BajaNomad - Spring Break hotel reservations for San Felipe are "nil"

Spring Break hotel reservations for San Felipe are "nil"

Woooosh - 2-13-2011 at 11:26 AM

"No reservations is a very critical situation"

And what were they really expecting for Spring Break this year in San Felipe? The alarming part is they say the economic damage could close the hotels for good- which need at least a 50% occupancy rate to survive. Their plan is to actually CLOSE the hotels during slow months to save operating expenses- you think the employees get compensated for that?

The security situation is basically the same as last year, only with more bad news of some cruise lines pulling out of Mexico for lack of passengers and some roughing up of passengers and crew. No more blaming the swine flu or saying the NOB media is blowing things out of proportion- which is refreshing.

The Rosarito mayor is fighting the new alcohol control law that closes all nightclubs (that don't buy extra hours) in TJ and Rosarito at 1am. Good luck on that bringing the Spring Break crowds back for this year. I wonder how the Rosarito Spring Break packages are selling?

http://sb2011.papasandbeer.com/group-trips.php

http://www.frontera.info/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Noticias/13022...

MEXICALI, Baja California (PH)

The hotel industry in San Felipe is at risk, registering a 50% drop in foreign tourist flow in the port. In addition, for vacation of the "spring break", American students, reservations are nil, attributed this to the image of violence in Mexico and Baja California that has abroad.

In previous years, during spring break, thousands were students from various parts of Southern California and Arizona, traveling to the port of San Felipe.

The representative of the hotel sector, Cesar Araiza Dueñas, reported that for this holiday season may fall even rates, topping 60%.

Until yesterday, San Felipe had only 20% of hotel rooms occupied. The decline was recorded from the crisis of 2008, when it fell by 50% the flow of American tourism and consistent during the two years did not increase it.

Araiza said the U.S. Warrants issued an image of danger and violence in Mexico have damaged the port, being at risk of closing of the hotel industry permanently. He stated that for this season is considered high, will remain open all hotels.

But close by seasons evaluated, because it requires a minimum residential occupation of 50% to cover operating expenses and is not currently achieved.

The temporary closures will be during the off seasons, he said, because monthly costs are high and the sector does not have to pay expenses without guests.

"No Reservations, is a very critical situation," said Araiza.
By the end of the month, he said, hotel occupancy is just over 22% of clients in the rooms.

[Edited on 2-13-2011 by Woooosh]

TMW - 2-13-2011 at 12:34 PM

During the middle of Spring Break is the San Felipe 250 SCORE race March 11, 12 and 13 and that fills up the hotels. With pre-running two weeks before the race most of the hotel rooms won't be available until after the 13th.

Bajahowodd - 2-13-2011 at 03:16 PM

The Mayan Palace at Rocky Point is running a two for one deal. Two suites for the price of one. Business slow there too.

bajalou - 2-13-2011 at 03:35 PM

At least one motel is full all the time - workers at the gold mine north of Highy 3. Rumor another is being re-opened for the workers also.

Ken Cooke - 2-13-2011 at 03:39 PM

My Baja Grande event will roll into San Felipe during Semana Santa. We're sticking mainly to the backcountry, but Mrs. Cooke wants her plate of Huevos Rancheros and I want my Baja 250 t-shirts, so we will $pend, $pend, $pend! while we are there...

krafty - 2-13-2011 at 04:11 PM

The Blues Festival at the end of March should help out as well

Woooosh - 2-13-2011 at 04:48 PM

So why do they make it sound so bleak? "nil" spring breakers didn't sound encouraging, but if the hotels are being filled by other groups- why the threat of low occupancy rates and closures? Do most nomads not stay in the "spring break hotels" while participating in race events down there? You mean camping or RVing doesn't add to the local economy? (of course they do)

It could be more college kids have less to spend with tuition skyrocketing. This is the first story I have seen for Spring Break 2011 so not sure what other resorts are anticipating.

[Edited on 2-14-2011 by Woooosh]

Bajahowodd - 2-13-2011 at 04:56 PM

So many other measurements of the economy point to increased consumer confidence and spending. Cabo is doing pretty well. My feeling is that it is the proximity to the border and the crime that is the major deterrent for places like San Feleipe and Rosarito. JMHO

bajalou - 2-13-2011 at 04:57 PM

Haven't had spring breakers for a few years. Samana Santa will fill the town a lot.

But like anywhere, it takes a lot to support a business - a good week now and then doesn't make it.

mcfez - 2-13-2011 at 07:26 PM

I stated a few months ago that my wife and her friends went to the the SF house for a week. They eventually ended up downtown, where it was "silent and still".....the friends proceeded to buy t shirt gifts for taking back home to Sacramento. Upon payment for these shirts....the clerk broke into tears....saying over and over....gracias gracias gracias.

Not many sales in town.

And many store fronts out of business. What a shame.

I do know last year at Spring Break.....the town was hopping.

ArvadaGeorge - 2-13-2011 at 07:35 PM

I used to bring a big group of M/C ,camping families to S/F some years it was over 30 to 40 people. We had to book in advance at Pete's.
Now with the petty thefts that happened regularly and all the bad press my friends all camped this year in Arz.

bent-rim - 2-13-2011 at 08:34 PM

Many moons ago I rolled into SF during spring break, it was a cluster f*ck. I headed out to Mikes and had the place to myself. There was a woman there that cooked me a good dinner and breakfast and they had a cooler full of Corona's. It's one of my fondest memories of Baja.

It'll ALL work out.

MrBillM - 2-14-2011 at 10:06 AM

One Way or Another.

Driving through San Felipe lately, I have noticed more Emptied out Storefronts than EVER (since 1966, anyway).

However, It's unclear whether the vacancies in Downtown are a clear indication of overall volume since so much business is moving North of town.

But, there will always be more than back in the days when you were never sure WHAT you could find in San Felipe, including Gasoline, Propane, Food, Construction Materials and the like so those (like myself) who were satisfied in those days will still be content. It will just (perhaps) require more advance planning.

AND, there's ALWAYS an upside to fewer people showing up.

Don't Worry. Be Happy.

[Edited on 2-14-2011 by MrBillM]

Hook - 2-14-2011 at 10:21 AM

Why would anyone go to SF for spring break? The air temps will probably be nice but there's a decent chance it will be windy and the water isn't swim-able until much later.

SF's past spring breaks are probably a victim of college students finding better places to go as well as the perception of crime near the border.

Recently, the Arizona schools (ASU, U of A) have been heavily warning their students on their websites about doing spring break in Mexico.

Woooosh - 2-14-2011 at 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
One Way or Another.

Driving through San Felipe lately, I have noticed more Emptied out Storefronts than EVER (since 1966, anyway).

However, It's unclear whether the vacancies in Downtown are a clear indication of overall volume since so much business is moving North of town.

But, there will always be more than back in the days when you were never sure WHAT you could find in San Felipe, including Gasoline, Propane, Food, Construction Materials and the like so those (like myself) who were satisfied in those days will still be content. It will just (perhaps) require more advance planning.

AND, there's ALWAYS an upside to fewer people showing up.

Don't Worry. Be Happy.

[Edited on 2-14-2011 by MrBillM]

Empty hotels and storefronts are no different than empty or unfinished condo projects and over-hyped residential developments. They all rolled the dice on continued economic and tourism growth and it came up craps. They just can't come to grips with that. The sad part is many pristine places in Baja were ravaged and no one can/will restore it back to the way Nomads remember it. The decaying buildings will haunt us forever.

Ken Cooke - 2-14-2011 at 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

Empty hotels and storefronts are no different than empty or unfinished condo projects and over-hyped residential developments. They all rolled the dice on continued economic and tourism growth and it came up craps. They just can't come to grips with that. The sad part is many pristine places in Baja were ravaged and no one can/will restore it back to the way Nomads remember it. The decaying buildings will haunt us forever.

I completely agree with this assessment. Drive up Hwy 1 through the 'Golden Triangle' and this is completely evident.

DENNIS - 2-14-2011 at 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
The decaying buildings will haunt us forever.

Rosarito.....2015

http://mirrorcracked.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/ghost_town....

Woooosh - 2-14-2011 at 10:48 AM

I thinking more "Planet of the apes"- but you're close. :lol:

bufeo - 2-14-2011 at 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by TW
During the middle of Spring Break is the San Felipe 250 SCORE race March 11, 12 and 13 and that fills up the hotels. With pre-running two weeks before the race most of the hotel rooms won't be available until after the 13th.

Not if the current (2-14-11) entry list is any indication. Less than 100 entries at this point, if my count is correct.

That seems to me to be quite a decline over previous years. Perhaps there will be a plethora of late entries.

Allen R

Could they have been singing about Rosarito Beach all along?

Ken Cooke - 2-14-2011 at 11:00 AM

bajalou - 2-14-2011 at 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
Why would anyone go to SF for spring break? The air temps will probably be nice but there's a decent chance it will be windy and the water isn't swim-able until much later.

SF's past spring breaks are probably a victim of college students finding better places to go as well as the perception of crime near the border.

Recently, the Arizona schools (ASU, U of A) have been heavily warning their students on their websites about doing spring break in Mexico.

The tour companies that bring spring breakers to their destinations decided that San Felipe was unsafe because of the violence in other parts of Mexico. They used to bring 4-8000 breakers here over about a 4 week period. That ended a few years ago. The tour companies control the big numbers of spring breakers, not too many small groups on their own. SWAT, Summer Winter Action Tours, is a outfit that used to bring them.

Samana Santa still fills the town up, mostly Mexican people from Tijuana, Mexicali, Ensenada and So. Calif. That's when a lot of the locals stay out of town.

hope! yes we can!

mtgoat666 - 2-14-2011 at 12:48 PM

tourism provides about 10% of mexico's GDP, and is 4th largest source of foreign exchange. 95% of tourists are gringos.
the US economic collapse (****** ** ***) and crime news (thanks to gringo appetites) have hurt tourism.

things got to change before tourism will recover, hope the federales and locals can rid the country of cartels, ************************************

[Edited on 2-16-2011 by BajaNomad]

DENNIS - 2-14-2011 at 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666
things got to change before tourism will recover, hope the federales and locals can rid the country of cartels, ***********************************

Better hope the border makes a few adjustments as well. That is a major obstacle for free-flowing tourism.

[Edited on 2-16-2011 by BajaNomad]

mtgoat666 - 2-14-2011 at 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666
things got to change before tourism will recover, hope the federales and locals can rid the country of cartels, ********************************

Better hope the border makes a few adjustments as well. That is a major obstacle for free-flowing tourism.

and for that mess at the border, we only have our federal govt to blame.
homeland security is the enemy of trade between mexico and US. homeland security needs to rewrite their mission statement to make trade priority number 1.

[Edited on 2-16-2011 by BajaNomad]

Bajahowodd - 2-14-2011 at 01:48 PM

I don't think we should underestimate how much of a chilling effect the passport requirement has had on tourism. Especially spring break and extemporaneous travel. We folks are continually reporting how lax the border enforcement is regarding passports. But we are the minority exception. The average Joe and Jill likely only knows what the official line is for passports. This is probably even more true for tour operators. Cannot imaging any licensed tour operator either encouraging or allowing a customer to cross the border in official violation of Federal law.

Gotta remember, Americans have a woefully low rate of passport ownership.

Woooosh - 2-14-2011 at 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Gotta remember, Americans have a woefully low rate of passport ownership.

I should think the spring break destinations would have compensated for that in their occupancy projections. They act stunned by the lack of reservations. You would also think with tourism being 10% of the economy, the Mexican Tourism department would become more like tour operators themselves- instead of depending on a US based companies to bring them the business. Why haven't they?

socialism has great benifits

mtgoat666 - 2-14-2011 at 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
You would also think with tourism being 10% of the economy, the Mexican Tourism department would become more like tour operators themselves- instead of depending on a US based companies to bring them the business. Why haven't they?

swooshie:
spoken like a true socialist! just what we want, the mexican tourism board being in charge of rounding up customers for hotels and pangueros that toe inflated bananas :lol:

Woooosh - 2-14-2011 at 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

swooshie:
spoken like a true socialist! just what we want, the mexican tourism board being in charge of rounding up customers for hotels and pangueros that toe inflated bananas :lol:

What's the alternative? A gov't system to feed all the people in the tourism industry who no longer have incomes? I think people would rather work than be given a handout. How many countries do not have an active hand in the tourism industry? The Mayor of Rosarito just got back from Mexico City where he asked the President to open an office to "fight extreme poverty in various sectors of the population of Rosarito." I think the socialist cat is already out of the bag.

The GOOD NEWS? "Javier Aguirre Robles expressed as a priority- the project to build a pedestrian walkway and boardwalk on the beach in Rosarito is essential to attract more tourists to the city which was pending on the agenda of the Federal Government." I have some beach to donate to that effort.

http://rosaritoenlanoticia.blogspot.com/2011/02/alcalde-entr...

[Edited on 2-15-2011 by Woooosh]

Bajahowodd - 2-14-2011 at 05:37 PM

Don't be that cynical. I've seen hundreds of happy folks on those banana thingys in San Lucas Bay over the years!

But, the elaborate on my previous post, San Diego has had a thriving convention business for many years. Anyone have an idea just how many conventioneers from Paducah to Poughkeepsie decided whilst in San Diego, to take an organized junket to TJ to shop, or Puerto Nuevo for lobster?

Just saying that since domestic travelers simply do not carry their passports, added to those who just simply don't have them so many folks will never have such an experience in the future.

Just as Osama has seemingly caused the West to invest an enormous amount of money in security and fundamentally changed the routine of most Americans, the cartels have to be given a nod for having put a huge dent in tourism to Mexico.

Woooosh - 2-14-2011 at 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Don't be that cynical. I've seen hundreds of happy folks on those banana thingys in San Lucas Bay over the years!

Also take a look at how much money San Diego spends to attract and book convention groups (CONVIS budget is $16.2 Million this year). That's all "Spring Break" is in reality- a convention group.

[Edited on 2-15-2011 by Woooosh]

Bajahowodd - 2-14-2011 at 06:20 PM

Dontcha just yearn for the good old days, when everyone could cross the border without a care in the world?

Lobsterman - 2-15-2011 at 11:44 AM

Goat *** *** ****** **** **** ** **** ******** *** *** **** ****** *** *** *** **** *** ****** ** *** **** ******* *** **** ******* ** * ******* **** ** *** ******* ********** ** *** ***** **** ***** *** ******. Secondly the main reason people are not going to mexico is because of the security there. People like myself and many, many others that have all the $ we need and still do not travel there any more because of the thieving culture there that is getting worst not better. The internet and news has let the genie out of the bottle and it can never be put back in until mexico changes its thieving culture. Plus mexico is no longer a bargin for anything.

[Edited on 2-16-2011 by BajaNomad]

DENNIS - 2-15-2011 at 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666
pangueros that toe inflated bananas :lol:

How many people can you pile on one of those things? Pretty soon they'll be finding them abandoned all over San Diego beaches.

Look...here's some illegals practicing the surrender:

http://www.bali-activities.com/images/banana%20boat.jpg

DENNIS - 2-15-2011 at 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Dontcha just yearn for the good old days, when everyone could cross the border without a care in the world?

It's still that way for the Mexicans.

Woooosh - 2-15-2011 at 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Dontcha just yearn for the good old days, when everyone could cross the border without a care in the world?

It's still that way for the Mexicans.

Dennis, I usually tend to agree with you but I think my Mexican neighbors have it the same or worse than we do. They are targeted as much, if not more. It pretty much sucks for everyone.

JoeJustJoe - 2-15-2011 at 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lobsterman
Goat *** *** ****** **** **** ** **** ******** *** *** **** ****** *** *** *** **** *** ****** ** *** **** ******* *** **** ******* ** * ******* **** ** *** ******* ********** ** *** ***** **** ***** *** ******. Secondly the main reason people are not going to mexico is because of the security there. People like myself and many, many others that have all the $ we need and still do not travel there any more because of the thieving culture there that is getting worst not better. The internet and news has let the genie out of the bottle and it can never be put back in until mexico changes its thieving culture. Plus mexico is no longer a bargin for anything.

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Well there are lots of wimps in the USA **** ************ that are afraid to visit Mexico because of the sensationalized news stories about narco violence in Mexico especially the border areas. ( of course the wimps are also scared of their own shadow)

It's good to see that not all Americans are wimps. According to a few articles including the one I posted below. Overall tourism is up in Mexico especially in the resort cities where thousands of Americans still vacation and still get great bargains.

If you ask me places like San Felipe, Rosarito Beach, and Tijuana have other problems besides the drug cartel violence that keeps some Americans from visiting Mexico. You have the Bush caused rescission that's just starting to rebound a little bit now. You have the new passport law that keeps Mexican-Americans tourist away from taking their family because passports cost nearly $100 dollars a pop unless they get the "passcard" which many people don't know about. You have problems with the border cities themselves like Tijuana that hasn't upgraded itself in years with better stores, restaurants, and clubs. Who wants to buy Mexican blankets, fake Cuban cigars, and other cheap things?

These places in Baja have to spend a little money on redevelopment in order to upgrade themselves with more tourist attractions and services like cheap medical care and proscription drugs.
______________________________________

Tourism to Mexico Is Up

Undeterred by travel warnings and frightening headlines about safety in Mexico, an increasing number of international tourists are flying to the country, according to the Mexico Tourism Board. The number of international tourists who flew to Mexico from January to August increased 19 percent over the same period last year, according to the board, and most were from the United States. More than four million American citizens flew to Mexico, an increase of 15 percent over the same period last year, and about 61 percent of international tourists to Mexico are Americans.

“There are several reasons why Mexico’s tourism numbers are up, but the strongest reason is the value Mexico delivers,” said Alfonso Sumano, director of the Americas for the tourism board. “In addition to having several of the top sun and beach destinations of the world, Mexico has 30,000 archeological sites, 110,000 monuments and 31 Unesco World Heritage sites. Many places have one or maybe two of these elements, but only Mexico combines all of them in one destination.”

The surge in tourism is being matched by a surge in flights from North American hubs: Continental, United Airlines and Delta have all announced plans for additional flights to Mexican destinations, including Mexico City

[Edited on 2-15-2011 by JoeJustJoe]

[Edited on 2-16-2011 by BajaNomad]

DENNIS - 2-15-2011 at 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

Dennis, I usually tend to agree with you but

It was just a back-handed comment to the lack of effort by our federal government. I know the Mexicans have no easy time of it and I don't blame the sincere workers for doing it, as difficult as our government has made it to do it legally.
Sometimes I wish I could do it, but I'm sure it would be a felony to try.

sancho - 2-15-2011 at 03:02 PM

Quote:

the US economic collapse (***** ** ***) and crime news (thanks to gringo appetites) have hurt tourism.

things got to change before tourism will recover, hope the federales and locals can rid the country of cartels, **********************************

Well Said

[Edited on 2-16-2011 by BajaNomad]

capt. mike - 2-16-2011 at 07:20 AM

mexico is going downhill fast.

and who cares? plenty of better places to recreate and spend $$s.

after traveling extensively throughout the mainland and baja 1975 to present by car, plane, train and boat i can see the changes - they will probably have an egyption style revolt down the road since they are so corrupt.

for me mexico is old hat and my options are changing to newer and better venues. how can you limit yourself to the same stale experiences over and over thru the years?

too bad as for a while i had thought of early retirement in baja - not now - too many problems and no real advantage given the many excellent and affordable destinations in USA and her territories.

mtgoat666 - 2-16-2011 at 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by capt. mike
mexico is going downhill fast.

and who cares? not me.

we won't miss you here.
please take you anti-mexico stance to lake havasu or sun city or wherever it is you plan to retire.
have a nice rest of your life!

Cypress - 2-16-2011 at 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by capt. mike
mexico is going downhill fast.

and who cares? not me.

we won't miss you here.

We? You're the Nomad spokesman now? :lol:

mexican tourism is up

baron - 2-16-2011 at 09:45 AM

Just got back from Mazatlan. Stayed at a friends house en el centro. Downtown the streets are totally free of tourists. Where did the other gringos go when they got of the plane? I never saw one of them.
Mexican tourism statistics reveal they all go to gated corrals in the "zonas" throughout Mexico. Good for the cyclone fence business I guess.

Hook - 2-16-2011 at 10:03 AM

Maz has violence issues that arent even making the US press much. Plus, there has been a spate of crimes against cruise ship passengers and cruise ship employees as they walk town. A couple have already stated that they will not be returning to Mazatlan.

Where I live, there are lots of Americans and Canadians that stop here on their way down to their traditional haunts in Mazatlan. Many I have talked to are not going back. Police being murdered in broad daylight and kidnappings in the Zona Dorado has a way of doing that.

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[Edited on 2-16-2011 by BajaNomad]

Lobsterman - 2-16-2011 at 10:51 AM

I'm touched that you even noticed me Hook. By the way i do not watch FOX news. Can not stand any biased, slanted news organization whether its Fox or MSNBC. I'm smart enough to make up my own mind. I do watch the 2 hours of news nightly here in San Diego ABC, NBC, CBS, BBC and sometimes the Lehrer report). That ends when "Three & a Half Men" comes on. Usually need a good laugh by then.

My thing is I do not like violence or corruption nor do I want my kids saddled with debt from a socialist leaning country that we have become in recent years. I'm not anti-mexican, I'm anti-mexican culture that relys on corruption & theft. I'm still going to go fishing down into baja to my "Bucket List" locations like Mag Bay. I just will not be buying property or living there. Need to lessen my chances to being attacked by the lions. As I've stated before, I'll get my 2nd home on the Redneck Riviara instead of Mulege. Perhaps if the Mexicans clean up their nest, the next generation of NOB people will start coming down again.

By the way today is my last day at work after working 48 years full time, never taking a dime of public assistance. Went from a poor white boy of 16 to a wealthly man by earning it. Perhaps a few more in the USA should try the same long-term approach instead of thinking the governments (State & Federal) are their personal social welfare program.

[Edited on 2-16-2011 by Lobsterman]

Cypress - 2-16-2011 at 11:47 AM

Lobsterman, Congrats on your retirement. Where on the Redneck Riviera?

wessongroup - 2-16-2011 at 12:17 PM

Ditto's on "making it"... good for you... and I and/or we can appreciate what your talking about .... for some of us "poor folks" that is exactly what it takes...

An entire life of working... my first job, delivery of the Los Angeles Examiner.. from the 5th grade and working in the school cafeteria's .. until I went into the military ... along with other jobs as our Dad required us to "develop" .. support"my" wants...motor cycle, car, insurance, hamburgers, french fries, cokes and all the rest... it was our "job" to take care of... used to have a large fish bowl.. where we put 50% of our pay ... as it belonged to the "family first".. I didn't have a problem with it... I learned I had to make my OWN money... and I had a responsibility to our "family" from the get go....

My Grandfather and Dad and all us kids.. built the home we lived in... my wife and I moved a house we bought for $3,000 dollars onto some acres we purchased... we remodeled ... all to save money and not go into debt ... we did all the work... while I was working full time ..

Perhaps the economic down turn will create a greater appreciation for how much a "dollar" really means .. and that a "home" is a place one lives .... not make money on...

Barry A. - 2-16-2011 at 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wessongroup
Ditto's on "making it"... good for you... and I and/or we can appreciate what your talking about .... for some of us "poor folks" that is exactly what it takes...

An entire life of working... my first job, delivery of the Los Angeles Examiner.. from the 5th grade and working in the school cafeteria's .. until I went into the military ... along with other jobs as our Dad required us to "develop" .. support"my" wants...motor cycle, car, insurance, hamburgers, french fries, cokes and all the rest... it was our "job" to take care of... used to have a large fish bowl.. where we put 50% of our pay ... as it belonged to the "family first".. I didn't have a problem with it... I learned I had to make my OWN money... and I had a responsibility to our "family" from the get go....

My Grandfather and Dad and all us kids.. built the home we lived in... my wife and I moved a house we bought for $3,000 dollars onto some acres we purchased... we remodeled ... all to save money and not go into debt ... we did all the work... while I was working full time ..

Perhaps the economic down turn will create a greater appreciation for how much a "dollar" really means .. and that a "home" is a place one lives .... not make money on...

---------and THAT, my friends, is how you achieve the "American Dream"----------BRAVO Wesson!!! You done good!!!!

Barry

Bajahowodd - 2-16-2011 at 02:53 PM

Not wishing to sound hopelessly pessimistic, but I can't overlook the fact that in the case of both Lobsterman and Wessongroup, we are looking at, ahem, senior gentlemen who both grew up in a totally different era.

I fear that we have witnessed the combined deterioration of both our educational system and our popular culture that will likely witness far fewer such success stories ongoing.

mtgoat666 - 2-16-2011 at 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I fear that we have witnessed the combined deterioration of both our educational system and our popular culture that will likely witness far fewer such success stories ongoing.

old people always say something like "it was better in the old days" and "the world is going to hell in a handbasket."

youth is an additude. i hope i never get old!

Bajahowodd - 2-16-2011 at 04:01 PM

So, you are of the mind that there has been no deterioration in our education system, and there has been no dumbing down of our culture?

The Young at Heart ?

MrBillM - 2-16-2011 at 10:22 PM

Having known three people over the years who dropped dead from Heart Failure in their 40s, I'm assuming they had a Bad attitude.

I guess my cheery demeanor has kept me going.