So, we are heading off into some really rural areas. I'd like to throw some things in to give to folks who live in far out ranchos and fish camps. Any
ideas on what is most appreciated? Thinking of bringing along some stuff for any kids, and for families...
Thanks!woody with a view - 3-10-2008 at 07:46 PM
for the kids....all of your kids discards.
for the folks...tequila and limes.
for the fishermen....30# test spools and lures to match... nudie mags....Diver - 3-10-2008 at 07:58 PM
For the kids;
T shirts and clothes...
Pencils and sharpeners and lined or colored paper.
Markers, crayons, colored pencils.
Toothbrushes and little paste tubes.
Any small doll or stuffed animal for hte little ones.
Agua and cervesa for the hombres.
Or a batch of tamales or empinadas.
The men LOVE leather gloves and Woody is right about the line and lures.
The women love anything for their kids and tea and spices;
and those tiny bottles of perfume for moms and 'teen girls.
.Osprey - 3-10-2008 at 08:04 PM
slingshots, marbles, candy and cokes. (discounts to Modern Dental Care plans?)lingililingili - 3-10-2008 at 08:41 PM
bet oranges are a real treat!
[Edited on 3/11/08 by lingililingili]livencabo - 3-11-2008 at 06:50 AM
Remember to observe the custom of giving things to the parents for the children and not to give the children anything directly.
Ice chests are expensive down here and people have many uses for them. If your itinerary permits, fill one or more with a little ice (block) and
bring cases of beer and individual fruit drinks. Carrot juice mixes are best.
A sturdy dirt bike in decent condition would be shared by a whole family.bajabound2005 - 3-11-2008 at 07:43 AM
Oranges were in fact a big hit at Christmas time. We were out delivering food boxes and on the way picked up several kilos of oranges. Appreciated
by kids and adults alike!roamingthroughbaja - 3-11-2008 at 07:45 AM
We found that the people out in the remote fish camps really appreciate shampoo, dish washing liquid, hand soap and laundry soap. This is stuff they
have to drive a long way to get.wilderone - 3-11-2008 at 10:32 AM
They have a long drive to get anything - everything is appreciated. I take packages of pasta, toothbrushes, crayons and paper, socks, cookies.Sharksbaja - 3-11-2008 at 11:23 AM
Lighters, cups or mugs. Folding knives, tools.susanna - 3-11-2008 at 07:34 PM
James BC where are you coming from? If you are anywhere nearby Sacramento i
can help out with some t - shirts and shorts for kids and also toiletries.JamesBC - 3-11-2008 at 08:19 PM
Coming down from Oregon. Send me a U2U, maybe we can coordinate a 'pick up'. We'll be passing by Sacramento Wednesday the 19th.JamesBC - 3-11-2008 at 08:20 PM
...and thanks everyone for the great ideas - I'm going to try to pick up a couple of craigslist bikes, and see what other suggested things I can pick
up. Viva Baja!vacaenbaja - 3-11-2008 at 09:41 PM
As long as I can remember the people of baja seem to just LOVE Best Food Mayonaise. Get a big one from Costco. Spices like pepper and garlic salt also
seem to be popular.I alway take a few soccer balls along with a hand pump and needle for the kids as one ball goes a long way when shared in a game.
Batteries in bulk are good. A good sharpening stone and knife is
useful for fishermen and in the kitchen as much of the meat still has to be trimmed down to size. also bring schiracha (rooster) hot sause. And
although
it is salty and most likely bad for you lots of people like Cup of Noodle type
soups. If you are going to real remote areas people often cherish photos of the family. Of course you would have to have either some kind of polaroid
or a digital camera and one of those photo paper printers.Capt. George - 3-12-2008 at 03:06 AM
More and more "Ugly Americans"...don't ya just love it!bajamigo - 3-12-2008 at 08:59 AM
We bring things to a Oaxacan "village" here in Punta Banda. What goes over really big are those rubber shoes called "jellies." You can wash the mud
off them fairly easily, and of course they don't deteriorate as would a regular shoe. And they're colorful!DENNIS - 3-12-2008 at 10:34 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by vacaenbaja
As long as I can remember the people of baja seem to just LOVE Best Food Mayonaise. Get a big one from Costco.
I guess it would be best to know they have refrigeration in the house. Mayo spoils quickly. You're right about the mayo popularity. I took my
worker to Costco and he was drawn to the mayonaise section like a bolt to a magnet.
After-thought.....
Due to the short shelf-life of the product, I would think the smallest container would be more practical.
[Edited on 3-12-2008 by DENNIS]tripledigitken - 3-12-2008 at 10:38 AM
I never have to ask for extra mayo when I order the bacon wrapped hot dogs with velveta cheese, they come with plenty piled on!
KenDENNIS - 3-12-2008 at 10:44 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by tripledigitken
I never have to ask for extra mayo when I order the bacon wrapped hot dogs with velveta cheese, they come with plenty piled on!
Ken
Isn't mayo the base for the white sauce at all the fish taco stands?Sharksbaja - 3-12-2008 at 11:16 AM
I sure wish they would refrigerate that stuff. I almost died from a quesoburro last year. The only thing in there not cooked was the "white
sauce".tripledigitken - 3-12-2008 at 11:16 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Isn't mayo the base for the white sauce at all the fish taco stands?
Probably..................come to think about it, I'll go to Rubio's for fish tacos today for lunch.
Later,
Kenvacaenbaja - 3-12-2008 at 11:42 AM
Where Spoilage can be an issue the smaller containers would be best. If it was not used in such large amounts I would suggest the little packages
that come in the size of a Mac Donalds ketchup for areas with no refrigeration.The kids get a kick out of roasting marshmallows too. A few bags go a
long way for an after dinner treat.Mango - 3-12-2008 at 07:01 PM
Well, from one climbing trip I made years ago to the mainland I found that a good quality nylon rope (about 8mm) was highly prized by one ranchero.
With a huge grin he told be he was going to use it to tie up his horse.
Old rock climber carabeiners, good (but cheap) LED flashlights that have a good battery life, fishing line(as noted...but you might want to avoid
unless you have a fishing permit), buttons and sewing supplies for women, a set of nylon guitar strings for musicians, deflated soccer balls and
inflation needles, etc.. etc..
Some good tips already here. Some things like soccer balls might be best donated to a local school or church leader instead of just giving it to one
kid or family as not to make others jealous, etc.. use your discretion. Have a great trip and right on for thinking and caring about the locals ahead
of time.Paulina - 3-12-2008 at 07:12 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Capt. George
More and more "Ugly Americans"...don't ya just love it!
Capt. George, I think the Ugly American only rears it's head if the delivery of said gifts is done in an ugly way. I have seen it pretty ugly.
Hopefully the majority of Nomads would be sensitive to that fact and not fall into that catagory.
P<*)))><
[Edited on 13-3-2008 by Paulina]DENNIS - 3-12-2008 at 07:25 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Paulina
Quote:
Originally posted by Capt. George
More and more "Ugly Americans"...don't ya just love it!
Capt. George, I think the Ugly American only rears it's head if the delivery of said gifts is done in an ugly way. I have seen it pretty ugly.
Hopefully the majority of Nomads would be sensitive to that fact and not fall into that catagory.
P<*)))><
Maybe George was giving the true meaning to these generous folks. True, in the sense that the Ugly American in the story was a good guy. I hope
that's what he meant anyway.Paulina - 3-12-2008 at 07:28 PM
Dennis,
Thanks for making me look at it from that perspective.
P<*)))><windgrrl - 3-12-2008 at 08:03 PM
This is an interesting discussion.
Is jsut plain old money an utlimate option? Or is the lack of access to consumer goods the barrier?
I usually bring down chocolate, trinkets and warm things like toques as gifts for my windsurfing friends. I brought amuletas one year and noticed a
Mexican friend wearing his the next year. Then I almost fell off my bar stool when I offered to bring windsurfing photo prints next time and learned
could simply download them onto onto his new laptop...quite funny watching me mousing my way through the spanish-language drop-down boxes (especially
since I intepret the language using my powers of intuition).
This gringa needs some more general guidelines, please...what is too personal or guache or meaningless or accepted just to be polite. Are there real
no-nos? Do I just follow my heart and give everything to the dog rescue folks?!!Paulina - 3-13-2008 at 06:25 AM
Larry,
"Where There Is No Doctor, a village health care handbook" by David Werner.
I consider it a must have, with simple, helpful illustrations for those with reading difficulties. I picked ours up at West Marine.
P.wilderone - 3-13-2008 at 09:34 AM
If you were out on a ranch 25 miles from the nearest tienda, and you just ran out of toothpast or needed an aspirin for a toothache, or your last blue
tarp was in tatters and a storm was blowing in, you know you have to drive at least 50 miles to get what you need, even if you had the cash. Yes, of
course, some families are better off than others -- who we're talking about here, are the have-nots. Sometimes I bring many many packets of vegetable
seeds. I don't give them to just anyone - I see someone who has a garden - a means to maximize the potential of the gift . Same Same. You give
those balls and bats to kids who are playing with a piece of rusted barbed wire.
I have a new gift idea - one I will take with me this weekend - about a dozen golf balls, and 3 putters. They can make a miniature golf course and
have some fun. On my next trip, I'll see what they've done with them and bring more balls (I live near a golf course and can get a dozen in a
weekend)!!bajaboolie - 3-13-2008 at 11:36 AM
I've enjoyed this thread, as I have frequently wondered about etiquette of bringing items to donate to organizations. I haven't really brought
things, because I don't want to offend people by just assuming that they "need" something because their country is not as affluent (or wasteful...) as
America. I guess you could say I am concerned about that "Ugly American" (in the bad sense) image. We've figured that when we go to Mexico, one of
the best things we can do is to support their businesses (by eating out, shopping and treating ourselves to the wonderful helado in town). But the
truth is, I would like to bring things down, like school supplies or something where it's needed and appreciated. So, I have two questions:
How do you find out where there is a need/appreciation for things?
Paulina, how have you seen things be given in a "ugly american" way?
I love the creative ideas everyone has mentioned, too!Sharksbaja - 3-13-2008 at 12:09 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaboolie
Paulina, how have you seen things be given in a "ugly american" way?
When it's given to make self look cool or asssauge ones' ego.
Sorry Paulina but I almost burst into laughter one time when a Gringo had to have his picture taken while handing off some trinkets to some pangueros
one time.. It was embarrassing for all but the "giver".bajaboolie - 3-13-2008 at 12:13 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Sharksbaja
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaboolie
Paulina, how have you seen things be given in a "ugly american" way?
When it's given to make self look cool or asssauge ones' ego.
Sorry Paulina but I almost burst into laughter one time when a Gringo had to have his picture taken while handing off some trinkets to some pangueros
one time.. It was embarrassing for all but the "giver".
Thanks, Sharksbaja.
I can imagine how embarassing it would be to witness that! Paulina - 3-13-2008 at 01:57 PM
Sharksbaja hit it on the head. It's has to do with the attitude of the giver. Ugly people need the accolades, the attention and sometimes expect
something for free in return.
Here's a story I wrote about an ugly American. He's a good example of that. He made a big presentation of giving away an old broken down fan to a man
without electricity at his house, and then demanded a beer in exhange. He was the same guy who gave his panguero a fish instead of a tip.
I've seen guys get off of fishing boats and give useless equipment as a tip to the panguero who just worked his butt off, making a big deal of it in
front of their buddies as they tip back their beers.
Or the guy who gave books to the local library then went around town announcing his deed and expected people to say thank you.
I usually have things (gifts) in the truck just in case the timing is right to pass them on. Sometimes I'll come all the way back home with the stuff
if the feeling wasn't right. I had a bunch of Spanish coloring books and crayons last summer, but only gave away three in Asuncion because the timing
was right.
Sometimes you can leave things with the local church, or the Principal of a school.
I have friends in different towns that I will leave things with who know who is the most needy in the community vs. those who will resell the items
for the $. Some people might say, "Oh, but they really needed the money." True, but it's what those people did with the money that I would not want to
contribute to.
There are also charities where you can donate items that will be sold, with the proceeds donated to good causes. The thrift shop in Campo La Jolla in
Punta Banda is one of those. The proceeds go to the local rural school and it's children.
I think it's the anonymous giver that usually has the right attitude.
P<*)))><
[Edited on 13-3-2008 by Paulina]Mango - 3-13-2008 at 05:42 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by wilderone
Sometimes I bring many many packets of vegetable seeds. I don't give them to just anyone - I see someone who has a garden - a means to maximize the
potential of the gift . Same Same. You give those balls and bats to kids who are playing with a piece of rusted barbed wire.
Thats a great idea; but, make sure you bring them heirloom or non-hybrid seeds if you bring corn seeds (or other crops for that matter) as the modern
hybrid corn plants can cross pollinate the local corn varieties and can render them infertile or reduce the yield of future crops. Most rural
indigenous farmers save seed to grow for the next year and once it becomes cross pollinated it can drastically reduce crop yield for the future. This
is already a problem in some parts of Mexico and most importation or planting of genetically modified corn seeds is prohibited by the Mexican
government.
Hybrid seeds grow great on modern farms with tractors, fertilizers, pesticides, etc.. But; the seeds are not intended to be reused the next
year(grown as a seed crop). Thus, modern hybrid seeds must be purchased anew each year from the seed manufacturers/breeders each year. Most rural
farmers are unaware of this and even more importantly are without means to purchase or procure new hybrid seeds the next year.
"Where There Is No Doctor, a village health care handbook" by David Werner.
I consider it a must have, with simple, helpful illustrations for those with reading difficulties.
P.
If this is the book I've seen in the past, it's real country. It has pencil illustrations of corn cobs and the proper way for a for woman to wipe
herself with them.
Reading this book showed me how much we in the US are unaware of much at all. These people live right next door to us.
Amazing...
[Edited on 3-14-2008 by DENNIS]
[Edited on 3-14-2008 by DENNIS]Paulina - 3-13-2008 at 08:28 PM
That's the one. I never looked at a corn cob the same way again.
P<*)))><wilderone - 3-18-2008 at 11:07 AM
Si, I know about the hybrid seeds and numerous endemic varieties of corn which grow all over Mexico. And have been involved in the Mother Seed
project of Oventic, Chiapas which is creating a bank of these various strains. I don't bring pounds of corn seed to supplant a staple that they
already use and what works best in their ecosystem.
What I bring is packets of lettuce, beets, carrots, onions, squash, radish, turnips, tomatos - the same stuff anyone would grow in their gardens that
is produced by Burpee and the well known seed sellers for individual gardens, not crops for mass distribution. I don't think Baja families can buy
seed of this type just anywhere. Gardeners who know how to collect seed can use them in successive years; some seed produces volunteer crops the next
year, like tomatoes and lettuce. And I expect that some of the seed will not do well in a desert climate, but if they have a garden and enjoy watching
things grow, they can use them and see what happens. The people I gave the seed to seemed to be happy with what I brought.
