BajaNomad

Living in Mexico

cessna821 - 2-15-2012 at 09:21 AM

So we've heard the comments about Baja and the perils of property ownership.

In a few cases this has been serious, but there are a great many folks who have never had a problem.

The world outside Mexico -

This could be the bad news-
http://www.blacklistednews.com/A_Warning_Sign_For_The_World_...

Now the USA is nearly broke guess what's coming next, from whichever administration -
http://cnsnews.com/news/article/cbo-taxes-will-shoot-more-30...

Poverty starts in Europe - could be coming your way soon -
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/pictures-greek-soup-kitchen

Here we go with the 1 per cent winning again -
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-09/foreclosure-deal-to...

So because a few numbskulls keep attack dogs for defence we all have to suffer -
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/pets/9070559/Microchips-fo...

Here's a report that sneaked out from under the radar of the main stream media -
http://www.blacklistednews.com/According_To_A_New_DHS_Report...

Heinrich Himmler would have loved this idea -
http://www.boilingfrogspost.com/2012/02/06/fbi-enlists-inter...


Practical aspects of living in Mexico:
1. It is a benevolent society for expats because it does not tax external income;
2. Property is relatively inexpensive;
3. Personal freedom from petty and unnecessary regulations;
4. Self sufficient in basic foods;
5. Few people have expensive credit card type debt;
6. Climate.

Mexico, despite it's faults, is just the best place to be!

Skeet/Loreto - 2-15-2012 at 09:31 AM

All of the above is very true!!

We enjoyed visiting and living Full time for many years.

1. Owned property thru Mexican Corp.
2. Sold 18 diffferent properties-Not a bit of Trouble
3.Had Excellent medical Care in Constitution and La Paz
4. Best of All- No Govt interfernce
5. Enjoyed the People..

Baja Good?

baja09 - 2-15-2012 at 09:59 AM

Well said Pescador...........I have your same outlook ...when I turn on the tv here in Droneland.... I cant wait to head south ..have been for 25 years and it just gets better!......

Kalypso - 2-15-2012 at 10:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pescador
Every time I have to return to the United States for a short visit, I can not wait to get back across the border and feel a certain peace of mind when I cross the border heading south.


Like most of you, I've cross the border off and on for a lot of years. Whether I'm on foot or in a vehicle waiting to cross north, I am always struck by how ugly, intimidating, angry-looking, and fortress-like the San Ysidro border crossing is. It certainly does not make me feel any more secure; more like a monument to paranoia.

I've got many friends in Mexico, some own property, some don't. None have had title problems and all of them are glad they moved south. And almost to a one they are appalled by the continual erosion of the personal liberties NOB, all in the name of Homeland Security. Homeland my eye...

DENNIS - 2-15-2012 at 11:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pescador
if for some reason the government decides to take over everything then I will have lost only a portion of what I would have lost in the same type takeover in the US (like Imminent Domain).


Imminent Domain is a relatively rare occurance in the states so, unless you know something you're not sharing with us about your situation, you shouldn't be using that as a threat to constantly be aware of.
And....that you say you have already come to terms with the possibility of dispossesion in Mexico, tells me you think about it and that's your frame of mind exclusive to Mexico. You've already prepared to accept disaster.
Doesn't sound so reassuring to me.

Pescador - 2-15-2012 at 01:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by Pescador
if for some reason the government decides to take over everything then I will have lost only a portion of what I would have lost in the same type takeover in the US (like Imminent Domain).


Imminent Domain is a relatively rare occurance in the states so, unless you know something you're not sharing with us about your situation, you shouldn't be using that as a threat to constantly be aware of.
And....that you say you have already come to terms with the possibility of dispossesion in Mexico, tells me you think about it and that's your frame of mind exclusive to Mexico. You've already prepared to accept disaster.
Doesn't sound so reassuring to me.


Was not meant to reassure you, it was just my mind going over the idea during morning coffee. Because when you post anything on here some Rocket Scientist is going to bring up worst case scenario and tell you about his Uncle's Best Friend on his Wife's side who knew this guy really well, once, that was good friends with a world traveler, who had his property in Mexico taken over by the governor because he liked the view.
There is always the chance that a switch in government could allow a move toward putting someone in power who decided it would be in the best interest of the Mexican economy to take back any land that was ever owned by anyone from the United States. Now, I have had a wild thought in the middle of daydreaming about stupid things like that, but I also know in reality that there is very little, if any, chance anything like that would happen. But before I bought property in Mexico, I did do a ton of work to make sure everything was on the up and up and there were no surprises. Before that I had a lease and knew that I could walk away at any given time from my property and not be out much of anything. My folks went through the same scenario on the mainland clear back in the 60's and 70's so I had a pretty good start on what needed to be done. Luckily that helped me avoid some of the more questionable places.

But I also know that like the people at Buenaventura, that the biggest enjoyment was the journey and not the destination, and while it is a real pain in the butt to have to go through that, at least they got through it and the good memories of the good times and the hauling down a 2x4 at at time may have been some of the best times about the whole thing.

Skeet/Loreto - 2-15-2012 at 02:23 PM

One should not Dwell on the "Loss' of anything Materialist.

I read Ray Cannon's Book and could not beleive the stories so I went to see for myself and fell in Love with the Mar de Cortez, Baja Sur and its people.

Had mac Shoyer build me a 22 Ft Panga in 1972 operated it on the Sea for 27 years , lived at San Nicholas when the Airstrip was still open, got Terry out of trouble, went fishing with Chuy when he was 13 years old. Built a Palapa with Papa Murillo and really enjoyed living with the Mexicano People.

Bougth Property out North and with the help of "Mundo", Bianco" and Rodrigo built Rancho Sonrisa. Helped my Mexicano Friends sell their Property to the Americanos and Canadians started coming in to Loreto.

Took Virginia to the Hospital in constitution where they operated on her and saved her Life.

Made some great Friends and never was anytime Scared or concerned about my safety.

The only way for the newbies is to go and spend some time and get to know the People and the Customs. Do No try to get the People to be like Americans. Accept them as they are!!!


I wish any one Good Luck and do not worry about losing a Piece of Property. Do it right and you do not have to be concerned.

Osprey - 2-15-2012 at 02:44 PM

It definelty is a mindset thing. When I settled here it was cash or cash. I paid the amount necessary knowing I would never make another mortgage payment to have a roof over my head. I understand that's not for everyone but if you are mortgage free, wherever you are, you know that lightheaded, lighthearted feeling that just goes on and on. In my case it was/is a bonus to have and to hold a place with a nice ocean view, a 9000 sq ft lot, 1000 sq ft of house, 1800 sq. ft. of patio and 600 sq. ft of covered outdoor living space while paying just $10.50 U.S. a year in property taxes.

Now I'll be ready for the slings and arrows of the naysayers but they will bounce right off my old lizard skin and the crude but durable concrete walls of my little casita.

larryC - 2-15-2012 at 03:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Osprey
It definelty is a mindset thing. When I settled here it was cash or cash. I paid the amount necessary knowing I would never make another mortgage payment to have a roof over my head. I understand that's not for everyone but if you are mortgage free, wherever you are, you know that lightheaded, lighthearted feeling that just goes on and on. In my case it was/is a bonus to have and to hold a place with a nice ocean view, a 9000 sq ft lot, 1000 sq ft of house, 1800 sq. ft. of patio and 600 sq. ft of covered outdoor living space while paying just $10.50 U.S. a year in property taxes.

Now I'll be ready for the slings and arrows of the naysayers but they will bounce right off my old lizard skin and the crude but durable concrete walls of my little casita.


I must be in a mansion, my property taxes this year were 186 pesos. Ah the heartache of living in Baja.
Larry

Osprey - 2-15-2012 at 03:33 PM

Wow, that's $14.50 Larry. You must be in a real snooty neighborhood.

larryC - 2-15-2012 at 03:54 PM

Yep, we be stylin' up here. You get what you pay for, no water, no electricity, no sewer, no trash pick up, and very little police protection. Just the way I like it, I'm on my own.

Osprey - 2-15-2012 at 04:06 PM

For the record: I have all those services and a lot more >> free rabies shots for the dogs, spray trucks for fruit pests and mosquitos, free insecticide packets for pilas, free sewer service, free garbage pickup and both city and county police patrol the town most nights.

DENNIS - 2-15-2012 at 04:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Osprey
For the record: I have all those services and a lot more >> free rabies shots for the dogs, spray trucks for fruit pests and mosquitos, free insecticide packets for pilas, free sewer service, free garbage pickup and both city and county police patrol the town most nights.



Free???? Nothing's free. Who pays for it?

mcfez - 2-15-2012 at 04:14 PM

Having interests in Cozumel and San Felipe.....since 1983-4 (?)......not once had issues of intense concerns. We own...we lease....... edido land too! Yes....trying to consummate deals is like dealing in the Twilight Zone at times.....and quite easy the other times.

We are always welcomed by Baja's people...with open hands.

I got less issues going on down there than I do here in California.

And do I have to make a reservation for a campground in Baja? Hell no!

mtgoat666 - 2-15-2012 at 04:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by Osprey
For the record: I have all those services and a lot more >> free rabies shots for the dogs, spray trucks for fruit pests and mosquitos, free insecticide packets for pilas, free sewer service, free garbage pickup and both city and county police patrol the town most nights.



Free???? Nothing's free. Who pays for it?


people who pay fees and taxes, that's who! based on the preceding comments appears that retirees from the US have found how to receive govt services for free. i think i will move on down next week!

elizabeth - 2-15-2012 at 04:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by lencho
Quote:
Originally posted by cessna821
4. Self sufficient in basic foods;

Is this currently true?


No, since NAFTA, Mexico has become a net importer of corn, the most basic grain of the country.

I still believe it's the best place to live!

DENNIS - 2-15-2012 at 04:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by elizabeth
No, since NAFTA, Mexico has become a net importer of corn, the most basic grain of the country.



It was that way, way before NAFTA.
How many corn tortillas consumed in Mexico originate in the USA?

I like the "need" aspect of our relationship. :biggrin:

DENNIS - 2-15-2012 at 04:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by elizabeth
I still believe it's the best place to live!


For you. Nice to hear that.

Living in Mexico

cessna821 - 2-15-2012 at 06:40 PM

You are right on LarryC and Osprey, I could not have said it better!

To Lencho - by self sufficiency I mean basic food supplies. I have been living in Mulegé for 12 years now and buy food from local tiendas, the majority of which is obtained from within Mexico. The vegetables stocked are all local and seasonal, and would never ever land on the average US or European super market shelf because they don't conform to the 'standard', but guess what - they taste better! I have checked the flour bags in the local tortilla shop and they all seem to originate in Mexico - I don't know about maize though as it seems most tortillas are flour (harina).

I am a Brit and would not out of choice live in UK any more for a variety of reasons, some of which I outlined in my first post, but the one which keeps coming across to me is when I sit on my patio and listen to the local children playing outside in the warm evenings. This is something that does not happen in UK and USA, even outside the main towns you have to watch out for your children. Sick societies? Not necessarily, but getting that way.

Television - I can't think of anything worse in today's social scenario. I read a lot, mostly on the Internet via high speed DSL, and cover most of the daily media available, both mainstream and underground. Television news coverage and entertainment productions have deteriorated over the last 10 years or so to the point that the mainstream media are nothing short of total propaganda. Various commentators even refer to the viewing public as 'sheeple' on a regular basis. Dr Goebbels would have been delighted, as almost of the techniques in use at the present time were techniques that he pioneered! You can see that from his writings and his published philosophy.

Viva Mexico!

BajaBlanca - 2-15-2012 at 06:49 PM

Viva Mexico !

BajaBlanca - 2-15-2012 at 06:53 PM

welcome cessna and kalypso !!

Pescador - 2-15-2012 at 08:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Osprey
For the record: I have all those services and a lot more >> free rabies shots for the dogs, spray trucks for fruit pests and mosquitos, free insecticide packets for pilas, free sewer service, free garbage pickup and both city and county police patrol the town most nights.


Geez, your area is much more progressive than mine. I do have paved highway in front, Electricity, trash pickup, police, lights, and all the free music I want to listen to every night.


But I am missing my main objective here and that is to spread wanton disrespect and lack of trust of all things Mexican so that after I got here the door was shut on all of the other fishermen who get in my way on the reefs while I am fishing.

My wife used to tell friends who were making stupid statements about all of the crime and problems in Mexico that there was lots of raping and pillaging in our village every afternoon at 2 o'clock sharp, but when she was awaiting the fun activities of the afternoon, Mananland took over and everyone forgot to show up.:tumble::tumble:

And except for Skeet who keeps telling everyone there are lots of fish, I think I was successful with Cypress in convincing them there are no fish here.

[Edited on 2-16-2012 by Pescador]

larryC - 2-16-2012 at 08:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pescador
Quote:
Originally posted by Osprey
For the record: I have all those services and a lot more >> free rabies shots for the dogs, spray trucks for fruit pests and mosquitos, free insecticide packets for pilas, free sewer service, free garbage pickup and both city and county police patrol the town most nights.


Geez, your area is much more progressive than mine. I do have paved highway in front, Electricity, trash pickup, police, lights, and all the free music I want to listen to every night.


But I am missing my main objective here and that is to spread wanton disrespect and lack of trust of all things Mexican so that after I got here the door was shut on all of the other fishermen who get in my way on the reefs while I am fishing.

My wife used to tell friends who were making stupid statements about all of the crime and problems in Mexico that there was lots of raping and pillaging in our village every afternoon at 2 o'clock sharp, but when she was awaiting the fun activities of the afternoon, Mananland took over and everyone forgot to show up.:tumble::tumble:

And except for Skeet who keeps telling everyone there are lots of fish, I think I was successful with Cypress in convincing them there are no fish here.

[Edited on 2-16-2012 by Pescador]



You guys in the south have it way too easy, for $10 a year you get all that stuff, and up here I pay almost $15 a year for pretty much nothing (I forgot fire protection, we don't get that either) which as I said before is perfectly fine with me. Baja norte and Bahia particularly seem to be the forgotten area. The citizens here must vote wrong in the elections and this is their punishment, no services. But on the bright side there is very little "rules enforcement" here also so everything goes smothly most of the time. One of these days I'll have to come down and visit the south and partake in the free services.
Larry

Pescador - 2-16-2012 at 09:08 AM

LarryC, go get your mangy dog, stop by my place, and we will go visit Osprey.

Pescador - 2-16-2012 at 09:51 AM

If you look at the MASA brand of corn meal, it is produced from Mexican Corn and is done in Mexico. While Mexico does not import sweet corn and uses field corn for that purpose, they have been very protection oriented and have very stringent controls on any seed corn coming in from the US. We ran into this when asking some of the locals why there was no sweet corn in the fields.

Bajamatic - 2-16-2012 at 11:17 AM

Viva baja!

bigzaggin - 2-16-2012 at 11:19 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pescador
If you look at the MASA brand of corn meal, it is produced from Mexican Corn and is done in Mexico. While Mexico does not import sweet corn and uses field corn for that purpose, they have been very protection oriented and have very stringent controls on any seed corn coming in from the US. We ran into this when asking some of the locals why there was no sweet corn in the fields.


Pretty sure I saw sweet corn in Ensenada last year, could be wrong I guess. Surely some must grow in Baja.

Regardless, VIVA BAJA!!!

Seeds

cessna821 - 2-16-2012 at 11:40 AM

As I understand it GM seed has to be purchased fresh every year.

I'm pretty sure most local farmers here use their own seed.

Kalypso - 2-16-2012 at 12:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by cessna821
As I understand it GM seed has to be purchased fresh every year.

I'm pretty sure most local farmers here use their own seed.


Most GMO seeds do have to be purchased year after year. It's why there is such a push by seed-saver organizations all over the world. The loss of genetic diversity in the food chain is not a health thing.

GMO corn does exist in Mexico and is encroaching on non-GMO corn crops. The Mexican ag folks have tested corn all over the republic and have found genetic evidence of it's existence in all states. Oaxaca is actively trying to eliminate/eradicate GNO corn and have farmers grow only non-GMO corn.

There is a reason some farmers in Mexico want to switch to the GMO corn. One word --> Ethanol. They can grow it, export it to the U.S. and make a way more from that than they can in selling non-GMO corn to masa processing.

Kalypso - 2-16-2012 at 01:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
Eating real food in the US is such an expensive struggle at times.
Pay now or pay later is our attitude.
It is another in a long list of reasons we will be moving to Mexico.
National Geographic had a fascinating article last year on seed banks and the deleterious ( I get to use a big word!) effects of GMO seeds around the world.
Now, if we can keep fish stocks unharmed from this....


SP, fish stocks are in serious danger. There is currently a proposal in front of the FDA to allow the transfer of a gene set from wild chinook salmon to farm raised salmon. I don't even want to consider the possibilities for genetic engineering if the FDA approves this.

Aquafarming in many parts of Asia have devastated local species, not to mention the deleterious (good word) affect it's had on the environment. Whole swaths of the ocean floor have been devastated and the ecological balance knocked out of whack.

Interestingly enough, the aquaculture pens off Ensenada are being being sustainably raised and maintained so that the seabed off of Ensenada does not suffer the same fate. I've got at least 2 friends here in SD that work in the maritime/fisheries industries and I've heard them talk on many occasions about how the Ensenada aquaculture pens are being managed. It's interesting and while not perfect, it's substantially better than Asia and many other countries.

And yes, unfortunately, farmers markets in SD tend to be more expensive than they should be which does make eating healthy a more expensive proposition. But there are some lower cost options that can make it more cost effective. Unfortuantley, we've got almost 3 generations of Americans with few to no cooking skills, or basic knowledge about food (i.e. where it comes from and what to do with it). Couple that with how incredibly cheap the giant food manufacturers have made it to buy fill food for next to nothing, and people end up making poor choices on what to buy and eat.

Cypress - 2-16-2012 at 03:06 PM

Pescador, Wrong! You actually convinced me there are fish there. There just aren't as many or as big as I expected.:tumble:

Skeet/Loreto - 2-16-2012 at 04:31 PM

Do not ever beleive that there are no Fish in the mar De Cortez!!

They are there and all you have to do is spend some time and energy to be there at the right time!!

The Whimps that only use their Fancy Boats with all the Electronic Devices will never be able to find the fish.
You have to learn the habits, the Wind, the Bait fish, the movement of the Water and all those things to get as many fish as you want!

How about the Sharks at Delefonsa isla Mucho!! Why???

Go catch them Fisherman.

MitchMan - 2-17-2012 at 07:58 AM

Skeet speaks with the true heart of a real fisherman.

More reasons to live in Mexico

cessna821 - 2-17-2012 at 03:53 PM

Things I don't like any more about Europe and USA and which I am pleased to escape to Mexico to avoid:

Speed cameras on open roads (hospitals and schools ok);

Crash helmets on motorcycles;

Seat belts in cars;

Getting breathalysed by coastguard/police while I'm sailing my boat;

Television advertising/propaganda;

Arrogant public servants who think they know so much more than everyone else;

Ethnic minorities who don't want to acknowledge the democracy of majority voting;

PC - political correctness - as practiced in UK and USA has the capacity to destroy the society from within;

Religious proselytising NUTS of all flavours (why can't they just mind their own darn business?);

Viva Mexico!

Santiago - 2-17-2012 at 04:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pescador
LarryC, go get your mangy dog, stop by my place, and we will go visit Osprey.


Hey, LarryC's dog is NOT mangy. Larry, on the other hand.....:coolup:

Pescador - 2-17-2012 at 05:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Santiago
Quote:
Originally posted by Pescador
LarryC, go get your mangy dog, stop by my place, and we will go visit Osprey.


Hey, LarryC's dog is NOT mangy. Larry, on the other hand.....:coolup:


I know they have spellcheck, but what I need at this age is THINKCheck. What I was thinking was that Larry could pick up a mangy dog from the neighborhood and stop by and we will take the mangy mongrel to Osprey.

Bajatripper - 2-17-2012 at 05:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by cessna821
Things I don't like any more about Europe and USA and which I am pleased to escape to Mexico to avoid:

Television advertising/propaganda;

Arrogant public servants who think they know so much more than everyone else;

Viva Mexico!


I take it you don't watch much Mexican television. I have--literally--sat through (or listened from the kitchen) the playing of the same commercial 7 straight times DURING THE SAME COMMERCIAL BREAK (the present record).

About arrogant public servants, I find that arrogance in public officials can be much worse in developing nations (my experiences in Mexico and the Philippines) than in the US. School teachers can be particularly bad.

larryC - 2-18-2012 at 09:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pescador
LarryC, go get your mangy dog, stop by my place, and we will go visit Osprey.


Mangy dog? I am offended, I love my dog and I take very good care of him. You might be confusing my dog with my wife, she needs some clean up, maybe I should take her to the vet.:lol:

wessongroup - 2-18-2012 at 10:41 AM

Your on thin ice ... C .. :):)

larryC - 2-18-2012 at 11:01 AM

Luckily she doesn't get on this forum very much. I'm sure no one here would rat me out :) That spay and neuter stuff doesn't scare me, I lost those desires a few years ago, about the time she started giving me those bitter pills as I remember.