both cultures, neither claims me and I have never felt that I belonged more than just to humanity. Which, I guess in the end
has it's advantages, I certainly don't get lost in one indenty dictating who I am.
Oh que, enough thoughts provoked for the moment. Please, although I have read your first two books, continue with your story..........Suerte, Sara
[Edited on 11-17-2006 by Eli]
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Mexitron
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3397
Registered: 9-21-2003
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Member Is Offline
Mood: Happy!
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"THAT ONCE THE DUST OF BAJA SETTLES ON YOUR SHOULDERS YOU MAY NEVER SHAKE IT OFF."
I moved to Fort Worth a couple months ago, before that I was in Oregon for 8 months. My last trip to Baja was in August 2005--longest stretch without
a trip there in 25 years. I still have pockets of that beautiful red Baja dust in my truck cab from the last trip that I won't clean off. Keeps the
truck feeling like home.
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cabobaja
Nomad
Posts: 362
Registered: 9-19-2006
Location: South \"O\", Elias Calles, BCS
Member Is Offline
Mood: Smiling
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Bernie,
Just purchased "Mi Baja" at the Tecolote Book Store in Todos Santos. It was the only book of your's that they had. Reading "Mi Baja" brings back alot
of memories.
Thanks!
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Baja Bernie
`Normal` Nomad Correspondent
Posts: 2962
Registered: 8-31-2003
Location: Sunset Beach
Member Is Offline
Mood: Just dancing through life
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CaboBaja
Jaime Tolbert of Baja Books and Maps is carrying all three of my books, Mi Baja No Hurry No Worry, Bouncing Around Baja, and Think you know Baja in
Baja Sur. It is my understanding that he was going to place them at the TeColote Book Store.
He is a member of this board and can be reached here or better at bajabooksandmaps@Yahoo.com or ask the folks at Tecolote to contact him.
All of my books are now available at the El Nido Restaurant/gift shop in Rosarito.
Thanks for asking.
[Edited on 11-17-2006 by Baja Bernie]
My smidgen of a claim to fame is that I have had so many really good friends. By Bernie Swaim December 2007
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cabobaja
Nomad
Posts: 362
Registered: 9-19-2006
Location: South \"O\", Elias Calles, BCS
Member Is Offline
Mood: Smiling
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Bernie,
If you U2U'ed me...for whatever reason I cannot open it. If it was you who U2U'ed me....I believe you have my email address. Please email me.
Saludos!!
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Baja Bernie
`Normal` Nomad Correspondent
Posts: 2962
Registered: 8-31-2003
Location: Sunset Beach
Member Is Offline
Mood: Just dancing through life
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Sorry! Wrong Information
Hola Bernie,
Just received books here yesterday. We do not place
books but offer books to our accounts for purchase.
That is to say we do not do consignments. As we see
our accounts we will present all your titles. Tecolote
buys very little from us.
If you have someone who wants to buy your book down
here, have them make a request at any store that sells
books. Hopefully the store buyer will wake up and
purchase from us!
Anyone is also welcome to call me at 624 142 5596 or
cell 044 624 355 6773. Our new showroom just across
from Centro San Jose del Cabo en route to La
Playa/Puerto Los Cabos is now open and your books may
be purchased directly from us.
Saludos
My smidgen of a claim to fame is that I have had so many really good friends. By Bernie Swaim December 2007
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Bruce R Leech
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6796
Registered: 9-20-2004
Location: Ensenada formerly Mulege
Member Is Offline
Mood: A lot cooler than Mulege
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I approve of this upgrade of you status you earned it, and good job Baja Bernie Normal Correspondent
Bruce R Leech
Ensenada
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BajaNomad
Super Administrator
Posts: 4969
Registered: 8-1-2002
Location: San Diego, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: INTP-A
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| Quote: | Originally posted by grover
| Quote: | | Originally posted by cabobaja...I cannot open it... |
You need to enable javascript in your browser;
won't open the u2u window without it. |
Mostly this is caused by "popup blockers."
Hold down the "Ctrl" button, and while you're holding it down, then click on the "U2U" link... and see if that works.
--
Doug
When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people.
– Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
We know we must go back if we live, and we don`t know why.
– John Steinbeck, Log from the Sea of Cortez
Affordable Domain Name Registration/Management & cPanel Web Hosting:
https://www.regionalinternet.com |
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Baja Bernie
`Normal` Nomad Correspondent
Posts: 2962
Registered: 8-31-2003
Location: Sunset Beach
Member Is Offline
Mood: Just dancing through life
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Bruce
Thank you
You would be surprised at just how much your words mean to me!
My smidgen of a claim to fame is that I have had so many really good friends. By Bernie Swaim December 2007
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cabobaja
Nomad
Posts: 362
Registered: 9-19-2006
Location: South \"O\", Elias Calles, BCS
Member Is Offline
Mood: Smiling
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Thanks Doug! I held down the "Ctrl" button and the U2U came up and I could see the U2U was from Bernie....but there was no text/message.
Bernie, I will speak to Jane (owner of Tecolote Book Store) and request your other books.
Saludos to you & Doug!
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Baja Bernie
`Normal` Nomad Correspondent
Posts: 2962
Registered: 8-31-2003
Location: Sunset Beach
Member Is Offline
Mood: Just dancing through life
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cabobaja
What I said on the U-2-U was that we had gotten of to a poor start and I now find that you are a man of your word and I really appreciate that
quality.
Thanks
My smidgen of a claim to fame is that I have had so many really good friends. By Bernie Swaim December 2007
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thebajarunner
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3687
Registered: 9-8-2003
Location: Arizona....."Free at last from crumbling Cali
Member Is Offline
Mood: muy amable
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Bernie is seriously in to 'non-verbal' these days
| Quote: | Originally posted by cabobaja
Thanks Doug! I held down the "Ctrl" button and the U2U came up and I could see the U2U was from Bernie....but there was no text/message.
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cabobaja
Nomad
Posts: 362
Registered: 9-19-2006
Location: South \"O\", Elias Calles, BCS
Member Is Offline
Mood: Smiling
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Ok...Doug and Bernie, did get the U2U opened and responded.
Mucho gracias otra vez!!!
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