BajaNomad - living in baja

living in baja

dirtbikr - 11-7-2011 at 12:05 PM

With my wife retireing shortly, we would like to relocate to baja, I have been down many times mainly just guys dirt motorcycle trips, zeroing in on good trails,tacos and beer. I have been reading everything I can to learn more. Just wondering what are the things you miss most about the usa, It seems with the internet you can stay connected, satellite etc. What do you miss?

bajabass - 11-7-2011 at 12:14 PM

A few grocery store items, In-N-Out, family, that's it! As you know, Baja is off-road heaven, good food, good beer, good fishing. Pick an area, make some longer trips, rent a place or three and decide. Just returned from a 9 day trip from La Paz to Shingle Springs, just east of you. I wanted to kiss the ground when I crossed south Friday night :bounce:

sancho - 11-7-2011 at 12:22 PM

If you want to do more research you might try,
if you haven't already, mexconnect.com, forums,
while not Baja specific, it contains info on Mex living

rts551 - 11-7-2011 at 12:28 PM

Remember what is heaven for you is not always heaven for your spouse. Make sure there are things she enjoys as well or heaven may become hell.

Mengano - 11-7-2011 at 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dirtbikr
Just wondering what are the things you miss most about the usa, It seems with the internet you can stay connected, satellite etc. What do you miss?

1. Medicare or VA health insurance.
2. Mail delivered to your door.
3. Supermarkets with cheaper food and wider selections.
4. Trained, professional, uncorrupted police force.
5. Cheaper electronics and better quality clothes.
6. A fully-equipped emergency room with trained doctors 24/7.
7. Cheaper electricity that is on all the time.
8. Water service piped into your home that is on all the time.
9. A fully functioning judicial system with the rule of law.
10. Movies theaters in most towns and cities.
11. Live stage productions.
12. Philharmonic orchestras.
13. You can travel all over the US without ever going through a military checkpoint with somebody pointing an automatic rifle at you.
14. You can go fishing in either fresh water or salt water, and the license is cheaper.
15. You can travel the whole country without having to carry and show a passport or visa.
16. You can exercise your right to protest (illegal for Americans in Mexico.)
17. You can legally own a weapon for self-defense.

DENNIS - 11-7-2011 at 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mengano
1. Medicare or VA health insurance.
2. Mail delivered to your door.
3. Supermarkets with cheaper food and wider selections.
4. Trained, professional, uncorrupted police force.
5. Cheaper electronics and better quality clothes.
6. A fully-equipped emergency room with trained doctors 24/7.
7. Cheaper electricity that is on all the time.
8. Water service piped into your home that is on all the time.
9. A fully functioning judicial system with the rule of law.
10. Movies theaters in most towns and cities.
11. Live stage productions.
12. Philharmonic orchestras.
13. You can travel all over the US without ever going through a military checkpoint with somebody pointing an automatic rifle at you.
14. You can go fishing in either fresh water or salt water, and the license is cheaper.
15. You can travel the whole country without having to carry and show a passport or visa.
16. You can exercise your right to protest (illegal for Americans in Mexico.)
17. You can legally own a weapon for self-defense.

18. The Culture.

bajaguy - 11-7-2011 at 02:22 PM

19. Trader Joe's

Ensenada has an outstanding place for burgers!

We usually head north about once every 3 weeks for "can't do withouts".........

Everything else, you just adjust.

DianaT - 11-7-2011 at 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dirtbikr
With my wife retireing shortly, we would like to relocate to baja, I have been down many times mainly just guys dirt motorcycle trips, zeroing in on good trails,tacos and beer. I have been reading everything I can to learn more. Just wondering what are the things you miss most about the usa, It seems with the internet you can stay connected, satellite etc. What do you miss?

Just a suggestion. Think about not totally selling out in the states and fully retiring in Baja. Try it out for quite a while.

We love our home in Baja, but we also enjoy our home in the states---we go back and forth and can't imagine being full time in Baja, nor do we want to be full time in the states.

It works for some and they have no regrets. The problem, however, that we have seen over and over are people who have sold out everything in the states and then suddenly find themselves without the option to return there to live when something goes wrong.

Some move full time and keep a place back in the states that they rent out, but they still own it.

Just some thoughts.

[Edited on 11-7-2011 by DianaT]

TMW - 11-7-2011 at 02:46 PM

Diana I think that is good advice even for those who live in the states and leave an area they have lived in for a long time. Like pulling up and moving from Chicago to Florida or in my case leaving San Diego and moving to Texas. We kept our home in SD and really glad we did. Not sure if I will move back but it is a good rental income.

Bob and Susan - 11-7-2011 at 03:52 PM

we moved away...its not all that bad...

i'm homeless in la when i go...
there are lots of shopping carts available :lol:

mcfez - 11-7-2011 at 04:14 PM

You'll miss your family members...they will not come to visit much.....or is that good?

We were going to move to our properties in SF....but decided not to...due to family members being too far away.

You could follow Mengano's list ......but I think after 40 - 50 -60 years of life living with that list...a fresh avenue would be exciting.

[Edited on 11-7-2011 by mcfez]

Mengano - 11-7-2011 at 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
You could follow Mengano's list ......but I think after 40 - 50 -60 years of life living with that list...a fresh avenue would be exciting.

After 40-50-60 years of life, a good bowel movement would be exciting.
:rolleyes:

jakecard - 11-7-2011 at 04:55 PM

What you won't miss are carping Americans. Plenty of those in Baja.

Jake

Easy For You To Say

Bajahowodd - 11-7-2011 at 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
we moved away...its not all that bad...

i'm homeless in la when i go...
there are lots of shopping carts available :lol:

Kudos to you guys for building such a wonderful place. But, lotsa folks don't have that luxury.

tripledigitken - 11-7-2011 at 05:08 PM

Dirtbikr,

Try to have options. Remember that what you build in Baja it will not be liquid, in the sense of getting your investment back out.

Most everyone eventually comes back to states, it's just a matter of when.

Ken

mcfez - 11-7-2011 at 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mengano

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
You could follow Mengano's list ......but I think after 40 - 50 -60 years of life living with that list...a fresh avenue would be exciting.

After 40-50-60 years of life, a good bowel movement would be exciting.
:rolleyes:

Sorry to hear that you are having those issues Mengano.......eat some prunes.

rts551 - 11-7-2011 at 06:22 PM

dirtbikr

Read between the lines here. Most of the "experts" here are only part timers (some real part time) and part-timers for a reason. A good question might be why?

BajaBlanca - 11-7-2011 at 08:14 PM

that is a really good question you posed and I agree with most that it would be an excellent idea to rent first and just get a feel for different locations .... some places have lots of gringos and others are quite empty of them. Punta Abreojos and La Bocana are for sure locations where there are NOT a lot of gringoes. We are also far from airports and therefore families.

I believe the big towns offer some of what folks miss from the states in terms of having walmarts and costcos, restaurants and cinemas, art shows and get togethers.

Spanish,at least some, is really helpful. Try rosetta stone - for my husband it worked miracles at helping him understand more.

BTW we are full timers here and do not regret leaving san diego at all. I LOVE our life !!

Mengano - 11-8-2011 at 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jakecard
What you won't miss are carping Americans. Plenty of those in Baja. Jake

You are 100% correct, Jake. Why you could just move to San Quintin in Baja and, as sanquintinsince37 says, Don Alvaro will be your friend.

You and he can sit around the campfire and drink beer and shuck oysters. Then you can have those same deep conversations with Don Alvaro, just like you have up North. You can discuss the Iowa caucus, Social Security, the mid-East conflict, inorganic chemistry, Mandelbrot patterns...the whole 9 yards. I understand Don Alvaro is very conversant in those subjects, and more. Other than you have to have the conversation is Spanish and shout over the Ranchero music, it will be just like home up North.

sanquintinsince73 - 11-8-2011 at 09:26 AM

We can even invite Mengano. He can be a hunka, hunka burning love for some of those lonely Oaxacan men. After they turn him out we can sit him in a corner like a Joe Palooka doll.

bajabass - 11-8-2011 at 10:00 AM

That looks like a man with plenty of stories to tell!! Gentlemen like he and his gringo counterparts abound in Baja.

Mengano - 11-8-2011 at 10:01 AM

sanquintinsince73 - 11-8-2011 at 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mengano

Perfect likeness of you, Mengano. All's that's missing is the pork chop they use to tie around your neck so that your puppy would play with you.

KO

mcfez - 11-8-2011 at 10:26 AM

ko.jpg - 45kB

sanquintinsince73 - 11-8-2011 at 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez

Mengano's only friend when he was growing up in El Salvador.

Woooosh - 11-8-2011 at 10:40 AM

Quote:

The reality of Mexico today is it is good to have an escape plan, including a home north of the border if you can swing it. I love living here, but keep a home in Colorado that I rent out- but only short term, "just in case." I have a vintage dirt bike and enjoy riding it in Baja when I don't have to walk it back home. We live close enough to the border (Rosarito Beach) to get to San Diego in a medical or security emergency. We buy most of our food in the states because of price, quality and horomones/chemicals--- I also don't like the taste of the chicken eggs down here. You may consider renting closer to the border to try things out. If you feel comfortable- ween yourself off the NOB trappings and move further south. just my two cents after being here seven years.

capitolkat - 11-8-2011 at 10:46 AM

After being a visitor for about 35 years I retired last year. We had bought property in La paz and began construction in february. They are supposed to deliver our new house Friday ( doubtful but close). We lived in La paz for the last year and have adjusted well as the city provides pretty much everything I need- good wine is problematic but I bring some each time I travel and friends load their suitcases when they visit. Also, good reasonable cigars are a problem but anyone visiting gets a delivery from me before they fly and bring me what I want.

I have dish network and all the channels I could want, internet keeps me in touch and it's snowing at the farm in MI today and close to 80 here in La Paz. There are theatres with current movies--most are english with Spanish subtitles. Went to a spanish language school for 6 weeks and can get by in most situations.

The culture is sometime difficult to understand. Why would they have such a great emphasis on ecological concerns in my building and every beach goer dumps trash to and from their day at the beach along the roads and on the beach. Why do they tell me yes when they know what I want is not within their reach? But, you adjust and understand the culture really wants to give you what you want even if they know they can't deliver it.

Learn how to deal with gas stations and corrupt cops. Don't accept the discount on any ticket by paying the cop who stops you- it works. Ask for things you want at the grocery and be surprised when they do get it. we asked for Marscapone cheese and they got it in a few weeks. My wife wanted a selection of soy milk and they got it for her. Enjoy the fresh baked stuff and try the small tacos stands where the locals go. There is a local who makes original style bratwurst and italian sausages. Good as any we could get in the states.

The local military stops can be unnerving with kids with automatic weapons but I look at them in the eye and smile and they now want to talk about Obama and America- knowing the language has made a world of difference.

let the people you meet know you care about them and they in turn care about you. We had car trouble in a remote area and every car that went by stopped- all Mexicans and one husband and wife sent the tow truck back for us from the next town 20 miles away. All asked if we needed anything- water. A long-haul driver stopped his rig in the middle of the highway and discussed our options-but we declined his offer of a ride to stay with the car. When we passed back through SAn Ignacio a few months later we looked up the mechanic and tow driver and told them all was Ok and they were delighted to see us and see us well.

We do enjoy creature comforts and chose a larger town because of the shopping and cultural events. The local doctor and dentist have been great. My wife had minor infection that could have turned serious and the Dr. took a complete history did blood work and properly diagnosed the problem and prescribed the right medications. 500 pesos. She needed injections for a week- we bought the medicine and syringes at the drug store and went to the local clinic where they administered the shots for 5 pesos per shot. I had a tooth problem and got a root canal and several cavities repaired and the dentist filled out the report and we submitted to our US insurance and -- they paid the claim. It takes time but probably no less than it would have in the states and the costs were rock bottom.

Like others have said- spend some time where you think you might want to live- we find the Americans and Canadians have not been our closest allies as those who have been here tend to be clique oriented. Our favorite restaruant now recognize us and one genrally brings us something special gratis before the meal.

Oh and good gin is hard to find- we stock up on our annual trip to Phoenix to visit family,but you adjust and find ways to make it work.

I guess I have other thoughts but I think you get the drift. Good luck-- Norm

sanquintinsince73 - 11-8-2011 at 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by capitolkat
After being a visitor for about 35 years I retired last year. We had bought property in La paz and began construction in february. They are supposed to deliver our new house Friday ( doubtful but close). We lived in La paz for the last year and have adjusted well as the city provides pretty much everything I need- good wine is problematic but I bring some each time I travel and friends load their suitcases when they visit. Also, good reasonable cigars are a problem but anyone visiting gets a delivery from me before they fly and bring me what I want.

I have dish network and all the channels I could want, internet keeps me in touch and it's snowing at the farm in MI today and close to 80 here in La Paz. There are theatres with current movies--most are english with Spanish subtitles. Went to a spanish language school for 6 weeks and can get by in most situations.

The culture is sometime difficult to understand. Why would they have such a great emphasis on ecological concerns in my building and every beach goer dumps trash to and from their day at the beach along the roads and on the beach. Why do they tell me yes when they know what I want is not within their reach? But, you adjust and understand the culture really wants to give you what you want even if they know they can't deliver it.

Learn how to deal with gas stations and corrupt cops. Don't accept the discount on any ticket by paying the cop who stops you- it works. Ask for things you want at the grocery and be surprised when they do get it. we asked for Marscapone cheese and they got it in a few weeks. My wife wanted a selection of soy milk and they got it for her. Enjoy the fresh baked stuff and try the small tacos stands where the locals go. There is a local who makes original style bratwurst and italian sausages. Good as any we could get in the states.

The local military stops can be unnerving with kids with automatic weapons but I look at them in the eye and smile and they now want to talk about Obama and America- knowing the language has made a world of difference.

let the people you meet know you care about them and they in turn care about you. We had car trouble in a remote area and every car that went by stopped- all Mexicans and one husband and wife sent the tow truck back for us from the next town 20 miles away. All asked if we needed anything- water. A long-haul driver stopped his rig in the middle of the highway and discussed our options-but we declined his offer of a ride to stay with the car. When we passed back through SAn Ignacio a few months later we looked up the mechanic and tow driver and told them all was Ok and they were delighted to see us and see us well.

We do enjoy creature comforts and chose a larger town because of the shopping and cultural events. The local doctor and dentist have been great. My wife had minor infection that could have turned serious and the Dr. took a complete history did blood work and properly diagnosed the problem and prescribed the right medications. 500 pesos. She needed injections for a week- we bought the medicine and syringes at the drug store and went to the local clinic where they administered the shots for 5 pesos per shot. I had a tooth problem and got a root canal and several cavities repaired and the dentist filled out the report and we submitted to our US insurance and -- they paid the claim. It takes time but probably no less than it would have in the states and the costs were rock bottom.

Like others have said- spend some time where you think you might want to live- we find the Americans and Canadians have not been our closest allies as those who have been here tend to be clique oriented. Our favorite restaruant now recognize us and one genrally brings us something special gratis before the meal.

Oh and good gin is hard to find- we stock up on our annual trip to Phoenix to visit family,but you adjust and find ways to make it work.

I guess I have other thoughts but I think you get the drift. Good luck-- Norm

Very well stated, CapitolKat.

mcfez - 11-8-2011 at 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by capitolkat
I need- good wine is problematic but I bring some each time I travel and friends load their suitcases when they visit.

Fantastio post capitolkat.

I was just watching a Rick Bayless show a few weeks ago...on Baja wine. Watch this video if you can find it on line...and then you know where to get some of the best wines around :-)

http://www.rickbayless.com/tv/season8/804presenting.html

[Edited on 11-8-2011 by mcfez]

capitolkat - 11-9-2011 at 07:58 AM

McFEz-- I've devoted quite a bit of my time to wine over the last 25 years and have visited vineyards in lots of CA, ore, and Washington areas as well as some in France and Italy. I have friends who are growers and one is quite famous , usually making the wine Spectator cover at least once a year. While I don't consider myself a wine snob I have tasted a lot of wine through the years and my cellar is full of wines at all price levels and origins.

I'm not adverse to Mexican wines and I do taste them all the time at all price points-- so far no luck- according to my taste buds. There are others that are cheaper and from the southern hemisphere that are good quality and meet my needs. The Rothschild family - famous for great Bordeaux wines has partnered with some Chilean folks and produces a great bordeaux style wine and for a good cost.

There are some wines at Sam's Club here from Spain that I fill up on every time I see them. Average cost less than $4 per bottle and it's one I call a cellar protector as I can drink as much as I like and serve it to less concerned guests and they all enjoy it. I haven't found a good Mexican pinot as that grape is very fragile and difficult to grow and pinot noir is my favorite.

So that said -- if I find some Mexican wines I would recommend I'll let you know as that is my standard- If I wouldn't recommend it to a friend I won't buy it again.

Norm

beachbum1A - 11-9-2011 at 08:26 AM

Regardless of what I truly miss in the US there are many things here in Baja that I couldn't have in the US - things that I really, really love and wouldn't want to do without.
And that's just part of the reason I retired here full time.

capitolkat - 11-9-2011 at 09:01 AM

Beachbum-- we are in accord-- life here is good for us and we are planning to live most of the year here-- even this past summer was fine for us as you adjust to the heat by scheduling activites to avoid the worst heat.

bajaguy - 11-9-2011 at 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by capitolkat
McFEz-- I've devoted quite a bit of my time to wine over the last 25 years and have visited vineyards in lots of CA, ore, and Washington areas as well as some in France and Italy. I have friends who are growers and one is quite famous , usually making the wine Spectator cover at least once a year. While I don't consider myself a wine snob I have tasted a lot of wine through the years and my cellar is full of wines at all price levels and origins.

I'm not adverse to Mexican wines and I do taste them all the time at all price points-- so far no luck- according to my taste buds. There are others that are cheaper and from the southern hemisphere that are good quality and meet my needs. The Rothschild family - famous for great Bordeaux wines has partnered with some Chilean folks and produces a great bordeaux style wine and for a good cost.

There are some wines at Sam's Club here from Spain that I fill up on every time I see them. Average cost less than $4 per bottle and it's one I call a cellar protector as I can drink as much as I like and serve it to less concerned guests and they all enjoy it. I haven't found a good Mexican pinot as that grape is very fragile and difficult to grow and pinot noir is my favorite.

So that said -- if I find some Mexican wines I would recommend I'll let you know as that is my standard- If I wouldn't recommend it to a friend I won't buy it again.

Norm

Norm, you should visit Ensenada during the Annual Wine Festival............plenty of outstanding wines from the Santo Thomas Valley and the Guadalupe Valley!!!!!!

rob - 11-9-2011 at 09:33 AM

Dirtbikr - something here for everyone. We made a rural choice (although it looks like we will be a dormitory suburb all too soon) - we live on the Pacific coast west of La Paz in the boonies - source of farm cheese, lobsters, oysters, fish off the beach and slaughter our own beef and lamb. Large organic garden and an Argentinian friend who makes incredible sausage - all we need for total independence is a small oil refinery . . .

We miss #4 coffee filters (or rather, paying $3/100 rather than $6), French/Italian roast coffee, decently-priced wines and PBS (sorry DavidK).

Capitolkat - please try the KWV Pinotage at Sam's Club (from my old hometown) at about $180MN. Heavy red - perfect for that chilly La Paz winter evening.

David K - 11-9-2011 at 09:38 AM

PBS is fine with me, but if they really had faith in what they show, they could survive without my tax dollars, right? Instead of hours spent each week begging for money to be donated (and still listing 'corporate sponsors'), run 5 minutes of commercials and be done with it!

rts551 - 11-9-2011 at 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
PBS is fine with me, but if they really had faith in what they show, they could survive without my tax dollars, right? Instead of hours spent each week begging for money to be donated (and still listing 'corporate sponsors'), run 5 minutes of commercials and be done with it!

We were doing fine without the off-topic comment. Pls keep your comments relative to living in Baja

capitolkat - 11-9-2011 at 10:06 AM

Rob and bajaguy-- Thanks-- there is a good wine store in CAbo called vintoteca. They actually deliver weekly to La Paz-- call Saturday or Sunday and they deliver on Tuesday-- no charge. They will be opening a new store here in la paz in 2012 in the new Liverpool shopping center. They have many of the Mexican wines and I've tasted a bunch-- many from the regions bajaguy mentions-but no home runs yet and I'm surprised by the pricing of some of those wines as I have many years ago developed a QPR of my own. ( quality price ratio) if a wine is over $30 per bottle it must compare favorably to a $30 bottle I can get from Australia, Spain, Chile, Argentina, South Africa or the US. None of the Mexican wines can do so in the QPR system. The system is the same for other price ranges and if a wine goes up in price the competition is more fierce as for above $50 I can get a Wine Spectator top 100 wine. WS rates over 14,000 wines every year and pick the top 100 from those tastings based on quality, price, availablity.

Rob I'll look for the pinotage as it's one of my favorites- earthy, full bodied, generally well balanced but can get heavy on tannins for young wines but also doesn't age as well as cabernet or pinot.

mcfez - 11-9-2011 at 10:09 AM

Quote:

You are lucky (maybe) that you dont live down in our campos....

Before I go to Baja...I load up a few cases of Trader Joes "2 Buck Chuck" for a handful of my neighbors down there.....they LOVE this stuff! I don't consume alcohol products...so I dont know if this stuff is really tasty...or being used for their car fuel :-)

[Edited on 11-9-2011 by mcfez]

Missing U.S. Items - Adjustment of Expectations

Gypsy Jan - 11-9-2011 at 05:36 PM

What is great about Baja and Mexico is the pretty much lack of branding and chains.

The street vendor, the homemade provider is still pervasive.

If you want a burger, there is a guy. If you want a hot dog, there is a guy.

Try to find a tamalera, she is right next to the taxista stand.

What frightens people is that they do not understand that the little, independents who do not have mega-corporate logo ID.

Get brave, stop by a place that has a lot of locals. Look at the food prep and the cleanliness and enjoy.

Mulegena - 11-9-2011 at 06:17 PM

I miss fresh-cut flowers
... but there's more than enough natural beauty all about.

capitolkat - 11-10-2011 at 08:16 AM

I reread my post and I need to back up a little. My inference that the expat community have not been our strongest allies is misleading. so I need to restate that we have found a wealth of support from expats in helping us with understanding taxes and where to find what, extending helping hands whenever it looked like we needed a boost, recommendations concerning DR. Dentist, advice on anything we asked about -- and I was having a bad day with a group who gossip, sit in judgment on anyone not in their group, boast knowledge they don't have and offer advice when not requested.

so apologies to all those who have made our transition smoother and have given all the assistance we could ever want.

Thanks-- Norm

norte - 11-10-2011 at 09:44 AM

Kind of like this forum, eh?

J.P. - 11-10-2011 at 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by capitolkat
I reread my post and I need to back up a little. My inference that the expat community have not been our strongest allies is misleading. so I need to restate that we have found a wealth of support from expats in helping us with understanding taxes and where to find what, extending helping hands whenever it looked like we needed a boost, recommendations concerning DR. Dentist, advice on anything we asked about -- and I was having a bad day with a group who gossip, sit in judgment on anyone not in their group, boast knowledge they don't have and offer advice when not requested.

You muat live in Punta Banda

so apologies to all those who have made our transition smoother and have given all the assistance we could ever want.

Thanks-- Norm

J.P. - 11-10-2011 at 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by capitolkat
I reread my post and I need to back up a little. My inference that the expat community have not been our strongest allies is misleading. so I need to restate that we have found a wealth of support from expats in helping us with understanding taxes and where to find what, extending helping hands whenever it looked like we needed a boost, recommendations concerning DR. Dentist, advice on anything we asked about -- and I was having a bad day with a group who gossip, sit in judgment on anyone not in their group, boast knowledge they don't have and offer advice when not requested.

so apologies to all those who have made our transition smoother and have given all the assistance we could ever want.

Thanks-- Norm

You must live in Punta Banda.

bajaguy - 11-10-2011 at 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rob
............We miss #4 coffee filters (or rather, paying $3/100 rather than $6)...............

Rob - 69 Pesos for 300 at the COSTCO in Ensenada

ElCazadorAZ - 11-11-2011 at 09:48 AM

This is a GREAT thread for anyone considering the move SOB. THANKS to all for the insight.
Sometimes its more about WHO you are than WHERE you are.

An old farmer buddy in Camp Verde, AZ told me this ditty:

Old farmer shows up in town at the general store and asks the local boys, What's everybody like here? An old codger asks him, Well, what'r they like where you're from? The guy replies, Aww, they're all a bunch of buttcracks. Codger replies, Well, I'll willing to bet that you're going to find them all just like that here.

There's a ton of cliches: You reap what you sow. What goes around comes around. If you look for trouble you're going to find it. Etc. etc. but there's a Helluva lot of truth in them. Sounds like most find peace and friendship (with bumps in the road, of course) in Mexico or.... they go home sour and tell everybody that they're all a bunch of buttcracks down there...

Thanks again for the read. All of us dreamers up here in 14 degrees F appreciate the warm thoughts...... Can't wait to get down South in December. H.

805gregg - 11-11-2011 at 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

18. The Culture.

I get the culture everyday in Ca. and I have all of the above. If you go to live in Baja, rent first, or get a caretaker gig, try Punta Chivato, with all the break in robberies, they all want caretakers when they are not there. Don't buy, real estate is on a long downward course.

[Edited on 11-12-2011 by 805gregg]

Roberto - 11-11-2011 at 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 805gregg
Don't buy, real estate is on a long downward course.

That's the best advice so far. You will almost certainly lose your shirt if you do.

DENNIS - 11-11-2011 at 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto
That's the best advice so far. You will almost certainly lose your shirt if you do.

I know what the place is all about and I'm one of those who's suffering for it, but why do you come down here and continue to trash the place if you feel it's so repulsive?
Why don't you keep your wop-ass out of here if it's so bad?
Nobody needs your Baja trashing, or your trash self criticizing us, those who have no immediate means to come to terms with our dilema, so why not give it a rest and quit trying to present your pathetic self as so effing precient?

You're a giant A-Hole, Roberto. Always were and always will be. Get over your lame self. It ain't all as you think you are.

bajabass - 11-12-2011 at 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ElCazadorAZ
This is a GREAT thread for anyone considering the move SOB. THANKS to all for the insight.
Sometimes its more about WHO you are than WHERE you are.

An old farmer buddy in Camp Verde, AZ told me this ditty:

Old farmer shows up in town at the general store and asks the local boys, What's everybody like here? An old codger asks him, Well, what'r they like where you're from? The guy replies, Aww, they're all a bunch of buttcracks. Codger replies, Well, I'll willing to bet that you're going to find them all just like that here.

There's a ton of cliches: You reap what you sow. What goes around comes around. If you look for trouble you're going to find it. Etc. etc. but there's a Helluva lot of truth in them. Sounds like most find peace and friendship (with bumps in the road, of course) in Mexico or.... they go home sour and tell everybody that they're all a bunch of buttcracks down there...

Thanks again for the read. All of us dreamers up here in 14 degrees F appreciate the warm thoughts...... Can't wait to get down South in December. H.

BULLSEYE!!!

I firmly believe you reap what you sow. I've been living just outside La Paz for almost a year now. No rose tinted glasses here, but the place and people are great!! Go in with an open mind, show some courtesy and respect. At least attempt to learn the language, and use it with locals whenever possible. Use the little mini-supers, tortillerias, panaderias, carnicerias, bottled water stores, and oh yeah, the cervecerias!!! I have no trouble talking to new people, asking questions in my horrible to me Spanish, :rolleyes:

and have made several new friends in the process. A honest smile and hola goes a long way it seems. :biggrin:

Alan - 11-12-2011 at 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabass
:light:

and have made several new friends in the process. A honest smile and hola goes a long way it seems. :biggrin:

Well said!!!!!!!!!!!

BFS - 11-12-2011 at 08:35 AM

For me it would be the sunday papers. Nada mas!

DENNIS - 11-12-2011 at 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BFS
For me it would be the sunday papers. Nada mas!

San Diego Union Online, seven days a week. Eight bucks per month. Exactly the same publication as the paper issue, but without the dead tree.

shari - 11-12-2011 at 09:19 AM

sure there are a few small things I miss about Canada but I know that if I ever moved back, there would be ALOT more things I'd miss about Baja.

there are butt cracks everywhere for sure, yup, cartel violence in some areas in mexico, corruption, lawlessness etc. but here in rural baja, life is pretty darn sweet. I have never contemplated going back NOB...all the great things about baja FAR outweight the bad for me here....but I totally agree that you should rent places in several different areas and consider going to your favorites at the bad time of year...especially for choosing a full time place to live. We are seeing folks who cant stand the heat on the "other side" now wanting to move here where the year round climate is more moderate and liveable during the summer.

Baja is definately not for everyone, nor for the weak of heart....it is a challenge you need to be up for...patience is paramount as well as an open mind and being prepared to learn a new culture and way of life and accept it.

BajaGringo - 11-12-2011 at 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
sure there are a few small things I miss about Canada but I know that if I ever moved back, there would be ALOT more things I'd miss about Baja.

there are butt cracks everywhere for sure, yup, cartel violence in some areas in mexico, corruption, lawlessness etc. but here in rural baja, life is pretty darn sweet. I have never contemplated going back NOB...all the great things about baja FAR outweight the bad for me here....but I totally agree that you should rent places in several different areas and consider going to your favorites at the bad time of year...especially for choosing a full time place to live. We are seeing folks who cant stand the heat on the "other side" now wanting to move here where the year round climate is more moderate and liveable during the summer.

Baja is definately not for everyone, nor for the weak of heart....it is a challenge you need to be up for...patience is paramount as well as an open mind and being prepared to learn a new culture and way of life and accept it.

Best response yet...

Woooosh - 11-12-2011 at 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BFS
For me it would be the sunday papers. Nada mas!

I get the Sunday paper delivered to my door by 8am. I need the dead trees to line the bird cages.

[Edited on 11-12-2011 by Woooosh]

BajaGringo - 11-12-2011 at 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

Quote:

Originally posted by BFS
For me it would be the sunday papers. Nada mas!

I get the Sunday paper delivered to my door by 8am. I need the dead trees to line the bird cages.

[Edited on 11-12-2011 by Woooosh]