Always get a kick out of Mexicans who say Baja isn't Mexico and Gringos saying Cabo isn't Baja. Well mi amigos, if you drive down here, I don't see how much more of Baja you can get or it can be. As far as the comments from the people from the mainland, the people of Baja take offense. Then they just shrug it off. They are quite tranqilo down here that way.
I hear what you "real Mexico" enthusiasts are saying. I have traveled extensively throughout. There is a reason that Mexicans come here for holiday and it is considered the safest place in Mexico. My lady and I can stroll the unlit streets at 0100 without fear of attack. No one here wants to hurt anyone and NO ONE wants the wrath of the police. They actually fear them here.
You wouldn't catch me walking the streets of Oakland or San Francisco at night. Well, you would but I would have been armed. Another thing I don't worry about here.
I hear what you are saying though. I see the waddling hordes from the cruise ships and the time shares, feasting on Johnny Rocket's, Ruth's Chris and Hard Rock Cafe all while just a block off is a dirt floored, plastic chaired dive with some of the best tacos or seafood you will ever eat, CHEAP!
Yin Yang and the law of reciprocity dictates that having convenient amenities as Home Depot, Costco and WalMart also mean the down side of too many Norte Americanos. I would be lying if I didn't admit that these places, as well as the close proximity to an airport aren't a plus for me. Having a Toyota truck that is less than two years old with a seven year warranty to lean on also means that the dealership in San Jose del Cabo gives me quite a comforting feeling.
I spend pesos, speak as much Spanish as I am able and shop and eat at very local Mexican shops and restaurants. To me that means that I am in Mexico. I chose to live in a very Mexican house, in a Mexican barrio amongst the locals. Sure, it ain't exactly a tin roofed yurt but it is a Mexican home none the less. Just like when I lived in Scotland, my house doesn't even have a proper address. It has a name, Casa del Toro, because of the dead bull motif that surround this place.
What I also have is a huge garage that for the first time in my life, is EMPTY. All the more room for the ADV guys that want to use my place for a recharge and turnaround point. Mi casa es su casa, as they say.
Africa hot? Well I am prepared. Even have an African girlfriend.
South African that is.
I have spent more time than I care to mention in the hot, sweaty shitholes of the world, wearing a bit more kit than some flip flops, worn out shorts and a faded t-shirt so I should be OK. I have been coming here for 20 years or so and am quite aware of the potential for a brutal summer.
Almost getting your ticket punched has a different effect on people. For me it means taking the time to appreciate the people and things in my life that really matter. There is nothing as cathartic as purging all of the useless clutter that one accumulates over the years. Both literally and figuratively.
Thanks for all the kind words and support over this past year mates! It has been great!
Thanks for allowing me to hang on a while longer!
Cheers!
Rob
