BajaNomad

The Expatriate Elite in Baja

MrBillM - 3-24-2005 at 03:40 PM

Resident Malcontents.

It has long been apparent reading the various postings in this forum that a high percentage of those foreign residents who post here possess something of an evangelistic view of their presence. Whether they represent a majority of those who live here, Quien Sabe ? It?s more likely that they just tend to be the more outspoken. They consistently rant as if they somehow have more right to exist in Baja because of their appreciation of the land, their affinity for the native peoples and their devout willingness to meld into existing culture. Somehow the rest of us are unworthy because we cling to our own culture and the various accruements of that culture. They bemoan the loss of purity and innocence in their adopted land created by the Norte Barbarians bringing South the evils of Consumer Capitalism. These Chosen Ones don?t even grasp the irony that they are using some of the same demon?s tools that they appear to hate in order to spread their sophistry. Without a Computer and telephone line or Satellite connection, they wouldn?t be heard from. Without Generators or Solar Power, they wouldn?t have the electrical ability to expound. Of course, consistency has never been a hallmark of the malcontents who seem to have a hatred or embarassment over their origins. They have fled the oppressed land of evil Capitalism and rampant Religiousity. In their minds, They have escaped the land of Zealous Patriots who are determined to imprison all who disagree. In doing so, they have escaped TO a place of Corrupt Government where the law might change from day to day or from official to official, but they don?t see irony in that, either.

I think that most of us go to Baja for far more mundane reasons. Open space to ride offroad and sample the adventure of the unknown. The ability to live reasonably adjacent to the ocean, to sail, swim, fish. A chance to meet people and make new friends according to their merits. While we have respect for the native peoples and their culture, we don?t feel the need to absorb ourselves in it. We don?t expect to be greeted as saviors or dreaded as spoilers. The fact that Spanish is the language is an inconvenience to be overcome, not necessarily to be embraced with religious fervor. The accomodations of Modern Technology are to be appreciated and enjoyed as available, not spurned as evidence of the downfall of mankind. Most of us are happy with our lives and our
heritage and feel no need to apologize for the evil machinations of a corrupt America. We enjoyed growing up American and still enjoy it to this day.

It must be occasion for great angst among the expatriate evangelistas that the Mexican people embrace all of these same technological luxuries whenever given the chance. Don?t these noble peoples understand how they are being corrupted ? Whenever the subject of the rampant growth of Americano-related facilities comes up in discussions I have with Mexicans, the opinion is universally positive. They appreciate the jobs and economic prosperity that they are enjoying. Poor Fools. Don?t they understand that it is far more noble to live in poverty cooking over an open pit and scrounging each day for their existence. You, who are among the purists, have a great battle ahead to reverse this terrible decline.


Dave - 3-24-2005 at 04:00 PM

BRAVO!!!!!

David K - 3-24-2005 at 04:23 PM

Bill, that is great... I think you hit the nail on the cabeza!:light:

When I am camping on Shell Island and you are in the area, drive your American invented machine of global destruction (automobile) on over for a cool one!

bajalou - 3-24-2005 at 04:39 PM

Wish I could say it that well. Thanks

:biggrin:

Packoderm - 3-24-2005 at 04:54 PM

That's not bad at all. Thanks Mr. Bill; I have been thinking those same thoughts for a while.

Maybe one other point could be that all Americans are individuals, and those visiting and living in Baja most likely lie somewhere in between these two generalizations.

El Jefe - 3-24-2005 at 08:32 PM

MrBill, thank you so much for that! Your words ring so true for what I believe is most of us. Look, the reason I go to Baja is that I just want to have fun. After all these years of two week explorations, I'm finally going to retire to my gringo enclave on the south-east cape. Sun, sand, surf and dare I say...sex. Sure, we will enjoy our contact with the locals, we will improve our already decent Spanish, and we will tread lightly on the beautiful environment. But most of all, we will enjoy the warm waters, the red sunrise and the quiet beauty of it all. Simple as that. If ever you are in the neighborhood, I'd love to buy you a beer. You're my kind of guy!

baja expatriate

comitan - 3-24-2005 at 09:15 PM

I think it explains so much why we are all here, and i'm amazed at how many of our members are so articulate on so many subjects it really makes me jealouse that I cannot express myself so well. Well happy hour is over. Just don't want to get myself bamboozeled,G' night.

Baja Bernie - 3-24-2005 at 09:17 PM

Very well said! Hats off to you.

Try spending some time down here

jrbaja - 3-25-2005 at 11:56 AM

before coming to your typical "better than thou" conclusions.
because when you see how you people act on a daily basis when you vacation here, you miight have some grasp of what the people that live here actually see and think. I don't make things up!
But Willy, that was very well written. Didn't know you had it in you!:lol:

That's the difference between Gringos

jrbaja - 3-25-2005 at 12:14 PM

and "P-nche gringos" which many on here obviously are!:lol:

viabaja - 3-25-2005 at 02:20 PM

Alright Bill. Enough of this! When I'm down next week I'm coming over. I'm yanking your computer connections, disabling your solar system (no TV!), & locking off your propane. You'll be back to cooking with mesquite, going into town for ice, kerosen lanterns, & gravity feed water!! The "Purists" will thank me.
Chris

Calexicocarrera - 3-25-2005 at 02:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by jrbaja
before coming to your typical "better than thou" conclusions.
because when you see how you people act on a daily basis when you vacation here, you miight have some grasp of what the people that live here actually see and think. I don't make things up!


Who are you talking to? You paint with a very broad brush Senor.

[Edited on 3-25-2005 by Calexicocarrera]

JESSE - 3-25-2005 at 03:54 PM

What exactly has all this "prosperity" brought to Baja? i just got back from a few days down in Baja sur, i am completely amazed at the narcotransformation of the communities, everybody wants to make money anyway they can, and if planting marijuana or receiving cocaine from south america via airplane is the ticket to buy that brand new pick up, and have a nice home at the beach ( wonder where they saw those things) so be it, who the hell cares if a whole generation goes to hell. I am so happy that so many come here and think that their dollars cleans them of any responsability, after all, its not your fault that the goverment screws the people here right?

Well, let me make it very clear to you, Baja just 15 years ago was one of the most pristine states in Mexico, and the people while poor, where decent, honest, friendly, and easy going, but now, the whole f***** peninsula is changing for the worst, regardless of what many would love to believe. Rampant and unplaned development has benefited little the locals, instead, american dollars have brough people from central Mexico who wont think twice about robbing you, narco traffickers from sinaloa, and land grabbing foreigners who buy from farmers at dirt prices and sell at California prices, this has caused new generation of Baja children to go from living in poverty, to adopting narcoculture as the only way to afford those nice houses popping out all over Bajas beachfronts. I know what many will say, lets blame the Mexican goverment, lets blame others, lets blame the locals for not having the guts to demand more, all i do i come here and spend my money, its not my fault.

Well, think what you want, many of you dislike me because you think i am a lonely Mexican who doesnt represent most of the people here, and if thats what you want to believe, good for you, in reality, my views are very popular amongst Mexicans, if you think that from your conversations with locals all they tell you is that life is good and they dont dislike whats happening in Baja, you obviously dont understand the Mexican mind, WE DONT OPEN UP even with neighboors, we do it with family and close friends, you have no idea what we are thinking of just like when we say yes when we really are saying no.

15 years ago you could go anywhere in Baja no problems, just a few days ago an american and his buddy was killed because he drove right into a field of marijuana in the valley, wich was guarded by heavily armed gunmen.

Theres certain types of progress that are actualy worse than not having progress at all, this is one of those types, i can already see in 10 or 15 years the U.S. goverment posting travel warnings for Baja, and it will be impossible to travel in certain areas ( it already is), our kids are killing themselves, poverty is about the same since all the good paying jobs go to foreigners and or city people from Mexico city or Guadalajara, and we have to like it???

No thanks, you dont have to accept responsability for your actions here, but i dont have to greet you with a smile as well and help you to change yout tire do i? if many old Baja travelers are worried about whats happening, its because they have seen the change for the worse, this is not only about real estate, its about a lifestyle, its about a way of life, and sooner than later Baja is just going to end up like any other part of Mexico, if you dont have a problem with that, go and travel and camp in Sinaloa, or Sonora, and lets see how safe and happy you are there? so enjoy your Baja trip today, because your children are never going to get a chance to experience traveling in a remote land virtually free of crime.

Bien dicho Mr. Bill

bajapablo - 3-25-2005 at 03:58 PM

yankeeirishman - 3-25-2005 at 04:12 PM

Baja. It?s my HG Wells time machine! This land (in most areas)is so unclouded of commercialism, people, cars, and all that crapola associated with the human race. Baja. It reminds me of early California when I was a young Lad. Mom and Dad would take all these weekend trips on the endless highways. Only was Los Angeles really a big place?so to speak. Irvine Ranch was as far as the eye could see. Hell?I remember seeing Bobcats up there?now where the Mall is! Central Ca coast. ?carry a gas can dude! And the North coast was very sparse. Only San Francisco was a huge Island of a city. Big Sur to Trinidad was open land?few buildings. The fishing was legendarily close as in the Sea of Cortez. Folks said howdy to strangers, not ?give me your wallet?! I?m not talking about California of1896 either! 1959! There are many places in our world that offer a great time machine to most of us?but Baja is right here in our backyards. I plan to jump in this time machine and never come back to 2005?someday in the future.

Better poster 4 ya?

[Edited on 3-25-2005 by yankeeirishman]

Hey, Groover...

MrBillM - 3-25-2005 at 04:15 PM

Are you trying to make the point that the "typical" Gringo visitors are busy running over innocents on the beach ?? Talk about a stretch.

By the way, back in April there was an article in the Sol de San Felipe newspaper about some MEXICAN Nationals pulling their Panga out on the beach, neglecting to notice a female sunbather and ran her over. I still have that newspaper. I guess maybe you would have lost that bet.

It may me just me, but when I read that article, I didn't draw the conclusion that it was a normal activity of Mexican Nationals.

Jesse:

David K - 3-25-2005 at 08:09 PM

Amigo, I know you, I know what you are saying, and I know your heart aches over this...

Jimmy Smith told me that I was the bridge to deliver the memories of Baja's past (the pre-paved Hwy.1 days) to today's new Baja visitors...

"Change Happens"... but it is not all bad. There is still a lot more campo (country) than ciudad (city) on the peninsula.

For your own good (and others who can do without the 'modern comforts'), get away from the damn pavement!

Mama Espinoza is often credited with saying: "Bad Roads = Good People... Good Roads = All Kinds of People"

Paved roads mean easy access for all and faster emergency transportation, improved movement of goods, etc.

However, as Jesse stated, the old days did mean a happy, good quality of life.

Those who didn't want to stay in those isolated villages could (and often did, leave). Those who enjoyed that peaceful, easy life, stayed.

So, what is the solution? For the locals, resist the desire to bring in pavement. For the NorteAmericano Baja enthusiast, get 4WD and stay away from the masses.

The only other remedy is through education. Web sites like this, newspaper and magazine articles, can relay the folly of too much improvement leading to a REDUCTION in quality of life.

Thank you Jesse for sharing your passion... I share your concern, and will join with you in trying to keep Baja pure.

Viva Baja California!

I hardly consider posting coordinates

jrbaja - 3-26-2005 at 12:24 PM

of all the places in Baja a step towards keeping Baja pure. Its more like an invitation to riff raff who seem to frequent this board more and more.
Jesse is 100 per cent accurate with his words and he is a Mexican. Obviously the idiots are screwing up some beach right now because there are always a few who have vacationed here in the gringo enclaves who like to think they know what is going on here and actually argue with those who see this place every day.
Some of them even make it a point to let everyone know they speak Spanish yet obviously have no grasp of the culture.
Thank goodness for gringo enclaves because I certainly dont want to see these fools around me:lol:

jrbaja - 3-26-2005 at 12:40 PM

:lol::lol::lol:

Bruce R Leech - 3-26-2005 at 01:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by JESSE
What exactly has all this "prosperity" brought to Baja? i just got back from a few days down in Baja sur, i am completely amazed at the narcotransformation of the communities, everybody wants to make money anyway they can, and if planting marijuana or receiving cocaine from south america via airplane is the ticket to buy that brand new pick up, and have a nice home at the beach ( wonder where they saw those things) so be it, who the hell cares if a whole generation goes to hell. I am so happy that so many come here and think that their dollars cleans them of any responsability, after all, its not your fault that the goverment screws the people here right?

Well, let me make it very clear to you, Baja just 15 years ago was one of the most pristine states in Mexico, and the people while poor, where decent, honest, friendly, and easy going, but now, the whole f***** peninsula is changing for the worst, regardless of what many would love to believe. Rampant and unplaned development has benefited little the locals, instead, american dollars have brough people from central Mexico who wont think twice about robbing you, narco traffickers from sinaloa, and land grabbing foreigners who buy from farmers at dirt prices and sell at California prices, this has caused new generation of Baja children to go from living in poverty, to adopting narcoculture as the only way to afford those nice houses popping out all over Bajas beachfronts. I know what many will say, lets blame the Mexican goverment, lets blame others, lets blame the locals for not having the guts to demand more, all i do i come here and spend my money, its not my fault.

Well, think what you want, many of you dislike me because you think i am a lonely Mexican who doesnt represent most of the people here, and if thats what you want to believe, good for you, in reality, my views are very popular amongst Mexicans, if you think that from your conversations with locals all they tell you is that life is good and they dont dislike whats happening in Baja, you obviously dont understand the Mexican mind, WE DONT OPEN UP even with neighboors, we do it with family and close friends, you have no idea what we are thinking of just like when we say yes when we really are saying no.

15 years ago you could go anywhere in Baja no problems, just a few days ago an american and his buddy was killed because he drove right into a field of marijuana in the valley, wich was guarded by heavily armed gunmen.

Theres certain types of progress that are actualy worse than not having progress at all, this is one of those types, i can already see in 10 or 15 years the U.S. goverment posting travel warnings for Baja, and it will be impossible to travel in certain areas ( it already is), our kids are killing themselves, poverty is about the same since all the good paying jobs go to foreigners and or city people from Mexico city or Guadalajara, and we have to like it???

No thanks, you dont have to accept responsability for your actions here, but i dont have to greet you with a smile as well and help you to change yout tire do i? if many old Baja travelers are worried about whats happening, its because they have seen the change for the worse, this is not only about real estate, its about a lifestyle, its about a way of life, and sooner than later Baja is just going to end up like any other part of Mexico, if you dont have a problem with that, go and travel and camp in Sinaloa, or Sonora, and lets see how safe and happy you are there? so enjoy your Baja trip today, because your children are never going to get a chance to experience traveling in a remote land virtually free of crime.


I not only agree with Jesse but I can voutch for him speaking for the Mojrirty of the Mexicans here in Baja. they will be polite to you because that is there nature. But they are laughing at every gringo that is dumb enough to bring there tones of things from the north. they will politely except your trinket gifts and second hand clothes but laugh about you to there Friends and family. many people really need to learn about the culture here. it is a beautiful one once you understand it and only then can you hope to earn the respect of the people here.

I was as guilty as the rest when I first visited and even for years after I lived here. I brought gifts and presents for people all the time and now I see how foolish I was and how I insulted the people with my I thought Kindness.

[Edited on 3-27-2005 by Bruce R Leech]

expatriates

comitan - 3-26-2005 at 01:51 PM

I agree with you totally about how mexicans feel about all of us gringos that includes jr who seems to think he is above most of us other gringos. Its like the jerry jeff walker (The pot can't call the kettle black). I also think you cannot lump all mexicans in the same pot. Where I live in La Paz the majority of the Mexican people are well educated and make a decent living I feel living here there is very little difference than living in gringolandia, Maybe iv'e been here too long but its my home and i'm comfortable with it.

Moriarty ??

MrBillM - 3-26-2005 at 02:11 PM

Quote:

I not only agree with Jesse but I can voutch for him speaking for the Moriarty of the Mexicans here in Baja.
--------------------------------------------------------
That's just the point. We don't want someone who's speaking for the "Moriarty". He was the BAD guy, remember ? And I thought Sherlock Holmes had seen to his death. Is he still alive and well in Mexico ?

David K - 3-26-2005 at 02:16 PM

JR said: "...Its more like an invitation to riff raff who seem to frequent this board more and more."

That is pretty sad you think that way. Either you are one of the riff raff or you consider yourself BETTER than the Nomads you think so little of.

Those who have a computer (or WebTV) to gain knowledge about a place (like Baja California) or those who read books about Baja are at least taking the time to try and understand her.

That, to me, makes them far above ordinary riff raff... Because you consider us Nomads as riff raff and you as superior, then that explains your condensending posts. I guess you either want to scare us from going to Baja or shame us out of Baja, now that you are planted there.

Do you understand there is a time line, and they overlap? What I mean is, your Baja love started (I think) when you worked on the Titanic movie set, and decided to live near it. Mine started as a child who was captivated by Baja California. Others may just be starting their love of Baja and are beginning to learn about it.

No Nomad is better or worse for wanting to love Baja when they discover it, just because their time line began different then yours.

Because Baja is a treasure that brings out the best in us Nomads, we should treat it like this treasure... There are great places to see, photograph, hike, drive, camp. If people just see it as a desert, and no need to preserve it, then they trash or ignore it.

I choose to show that Baja has great things to see and save. Every dirt road in Baja goes 'somewhere'... usually somewhere really great. The more of us Baja Nomads that are aware of great places for now and future trips, the more will want to go there and see them. Mexico wants us to come south, and as long as there are places that attract us, it is in Mexico's best interest to preserve these places for us to see.

Keeping secret old mission sites has only shown locals that the ruins have no use except to provide building material for new houses or livestock corrals. But, tell interested Baja travels where a historic site is, and that site has far more value being untouched or preserved. The longer a site is left standing, the longer it will be visited by history buffs (who spend money on their trips).

The Mexicans are seeing this, and doing something to promote and save historic sites... it is good for them and for us. Keeping any place a secret will only mean it is ignored and allowed to be destroyed.
The El Marmol onyx schoolhouse was being broken down and carted off (even though tons of onyx blocks lay all over the area) until me, on Amigos de Baja made quite a stink after Lorenzo and I went there and photographed the building in 2000. Tim Walker followed us in doing a large photo web page as well. A fence has since been erected and the destruction has halted.

You see, unmentioned, nobody cared... Publicized, people came forward and did something good.

GPS is just a modern version of using odometer readings for directions... except they are an added cost. Gang bangers and whoever with spray paint cans are not using a GPS to find places to tag. Good people who read Baja Nomad or my web site's GPS page (or any of the other GPS pages or books) are not spray painting either. We have these things because we love being out there in the beautiful Baja desert, exploring, seeing with our own eyes places mentioned on line or in books.

Mexico's INAH has given Jack Swords authority to go on any land to photograph, GPS, and document historic sites... I am assisting Jack, as are others. We want the destruction to end, we want the locals to know there is value in not carting off bricks from a ruin, we want our children and their children to appreciate Baja and have something for them to see as well.


[Edited on 3-26-2005 by David K]

Well, that was certainly a mouthful!

jrbaja - 3-26-2005 at 07:20 PM

And I know for a fact that some people you name drop know better than to share much information with you.
And I also find it very typical of gringos who live in gringo canadian enclaves to judge others based on what their so called friends tell them. You should hear what he says about you there comitan.
And for you to base your knowledge of the mexican people on El Centenario is also quite typical. Maybe you should go for a drive one day and see a real mexican community.
Here goes the coop again, because J.R. lives there and knows of what he speaks, those that don't or spend their time gossiping with other P-nches just like them in Baja get riled when they feel that the huarache fits.
Too bad but, there you have it.

Ex Pats

comitan - 3-26-2005 at 08:35 PM

JR I promised myself I wouldn't get into a confrontation with you, because (It's) not worth it.

Whoa! "Dont give"?

yankeeirishman - 3-26-2005 at 08:40 PM

I don?t think that the kids of the poorer villages really give a damn if the clothes, sports gear, whatever...is secondhand. I?ve always given stuff to the underprivileged, and they really like getting it. But don?t get me wrong. I?ve never bribed for friendship with the goods I give away. Hope you ALL will always give a kid a glimmer of hope and pride.

BajaDave - 3-27-2005 at 01:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bruce R Leech

I not only agree with Jesse but I can voutch for him speaking for the Mojrirty of the Mexicans here in Baja. they will be polite to you because that is there nature. they will politely except your trinket gifts and second hand clothes but laugh about you to there Friends and family. many people really need to learn about the culture here. it is a beautiful one once you understand it and only then can you hope to earn the respect of the people here.

I was as guilty as the rest when I first visited and even for years after I lived here. I brought gifts and presents for people all the time and now I see how foolish I was and how I insulted the people with my I thought Kindness.

[Edited on 3-27-2005 by Bruce R Leech]


Would you be so kind as to elaborate a bit about how you were inadvertantly causing insult through your actions (gifting), so as to help others from doing the same?

Thank you. I do not mean to put you on the spot.

Skipjack Joe - 3-27-2005 at 10:07 AM

>>>Would you be so kind as to elaborate a bit about how you were inadvertantly causing insult through your actions (gifting), so as to help others from doing the same?

With Bruce Leech's permission I will try to answer this question.

It's a matter of pride and dignity. As you know, this is greatly valued in the Latin cultures. A man's self esteem is lowered when he receives charity.

Some people accept charity well, others develop a sense of resentment. You can equate it to welfare in the US. Many argue that welfare in the US actually does more harm than good because it denies a sense of pride that comes from earning a living.

And it there's one thing I have learned about the Latino male, it's that pride and self esteem is way up there in term of values. Right next to devotion to family.

Bruce R Leech - 3-27-2005 at 10:19 AM

thanks Skipjack Joe. I will endorse your answer as my opinion also. You are a better writer than I. but seams we share some thoughts on Baja customs.
:yes:
nice to meet you

TMW - 3-27-2005 at 10:38 AM

Giving clothing, food etc. to a church would not hurt their pride and is welcomed. Same for an orphanage.

Give the men cervaza and everything else to the women and children.

I grew up in an incredibly poor situation......

Tucker - 3-27-2005 at 10:47 AM

when folks would come around offering their castoff things I, even at five or six years old, resented it!

Guilty Again

MrBillM - 3-27-2005 at 12:02 PM

Now I find out that I'm guilty of another Baja Culture sin. For Twenty-Five years, I've been bringing down all sorts of gifts to hand out to the Adults and Children. In all of that time, though, I've never encountered any resentment. I've got large Rubbermaid Containers filled with small toys and dolls that I hand out and the Kids along with their parents seem very happy. Whenever I'm out shopping I look for mark downs and buy up Jeans, Shirts, etc to take South. I usually ask one of my Mexican friends to hand them out to whoever he knows that might be able to use them. That way I am not embarrassing them. I've also found that a great place to take Children's toys, coloring books and crayons are the Medical Clinics, in my case, St. Johns Infirmary in San Felipe. They hand them out to their child patients.

I will, no doubt, continue to do this for as long as I'm alive and living down there and I could care less what anyone else thinks about it.

One thing I don't do is give used clothing, etc away directly. That does seem a little rude so I give it to the Church to do with as they deem best.

Hey Bill.....

Tucker - 3-27-2005 at 12:12 PM

It's different strokes for different folks, most of my siblings were grateful.

Well here it is

baitcast - 3-27-2005 at 01:01 PM


Easter and DK has come down off the mountain to explain to us that he,s here to save BAJA "Jimmy Smith told him that he was the bridge to deliver the memories of BAJA,s past"......I feel a lot better now knowing everything is going to be fine!
Then he says "I share your concern and will join you in trying to keep BAJA PURE".Give me a brake!
He,s daddy took him for a ride down the road in 67 when he was a pup and now he comes back as our saviour and teacher for all things BAJA.
BAITCAST

woody with a view - 3-27-2005 at 01:01 PM

JESSE said,
Quote:

who the hell cares if a whole generation goes to hell. I am so happy that so many come here and think that their dollars cleans them of any responsability, after all, its not your fault that the goverment screws the people here right?


you're right, it's not my fault. i couldn't control to whom or where i was born. why should i be made to feel like i'm doing someone a dis-service by arriving full of excitement, without a cloud of dust, but eager to share a smile and maybe a few things someone may or may not need.

last time down part of the haul was a trash bag FULL of toys for 1-6 year olds. the family we "disrespected" had no kids, but in three days time, everyone who stopped by took a handful of toys for their kids. i never saw a scowl.

but then again, i am GRINGO:?:

JESSE - 3-27-2005 at 01:25 PM

Giving clothes and toys and whatever is not a problem, if you guys want to do that, thats great, i am sorry if my response gave the impression that i dont think doing that is right. But trust me when i tell you, people can tell when someone truly offers his friendship, and no truckload of gifts is ever going to be valued more than a true friendship.




[Edited on 3-27-2005 by JESSE]

yankeeirishman - 3-27-2005 at 03:24 PM

Quote:
"St. Johns Infirmary in San Felipe".
**What street is this located on?

"I will, no doubt, continue to do this for as long as I'm alive and living down there and I could care less what anyone else thinks about it".
**Yeeeeeeeha Billy Boy!!!! I'm with you !

One thing I don't do is give used clothing, etc away directly. That does seem a little rude so I give it to the Church to do with as they deem best.
:lol:

mike odell - 3-27-2005 at 05:54 PM

yankeeirishman,
Dont much give a rats +++what some of this Riedo is about, I appreciate what people like you do and so do most others! Continue on and God Bless!
I have found that to give stuff to the ranch people waaay off the beaten path,
is much apreciated, sit down with them, after they, and they always do, offer a cup of strong black coffee, talk a little about where your from, and what about the weather? Are the ganados gonna be ok until rain? No gift is to large or too small or if it comes from your heart! We have a small rancho high up, I won't say where right now and when we go up the nieghbors aways come by when they here the truck coming up the valley, we basicaly always bring some clothes and stuff that is appreciated, Once in a while we give unusual stuff like something cold!
We are not Santa, just friends. I think the same thing about you my friend and some others, but not all!!:rolleyes:

bajalou - 3-27-2005 at 06:55 PM

"St. Johns Infirmary in San Felipe". is located right next to the Police Station.

:biggrin:

yankeeirishman - 3-27-2005 at 07:48 PM

Bajalou.....thanks for that info. Think I will check out the place on my next arrival.

mike odell....fact is I got a lot of "hand me downs and charity" when I was a kid. Thanks to the Shriners and the Los Angeles County hospital.... I got my hearing restored at age 8. The American Red Cross gave me help, as I was in need to reach my family at age 19. Pride was never an issue with me! Like so many here on this forum?damn near everyone?have basically said, ?I?ve helped the Folks of Baja and will still?.

David K - 3-27-2005 at 10:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by baitcast

Easter and DK has come down off the mountain to explain to us that he,s here to save BAJA "Jimmy Smith told him that he was the bridge to deliver the memories of BAJA,s past"......I feel a lot better now knowing everything is going to be fine!
Then he says "I share your concern and will join you in trying to keep BAJA PURE".Give me a brake!
He,s daddy took him for a ride down the road in 67 when he was a pup and now he comes back as our saviour and teacher for all things BAJA.
BAITCAST


Where do you come up with this nonesense? I was responding to Jesse, not you... But, since you want to interact with me, tell me, what will you do to make Baja better, or at least not get worse?

PJC - 3-29-2005 at 10:13 PM

Indeed Mr Bill, BRAVO!

May I buy the first Pacific whenever we meet face to face?

[Edited on 3-30-2005 by Baja Blackie]

JESSE - 3-30-2005 at 03:35 PM

Thanks Doug!!!!!!!;)

Resident Malcontents

BajaRob - 3-30-2005 at 04:12 PM

Go Home, we are sick of your whining. I hope that most that post here don't think that the whiners are typical of us that live here. We are not holier than thou, just lucky to be here fulltime. You may think that you are cool but..........

I take things

jrbaja - 3-31-2005 at 04:19 PM

including used clothing after it has been cleaned to many remote communities throughout Baja every time I go.
It is greatly appreciated by all of the ricipients!(sp.) and always has been. The difference is, these folks haven't had the gringo or canadian influence that the beach communities have. Wealthy people on vacation who can afford to bring nice new things down.
The rural areas of Baja are in desperate need of clothing, blankets, school supplies, etc. and that is a fact. Anyone saying anything different has probably never been anywhere besides the enclaves and tourist areas in Baja.

yankeeirishman - 3-31-2005 at 04:28 PM

"The rural areas of Baja"
Damn right you are jrbaja. It extends to the mainland too. Tulume was a nightmare of the poor.
Quote:
Originally posted by jrbaja
including used clothing after it has been cleaned to many remote communities throughout Baja every time I go.
It is greatly appreciated by all of the ricipients!(sp.) and always has been. The difference is, these folks haven't had the gringo or canadian influence that the beach communities have. Wealthy people on vacation who can afford to bring nice new things down.
The rural areas of Baja are in desperate need of clothing, blankets, school supplies, etc. and that is a fact. Anyone saying anything different has probably never been anywhere besides the enclaves and tourist areas in Baja.