bajalou - 6-4-2004 at 03:25 PM
Another observation regarding Lower California verses Mexico proper.
"Lower California, Natural Resources" E. W. Nelson, Government Printing Office,
Wahsington, 1922
Owing to its geographic location, Lower California is isolated from other
parts of Mexico and has had much intercourse with California. My expedition thru
the peninsula was made after I had spent a considerable number of years in Mexico
proper, and it is interesting to note certain characteristics of the people of the
peninsula. We found them everywhere honest and friendly. There was a general
absence of revolvers and machetes among the people of the peninsula,in marked
contrast to the general custom of carring one or the other of those weapons
throughout most of the other parts of Mexico. During all of this trip, owing to
the obviously peaceable and friendly character of the people, even in the remotest
sections, for the first time in Mexican territory we felt no need of weapons for
self-protection.
Mike Humfreville - 6-4-2004 at 05:20 PM
While I think a big part opf the Mexican character is gentle, I also think that part of the equation for the Baja folks is that they are rural in the
places so many of travel. There is more time for social stuff and less demand for $$$. I have lived in places in Baja where we didn't see folks for
days across a three month stretch. In those circumstances we found ourselves standing atop a local dune so we could see the dirt road a half-mile
away when we heard an engine. If they didn't come to visit, we were disappointed. Anyway, I think it's a blending of circumstances that make the
Baja folks what they are: wonderful people. Thanks for your engaging aging articles.
bajalou - 6-5-2004 at 09:08 AM
I used to come down with a friend who was very aprehensive about crowds or just going shopping to the mall etc while in the Old Countryh (USA). But
when we crossed the border in Mexicali into Mexico you could just see her relax. Even in the Mexicali traffic. Quite a transformation she had when
she sensed the "peace" of Baja.
