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Baja Bernie
`Normal` Nomad Correspondent
Posts: 2962
Registered: 8-31-2003
Location: Sunset Beach
Member Is Offline
Mood: Just dancing through life
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Baja, where are you going?
Most of my post here have been simple attempts, on my part, to share the Baja I have known over the past 45 years….Those memories have never been
clouded or ruled by the laws of man but much more often by the common sense of the Mexican people and their guests.
Over the years many of us have chosen to place our hearts in Baja for assorted reasons. Some we understood but others we can only marvel. One of the
overriding reasons, I believe, is/was the desire to escape the cluttered and highly regimented life in the United States. A place where common sense
no longer prevails and one that is ‘ruled’ by judges and attorney’s—I didn’t mention politicians because saying that would be redundant.
Many recent threads have convinced me more than anything else that the end of a naïve and simple era is over, done, and for all purposes gone. I am
must thankful that so many of us have been allowed to experience the simple pleasures of Baja and its wonderful people. That we were allowed to
wander around this paradise at will—stopping to savor its quietude, the hot winds of her deserts, the sun and waves of her seashores. The hurricanes
that thunder ashore around the Cape, the bounty of the Sea of Cortez and so much more.
We have been allowed to sip of a culture that has taught many of us that time really has no meaning unless it is spent with friends or its passing has
added to our understanding and enjoyment of life. We were blessed to see a blending of the two cultures and the emergence of a third that somehow is
more than the sum of the two.
I understand—but do not appreciate the fact that many of us ‘visitors’ do not feel comfortable without our definitive laws and rules that control
most of the functions of our lives. Those very things that have driven many of us into her arms are now engulfing Baja and changing her forever! Her
simple and free pleasures are, more and more, forced to conform to a more orderly society where folks require the security of the much more complex
society that we had thought to leave behind us as we escaped to Baja.
I am sure that one day soon the lovely towns and villages of Baja will mirror such cities as Tijuana, Cancun, or Acapulco where the free life of
the individual is sacrificed for the ‘good’ of the many. These changes will end up swallowing up those folks who would ‘march to a different
drummer’—or in the case of some—dance to a piccolo player.
Watching my footprints being washed away by the tide has always been a magical moment for me and I just hope that my passing will be washed out to
sea as were my footprints in the sand—rather than being held captive in a slab of concrete.
Yes! I know that ‘progress’ is good—but losing the freedom to roam around mi Baja is not progress and may not be so judged by anyone’s standards.
Bernie Swaim—August 2007
No, no! I am going nowhere—yet.
My smidgen of a claim to fame is that I have had so many really good friends. By Bernie Swaim December 2007
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backninedan
Senior Nomad
Posts: 865
Registered: 3-8-2003
Location: Loreto
Member Is Offline
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I am investagating another country this December. For now I would rather not say where. I'm sure my talking about it won't change things, but after
watching baja explode, I may be a bit superstitious. I will just say it is in central america. Loreto is still home and I don't see an immediate
move, but it would be foolish not to have another place scouted out if this just gets to be too much.
I think it will depend on how Loreto goes, if its similar to La Paz I may stay. If it's anything like cabo....I'm gone.
The housing and stock markets dumps may slow things down too, we shall see.
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oldhippie
Banned
Posts: 742
Registered: 6-25-2006
Member Is Offline
Mood: muted
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I've already written off a winter home in BCS, which has been a 25 year dream, and I'm ready to buy. BCS is already too expensive for me.
I'm headed for the mainland this winter to scout out the Pacific coast areas, further south, between the resorts.
And I really don't mind populated areas. I get bored where there is nothing. But I've married a Mexican woman and live in Mexico. I really don't want
to go any place where my neighbors speak English, or Canadian 
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
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Jeezo, Bernie..........
You spent a lot of effort on this one, didn't you.
Why don't you just say, "Baja is changing, day by day, and if you don't understand this, go to a dead place where nothing changes."
We've talked about this before. We discussed the value of memory as all we have left.
This place, which we all feel as "ours" is now, everybodys. The isolation factor goes into the memory file and should be valued as such.
We can't resist it. It's too strong.
We didn't "sip of a culture" as you put it. Years back, there was no culture other than land, and we brought our good people, our pioneers to the
area, opening it up to further exploration and exposure. David K comes to mind as a contemporary.
Others would be Krutch, Stienbeck, Martinez [ Mexican] , Cannon, Gardner, Tabor, and so many others.
So, Bernie, it wasn't just the Mexicans with their mix of history that made Baja what it was and is. It's us as well. It's the adventurer with a
couple of big ones hangin' that put this place together for you and me.
And, Bernie, please please please, in your further epistles, don't use that word, "quietude" any more. It belongs in the realm of poetry.
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Baja Bernie
`Normal` Nomad Correspondent
Posts: 2962
Registered: 8-31-2003
Location: Sunset Beach
Member Is Offline
Mood: Just dancing through life
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Hey! Dennis
Would you like to censor my stuff before it gets posted. Don't seem able to please you lately.
Perhaps I'll post a few of my poems and drive you nuts.
On second thought...............Nah! I ain't that nasty.
My smidgen of a claim to fame is that I have had so many really good friends. By Bernie Swaim December 2007
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
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Thanks.
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Osprey
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3694
Registered: 5-23-2004
Location: Baja Ca. Sur
Member Is Offline
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Maudlin maunderings (I guess) are all that's left to those who live on memories. Better to burn today's light even if it's not bright, like the old
one. Like King Pleasure used to say "I'm so afraid of where I'm going and so in love with where I've been".
Tomorrow's Baja will please me in ways the old one never could if I can only stay alive, awake, positive, open to the promise of the unknown.
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Osprey
Tomorrow's Baja will please me in ways the old one never could if I can only stay alive, awake, positive, open to the promise of the unknown.
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Easy to say now.
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Osprey
Maudlin maunderings (I guess) are all that's left to those who live on memories.
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You won't live on them but, you'd better have them in order so you can live with them. In many cases in the future here, that's all that will be
left. Accept your past, dont live in it. We all face that scenario so, the scene may as well be good.
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Osprey
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3694
Registered: 5-23-2004
Location: Baja Ca. Sur
Member Is Offline
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Dennis, that's all nonsense, Jerryisms.
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MrBillM
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 21656
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Out and About
Member Is Offline
Mood: It's a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Day
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Unchanging, but Unloved ?
If change is the enemy, have you considered Amboy ?
Being a native Californian, it comes immediately to mind, but I'm sure there are other places in the great Southwest just as attractive and
unpopulated. Awhile back, the whole town was for sale so the right person could guarantee that unchanging state.
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
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Jerry will be so happy that his best efforts have spawned a term, Jerryism.
I'm sure you've coined this in your most kind regards.
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BMG
Super Nomad
Posts: 1776
Registered: 6-10-2007
Location: La Paz / Bahia Asunci�n / Away from home
Member Is Offline
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Change is what happens.
I believe the uncertainty of change is what most of us fear, or at least dread. The 'good ol' days' are what we always dream of. Has it ever been
different?
The only thing any of us have to look forward to is the future and it isn't going to be the same as the past no matter how much we wish it. I'll bet
you $1 that in 20 years there will be people talking about how good it was back in '07 and how life was so good back then.
As for me, I still relive cruising on our boat through Mexico and the South Pacific in the 70's and 80's. Have things changed? Yep, some for the
better and some for the worse.
This next year my wife and I start on a new adventure. We will still keep the boat in a more northern latitude but plan on moving into our new to us
house in La Paz. Another change that both of us are looking forward to with anticipation. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by for a cold one and we
can reminisce a bit. If it just happens to be the year 2027, bring that $1 you owe me.
I think the world is run by C- students.
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gnukid
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4411
Registered: 7-2-2006
Member Is Offline
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Interesting that the Missionaries had limited success colonizing baja, they had endless funds and resources and still it was a difficult path, then
when the US was at war with Mexico and the US raised the flag in La Paz in 1847, some 9 months later the colonizers left along with their converts.
Even Mexicans didn't go to Baja until recently and now it's simply because its less violent than the mainland, they arrive with money from Mexico City
and when it runs out they leave to find work elsewhere.
Establishments have collapsed, plans have failed, for so many reasons, Baja is a harsh environment with little to offer in the way of easy living.
Most developments are vast empty structures. Of the places which are comfortable or can support community, those are colonized. Things here are
difficult and expensive.
Many developments will come and sell, but remain empty, others will fail, some will go away and leave ruble behind and most will drain money from
investors.
How many could or would want to actually survive in a place with few resources? We have unbearable summer weather, and little commerce or opportunity
for productive manufacturing? Its either too hot or too cold and windy. They'll come for a short two week vacation and buy something, but they can't
and wont stay.
Even in Ensenada, Cabo, SJC or La Paz city centers it is very difficult to make it here, wages are low, its hard to survive and many vacation homes
are simply empty except the two weeks a year vacationers come down to visit.
I take this development spurt as real, but spurred by our recent Real Estate bubble in the US and subsequent failure, requiring people to cash out,
and invest in lower cost opportunity. As we see in the US market, we've had downward adjustments, finally these past few weeks as more cash out. Were
reaching 20% foreclosure on subprime APR loans. 50% were no interest payment/negative amortized no down payment loans over the last 5 years which will
likely fail. Loans are fewer and far between. Its a fast failing play. In Baja, the money for these activities has gone away.
Either way, I don't see the growth plans in Baja as great investment opportunities- half million dollar condos with no parking and million dollar
remote homes? The demand for housing isn't there. They are way overpriced and most lack resources one would want. Which is probably why we're shocked!
Most of us made our own way here without a sales pitch, many made their own homes or better a palapa or nothing but a camper or tent. For those who
don't read the latest news or follow the hype, life in mexico is the much the same as it was years ago and will remain that way for a long time in
pueblos however there will be lots of new movement, where its going? probably no where, like so many failed projects. They'll run back home when the
money runs out and leave a path of destruction behind.
Either way it is upsetting, everyone I know is deeply upset about the destruction of Mangroves we have which are key to Baja and once gone they wont
come back easily.
I live on a dirt street where people sell and trade nuts and fruits and fish and few even drive. We care about our street and we enjoy playing soccer
in the dirt street. Then came the governor, mayor and president, they saw what a nice place we have. They each bought land on my street. They put up
big fences and began to build mansions. Then came the plans for a marina, a bridge to the Magote, a super wide boulevard. I get so upset I try instead
to imagine its coming and accept life goes on everywhere, they call it progress. The most offensive to me is the Magote development on the sand bar in
La Paz. They are destroying an important mangrove to our region for an insanely stupid development on a sandbar in a well known hurricane alley, they
will have destroyed the homes of so many animals and fish for nothing but the hope of a few bucks and I'm sure they fail in the end.
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jerry
Super Nomad
Posts: 1354
Registered: 10-10-2003
Location: loreto
Member Is Offline
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thanks Baja Burnie
no thanks Osprey
jerry and judi
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805gregg
Super Nomad
Posts: 1344
Registered: 5-21-2006
Location: Ojai, Ca
Member Is Offline
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I had a comment, then I lost it, the best I can do is " what is, what is". I morn the loss of the baja I knew, but I am happy, for the Mexicans that
are benefiting from the changes. Nothing stays the same. I'm just sad, that I'm afraid, I can no longer afford the dream of retairement in Baja. Plus
if it goes the way of Cabo, Z-huat, Mita, etc. I don't want to live there anyhow.
Anybody been to AUZ?
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Bajafun777
Super Nomad
Posts: 1103
Registered: 9-13-2006
Location: Rosarito & California
Member Is Offline
Mood: Enjoying Life with Wife In Mexico, Easy on The Easy
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Bernie, I think back to the fun times and the people I knew that are no longer among us that enjoyed the fun times we had then as well as now. I
visit the same places that were not so crowded and developed as now but some things never change such the ocean and friendliness. These are things
that seem to always be there. Now old hippie some mainland areas are great too. I like Los Mochis and Maztlan and several coastal towns in between.
Always another adventure just down the rode, such are things that memories are made of. Ocean, friends, adventure and don't forget the cold ones to
just top it off. bajafun777
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Pescador
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3587
Registered: 10-17-2002
Location: Baja California Sur
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Baja Bernie
Over the years many of us have chosen to place our hearts in Baja for assorted reasons.
Many recent threads have convinced me more than anything else that the end of a naïve and simple era is over, done, and for all purposes gone. I am
must thankful that so many of us have been allowed to experience the simple pleasures of Baja and its wonderful people. That we were allowed to
wander around this paradise at will—stopping to savor its quietude, the hot winds of her deserts, the sun and waves of her seashores. The hurricanes
that thunder ashore around the Cape, the bounty of the Sea of Cortez and so much more.
We have been allowed to sip of a culture that has taught many of us that time really has no meaning unless it is spent with friends or its passing has
added to our understanding and enjoyment of life. We were blessed to see a blending of the two cultures and the emergence of a third that somehow is
more than the sum of the two.
Watching my footprints being washed away by the tide has always been a magical moment for me and I just hope that my passing will be washed out to
sea as were my footprints in the sand—rather than being held captive in a slab of concrete.
Yes! I know that ‘progress’ is good—but losing the freedom to roam around mi Baja is not progress and may not be so judged by anyone’s standards.
Bernie Swaim—August 2007
No, no! I am going nowhere—yet. |
Bernie, I am convinced that it is nothing but a time reference. It is too easy as we get older to live in the glories of the past and reflect that
things were always good historically. It is an impossibility to travel backwards and it is very important to keep things in perspective as Osprey
alluded to. Time has a way of filtering out the bad and leaving primarily the good memories but when I catch myself wishing that things were like
they were "back when", I have to keep reminding myself that I am not like I was "back when". Sure change is coming to the baja, but change is coming
to my own neighborhood in a lot of the same ways, so the only thing I can do is to embrace the change and live fully in the present. I think it is a
little too easy to bemoan the development and be righteously indignant like Old Hippie about the growth and development but that doesn't really change
much and keeps us from looking and sensing the present. I do not go to Cabo because that is not the environment that I get the most pleasure from and
I can waste silly time bemoaning the fact that I remember what it was like back in the 80's but guess what, I don't live in the 80's anymore. But, I
have found a place on the Baja that works for me and brings me great pleasure right here and now. I get to go fishing and instead of worrying about
how good it was 10 years ago, I focus on what is happening today and derive a lot of pleasure from that whether I am catching a boatload of yellowtail
or a few spotted bay bass for dinner. I get to sit around and play music with some of my friends, I get to practice my spanish and make new friends,
I get to watch the wind blow, I don't have to shovel snow, and each and every day is a new adventure.
Today on the San Carlos forum some one posted some pictues of San Carlos from way back. I remember what it was like in the old days and the
pictures brought back floods of memories, but I also remember fighting terrible roads, never being able to find equipment or parts, getting so sick
from food poisoning that I thought I was going to die, and on and on. But it also reminded me that today is the adventure and each day is a gift to
live fully.
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13048
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
Member Is Offline
Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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Yup, lots of places have been trashed and we all lament this BUT there are still LOTS of wild pristine beaches in baja with very cheap land so geez
Greg don't give up the ship mate! Just look harder for your place...I found mine and I really don't see it changing too much in the near future...OK
maybe a few nomads will build some humble casitas...good, more backgammon players and new amigos to share good times with.
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Loboron
Junior Nomad
Posts: 76
Registered: 4-21-2007
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
Jeezo, Bernie..........
You spent a lot of effort on this one, didn't you.
Why don't you just say, "Baja is changing, day by day, and if you don't understand this, go to a dead place where nothing changes."
We've talked about this before. We discussed the value of memory as all we have left.
This place, which we all feel as "ours" is now, everybodys. The isolation factor goes into the memory file and should be valued as such.
We can't resist it. It's too strong.
We didn't "sip of a culture" as you put it. Years back, there was no culture other than land, and we brought our good people, our pioneers to the
area, opening it up to further exploration and exposure. David K comes to mind as a contemporary.
Others would be Krutch, Stienbeck, Martinez [ Mexican] , Cannon, Gardner, Tabor, and so many others.
So, Bernie, it wasn't just the Mexicans with their mix of history that made Baja what it was and is. It's us as well. It's the adventurer with a
couple of big ones hangin' that put this place together for you and me.
And, Bernie, please please please, in your further epistles, don't use that word, "quietude" any more. It belongs in the realm of poetry.
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Dennis,
It's difficult at best, to understand your logic, and I find it more difficult not to call you and idiot.
" This place, which we all feel as "ours" is now, everybodys"
How can you say that, Mexico is not and never will be yours. You are and always will be a guest until you're thrown out.
"We didn't "sip of a culture" as you put it. Years back, there was no culture other than land, and we brought our good people, our
pioneers to the area, opening it up to further exploration and exposure"
This is where you become the village idiot. "There was no culture" You must be Blind and deaf and dump if you haven't learned anything about Mexico.
When you learn about the local lay of the land and the people, it's called learning their Culture.
"So, Bernie, it wasn't just the Mexicans with their mix of history that made Baja what it was and is. It's us as well."
Perhaps you would like to give us a history lesson. I always thought it was the Mexicans and their history that made up Baja and what drew us all here
in the first place.
Perhaps you'd better be served if you read Bernies books on Baja. There's quite a bit of History and Culture in those books. Perhaps you would go away
with a better understanding of how it was and what it's become. That's was causes most of us to reflect back.
[Edited on 8-4-2007 by Loboron]
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