BajaNomad - I'm almost done here!

I'm almost done here!

bajabass - 1-20-2010 at 03:13 PM

OK fellow Nomads, here it is. I have owned an automotive shop in OC for over 20 years. The economy has ground my business down to almost nothing. A little over 2 years ago I married a wonderful young doctora from Ensenada. She and I have decided when we leave here for good, we want to end up somewhere between Santa Rosalia and the East Cape. That time may be coming very soon. My wife is a very smart, hard working lady. She went back to school, as a single mother in Ensenada, and became a doctor. Does anyone have any ideas where we might start looking for employment for her. I prefer the San Bruno- Mulege area. I've been repeatedly looking at the little casita for sale in the Orchard. 30k is a nice number for a little house. It would be 3 or 4 hundred thousand here. Any clinics or hospitals in the area needing a bright, young doctora? Or how would a farmacia with a clinic attached do down there? Her English is almost perfect, so treating and communicating with English speaking ex-pats will be no issue. If we can find reasonably gainful employment for her, I can retire and spend my days fishing in parsdise with Pescador, Russ, and Pomp! That's our deal, she works and goes to even more school now, and I get to fish full time when we finally make it south. :yes:

Any thoughts, ideas, leads, or suggestions would be great!!

Pompano - 1-20-2010 at 03:32 PM

bajabass...You already know you can't go wrong in our area. Mulege is a truly great place to live and would welcome you and your talented esposa with open arms. She would have a thriving practice in no time.

Lots of housing options available in town, the valley, and the Bay. Buy existing or build. Your choice there..I know better than to recommend real estate.

You're always welcome to go fishing with me...as are any other Nomads.

Warning, the cost can run as high as 2 beers....I ain't cheap.

toneart - 1-20-2010 at 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabass
OK fellow Nomads, here it is. I have owned an automotive shop in OC for over 20 years. The economy has ground my business down to almost nothing. A little over 2 years ago I married a wonderful young doctora from Ensenada. She and I have decided when we leave here for good, we want to end up somewhere between Santa Rosalia and the East Cape. That time may be coming very soon. My wife is a very smart, hard working lady. She went back to school, as a single mother in Ensenada, and became a doctor. Does anyone have any ideas where we might start looking for employment for her. I prefer the San Bruno- Mulege area. I've been repeatedly looking at the little casita for sale in the Orchard. 30k is a nice number for a little house. It would be 3 or 4 hundred thousand here. Any clinics or hospitals in the area needing a bright, young doctora? Or how would a farmacia with a clinic attached do down there? Her English is almost perfect, so treating and communicating with English speaking ex-pats will be no issue. If we can find reasonably gainful employment for her, I can retire and spend my days fishing in parsdise with Pescador, Russ, and Pomp! That's our deal, she works and goes to even more school now, and I get to fish full time when we finally make it south. :yes:

Any thoughts, ideas, leads, or suggestions would be great!!

Bajabass-
Mulege would be an excellent choice! Dr. Dan Silva, whom most gringos went to, has left town (not due to lack of patients...it was a personal matter). The casita in The Orchard for sale is directly opposite mine. Although I wasn't there during the "good old days of fishing", I have a boat there and thoroughly enjoy fishing there. I am certainly satisfied with our bounty there.

U2U me in you want more information. - Tony :bounce:

David K - 1-20-2010 at 03:46 PM

I am so excited for you! I say go for it... Pompano and other Nomads in the area will be great networking people to help her and you get started in your next 'life adventure'!

I

noproblemo2 - 1-20-2010 at 03:47 PM

Congrats, bajabass, so you will be trading La Mision for the warmer year round climate and fishing, lucky you :biggrin:

[Edited on 1-20-2010 by noproblemo2]

BajaGeoff - 1-20-2010 at 03:57 PM

Sounds like a great plan bajabass! Lucky you!

Russ - 1-20-2010 at 04:00 PM

I'll chime in about Mulege needing a doctor. We all have good things to say about Dr. Silva and his wife ran a lab for blood tests. Very convenient. There is a clinic in town too. Most of us are so afraid of the Santa Rosalia hospital we go elsewhere if at all possible. There are a couple good docs in Santa Rosalia now but Dr. Silva had many patience from there too. You need to bring your wife down and have the locals show you around. Maybe Dr. Silvas office is available. I think if you did set up here there would be many events to bring your wife up to speed. The communities here love to host events for worthy causes. Best of luck, Russ

[Edited on 1-20-2010 by Russ]

bajabass - 1-20-2010 at 04:22 PM

You all have just made a rainy, bummer of a day much brighter for me! As usually happens when I have the time to read and post here. I had hoped to keep going here until things got better, but I am losing money every day. I know mechanics work cheaply in Baja, but I have all of the equipment and tools to set up a brake, tire, front end shop as well. Maybe a small, part time repair business? :?:

Being married to a citizen might make that a little easier.

Bajahowodd - 1-20-2010 at 04:22 PM

IMHO, location choice really depends on what your revenue needs are. No doubt that given the current situation in Mulege, you could fit right in. But, truth be told, revenue will be minimal to moderate at best. Areas in and near both Loreto and La Paz would seem to me to offer more opportunity for a licensed physician. It would be all about how high you wanted to live.

bajabass - 1-20-2010 at 04:32 PM

My needs are simple, my little 18x35 ft block house in La Mision is great, just 600 or so miles to far north! Loreto is an option, but La Paz is to big for my tastes. Because of the downturn in business, and the deflated value of my business at current market value, I will not have the nest egg I was counting on. A moderate income is all we really need. I already live on chicken, fish, rice and beans. Just need beer money and gas for the boat. I use to jokingly tell my wife I married both my retirement and medical plans. Now it is not such a joke

Bienvenidos Amigo a El Club.

Bajahowodd - 1-20-2010 at 04:54 PM

I hear you. From what you are saying, Mulege may well be your spot.

noproblemo2 - 1-20-2010 at 04:58 PM

Well bajabass, you'd better start packing. Mulege seems to be calling you!!! Though it does get mighty hot in the summer, if you are keeping your La Mision place it would be a nice summer get away to cooler environs.

toneart - 1-20-2010 at 05:07 PM

Bajabass-
I should be in Mulege, The Orchard #90, from the first week of February on... If you are thinking of making a trip down to check things our, look me up. Life in The Orchard is improving, but you must be aware that the river flooding has caused lots of damage. As a permanent resident, you would be looking at having to move your stuff upstairs during hurricane warnings and evacuating. In my opinion, if a house is still standing after the last hurricane (Jimena), it is worth it. The market prices right now would certainly compensate. We clean up, make repairs, enjoy the good life and hope it doesn't happen again next year. The big hope is that the current weather cycle we are in will change for a few years, back to what is was; smaller floods or none at all. Until TS John, in 2006, The Orchard hadn't had a devastating flood since 1957.

Regarding Dr. Silva's office, I think his wife owns the building. She has/had(?) a clinic for lab testing, adjacent to Dr. Silva's clinic, in the same building.

bajabass - 1-20-2010 at 05:19 PM

My wife and I are a motivated self-starters. I hate to walk away from 20 years of hard labor, with not much to show for it. Though the longer I wait, I feel the less I will realize for my efforts here in California. I started this business on a whim, provoked by several well intentioned friends that said I would never quit a cushy job and risk it all on my ability to start a business from scratch. Well, I did it, much to their chagrin, and accolades. Maybe it IS time to step out on a limb, on a whim, and do it all over again! The more I hear, and the more I consider my options, the better it looks and sounds! Keep the ideas coming Nomads, and I thank you all!! Jon

LancairDriver - 1-20-2010 at 05:26 PM

The vote seems to be overwhelmingly Mulege. A very good choice.
Diana Johnson from an old Mulege family that owns the Serenidad Hotel has some very nice homes close to the hotel and river for sale that are out of the worst part of the flood zone and hardly affected at all by the last hurricane.

You can reach her at:

dianajohnson@mulegehouse.com

bajabass - 1-20-2010 at 05:38 PM

Dang, looks like I may need to do a exploratory search soon :light:

I could swing 4 days one Presidents weekend, and only close the shop one extra day. :yes:

Might even sqeeze in a day of fishing, research you know, highly technical research

Pescador - 1-20-2010 at 05:46 PM

Well, come on down and see what she really likes. I would love to introduce her to my friend who is a retired Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon who lives right next to me in San Bruno. I just got back from a week in San Jose and Cabo San Lucas and I could hardly wait to get back to the tranquility of San Bruno. I don't find a lot of attraction in the crowded situation along the river in Mulege but it may be completely to her liking. I think it is a personal matter and with a little time and exploration I am sure that you will find the place that works the best for both of you. Shoot, I might even take you out fishing to see if I can work on you about becoming permanent in the area as we can certainly use a good doctor and if you wanted to work on a car once in awhile between fishing trips, I am sure that you will figure out how to get that done.

luckyman - 1-20-2010 at 09:04 PM

there's a new hospital going up in la ribera i think...mulege is sounding good for you, but you might check further south as well.

arrowhead - 1-20-2010 at 11:21 PM

Your wife has near-perfect English and married to a Gringo. Why not take the California Medical Boards? Starting salary for a GP in an HMO like Kaiser in California is about $140K. 37-1/2 work week, benefits up the yazoo. You can take a 3-week vacation in Mulege every year. Avoid the Orchard. It floods. If she's a Mexican, she can buy a house on a fee simple lot on the beach. No need to lease and be at the mercy of a landlord.

[Edited on 1-21-2010 by arrowhead]

bajabass - 1-21-2010 at 08:47 AM

Right now the plan is for her to take the USMLE step 1 test in August. Depending upon the score, I may try to hold on here a little longer. The problem is in obtaining a residency. There are more young doctors than there are positions available.According to my wife, Mexico falls 3rd on the list of doctors from other countries obtaining residencies in the U.S. If she can find one, it may require leaving the state. For over 30 years my income has been in Ca., and at 51 years old, I do not want to start a new business or career here in the U.S. We both want to be in Baja. Her options for immediate employment are much more numerous in Mexico, plus, the fishing is much better there! Luckyman, thanks for the info about La Ribera! On our honeymoon in 2007, we spent 2 weeks roaming between Santa Rosalia and Cabo. A couple days up and down the East Cape convinced my wife that area would be her first choice. Housing seems quite a bit pricier there, but the income potential may be better as well! I think it is time to make a few trips down to the Cortez coast and do some more exploring. The problem is getting the time away from the shop. I have gone from five employees to one in the last 2 years. The cash reserves are depleted, so I must be open every day to keep the cash flow going. Even living in minimal comfort in O.C. is nowhere near cheap! I mat try to pull a four day run south over the Presidents Day weekend.

vandenberg - 1-21-2010 at 09:00 AM

Bajabass,
Give Loreto a look. Fairly exstensive gringo population, new hospital, which was up to recently looking for staff, great fishing, laid back community, always in need of a decent mechanic. Housing shouldn't be a problem either.

Russ - 1-21-2010 at 09:02 AM

That's a ton of driving in 4 days you need 10 days. 6 days for fun and exploring for the future.

mulegemichael - 1-21-2010 at 09:48 AM

please...go with mulege...we sure could use a good doctor here...there is a new hospital now so facilities are in place...our neighbor is jim christopher and he heads up the local rotarians who operate a little clinic here..you should chat with him...when you come to check it out you are welcome to stay in our guest casita, no problem.

bajabass - 1-21-2010 at 12:03 PM

I have done the drive from O.C. to Mulege in one day, three different times. It is a pain, but I cannot take much time off at the shop. I may need to send my wife down alone to check out the work situation. Since I am going to cease being the main breadwinner in the family, final destination will be determined by work needs for her.My only needs are my boat and Mar De Cortez!!!

bajabass - 1-21-2010 at 12:55 PM

Oh, my wife and dog as well!!

bacquito - 1-21-2010 at 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabass
OK fellow If we can find reasonably gainful employment for her, I can retire and spend my days fishing in parsdise with Pescador, Russ, and Pomp! That's our deal, she works and goes to even more school now, and I get to fish full time when we finally make it south. :yes:

Any thoughts, ideas, leads, or suggestions would be great!! [/quote

How can you improve on a perfect situation? You do not need my advice!

BajaGeoff - 1-21-2010 at 04:12 PM

What are you doing with the place in La Mision?

bajabass - 1-21-2010 at 06:02 PM

At this point I have been renting from a very old friend. If you are familiar with the ejido above Punta Prieta, I leased the first empty lot on the cliff that looks down on the river road and the beach at the turn out. My neighbor is Bill Rooney. On a clear day I can see all the way to the Coronado Islands! I have not started to build for several reasons. The ejido tried to start collecting money for trash and security. The few that did not want to pay raised a stink and got lawyers involved. Now there is no trash pick up, and very questionable security. There have been several breakins, a panga stolen, cars broken into and almost stolen. They have closed the road for use into the ejido at the Punta offramp, so now we have to go the long way around. In 8 years my lease caps at 2600. a year. Until things return to normal, I am not going to invest a lot of money in La Mision. I do plan on renting my little house forever. A place to escape the heat, close to the border, but not to close. The same reasons it has been the perfect escape on most weekends for the last eight years. Unless the lease rights could be sold for a good sum, I'll keep the lot and hope for better times to build.

bajabass - 1-23-2010 at 09:49 AM

Thanks for the tip audiobaja. We have begun even more serious discussions over the last few days. She likes the idea of La Paz, or within commuting distance of a teaching hospital. She is also afraid she would get bored quickly in a real small town. I on the other hand, after running a retail business in Socal for many years, want to get away from as much of the rat race as possible. If that area will make her happier, there are plenty of fish there, and plenty of places to trailer a small boat within a days towing. It could be the best of both worlds. Big city access, easy escape to solitude! I'll google the name of the hospital, and show her the results. Are you located in the La Paz area?

805gregg - 1-23-2010 at 09:56 AM

La Paz is a great little town, big enough to have all your needs and small enough to not feel like you are lost, plus they could always use a good mechanic.

bajabass - 1-23-2010 at 11:59 AM

In my trips south, I never stopped in La Paz. Seemed about the size of Ensenada, only cleaner.

yellowklr - 1-23-2010 at 07:39 PM

Good luck Jon....I really think you would be happy with La Paz. Even though it has become very large it still has a small town feel... And like you said plenty of fishing to be had.

mulegehouse - 1-23-2010 at 09:43 PM

please check www.mulegehouse.com you will find nice pictures from our new home we build if you come to come to mulege you can stay at hotel serenidad for one night at no cost so we can show you the house.

bajabass - 1-24-2010 at 11:19 AM

There are pages upon pages of google results for Salva Tierra. I'll have to let my wife sort through them all, and make a few calls. Thanks again Audiobaja. I am honored that your first post is a very gracious offer mulegehouse. We have stayed at the Serinidad a few times in the past. Always made very welcome and comfortable. Ah, carnitas and cubas by the pool on a Saturday night!! :yes:

I will surely be in touch when we get down there. We had already planned on staying there anyway. I swear I wish I could pack and leave now!! I am at work rebuilding the front suspension on a 1 ton box van, on a crisp, clear, socal morning :no:

bajabass - 1-24-2010 at 01:02 PM

Audiobaja, if you are in the neighborhood, ask if they are still hiring please. My wife is a general doctor now, and contemplating different specialties. Any feedback would be great!

Bajahowodd - 1-24-2010 at 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabass
In my trips south, I never stopped in La Paz. Seemed about the size of Ensenada, only cleaner.

If one was to just compare municipality population numbers, Ensenada has around 70,000 more people. But since La Paz is more isolated from surrounding development, it has considerably fewer people in the combined surrounding area. I agree with just about everything said about the place. And remember, it has a Dorian's. :spingrin:

bajabass - 1-24-2010 at 01:47 PM

The last thing my shoe addict wife needs is more choices of where to spend money! :no:

Are there reasonably priced rentals near the beach, but out of town a little? Say within a 20 or 30 minute drive? She needs a city, I need some peace and quiet.

Diver - 1-24-2010 at 02:04 PM

Here's a nice place in Comitan.

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=12716

bajabass - 1-24-2010 at 02:35 PM

Very nice place Diver, but I think it will sell before we are able to relocate. A bit out of my price range now as well. I think a rental where ever we decide will be the first step. I can see a lot of thought went into the building. The guest casita would be perfect for my wife's 15 year old son, and more privacy for us. May drive by for a look in February, and dream.

Bajahowodd - 1-24-2010 at 03:09 PM

There are plenty of desirable places within 30 or so minutes of downtown.

Diver - 1-24-2010 at 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabass
Very nice place Diver, but I think it will sell before we are able to relocate. A bit out of my price range now as well. I think a rental where ever we decide will be the first step. I can see a lot of thought went into the building. The guest casita would be perfect for my wife's 15 year old son, and more privacy for us. May drive by for a look in February, and dream.

This place is owned by fellow-Nomad "Comitan".
I bet it would be worth your while to stop and meet him for info on La Paz and the surrounding areas.
He also said something about "creative financing possibilities".
.

bajabass - 1-25-2010 at 08:10 AM

My wife has been able to stay out of the O.C. dream malls, Southcoast Plaza and Fashion Island, SO FAR! She decided she gets more for my money at Ross and Marshall's. :biggrin:

I hope to keep it that way until we leave. I will surely be talking and visiting with as many Nomads as possible, between San Bruno and La Ribera. The ideas, leads, and information I have recieved in this short time has already been a great help. We had a long talk last night, and she is certain she can get work anywhere in BCS. I like the idea of having a city the size of La Paz close by, but no so close I have to deal with traffic and noise daily. Hence the house in La Mision, not Rosarito or Ensenada. Comitan's house would be a retirement dream! I may have to fly down to check it out. My February trip will probably lack the time to make it all the way to La Paz.I will try to take a look at the Mulege-Loreto area on that trip. I may try to fly her down over Easter vacation, bad time to drive, Semana Santa and all, but she will have a couple extra vacation days by then. We are both getting very excited over all the possibilities that seem to be open to us. I have already started a major house and shop overhaul and thrown out or given away a bunch of stuff I rarely use or have no need to pack south. I am sure many of you know the stuff that builds up over 30 years of running a household and a business! Just my tools will fill my truck, let alone everything else. The logistics of a move will be a daunting task, but one I think I will truly enjoy. I have always traveled with a light load, but this is a far different animal. Again, thanks to all Nomads for the positive response to my post. I had a feeling that would be the case :biggrin:

Diver - 1-25-2010 at 08:24 AM

I'm already dying to hear the happy ending !! :biggrin:

We're not there yet, but I can imagine the thrill of all the possibilities; the adventure...
I hope you find what you're looking for.

Osprey - 1-25-2010 at 08:39 AM

The smaller the town, the less you and your wife will spend. Especially on clothes. Your wardrobe requirements might compare with mine = 2 Tshirts every 4 years.

Said another way: "If you live in a mall, YOU WILL go busted" The reason is very simple --- you will be happy with what you have until you touch what you want.

bajabass - 1-25-2010 at 09:40 AM

Thanks Diver! From before the day we were married on the shore at Quintas Papagayos in Ensenada, we have known we would end up in Baja Sur. We spent a 2 week honeymoon relishing in the beauty of Baja, knowing one day we would be there for good. Just not this soon!

bajabass - 1-25-2010 at 12:47 PM

Amen Osprey! I already live in jeans and T-shirts. Got a good stock of fishing shorts and ball caps as well. Maybe I need to open a Pacifico store also :light:

That could really keep expenses down!

Bajahowodd - 1-25-2010 at 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lencho

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
And remember, it has a Dorian's. :spingrin:

Renamed to..... Sears.

Gee. That must have happened recently. Doesn't really make all that much sense to me, but I guess Carlos Slim knows what he's doing. Dorians just seemed to carry higher-end merchandise. It would be like in the US, Kmart changing all their Sears stores to Kmart.

comitan - 1-25-2010 at 02:39 PM

Checked out the Sears store last week, looks mostly the sames as Dorians but do have craftsman tools.

bajafreaks - 1-25-2010 at 05:55 PM

Have you given Los Barriles/Buena Vista any thought ??? Wonderful place but maybe too far to La Paz. There is a small clinic in town but that's about it... just a thought.

bajabass - 1-25-2010 at 06:16 PM

We are going to take a look in La Ribera and Los Barriles. It might be to small for her, but perfect for me. I guess there is a new hospital open or opening soon in La Ribera. How is the marina project going there?

bajafreaks - 1-25-2010 at 06:27 PM

Some friends went by the marina in December and said there was currently nothing going on, they have done alot of dirt work but you really can't make heads or tails of it yet.

bajabass - 1-25-2010 at 06:32 PM

A good ramp with decent facilities would go a long way in my decision :biggrin:

bajafreaks - 1-25-2010 at 06:43 PM

I agree it will be nice once the marina goes in for lauching boats from the Barriles area, currently there isn't really anything except beach/sand lauching, verdugos isn't too bad but it's still sand, there may a couple spots I'm unaware of but no concrete to the water. Bought a lot in Buena Vista a few years ago with the plan to build and then the economy decided to put that off for me, but I'm not giving up the dream.

luckyman - 1-25-2010 at 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabass
We are going to take a look in La Ribera and Los Barriles. It might be to small for her, but perfect for me. I guess there is a new hospital open or opening soon in La Ribera. How is the marina project going there?

i'll be in la ribera next week, so i'll check on the progress of the hospital. when i was there in september the walls were coming together but it looked far from complete.
the marina project has slowed to a crawl from what i've heard. they moved a bunch of sand and brought in lots of rock a couple of summers ago, but not much action since then. it's still a small town, and i'm hoping it will stay that way for a while.

bajabass - 1-26-2010 at 08:00 AM

Launching over the sand is a piece of cake with my little 16ft whaler clone. The 19ft Invader CC I am assembling might be a different story. Though with my plasma cutter and mig welder, I am sure I can Frankenstein a wide drop axle with fat tires to get it done. After spending some time with a map, it looks like Loreto or La Paz will give me quick travel times north to San Bruno-Mulege, south to the East Cape and Cabo. I get giddy just thinking of the options. Real hard to stay asleep the last few weeks! I wake up in the middle of the night and different scenarios begin racing through my mind. O.K., back to my paperwork before I open the doors at eight.

Osprey - 1-26-2010 at 02:12 PM

I guess it depends on how much you plan to fish. Nothin easy here. Our little sand beach is fine for launching if you have the right gear, know what you're doing. The furthest house in town is only 8 blocks from the beach (14 miles to Verdugos in Barriles). All the older panga engines are best because they all kick up on the return to beach runup. You got to know that it will be easy getting in at first light but often very rough coming back home late in the day and if you have hydralics you might find yourself between the sap and bark. Not for everyone but the trick is to have a boat/launch/haul vehicle combo you can reduce the risks with, fish more days. In our village we have seen parades of gringos who buy a lot or house, bring down a big boat with a big motor, can't fish it here so they downsize but stay with new hydralic motors, have to DOWNGRADE or make the long drive to Verdugos to fish. Better think all of that over, ask around, check out La Ventana area -- on this side of East Cape it's Verdugos or nothing til you get to San Jose. That ramp opens about 8:30 I heard.

[Edited on 1-26-2010 by Osprey]

bajabass - 1-26-2010 at 03:47 PM

Thanks for the info Osprey! My skiff is a 16 foot copy of a 13Whaler, extended 3ft. Ensenada Boat Works built it. Very light, on a low single axle trailer. 40 hp Suzuki-manual tilt. I have a Tundra 4x4, and have launched from the sand many times. Yeah, the deep V Invader would be a chore, but with a tongue extension it should work in most situations.

Heck, I may just finish the Invader, sell it and buy a panga. It has a older(79) Merc 85-manual tilt-trim now. Was thinking of a newer Yamaha 2 or 4 stroke. I have heard Yamaha is the way to go for parts and service in Baja. The Merc has a new powerhead, but is to old to be trustworthy, IMHO.

bajabass - 1-27-2010 at 08:42 AM

I am doing a little wondering here. With the capture of El Teo, and the possible involvment of politicians in Baja Sur, do you see the violence that has been mostly limited to the north, drifting southward :?:

Russ - 1-27-2010 at 08:48 AM

Sometimes I wonder if the cartels couldn't run things better than corrupt politicians? But then I remember how they get all their money and go to the next dream.

bajabass - 1-27-2010 at 09:43 AM

So long as there are no more running gun battles through San Bruno and San Lucas Cove,eh?

roamingthroughbaja - 1-27-2010 at 12:51 PM

If you are thinking about La Paz, think of El Centenario. It is about 15 minutes from the new Salvatierra hospital in La Paz, small town, lots of beach things to do on the quiet beaches to the north. It could also use a good English speaking doctor with a consult attached to a farmacia. There is one here, but the doctor who is there most of the time doesn't speak English and it is very, very basic. There are a lot of foreigners who would be lined up to see your wife. Also, there are some cheap rentals around if you wanted to try it out first. Here is the website for the local real estate office, just to give you an idea: www.lapaz-centenariohomes.com.

bajabass - 1-27-2010 at 01:42 PM

rtb, pardon my abbr. I type slow, THANKS! My wife worked as a doctor in the clinic attached to a Farmacia Similares in Ensenada, and as a basic MD for the ISSTECALI hospital as well. Her English is good enough to deal with U.S. insurance companies, doctors, nurses , labs, ect., in her current job as a case manager for a home health care provider here in Ca. She has said it would be possible for us to start a Dr. Simi type clinic/RX business. If there is enough demand not being currently met, it might even be profitable. Unlike my business for the last couple years. Now, how about demand for a english speaking brake, suspension, alignment expert? I know mechanics work cheaply in Baja, but the boat needs gas and Pacifico to operate properly :biggrin:

roamingthroughbaja - 1-27-2010 at 02:13 PM

There is 1 1/4 (I think) farmacias in El Centenario and I'm sure the population could support another. To me, a proper clinic is really needed, not just the 40 peso "here's a prescription clinic", but one where someone could actually get a checkup without going to three different doctors.

Re the brake, suspension etc., shop? Who knows? There are lots of backyard mechanics and one brake shop (which from my experience isn't very good) in Centenario, so that might work out for you. Anyone else in Centenario have a comment on this?

bajabass - 1-27-2010 at 04:08 PM

This is starting to sound even better rtb! Any gringos in La Paz or El Centenario need a good, honest mechanic? Sounds like you need a doctor. I'll pack my tools!

fishbuck - 1-27-2010 at 04:10 PM

Did you like the lotes website I sent you?

bajabass - 1-27-2010 at 04:21 PM

Funny you ask Fishbuck. I have known about the cove development for close to 2 years now. George is a customer at my business here in Orange. When he is in the states, he stays at a very nice RV park here in Orange with his motorhome. He beats the hell out of his Subaru down there. Nice lots for sure. Like the idea of good water pressure and a real sewage system. My wife really wants a bigger town though. It would be ideal for me, but she will be the one having to work. :spingrin:

Not Me!!

fishbuck - 1-27-2010 at 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabass
Funny you ask Fishbuck. I have known about the cove development for close to 2 years now. George is a customer at my business here in Orange. When he is in the states, he stays at a very nice RV park here in Orange with his motorhome. He beats the hell out of his Subaru down there. Nice lots for sure. Like the idea of good water pressure and a real sewage system. My wife really wants a bigger town though. It would be ideal for me, but she will be the one having to work. :spingrin:

Not Me!!

Just a couple of miles to S. Rosalia. Should be plenty of work for a Doctora there.
Yeah, I like the lots too. Might need one to go along with Campo Fishbuck in SanQ.

bajabass - 1-27-2010 at 05:09 PM

Yeh Mike, it would be ideal, but she wants a bigger town with a teaching medical university. On the bright side, short drive north or south to S.B. or Cabo!!

comitan - 1-27-2010 at 05:48 PM

El Centenario does have an English speaking doctor that mostly specializes in diabetic's.

k-rico - 1-27-2010 at 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch
I wonder how that would work? Everything I've read says ixnay on the worknay if it would take away work a Mexican can do...
maybe since you are married to a Mexican national that could work for you.....

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabass
This is starting to sound even better rtb! Any gringos in La Paz or El Centenario need a good, honest mechanic? Sounds like you need a doctor. I'll pack my tools!

With the correct visa an American can work in Mexico and being married to a Mexican, and owning property in Mexico, will make getting the right visa alot easier.

fishbuck - 1-27-2010 at 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch
Good to hear k-rico.
Very cool. Then I better get to work on my NABCEP training to become a photovoltaic designer and installer.....I want a little something to do when I retire but not too much.

I recommend Bartender school and then go to Mulege.

bajabass - 1-27-2010 at 06:35 PM

Thanks K-Rico, that is how my wife understands it as well. We were married in both the U.S.A. and Mexico. I have certain rights, married to a citizen, and living in Mexico. Unless I become a citizen, we can hold property together, though not me solely. I also believe Mexico is a "community property' country. So, what she owns, I own, and I could work at a business we own together. Maybe the reverse of Shari and Juan! She doctors, and I occaisionally get paid to FISH :biggrin:

The idea is for me not to really work for at least a couple years, or maybe build a house in between fishing trips. I'm a tired puppy,ready for a looong nap!

bajabass - 1-27-2010 at 06:42 PM

Hey Fishbuck, don't think the idea of a little cantina as a retirement diversion has not crossed my mind! Mixing maggies is a lot more fun than fixing Fords! Fish till noon, and tend bar till 8!

wessongroup - 1-29-2010 at 07:36 AM

Bajabass, not sure how you could work it out, maybe payment in chickens and tamales.. which isn't bad either.. but just a thought..

Remember a number that stopped me in my tracks.. it was related to that terrible bus crash where so many folks got killed just a month or so back on the road over to Mexicali .. brake failure..

But, the thing that struck me more than anything else was the statement for the head of the Department of Transportation who said the 80% of ALL accidents in Mexico could be prevented with proper maintenance of vehicles.. not sure how one would be able to "work it out" but would appear to be a real "need" here for repair..

Again, not sure how one would work it all out.. but where there is a need, there is opportunity.. and I think you said you have tools.. some folks work the old fashion way, no money, just barter.. I fix your brakes you fix my roof.. just maybe.. think if all here put their collective minds to it, just about anything is possible...

I don't have too much to do, I will keep thinking and looking.. if that is ok.. don't think it's charity, rather just help a neighbor out...

Good luck, sure it will go just fine...

[Edited on 1-29-2010 by wessongroup]

bajabass - 1-29-2010 at 07:57 AM

Trading labor or goods is an option for sure! I think most work would come from gringos, but who knows for sure. The tools are not a problem, after 30 years of wrenching on cars and trucks, I have a 4500 sqft shop with 5 hoists and equipment up the kazoo! The hard part would be importation I think.$$$ I see many cars from bodyshops for alignment after collisions. I don't have numbers, but after all my years in this business, I have noticed that a fair number of cars have bald tires, poor brakes, or steering and/or suspension problems! Even more so a few weeks after significant rain. Take care of your vehicles Nomads, it saves money, and lives!!!

wessongroup - 1-29-2010 at 08:06 AM

Have to agree, front end work would keep you busy alone... the pot hole do a number on aliment and I watch my tire constantly for those tell tale signs of uneven wear.. have been lucky so far, they are still looking ok, after four months on the old road and some "pothole" which is an under statement.. there were two that the wife named, the "Gaviota Pits" both in the right lanes, south bound.. they had to be almost 2 feet deep and deep enough to put a dent in your rim if not careful.. we watched a car ahead of us hit it square, the driver and passenger both hit their heads on the roof of their car.. this last week, the wife drove up to Rosarito, on the way back we saw someone and put "dirt" into the first pit.. the second was still working..

bajabass - 1-29-2010 at 09:32 AM

:biggrin:

I like the way you think sir! That is the main idea. Work for me would only be out of boredom, or needing the cash.