BajaNomad

Any "content" expats and/or expat communities in Tij/RB/Ens area?

BajaNomad - 10-9-2009 at 05:50 PM

I was asked this myself, and am uncertain of the answer... so, thought I would pose it here:

Are there any expat (full-time) residents (or particular communities having such) in the Tijuana / Rosarito Beach / Ensenada area that still find considerable contentment in their Baja California location/residence, regardless of the crime/tourism challenges?

How about folks that would indicate what's in the papers in the USA are way overblown?

Just curious (well, sort of - but there's a reason for the question)...

Thanks,
-
Doug

noproblemo2 - 10-9-2009 at 06:07 PM

We are expats, full timers in La Mision, we are totally content here and do not feel the media "hype campaign" in the US is acurate. Being full time, we do listen and weigh what we hear vs what we actually see. So in our opinion bad news sells, good news doesn't.... Boils down to COMMON SENSE....

DENNIS - 10-9-2009 at 06:35 PM

Things have changed. It isn't what it used to be. Ten years ago, we would think nothing of jumping in the truck and taking a road into the back country and never see anybody. Always new scenery and never a problem.
Can't, or shouldn't do that today. None of my Mexican friends will. They say it's too dangerous with all the growing activity and the scum that comes with it.
I recently visited an old friend who lives off the San Carlos Hot Springs Road. I hadn't seen him for a couple of years. Upon approaching his shack, I saw heaps of irrigation hose and piles of gallon plastic bottles around his area. He came out and greeted me abruptly and told me to never come back. Said it was too dangerous. I left.

I'm one of those who doesn't think the US press sensationalized anything. They didn't fabricate their stories and, in my opinion, it's not unethical to reprint a story. If something needs to be said and heard, say it until you feel you got the point across.

In spite of all that, I think I'm content. I live a semi-private life and go out in public when I need some interchange. I think I'd be the same way wherever I live.

One thing for sure...The Baja which I came to know way back when is long gone.

woody with a view - 10-9-2009 at 06:42 PM

Quote:

One thing for sure...The Baja which I came to know way back when is long gone.


yes, but what isn't? it's the chase while trying to get back to those "good old days" that keeps me coming back....

p.s. as to what i'm seeking, these ARE the good old days, AGAIN!

bajaguy - 10-9-2009 at 07:51 PM

Doug

We have a place at the Baja Country Club, just south of Ensenada. Although not full timers yet, we really like the area and the people. We feel safe at our house.

We also have friends that live in the area (Ensenada and Punta Banda), and we feel that we made a great choice with location, friends and activities.

Not to disagree with Dennis, but having extensive experience with the media in the States, I know that anytime there is blood involved, the media hypes the event.......not that it doesn't happen, but they tend to sensationalize it.

Common sense and situational awareness go hand in hand living anywhere, especially in a foreign country.

garynmx - 10-10-2009 at 04:45 AM

I feel safer in Rosarito than I do in California. At least in Mx the murders are drug cartel and bad police, etc. In Califonia its everyone else but police and drug cartels that are being murdered. Read the stats and see how many Amercians are being killed in California compared to Americans being killed in Mx. The war here does not involve us (unless you are a drug dealer).

BajaGringo - 10-10-2009 at 06:38 AM

The news stories printed north of the border are for the most part accurate. To be fair they are probably a bit out of proportion to the general volume of other news when weighed against all of the news north of the border. Deaths by beheading and dissolving the remains in acid will tend to draw more media interest but the end result to the victim is the same. You are just as dead whether hanging from a Tijuana overpass or laying dead from a gunshot in a south central LA side street.

In today's world you really are completely safe nowhere on this planet. Anyone of us can fall victim to random violence but I agree with those who don't feel terrorized by the violence in Baja / Mexico. Crime stats show that Gringos are rarely victims of violent crime down here and using some common sense and avoiding risky/illegal activity will go a long way to bettering your odds proportionately.

YMMV

DENNIS - 10-10-2009 at 06:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaGringo
Crime stats show that Gringos are rarely victims of violent crime down here



And, where can we view these stats? More importantly, who compiles and makes available these stats?

"All the news that's fit to print." Any news that gives tourism a black eye won't be fit to print.

k-rico - 10-10-2009 at 07:59 AM

I moved to Tijuana 3 years ago and not only have no regrets but am happy I did so. The violence started shortly after I made the move and at first psycologically depressed me and most other citizens of the city. But, I've adapted and it no longer affects me in the same way. And the murder rate is down from last year although still higher than 2007. Let's hope the trend continues.

The move was purely financial. I was able to pay cash for a new house. Tough to do in the US. I'm on the beach less than a mile from the border so in many ways it's like I'm still in San Diego. I still see my friends in San Diego, shop there regularly, and occasionally go out to dinner there. I have also maintained my business contacts and work once in a while. But, since I'm an information worker, I can do that anywhere I can telecommute. Being close to my clients helps though. It enables face to face communication when needed.

In six years I'll be qualified for Medicare and if need be will be able to make use of it because of my proximity, although emergency care will need to be handled in TJ.

The move allowed me to drop out of the work-a-day rat race after 30 years. That's the biggest source of happiness.

Plus if I decide to move back to the US I can get a decent return on my real estate investment. The rents are high compared to the cost. I live in a gated community that is composed almost entirely of Mexicans and the houses rent quickly. I don't need to worry about finding a gringo tenant.

I think I made a smart move.


[Edited on 10-10-2009 by k-rico]

bajaguy - 10-10-2009 at 08:07 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by BajaGringo
Crime stats show that Gringos are rarely victims of violent crime down here



And, where can we view these stats? More importantly, who compiles and makes available these stats?

"All the news that's fit to print." Any news that gives tourism a black eye won't be fit to print.





Dennis...........the FBI came out last year and said in effect that US citizens were being kidnapped in TJ at an increased rate........they failed to mention that the US citizens were of Mexican decent and had businesses in Mexico.........

The ATF states that 90% of the guns seized in Mexico are traced back to the US.......in fact, it's 90% of the guns that Mexico gives the US, not 90% of all the guns seized...........

A little bit of info goes a long way......even if it is wrong

k-rico - 10-10-2009 at 08:14 AM

This an interesting thread, let's not get into a source of weapons debate.

bajaguy - 10-10-2009 at 08:19 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by k-rico
This an interesting thread, let's not get into a source of weapons debate.





It's not, Rico.....it'a a facts debate

durrelllrobert - 10-10-2009 at 08:42 AM

Been @ Lomas Del Mar, Punta Banda for 5 years and wouldn't live anywhere else. The only thing I don't like about it is the border croosing time (N, and now S) when I absolutely have to go to the states.:barf::barf:

DENNIS - 10-10-2009 at 08:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
A little bit of info goes a long way......even if it is wrong


Thanks, Terry. My reference was to news from below the border.

Woooosh - 10-10-2009 at 10:08 AM

We chose not to be part of an ex-pat "community" after looking at several large ones in the Rosarito area. Some were known to have dueling HOA's and were social snakepits. No thanks- not what we were looking for in retirement. We saw a false sense of physical security with the flimsy fences and underpaid guards as well.

If we had wanted whiny, nosey neighbors we could have stayed stateside. So instead we chose central downtown Rosarito and we spent several years looking for the right area and lot to build on. There are many federal zone scammers so we took our time checking land parcels and neighborhoods. Most of our neighbors here are "mixed" with one mexican and one american. They are awesome. No one drops-by without an e-mail or call, gossips or is negative just to be negative. We built a very secure house- because we had the option to, were starting from scratch and the security situation was deteriortaing at the time.

Even with the bumps, it was the right choice and still is... for us anyway. We do have tons of Mexican family down here so the house is always active, full of family, pets and children and that makes it more secure too.

We hope we have created a family gathering place for generations to come where everyone is welcome, the fridge is stocked and everyone can just enjoy being a family together and forget the troubles of the day. So far- so good... pretty much. Family is family after all...

[Edited on 10-10-2009 by Woooosh]

arrowhead - 10-10-2009 at 10:33 AM

I read this post yesterday and waited to see if anybody would comment on the most glaring problem with the way the question is phrased. It is asking only those who "still find considerable contentment in their Baja California location/residence, regardless of the crime/tourism challenges" to respond.

arrowhead - 10-10-2009 at 10:36 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by garynmx
Read the stats and see how many Americans are being killed in California compared to Americans being killed in Mx.


What would be purpose of such a useless statistic? America is mainly full of Americans and Mexico is mainly full of Mexicans. Why don' t you ask how many Chinese are killed in China compared to American killed in China?

DENNIS - 10-10-2009 at 11:18 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by arrowhead
Why don' t you ask how many Chinese are killed in China compared to American killed in China?


OK......How many Chinese are killed in China compared to American killed in China?

Bajahowodd - 10-10-2009 at 11:43 AM

Arrowhead- I think you're overlooking the fact that despite Doug's wording of this topic, Nomads are neither timid nor shy. In my opinion, anyone reading this thread who disagrees with those who posted about their contentment would not hesitate to challenge them. However, if you believe more balance is needed, perhaps you could start a new thread posing the specific question to which you are seeking answers.

DENNIS - 10-10-2009 at 11:46 AM

Doug mentioned he had reason to ask/phrase the question as he did. I'm wondering what that would be.

arrowhead - 10-10-2009 at 12:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Doug mentioned he had reason to ask/phrase the question as he did. I'm wondering what that would be.


I believe Doug is repsonding to a request from Richard Marosi, staff writer for the Los Angeles Times, who wants to indentify Americans living in Northern Baja to interview. Marosi is specifically looking for ex-pats who are happy with their life in Baja and who also feel the US press coverage of the Mexican problems are overstated and sensationalized.

In other words, he wants to write a hack piece for Hugo Torres.

Bajahowodd - 10-10-2009 at 12:25 PM

So he can get comped at the Rosarito Beach Hotel? Still doesn't appear to stop anyone from starting a new thread, perhaps using a poll up front to solicit a range of opinions. Since I'm still only a frequent tourist, for the time being; not having a dog in the fight, maybe someone who lives or has lived in BC would be more appropriate.

DENNIS - 10-10-2009 at 12:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Still doesn't appear to stop anyone from starting a new thread, perhaps using a poll up front to solicit a range of opinions.


Didn't someone just do that here? If I recall correctly, it had something to do with fund raising.

Bajahowodd - 10-10-2009 at 01:36 PM

The best Cantina, doesn't count.

DENNIS - 10-10-2009 at 01:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
The best Cantina, doesn't count.


Not that one. Another one that Doug touted here as being legit. I think you're the one who researched it to find out it's a fund raising outfit.
Maybe two months ago?

It was a long questionare [sp?].

[Edited on 10-10-2009 by DENNIS]

k-rico - 10-10-2009 at 01:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by arrowhead
Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Doug mentioned he had reason to ask/phrase the question as he did. I'm wondering what that would be.


I believe Doug is repsonding to a request from Richard Marosi, staff writer for the Los Angeles Times, who wants to indentify Americans living in Northern Baja to interview. Marosi is specifically looking for ex-pats who are happy with their life in Baja and who also feel the US press coverage of the Mexican problems are overstated and sensationalized.

In other words, he wants to write a hack piece for Hugo Torres.


As the sole gringo in the Tijuana booster club I think a LA Times article about the benefits of living in Mexico close to the border is a good idea. Everybody knows the downside, why not balance things out with the upside?

SDRonni - 10-10-2009 at 02:29 PM

I think we'd be content if we could just get the process of buying our condo at Las Olas Grand to close! Still waiting on a lien release from the developer's bank, which is taking for-EVER! We have waited over three years for this process and are growing ever so weary.................:mad:

Bajahowodd - 10-10-2009 at 02:43 PM

Here it is, Dennis.
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=41408#pid4501...

Fred-o - 10-10-2009 at 02:56 PM

I live in the Punta Banda area, and have been here about 5 years now; but I had a place at Estero Beach before moving here, since 1988. (Before retirement)
I'm very happy here, and actually hate going back to the U.S., and avoid it if at all possible. There is nothing there that I need, except Medicare. (That looks pretty tenuous right now anyway). I would rather see Mexican doctors if at all possible and if the cost is not prohibitive. I spent 4 grand on eye surgery here in the last two years, that I could have had for practically nothing if I had gone to the "states" for it.
Many, many trips however.

If I go, I always use the Tecate road going up. Sure, it takes a little longer in miles, but spares a whole bunch of stress, and what's the hurry anyway????...I'm retired.

I do miss having a variety of restaurants locally, without going into Ensenada. I wish we could get a pastrami on rye with deli mustard...yum! (There is not one of those in Ensenada either, I'm told)

I go to the states about 4 times year, and just can't wait to get back home, while I'm up there. I buy my U.S. insurance by the trip, and spend about $60.00 a year.

I travel around Baja as much as I can, and I do not worry about bandidos, cartels, or the cops. I don't think the "way out yonder" places I go are likely to be populated with bad guys....but I could be wrong. I'm more of a David K. type traveler. And I like his travel "stuff" on line, thank you David.

Yes, Baja has changed a lot; but then I don't drink as much anymore. Could it be that??......Oh no not that!

Thanks for the thread Doug... fred-o

arrowhead - 10-10-2009 at 03:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by k-rico
As the sole gringo in the Tijuana booster club I think a LA Times article about the benefits of living in Mexico close to the border is a good idea. Everybody knows the downside, why not balance things out with the upside?


Well, that downside is a killer.

k-rico - 10-10-2009 at 03:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by arrowhead
Quote:
Originally posted by k-rico
As the sole gringo in the Tijuana booster club I think a LA Times article about the benefits of living in Mexico close to the border is a good idea. Everybody knows the downside, why not balance things out with the upside?


Well, that downside is a killer.


Yes Nancy, we're all aware that there is a drug war going on. Thank you.

Lone Gringa Chiming In

Gypsy Jan - 10-10-2009 at 03:51 PM

Hey boys (uhh, umm, is that sexist?) OMG :

I have lived here in Baja Nerte and worked both sides of the border for over ten years.

I am content, repeat, HAPPY and CONTENT living in Baja Norte.

Just like in the good ole, USA, if you travel into unknown area, you better figure out where it is safe for a tourist/stranger to go.

There are places in Hawaii that tourists shouldn't go because the drug farmers will kill you.

California's biggest cash crop is marijuana - don't go straying around the lush fields in the Sierras.

Then, those of you who know should talk about this, because I can't speak with any authority, let's examine the rural areas of the east (Hillbilly Heroin, i.e., oxycontin, anybody?)

Life is what it is; and change is constant. Friends in Temecula have crack houses/dog fightinge breeding centers sprouting up in their cul-de-sac neighborhoods because the owners can't sell and need to pay the mortgage.

fishingmako - 10-10-2009 at 10:01 PM

I believe we all can say we really like Baja and Mainland, I have been coming here for many, many years, and love it here, but as Dennis said, and read his post carefuly, Don't get off into places you are or unaware of, you are looking for trouble.

I feel for new people, they didn't see Baja as it really was, and that might be hard to explain, just like being a Hippie in the 60's they were good old Days, they are gone forever, where I'm going with this is Baja is gone, as Dennis said it will never be the same and there are a lot of changes coming, and they are not for the good, the good times have vanished, so live it now it will change before your eyes blink a fews times, you are in for some real awakening.

BajaGringo - 10-11-2009 at 07:29 AM

Nowhere on this planet is it the same as it used to be. However I don't equate that with "good times have vanished".

You just might have to look in some new places you hadn't visited before...

:rolleyes:

lizard lips - 10-11-2009 at 08:04 AM

Content? Yes, very. Because of my job I could live anywhere I want but Ensenada has always been the place. When I moved here in 1986 the only problem I had was being pulled over by the police for the mordita but all that has changed. I live in an area that is quite and the neighbors are all respectful of one another.

My parents had a place at Villarinos for many years when I was a kid and we would spend vacations there. I miss the o'l days. That was where I learned respect for others, rich or poor and the Mexicans taught me this.

I met and married my wife in Ensenada 19 years ago and all of her family are here and there isn't a weekend where we all don't get together for some reason. They have not been affected regarding the crime or drug problems but they have suffered because of the local economy. This will change again soon, I hope.

I know what happens here as far as crime is concerned but I never see it in my own little world and for that I am content knowing that my wife and son are safe when I am away from home. I have never been robbed, shot at, or car jacked and this includes my working in all the Mexican states, big cities and small ranchos. I'm not saying it doesn't happen but you just have to be careful anywhere you live.

I have family and friends that will not come down to visit because of what they hear and see in the US media but that is their choice and there is nothing I can say. I don't want them to visit if they don't feel safe.

The main concern I have is that this city is just getting to big. I want the old Ensenada but that will not happen so I just deal with the traffic and the necessity of driving defensively but if that is all I am concerned about, life is gooooood!

DENNIS - 10-11-2009 at 08:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaGringo
Nowhere on this planet is it the same as it used to be. However I don't equate that with "good times have vanished".

You just might have to look in some new places you hadn't visited before...

:rolleyes:


I agree with you, Ron. There are "good times" still to be had but, it's different.
My Baja experience began fifty years ago when life outside the cities was drenched with history and with the least bit of study of that history the landscape came alive with the spirits of lost civilizations and men more hardy than you see today. Who could travel the penninsula with the same frame of mind after reading "Journey Of The Flame" as he did before looking through that window into the past.
The names of places that dot the maps even today are, for the most part, only suggestions as to the network of towns and activities that were scattered across the land in a time gone. All that's left is a hint of life as it was, glorious religous names or references to mining activities usually more filled with hope than success.
It was a time when a fertile imagination would take a traveler into the past to relive the pioneer life. It was a fun place to be and made one appreciate life just a bit more.

Times do change, for sure. The days of roaming the back country are, if not gone, filled with danger and that's what makes it hard to accept. Not the change itself but, that it has been taken away by an element of scummy outlaws engaged in scummy activities. They have deprived all of us of our living history lesson. The risk has become too great.
Fishing is wonderful and surfing the coast of Baja is hard to beat but, it's not the same as camping in the Sierras or exploring an old mine shaft in a spot on the map that says, "El Triunfo" or "Peloncito."
What's left to do is fun but, it's just not the same.

[Edited on 10-11-2009 by DENNIS]

fishingmako - 10-11-2009 at 04:33 PM

Things are changing on a local basis, you don't even need to get off the path much anymore, as petty theft and break ins become more and more available, when they started all these Hi Rise projects everywhere, they brought in a lot of Labor from the interior, and then they brought their Families, and then when Construction stopped, guess what so did the pay check, now I'm her with my family, things have to get better so I'll hang, but to no avail nothing happened, and probably won't, so until then I'll stick around with no monies, no work, so I can Rob, Petty Theft hoping it all gets better???? OH WELL, It is like the good looking Girl from Nebraska or? and everyone says oh honey you are so pretty and gorgeus you need to go to HOLLYWOOD and get in the movies, she gets here hoping someone will see her as agreat Movie Potential, but no one told her ther are 5000+++ more in line, so what does she do gets a job as doing whatever Min Wage Job, and OH some will Discover me, so here comes the Pimp, Drugs etc. etc. figure it out.

"If a Tree Falls in the Forest..."

Gypsy Jan - 10-11-2009 at 06:47 PM

"And there is no one to hear it, would it make a sound?"

An eternal question.

Us (U.S. and others - I am looking at you, good people from Canada!). expats have a lot to be grateful for, i.e., satellite internet and TV, so those of you addicted to U.S. football can watch and those of you who want to communicate about the Baja experience can sign on to the community 24/7, and put your ideas, thoughts, comments and questions out there to a very responsive, generally positively oriented environment.

I think I like it - except when I am being yelled at. :cool:

tripledigitken - 10-12-2009 at 10:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Things have changed.........One thing for sure...The Baja which I came to know way back when is long gone.


Well said Dennis. Same thing can be said across the border to the north of you in San Diego. I have lived here all my life and it's not the San Diego of my youth or 10 years ago.

We live in a nice neighborhood, yet just last Friday night some low life broke into our car and stole the only thing in it a box of tools.:fire: $400 out of pocket loss for $25 worth of tools he'll sell at the swap meet.

Ken

DENNIS - 10-12-2009 at 11:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by tripledigitken
last Friday night some low life broke into our car and stole the only thing in it a box of tools.:fire: $400 out of pocket loss for $25 worth of tools he'll sell at the swap meet.

Ken


Tough luck, Ken. Sorry to hear that. Maybe you should keep a box of Anthrax in your vehicle for just these occasions. :yes:

Bajahowodd - 10-12-2009 at 11:21 AM

Some of the reasons things have changed is simply the increase in population over the last few decades. As for the crime thing, a little of it random, and probably alot of it the economy.

bajabass - 10-12-2009 at 11:38 AM

I began going down to La Mision in 2002. After a couple trips in a short period, I rented a house from a friend in 2003. Spending almost every weekend, along with long 3 and 4 day weekends, vacation weeks, and any other time I could get away, I fell in love with my great view of the ocean, river valley, and mountains. The people are great, fishing is awesome, and it is 2 1/2 hours from my prison( own an automotive shop for 20+ years). In 2005 I was introduced to a beautiful young doctor from Ensenada, by a friend whose family owns a cantina next to Anthony"s. For 2 years I spent EVERY weekend in La Mision/ Ensenada courting my now wife. We have been to Mulege, San Bruno, Punta Chivato, drove to Cabo and back for our honeymoon. Slept in my truck after getting lost up at Laguna Hanson in December( BBRRR- I'll never go back to Michigan). Slept on the beach in Santipac, parties in San Quintin, brunches in the wine country off Hwy #3. I now lease a lot in the Ejido above La Mision. I know I am not full time, but the time is approaching, just not fast enough!! Everyone, gringo and Mexican alike has done nothing but help convince me that Baja is my new home. My wife has a large family, and they have accepted me as a member, most very happily. Yes, I still own a business and maintain a household in the states, though my life and future, happiness and peace are deeply rooted in Baja. Things have changed since my first surf trip to K55 in 1974, but California, OC for sure, has changed even more. We have had breakins at the Ejido, caught Senor Pozole, the acid guy, at Baja Seasons, a murder in La Salina, ect., ect. I still feel safer, and more secure in my little house on the hill in La Mision. As soon as time allows, I will start my house on the cliff, and spend my days relishing my little slice of paradise with the beautiful lady, and all the new and old things Baja has in store for us. I am 50 now. I just wish I had started 25 years ago !!!

k-rico - 10-12-2009 at 02:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
"And there is no one to hear it, would it make a sound?"

An eternal question.

Us (U.S. and others - I am looking at you, good people from Canada!). expats have a lot to be grateful for, i.e., satellite internet and TV, so those of you addicted to U.S. football can watch and those of you who want to communicate about the Baja experience can sign on to the community 24/7, and put your ideas, thoughts, comments and questions out there to a very responsive, generally positively oriented environment.

I think I like it - except when I am being yelled at. :cool:


That post made me think of a Big Yellow Taxi - "doncha know, ya don't know what ya got 'til it's gone......."

which comes into play here. Folks are remembering the good things that have disappeared and not seeing the good things that have come along.

Better roads
Better gasoline, electricity
Better communications
Better public transportation (buses)
More places to buy a bigger variety of food
Better living conditions and schools for the citizens
More jobs for the citizens

to quickly list a few.

I guess these don't matter to the rugged vacationer who enjoys roughing it, but if you live here, they're important.

And if the "outback" mode is for you, it's still here too.

bajabass - 10-12-2009 at 03:57 PM

All very good points K-Rico. All things change. Some for the better, as you said, and some for the worse, as many others have stated as well. Life is a big battery, don't be the negative post!!

Bajahowodd - 10-12-2009 at 04:16 PM

It's all about trade offs. I still recall Ensenada in 1970. Like one paved road. Mucho mud after a rain. Don't even think about ice in your drink. Just wondering. Taking Ensenada as an example. Go to the big Home Depot/ Walmart center. It this Mexico emulating the US? Or is this Mexico catering to the US?

woody with a view - 10-12-2009 at 04:26 PM

progress should be a 4 letter word.

call it what you will.....

DENNIS - 10-12-2009 at 08:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by k-rico
And if the "outback" mode is for you, it's still here too.


When's the last time you wandered about out there?
Here....read this. I know it ain't Baja but it's the same idea.

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Gods-Middle-Finger/Richard-...

Iflyfish - 10-12-2009 at 09:55 PM

Thanks Dennis, always love a good read. Here’s one back at ya:
Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal, Another bit of lost history.

http://www.amazon.com/Lamb-GospelAccordingChristsChildhood/d...

I don't live in Ensenada, though I love the place and have been visiting there since the 1950's.

Urbanization inevitably brings change, congestion and the problems associated with places too large for people to know well their neighbors.

I have experienced similar change in the Santa Clara Valley, a place I lived for 18 years but now hardly recognize.

I recall clearly the year that the plastic bag was introduced into Mexico and the sisal bag and rebosso went the way of the Passenger Pigeon. From that year on the landscape is littered with what look like dead sea gulls, decaying white detritus covers the land. I recall the first "Bimbo" bread and the loss of the ubiquitous sound of the slapping hands making corn tortillas, don’t recall ever seeing wheat flour ones at that time, the thought never occurred to me.

I would imagine that to those who are now moving to Santa Clara, or to Ensenada for that matter, find the location and environment wonderful, particularly if they are leaving the north or mid west and the terrible weather that one experiences there.
Nature has provided Ensenada with a wonderful climate and a great location by the sea and at still reasonable prices compared to SoCal. Either of those places beats the hell out of shoveling snow in North Dakota, sure and yu betcha! Ufda! If you want to see crime, try East Oakland, Compton or Detroit etc. etc. Ensenada is a paradise compared to these places, though many love East Oakland, Detroit or Compton and would never, ever consider leaving.

I cannot see through the eyes of someone falling in love today, I can well remember my falling in love and it was different then. The famed Greek historian Herodotus said “No man ever steps into the same river twice”. So true, so true. The only constant is change and the only thing that really exists is the ever present NOW. We can live in our heads in the past, but the reality of our lives is NOW.

Given different circumstances I would choose to live in Baja and probably in or near Ensenada due to many of the reasons already mentioned and I would well appreciate the new Wal-Mart and Costco. I have grown to appreciate some of the finer things in life as I have matured and my tastes have evolved. I appreciate that one can get ones cappuccino in Ensenada now a days. In the old days one could only get Folgers instant…yuck!!

Life is change and the train has left the station amigo. We had better find a way to enjoy the ride.

Iflyfish

DENNIS - 10-12-2009 at 11:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Iflyfish
The only constant is change and the only thing that really exists is the ever present NOW. We can live in our heads in the past, but the reality of our lives is NOW.



Thanks, Rick. Good to hear from you and all above, well said.
I can't help think we're talking about different things when we mention "change." I understand moving with the flow of time and technology. I just can't abide having my freedom denied by the power of a criminal industry that has become stronger than the society that it lives in. The thought of "Who really controls my space" terrifies me.

Aside from that and in reference to your above statement, I wouldn't take anything for the memories of my past. They are a huge part of my present life and will influence my future. If I hadn't done it, would I ever believe that I went to Puerto Vallarta in the sixties, met a beautiful girl from New York and lived with her for six months in a Spartan casita overlooking Playas De Los Muertos on five hundred bucks? I enjoy that memory every day. It's a big part of my NOW.

Thanks again, Rick.

[Edited on 10-13-2009 by DENNIS]

lizard lips - 10-13-2009 at 04:44 AM

Ok Dennis. I want the complete story here. It is Baja related in that you are thinking about it-- in Baja.

k-rico - 10-13-2009 at 06:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by k-rico
And if the "outback" mode is for you, it's still here too.


When's the last time you wandered about out there?


I was out in the sticks a couple of months ago, went to La Bufadora for a few hours. I bought a slingshot for a 10 year old friend of mine from one of the 300 authentic Mexican rural tiendas along the walkway just past the 500 car parking lot.

Got to hand it to the folks that live out that way, very primitive. I saw only one OXXO, imagine that! ;D

[Edited on 10-13-2009 by k-rico]

DENNIS - 10-13-2009 at 07:00 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by k-rico

Got to hand it to the folks that live out that way, very primitive. I saw only one OXXO, imagine that! ;D



And an almost gas station. The pyramids were built faster but, soon.

bajabass - 10-13-2009 at 07:03 AM

As many great times in Ensenada go through my mind, I know I will not live in, or within several miles of Ensenada proper. It has grown much to loud and obnoxious over the last 20 years. If I want traffic, sirens, alarms, crowds, hookers and druggies, I can stay in Socal. I would consider La Mision a small rural community, close enough to enjoy the newer luxuries provided in Rosarito/Ensenada, yet far enough away to have some peace and solitude. The majority of things I need are right in a couple markets on the old road, anything else, you have to drive for. I assemble most needed items by several quick stops on the way in, and since getting married, no going to Ensenada evey week. My wife will drive in to see family, and get anything we, or my neighbors may need. they prefer not being in the city as well. Now that 95% of the constuction has stopped at Punta Piedra, which is directly between my lot and the beach, it is almost like old times again, for now. Waves and a few trucks from the toll road, that is it. Yes, it is ejido land, with the same risks as always. One I am willing to accept for now. If it changes, so will I. I have years of exploring and fishing to do. It will be in Baja. Next stop could be Mulege? My wife has family in San Bruno, and I hear good doctors are scarce in that area. Hey, I know about a nice little automotive shop for sale in Orange County, anyone interested?

DENNIS - 10-13-2009 at 07:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by lizard lips
Ok Dennis. I want the complete story here. It is Baja related in that you are thinking about it-- in Baja.


OK...I know. Sometimes my mind tends to wander beyond the perimeters. Sorry.