Edition 30 - November 2009

No. 30 - www.mexicolivingguide.com

■ Mexican Stock Market and Real Estate Values Outperform the U.S. ■ A “Bedrock” Home Made Entirely of Used Tires ■ Sending and Receiving Mail in Mexico

Spirits Come Back to Life

on the “Day of the Dead” Buying Real Estate in Mexico Yes . . . Even as a Foreigner . . .

You CAN Own a Piece of Paradise!

TA F R KE EE ON November / noviembre 2009 E

Tijuana

Tecate

Yuma

2D

Rosarito Beach Mexicali

Los Algodones

GD

Ensenada

GD

Bahia Todos Santos

ew

Co a

sta

lH

wy

Colonet GD

8

Puerto Penasco

GD

Bahia Colonet

Tucson, AZ

Lukeville, AZ Sonoyta

Gulfo Nde Santa Clara

(Rocky Point)

Colonia Vicente Guerrero

San Felipe

GD

Douglas

Nogales

San Quintin

PACIFIC OCEAN

Carborca GD

El Rosario

Santa Ana

Bahia Rosario Bahia San Luis Gonzaga

Son

Bahia Santa Rosalillita

Bahia de Sebastian Vizcaino

Hermosillo Bahia San Rafael

Villa Jesus Maria GD

Guerrero Negro

GU

PUNTA FALSA Lighthouse PUNTA EUGENIA

Laguna Ojo de Liebre

NA SA 36 58

EL

299 481

231 372

155 249

112 180

76 122

364 586

296 476

220 354

177 285

141 227

65 105

BA

444 714

376 605

300 483

257 414

221 356

145 234

80 129

532 556

464 747

388 624

345 555

309 497

233 376

168 271

88 142

577 928

509 819

433 697

390 628

354 570

278 449

213 344

133 215

45 72

615 990

547 880

471 758

428 689

392 631

316 510

251 405

171 276

83 134

38 61

699 1125

631 1015

555 893

512 824

476 766

400 646

335 541

255 412

167 270

122 197

84 136

788 1068

720 1158

644 1036

600 667

565 909

489 789

424 684

344 555

256 413

211 430

173 279

89 143

922 854 1083 1374

778 1152

735 1183

699 1125

623 1005

558 900

478 771

390 629

345 556

307 495

223 359

134 216

1059 991 1704 1594

915 872 836 760 1472 1403 1345 1226

695 1121

615 992

527 850

482 777

444 716

360 580

271 437

Bahia de Ballenas

Bahia San Nicolas Bahia San Basilio

G

La Purisma

ur

E C N TA IS D

CA TA V

1

IN

A AN HI GE A D GU LE E L ER S O JC S RE SA T. R O N NE IG NA SA GR NT CI O O A M R OS UL AL EG IA E

RO S

AR

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GD

Loreto

T AR H C

GD Ciudad Insurgentes

CIUDAD CONSTITUCION

ET C O CO IUD A NS D LA TI TU PA CI Z ON CA BO SA N LU CA S

Bahia Santa Maria Bahia Magdalena Bahia Almejas

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AY W H IG H

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79 127

a alo Sin

155 249

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223 359

Bahia de Concepcion

of

43 69

Mulegé

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El Coyote

a (Se

119 191

Bahia de Ballenas

Bahia Santa Ines

NIA

187 301

PUNTA ABREOJOS

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76 123

ia S or n alif aC

144 232

Santa Rosalia

GD

Baj

68 109

San Ignacio

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CA

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BAHIA ASUNCION Bahia Asuncion PUNTA PRIETA Bahia San Hipolito LA BOCANA

O IC EX M

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San Carlos Guaymas

LF

BAHIA TORTUGAS Bahia Tortugas

www.mexicoliving.info www.mexicolivingguide.com

Bahia de Los Angeles

G

Puerto de Santo Domingo

Purple area represents the region covered in Mexico Living.

ora

Bahia Maria

ia

orn alif aC

B aj Bahia Blanco

137* 221*

GD

Santa Rita

Bahia de la Paz

La Paz GD

Bahia la Ventana Bahia Muertos

GD

GD

Bahia las Palmas

Todos Santos

* Mexico Highway 19 is only 96 miles/154 km.

GD

Cabo San Lucas 2

The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

GD

San Jose del Cabo

Welcome to Northwest Mexico

Live, Work and Play in Paradise!

T

he Mexican states of Baja California, Baja California Sur and Sonora make up Northwest Mexico as covered by our guide.

The region features an enormous diversity of landscapes like no place on earth—a land of quiet, colorful deserts, endless beaches, majestic mountains, forests, unexplained rock formations, brilliant clear skies, an average temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit and some of the most welcoming people in the world.

Northwest Mexico is the destination of choice for retirees, investors, entrepreneurs, travelers and vacationers alike. The U.S. State Department says that more Americans retire in Mexico than any other place on the globe; 51 percent of all U.S. retirees who live outside of the U.S. live in Mexico.

Mexico is economical; the dollar goes further here than it does in Europe, Canada and the most popular destinations of Asia. The people of Mexico are accustomed to Americans and vice versa. Mexico welcomes American retirees and tourists and is increasingly prepared to offer the foods, goods and services that Americans like and expect.

Whether you’re looking to retire, invest, vacation or operate a business, Northwest Mexico is the place.

We hope our guide helps you to enjoy Northwest Mexico to the fullest. Explore! visitmexico.com

WHAT DO I NEED? Passport. On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government implemented the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The new rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security. Additional information can be found at: http:// travel.state.gov/passport.

What can I bring into Mexico?

As you approach the border, there are generally multiple lanes labeled “Nothing to Declare - Nada que Declarar” and “Declaration Lane - Carril de Declaración.”

Nothing to Declare Lane This lane is used when you are bringing, as a tourist (FMT) $75 or less. Your personal luggage and other merchandise up to the allowed exemption US$75 per person. The amount is cumulative per number of people in the vehicle. For example two people would have a $150 exemption. You must have receipts and invoices to qualify for the exemption.

Personal Items Allowed: • New or used such as clothes, shoes and toiletries in quantities that would be considered not for resale.

• Two photographic or video cameras and charger.

• Two cellular phones or walkie-talkies.

• Laptop, notebook, etc.

• Two sports equipment items.

• Portable radio recorder and/or player, speakers and accessories.

• Five laser discs, 10 DVDs, 30 CDs or cassette tapes.

Five storage devices or memory cards.

• Books and magazines in quantities that would be considered not for resale.

• Five toys, video game console and video games.

• Medicine for personal use, one blood pressure instrument, one glucose testing device. In the case of psychotropic drugs, make sure you bring the prescription. Note: Be careful not to bring a large

quantity of your prescription medication.

• One set of binoculars, one telescope.

• Two cartons of cigarettes, 25 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco if you are of age (if bringing more than allowed, you must declare it and pay duties).

• Up to three liters of liquor and six liters of wine (if bringing more than allowed, you must declare it and pay duties).

• Strollers and baby walkers.

• Two musical instruments and accessories.

• Tent and equipment for camping.

• Crutches, canes, walkers and wheelchairs for personal use.

• Tool sets including hand drills, wire cutters, wrenches, screwdrivers, cables, etc.

• Bedding sets including one sheet set, one towel set, a set of table linens.

• Two dogs or cats and pet items.

• Up to $10,000 in U.S. currency or equivalent in other currencies, foreign or national checks, and/or other monetary instruments.

Declaration Lane ($75–$1,000) If you are bringing more than US$75 worth of merchandise per person, but not more than US$1,000, you may declare it by driving into the customs facility through the declaration lane (carril de declaración). There you will be able to fill out the proper documents and pay any duty.

Duty can be between 15 percent and 25 percent of the value of the merchandise.

IMPORTANT NOTES: • Guns are illegal in Mexico. Do not attempt to cross the border with a gun and/or ammunition. You will be put in jail even if you were not aware of the Mexican law.

• If you have more than $10,000 in U.S. currency or equivalent, or other monetary instruments, you must declare this with Mexican customs, otherwise it is a crime.

• You must declare if you are bringing any animals, agricultural products or medicines for other than personal use.

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

• Amounts over US$1,000 require the use of a Mexican customs broker.

WHAT CAN I TAKE HOME? You can take home US$800 of duty-free merchandise per person, per month, including one liter of alcohol.

Mexican arts and crafts, including handcrafted furniture, are duty-free and do not count toward the $800 limit.

TOURIST VISA Tourists staying 72 hours or less within “the border zone” do not need a visa. Those traveling beyond the border zone or entering Mexico by air must pay a fee to obtain a tourist card, also known as an FMT, available from Mexican consulates, Mexican border crossing points, Mexican tourism offices, airports within the border zone and most airlines serving Mexico. The fee is generally included in the price of a plane ticket for travelers arriving by air. Please note that travelers not in possession of their FMT card at the point of exit from Mexico may face a fine from Mexican Immigration.

VEHICLE PERMITS Tourists traveling with their vehicle beyond the border zone north of Ensenada, San Felipe or Puerto Peñasco must obtain a temporary import permit or risk having their vehicle confiscated by Mexican customs officials.

MILITARY CHECKPOINTS There are military checkpoints along the way to all the northwest border cities. These checkpoints serve the same purpose as the California and Arizona highway inspection stops you’ll encounter on the return north. The soldiers will be carrying weapons, but there is nothing to be concerned about, the soldiers are looking for drugs and guns. You’ll find them to be polite and friendly. They may ask to look inside your vehicle or RV. Checkpoints on both sides of the border were established based on an agreement between the United States and Mexico to fight the war on drugs.

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

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Help! . . .

I Think I’m Jane Jetson!

’S R O T LE I D E NG A

As a kid, I couldn’t wait to watch The Jetsons on Saturday morning. It was so neat!

I guess the excitement was not that some of the stuff couldn’t ever really happen—but it was definitely NOT going to happen in my lifetime. Moving walkways . . . treadmills . . . robots . . . flying cars . . . what were they thinking? And, who was so brilliant to think up this crazy stuff? It must have been some genius with one heck of an imagination!

If you’re too young to remember The Jetsons, or never saw it, then KEEP READING because you’re probably just the person that can assist me with my new “high-tech” dilemma. Plus, if you never saw the cartoon, or movie, then you’ve got to check it out.

The Jetsons was a cartoon that was created sometime in the 1960s.

The stuff those writers came up with was literally “out of this world” at that point in time.

Okay, let’s forget about the moving walkways, treadmills and all of that other stuff right now. Let’s talk about my problem. My favorite part of the show was when Jane, the mother, would get a call. When I was a kid there wasn’t such a thing as a computer, let alone being able to see someone while talking to them on the phone. Heck, we had a party line and everyone in the neighborhood could listen to your entire conversation.

Well, anyway, the Jetsons had what I guess we would call now “Video Chat.” So, Jane would always get flustered and grab her “fake face” before she got on the phone. Hey . . . a girl needs time in the morning to get all dolled up!

This is where my problem comes into play. The publisher of our wonderful Guide to the Good Life was insistent that I get “Gmail Chat.”

No . . . it couldn’t be MSN or Yahoo, which I have, it had to be “Google.”

Now, why in the world would he be so insistent on that? Well . . . guess what? I’M NOW JANE JETSON! So, could you help me figure out this gadget and/or help me find a “fake face” (mask) to use while I’m having these conversations with our publisher? If you can, I’ll be truly grateful.

Hey, while we’re on the subject of new technology . . . could one of you explain Facebook and Twitter to me? I am on Facebook but, for the life of me, don’t know what to do beyond accepting friends. Join me on Facebook and maybe we can figure all of this out together.

I hope to hear from you soon so I can start catching up with the rest of the world!

U.S. Toll-free: (800) 395-9019 Ex.3 San Diego, CA: (619) 550-2730 San Felipe, BC: (686) 230-9933 Published by John Benjamin Pack Publisher/Editor John Pack john@mexicoliving.info Publisher Rachel Pack rachel@mexicoliving.info Editor, Brenda Judy, editor@mexicoliving.info

4

27

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Cover Feature

“

If you’re too young to

remember The Jetsons, or never saw it, then

Take a sneak peek at the stories we’ll be covering in November:

KEEP READING because

Dia de los Muertos Monday, Nov. 2

you’re probably just the

Every day is a dance with death. Discover the history and ongoing traditions of celebrating the life of loved ones that are no longer physically with us on the “Day of the Dead.”

person that can assist me with my new “high-

”

tech” dilemma

The Home Show Must-See Weekend Monday, Nov. 9

Violeta’s Story Monday, Nov. 16

Enduring some tragic and painful life experiences, Violeta, just like other mothers, wants a better life for her children. Join Violeta on her compelling “rags-to-riches” journey.

P.S. As always, I’m interested in hearing from you, what you think of Mexico Living and any ideas or comments you

Baja 1000 Race Results Monday, Nov. 23

Outdoor Furniture for Seaside Living

may have to improve YOUR GUIDE TO THE GOOD LIFE. So, send your

Monday, Nov. 30

suggestions and comments to editor@

Teak, wicker, wrought iron, aluminum or fabric? Information and tips on selecting the right outdoor furniture for you.

mexicoliving.info.

Mexico City, DF: (558) 421-4027 Website: www.mexicolivingguide.com Email: info@mexicoliving.info

Regional Sales Manager Lisa Shannon, lisa@mexicoliving.info Regional Sales Associates Rosarito Beach, Rachel Pack, rachel@mexicoliving.info Ensenada, Kris Clark, bajamexicoliving@gmail.com San Felipe, Bill Maine, billmaine@gmail.com Baja California Sur, Rachel Pack, rachel@mexicoliving.info San Carlos, Lynn Prince, lynnprinceformlg@gmail.com Puerto Peñasco, Ray Ramirez, rayramirezmlg@gmail.com Puerto Peñasco, Annette Ramirez, annetteramirezmlg@ gmail.com

The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez

Visit www.mexicolivingweekly.com and start receiving your personal copy of Mexico Living Weekly every Monday morning.

Our weekly newsletter contains exclusive articles, current events, coupons and discounts to your favorite establishments and destinations, and much more.

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

Mexico Living is a guide committed to promoting Northwest Mexico to the limits of our abilities and to provide a valuable resource to visitors and residents, while showing that Northwest Mexico is a great place not only to visit and play, but also to live and work—a place to call home.

Distribution Regional, Carlos Durán San Felipe, Bill Maine, San Felipe

Mexico Mailing Address Mexico Living / Yet Mail, Etc. Ave. Mar de Cortez #1049, San Felipe, BC 21850

Writers Steve Dryden, Carlos Durán, Benjamin Eugene, Steven Forman, Rosie Glover, Bob Ham, Lynn Hamman, Stockton Hill, La Huerita, Lucy E. Jackson, Anita Kaltenbaugh, Penny Nask, John Pack, Rachel Pack, Rita Pizarro, Lynn Prince, Lisa Shannon, June Snow, Christa Thomas and Cai Tierra.

USA Mailing Address PO Box 9019, PMB#460, Calexico, CA 92232

Production Layout, Carolyn Sheltraw, info@csheltraw.com

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. All contributors and advertisers assume responsibility and liability for the accuracy of their statements and claims. All readers assume responsibility for actions or decisions they might make as a result of reading this publication. We reserve the right to refuse any advertising.

Mailbag

No Thank You Necessary

I wanted to say a very sincere thanks for the space in the October edition for the “Kids in Need” of school supplies. You said you’d mention it, but we never expected such a nice layout and so much space dedicated to the kids.

Mexico Living seems to care a lot, not only about improving the image of of Mexico, but also about improving lives here as well.

Thank You! —Susan Fekete, Playas de Rosarito Susan, the THANK YOU goes to you for being so supportive of our children in need. We were pleased to print your article, and to make it stand out so people would see and read it.

San Felipe Animal Rescue

I feel I need to respond to an article in your September issue entitled “MHTA/ Mexico for the Humane Treatment of Animals” by Steven Forman.

I began the development of San Felipe Animal Rescue (SFAR) in 2002 and spent a great deal of time making it a reality. By his own admission, Mr. Forman

OP-ED

B

s U d n e S k c a b d ee F

did not come to San Felipe until 2003. Other concerned citizens besides Mr. Forman assisted me during the development and implementation of this program. If Mr. Forman defines this as “co-founder,” then I must also include Janice, Stephanie, Alex, Marilyn, Craig, Elena, Mary Ellen, plus others as “cofounders.”

I agree on the issue of education. But, I am happy to inform you that SFAR has taken positive steps in that direction. SFAR and the San Felipe Rotary Club, in a joint venture, have worked with the teachers in the San Felipe school system to incorporate a program to educate children about pet care, and kindness and respect for animals.

I felt I needed to submit some clarification regarding SFAR and its ongoing commitment to the community of San Felipe.

—Ronda Walpole, San Felipe

As always, we’re interested in your HONEST feedback.

So, send your opinions and comments to editor@ mexicoliving.info. Letters may be edited for length and content. Make sure to visit us online or pick up a copy of next month’s edition to find out what others REALLY THINK!

Mexico Living has and will continue to support you, Mr. Forman and your organizations. I, as well as the publishers, are animal lovers and appreciate any person that commits their time to saving our furry little friends. Thank You!

S o . . . W h at d o You R E A L L Y Thin k ?

ased on the letters that have we received the last few weeks, I decided to change the “Mailbag” up a bit.

This month, I will not be responding to each and every letter because some are OPINIONS . . . opinions that need to be heard. However, before you start reading the rest of my mail, I would like to clarify a couple of things.

First, you will see that people either love or hate our new format. So, I would like to take just a moment to explain and then you can be off to reading the opinions of others.

You wanted a FREE guide . . . we’re providing one. However, to keep our advertisers’ costs down, we needed to change format, including paper and size.

Yes, the guide has fewer pages, but with the new size, you are actually getting MORE articles. And, yes, we loved the old “pocket-sized,” glossy publication as much, if not more, than you did. Regarding the rest of the negative feedback, we’ll let you decide.

Second, the publishers and I strongly disagree with “Helpless Helpless.” But, again, we’ll leave that up to you.

—Brenda Judy, Editor

Mexico Living New Format

Love the new format and happy that it’s so available to everyone in town. I would love it more if it had a bit more news and controversy, and was more honest about Mexico. It’s a little white bread for me.

—Steven, San Felipe Just arrived home a few days ago! There is no thrill like coming home. We love the new format!

It looks great and has a friendly and familiar feel.

Good choice.

—Denny Flannigan, San Felipe I am SO disappointed with the new format. The paper is cheesy, the color is murky and the size is too large to easily slip into a purse. This is a HUGE step down from the magazine that I used to love and promote.

A significant portion of the October edition is black and white. Compare page 30 to page 31 in order to see the difference color makes. The current issue is 36 pages, compared to 96 in August.

A national news section just does not make sense in a monthly publication. The first thing to jump off the front cover is Mexico LEGALIZES

DRUGS, accompanied by a cannabis leaf. The judgment exhibited by this content and presentation is the poorest of poor.

—Gretchen, Puerto Peñasco

anyone visiting Mexico will be fully disclosed!

2. Mexico must let foreigners protect themselves. “Helplessness” is the major reason no one will cross the border!

I just got on your website to look at the current edition . . . WOW! Love the new look . . . love the new format!

—Vanice French, San Felipe

3. A “creditable” system of responding to a crisis.

“Helplessness” is the major reason no one will cross the border!

The Helpless Helpless

As we all know, Mexico is going through some bad times with worse times ahead. As a Baja land owner living in California, I continue to hope the environment will improve and some day soon we will be able to develop our land in Baja.

Times are bad and going to get much worse if nothing is done. The four steps that can be taken to defer some of the pain is: 1. Source of “honest” information.

Why not devote a section of your publication to the “honest reporting of crime.” A periodic “truthful” report, by town, of criminal activity would build confidence that any problem that might happen to

4. Land ownership. Until Mexico gives people a reason to go to Mexico, they won’t cross the border.

Those in Mexico continue to try to cover up crime and those in the USA know that.

Those south of the border need to accept that there is violence everywhere and the key to fighting crime is to broadcast it and to set up support systems to help the victims of crime.

—Darrell M. S., California

Question: How do I Import/Export an Automobile?

Submitted by Greta Toscas, Costa Mesa, California

I own a 1998 Nissan Altima that I would like to export permanently to Mexico for my mother to drive. She lives in Cuernavaca, just one hour southwest of Mexico City. I understand that Mexico had opened the border for used cars in 2005 and then in 2008 there were modifications to that law; but I’m not sure what happened or if there are other limitations, and I truly do not know whom to ask. Do you know?

Muchas Gracias!

Expert Answer: Eduardo Ruiz, The San Felipe Storage Company If you want to import the car into Baja North, South, Puerto Peñasco: 1. You can import models from years 2004 and earlier.

2. The price will vary depending on the vehicle.

3. Some models made in Asia or Europe are not allowed.

4. It’s a five-day process.

5. Only a special broker can complete this process.

With this kind of importing, you can drive all Baja, Puerto Peñasco, until San Emeterio. If you want to go further, you’ll need a special permit.

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

If you want to Nationalize the vehicle: 1. The vehicle needs to be at least 10 years old.

2. The serial number must start with 1, 2, 3 or 4.

3. It’s a three-day process.

4. Only a special broker can do this for you.

With this, you can drive all over Mexico with no further permits.

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

www.mexicolivingguide.com

5

{National News}}

Mexico City Bans Plastic Bags

NEW BRIEFS

Top Stories, Local Updates and Mexican News in English

SEND NEWS TO NEWS@MEXICOLIVING.INFO

N AT I O N A L N E W S Mexico Seizes Record 37 Tons of Meth Chemical On October 3, Mexican authorities say they seized a record 37 tons of chemicals used illegally to create methamphetamine drugs. The Attorney General’s office announced it was the largest seizure of the chemical precursors to methamphetamines in Mexico’s history.

The chemicals were seized in two separate raids. Twenty tons were intercepted at a Pacific Ocean port in the city of Manzanillo, while 17 tons were taken at a customs post at Nuevo Laredo, just across the border from the U.S. state of Texas.

Imagine a desert of cactus with plastic bags stuck to them, or a beach without plastic bags in the sand or being blown into the waves. How many times have you seen a chain-link fence that captures plastic bags like a fishing net? Imagine a world free of plastic bags. This could be the future.

Since the 1980s the ubiquitous plastic shopping bag has been used not only for groceries, but for picking up doggie do or lining your trash can.

These bags are now coming under fire, and are becoming a victim of their own success.

There is a global concern that the bags use up natural resources, consume energy to manufacture, create litter, choke marine life and add to landfill waste. Environmental groups estimate that up to 1 trillion of the bags are now used worldwide every year.

In August, Mexico City outlawed the use of

Guns from Houston Tied to 55 Mexico Deaths High-powered guns purchased at Houston-area stores by a Gulf Cartel cell and smuggled across the border for the syndicate’s bloody warfare have been traced to at least 55 killings in Mexico says federal agents.

The recent tracking of firearms is the result of a four-month anti-cartel operation focused largely on Houston, which the federal government contends is the number one spot in the United States for buying guns that later are used in underworld massacres.

Deputy U.S. Attorney General David Ogden, who was in Houston to announce results of the operation, said the ATF was able to investigate a backlog of 700 requests from the Mexican government to trace the history of guns from crime scenes to their original purchasers in the U.S. As a result, 276 full-scale investigations were opened against weapons purchasers as well as a handful of firearms dealers. As it is largely illegal to own firearms in Mexico, and the U.S. has top-quality guns readily available.

In addition to going after gun purchasers, the operation took a look at dealers. ATF inspectors went through records of nearly 1,100 firearms dealers, resulting in 77 warning letters about compliance and one license revocation. Many problems were attributed to sloppy recording keeping.

Mexico’s First Infrastructure Trust Mexican construction company Empresas ICA SAB (ICA) and Goldman Sachs Infrastructure Partners set the ball rolling for infrastructure trusts on the local stock market, selling a 6.55 billion peso ($477.3 million) stake in a toll road concession.

6

The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez

plastic bags that are not biodegradable. The law affects all stores, production facilities and service providers within the Federal District.

Mexico City is the second largest metropolitan area in the Western Hemisphere to outlaw the bags. In March 2007, San Francisco phased out the bags. Los Angeles City Council voted to ban plastic shopping bags, beginning July 1, 2010.

Shoppers will either have to bring their own bags or pay 25 cents for a paper or biodegradable bag.

China has adopted a strict limit, reducing litter and eliminating the use of 40 billion bags.

Violation of the law carries a possible fine of 10,000 yuan ($1,463).

In Tanzania, selling the bags carries a maximum six-month jail sentence and a fine of 1.5 million shilling ($1,137).

Mumbai, India, outlawed the bags in 2000,

and cities in Australia, Italy, South Africa and Taiwan have imposed bans or surcharges. Ireland reported cutting use of the bags by 90 percent after imposing a fee.

According to the United Nations Environment Program, plastic bags are the second-mostcommon form of litter, behind cigarette butts, and the greatest form of litter on the world’s oceans, causing the deaths of 100,000 sea turtles and other marine animals that mistake them for food Thank you, Mexico City!

Mexico’s Minister of Tourism Strengthens

“Welcome Back Campaign”

in the U.S. Meeting with Top Industry Leaders New York City welcomed Mexico’s Minister of Tourism, Rodolfo Elizondo, who began a series of working meetings, reinforcing the campaign “Welcome Back.” Elizondo met with tour operators, service providers and top media outlets.

The minister’s main objective is to help recover the drop of international tourists to Mexico for the upcoming winter season and to strengthen the “Welcome Back” campaign, which seeks to reposition Mexico as an international destination.

Accompanied by the CEO of the Mexico Tourism Board, Oscar Fitch, the two launched

meetings with key industry leaders, tour operators and New York City’s top publications including The New York Times and Conde Nast &Travel Weekly, just to name a couple.

The “Welcome Back” campaign, launched on June 13 is a multi-media marketing campaign aimed at travelers from the U.S. and Canada. The main message to travelers is to welcome them back and remind them that the Magic of Mexico hasn’t changed.

Tourism is one of the most important industries in Mexico; in fact, revenue generated by tourists reached $13.2 billion in 2008.

And, last year Mexico welcomed 22.6 million

Left to right: David Wood, President, Association Bridal Consulting; Thomas Curtin , Vice President, Association Bridal Consulting; Mexico’s Minister of Tourism, Rodolfo Elizondo; Oscar Fitch, CEO of the Mexico Tourism Board; in New York City, during a series of meetings being held throughout the week.

international visitors—a 5.9 percent increase from the previous year, of which, 18 million were Americans.

With that said, the campaign will focus on 12 major markets in the United States and six markets in Canada, which combined, represent over 80 percent of Mexico’s international tourists.

Campaigns for Europe, Asia and Latino America are also planned for a later date.

Our Recent Tijuana Border Crossing Submitted by Kent and Diane Brodwolf

We proceded through the Tijuana border into Mexico as we always do with our fully loaded truck. All we were carrying in our load was our suitcases(having been on vacation in the States for six weeks) and our typical household food items.

We did have a new BBQ grill and a few ceiling fans, but we had receipts for everything and was ready to show them at the “something to declare line.”

However, that line was closed and we were forced through the general border traffic.

A Mexican border official sitting high on top of a chair when we passed through radioed

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

ahead to another agent who pulled us over even though we had a green light! They flagged us over to the left holding area where another agent informed us our load was “mucho!” and that we could not declare it in Tijuana.

We showed him our receipts and said we had always declared things in Tijuana for many years. He said that we can no longer do that with a loaded truck or trailer. He escorted us to the gate and pushed us back to the U.S. side with instructions for us to go to the Otay Mesa border crossing to declare our load. The U.S.

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border official told us when we went back to the U.S. that he is seeing everyone with loaded trucks and trailers “bumped” back to the U.S. to Otay Mesa. He said it is both Mexicans and foreigners alike that are having to do this now.

In Otay Mesa we waited again in a big parking lot for inspection of our truck. We paid our duty tax and were eventually on our way.

But, gone now are the days of bringing large loads through Tijuana. And, be prepared with receipts for your purchases, because you WILL be asked for them.

{{Local News}

Around Town in San Felipe

Photo by Lisa Shannon

Casa de Fe fund-raiser raffle items

Lighthouse, music of Baja Boys can be enjoyed on Saturday nights.

JollyMon still has Sing Out Sisters with Chuy every Tuesday evening, so be sure to stop in and share your vocal talent with this team. At Fandangos, the San Felipe Ladies Yacht Club were taught how to play Texas Hold ‘em, so the guys better watch out! I think these gals will be showing up for some of the games in town.

Lions Club of San Felipe is preparing for the next Blues and Arts Fiesta in March 2010, so be sure to watch for updates. Jim Moore and his Agave Blues have been playing some new stuff you just can’t miss! Bass player, Isaac Diaz, has built himself quite a following with the ladies in town, with his boyish looks and amazing voice.

See them at the JollyMon Friday nights at 6:30.

Denny Flannigan is back! A long wait for Denny fans, Name That Tune is at the JollyMon on Thursday nights; and other performance dates

Photo by Lisa Shannon

Mac and Nan’s Karaoke can be seen two nights a week at Playa de Oro. Every Wednesday and Saturday evening they are spinning tunes for you to sing along.

Casa de Fe held a fund-raiser at the Lighthouse Restaurant to raise money to complete construction on this wonderful home for the children in need in San Felipe. Attendance was good, with finger foods and the amazing music of Tavo’s Revolution. You can find them at the Lighthouse every Friday night. Also at the

Tavo’s Revolution

and times are soon to be announced.

The September 25 edition of Western Outdoor News, Southern California’s only Sportsman’s Weekly publication, featured an amazing article about fishing Totoaba in San Felipe (and all of Mexico). The article featured Tony Reyes, his fishing adventure tours and some history about fishing in our little town. To read the entire article, visit www.wonews.com/t-OtheSpotFeatureTotoaba-BillBeebe-091609.aspx.

The Baja race will pass through our desert on November 21! Stay safe and out of the way of the racers, okay folks? Have a safe and happy month!

Telephone Scam in El Dorado Ranch, San Felipe Submitted by Ken Reinstadler, S.A.F.E. Coordinator

Security and I were called to a woman’s home in Los Viejeros North. She had received a call from a man identifying himself as Pedro Adolpho Hernandez. He first claimed he had kidnapped some of her family members, then when she said she had no family, he changed it to two of her girlfriends.

He said he had photos of her and her family, and if she didn’t give him 7,000 dollars, he would kill them and her. Well, she didn’t buy it and the Mexicali Police said she had been

one of several calls of the same nature in our area.

A little while later, this jerk called my house!

He asked for my wife by her real first name, which she doesn’t go by, but it’s listed in the phone book. When he told be his name, I told him I knew who he was and what he wanted.

He then said he had photos of my family and started to threaten us. I told him to keep the photos, not to call back and hung up.

This guy is running a telephone scam

to scare his victims. He is using the “Drug Cartel” angle, to make it even scarier. DON’T BUY INTO ANYTHING HE SAYS AND HANG UP. Immediately report receiving the call to Ranch Security at (686) 576-0345 and tell them to notify Nefi Ramirez.

Of special interest is that he (and maybe others) is going right down the phone book in alphabetical order.

NEVER BE SCARED, BE INFORMED!

Food Bank of San Felipe

San Felipe Lions Club Continues to Roarrr!

Volunteers from Food Bank of San Felipe distribute rice, beans, flour, sugar, cooking oil and canned goods to hungry and poor families in and around San Felipe. They collect the food, store it, package the items and deliver them. They are requesting donations of food and funds from the private and public sector.

There are two food drives each year, as well as regular drop-off points in town to leave nonperishable items. Posters are displayed in the windows of these locations.

All food bank members are volunteers and do not receive compensation. The food bank has established an advisory board, and seeks the assistance of church groups, local government agencies, and civic organizations to build this program and enable them to help more families.

After a long, hot summer, the Lions Club of San Felipe continues their diversity of upcoming community events that they sponsor year after year.

In the past, they have provided medical equipment, fire equipment, and help with the Flying Samaritans in their humanitarian projects for our town. Medical care has been given to 1800, and 750 eye examinations were provided for those in need. These two organizations were also responsible for eye and foot surgeries in our community that could no longer be delayed.

In October, the Flying Samaritans attended to ear, nose and throat concerns among our residents who could not afford this type of medical service.

Two fund-raisers, The Turkey Trot, November 14, and The Blues and Arts Fiesta, March 27, 2010, are events that have been

by Penny Nask

Institutional investors, mostly pension fund managers, bought shares in the trust for a 32 percent stake in Red de Carreteras de Occidente, or RCO, which operates four toll roads in central Mexico.

ICA and Goldman Sachs put in MXN$2 billion in fresh capital, leaving them with stakes of around 55 percent and 13 percent, respectively.

Proceeds from the sale will be used to increase the toll road operator’s capital and pay down a portion of its debt, ICA said in a filing with the Mexican stock exchange.

Mexican Stock Exchange President Luis Tellez said at a press conference that there are three or four more infrastructure trust listings in the pipeline.

The infrastructure trust will receive dividends on its holdings in RCO, where returns will depend on economic growth driving highway use.

Mexican highway tolls rise annually in line with inflation.

ROSARITO BEACH, BAJA CALIFORNIA Convention & Visitors Bureau Installs New President The city’s Convention & Visitors Bureau has a new president with Citlalitl Pereda replacing Laura Wong, who served for almost two years in the position.

Ms. Pereda was installed in the post September 23 at the ConVis offices, the same day a party was held at the Rosarito Beach Hotel honoring Ms. Wong, who also is editor of the Baja Times newspaper, for her work.

Ms. Pereda, a native of Mexico City, has lived in Rosarito since 1994 and owns an insurance business in the city. She has been active in city clean-up efforts and said developing new programs and incentives for tourists will be a priority.

Additional information is available at www. rosarito.org

Rosarito’s World-Famous Puerto Nuevo Celebrates 17th Annual Lobster Fest You very well may have enjoyed Puerto Nuevostyle lobster at many restaurants in California and Mexico on October 11; those attending ate it at a festival where it was invented in the Puerto Nuevo Lobster Village, about 10 miles south of downtown Rosarito on the Free Road. Cost for a plate of lobster and three drinks was only $15.

Baja Lions Club dignitaries visit San Felipe Lions Club. Left to Right: Jim Moore, San Felipe Vice President; Jorge Arredondo, past District Governor; Jamie Hinojos Houayo, current District Governor; Salvador Sanchez, District Council Region B.

extremely successful in providing fun and funds these past several years.

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The festival is organized by the Puerto Nuevo Restaurant Union and Rosarito’s Convention & Visitors Bureau. Restaurants participating included La Escondida, Puerto Nuevo II, Casa de Langosta, Villa Ortegas, Susanna’s and the Grand Baja Resort.

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

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SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA Rotary of San Felipe Hurricane Jimenez Relief Project “HELP US HELP THEM” Many towns and villages up and down the coast have been devastated. The Rotary Club District Governor, Jorge E. Pickett Hdez, has reached out asking for help for the towns of San Carlos and Guaymas, Sonora, where the destruction and devastation left in the wake of the hurricane has literally left 30,000 homeless and in desperate need of everything from clean water to basic medical supplies.

Rotary Club of San Felipe is asking for you to help us help them. Please send tax deductible donations to: San Felipe Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 9011, PMB 370, Calexico, CA 92232.

S A N I G N A C I O, B A J A CALIFORNIA SUR Ignacio Springs Inn Bed & Breakfast is open and ready with five rooms only one month after Hurricane Jimena raised the river to the tops of the doors. Because of the great support from good friends, who were once customers, family and staff, the rooms ready and they expect to be fully restored by December. They want to thank all that supported them by buying their pepper jelly, and donating sheets, towels, labor, money, food and calm heads, and so much more. www. ignaciosprings.com

LO R E T O, B A J A CALIFORNIA SUR Loreto is Experiencing a Heavy Outbreak of Deer Ticks (Ixodes sp.)

Ixodes are carriers of Canine Ehrlichiosis, an infectious disease transmitted by their bite.

The time between the dog’s tick bite and when the symptoms occur is about sevent to nine days (the incubation period). An infected dog will appear lethargic and suffer from appetite loss. The number one symptom to look for is MALAISE. The disease is curable when treated, and often fatal if not treated immediately. Ehrlichiosis is the number one cause of canine deaths in Loreto—the silent killer.

Infection can occur despite having tickprevention medications applied. The disease is passed upon first bite. Keep a special watch out on your pets.

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The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez

Rosarito’s Year-To-Date Crime Total Declines To Lowest Level In Five Years

by Ron Raposa

The number of crimes in Rosarito from January to August of 2009 compared to the same eight months of 2008 declined by 24 percent, according to state government figures.

Rosarito had the largest decrease of any of northern Baja’s five cities— which had an average decline of 10 percent—and it was the only city where figures reached a five-year low.

“We are proud of the decrease,” said Rosarito Beach Mayor Hugo Torres.

“We attribute it to improving our police force and expanding its size from about 140 officers to about 230, better equipment and expanded citizen watch efforts.”

“Police Chief Jorge Montero also has done an exceptional job,” he said.

Montero, a former Army captain, was brought in as chief in December of 2007.

Torres also cited strong support from the state attorney general’s office and arrests of high-level criminals by the Mexican military as reasons for the decline.

“We know there is much additional work to do, as there always is in fighting crime, but these are some very solid and encouraging numbers,” added

Torres, who took office in December of 2007.

The total number of crimes throughout the state declined from 92,060 to 83,155, with Rosarito accounting for 3 percent. Almost every major category declined with the exception of homicides, which went from 417 to 482 in Baja and 17 to 19 in Rosarito.

“The increase is primarily due to members of rival drug cartels killing each other as it becomes tougher for them to function because of the government’s crackdown on organized crime,” Torres said.

“We hope to see a significant reduction in that category in the future.

Currently it’s significantly higher than the U.S. average although lower than 2007 figures for cities including New Orleans and Baltimore, and about the same as Washington, D.C.” In other categories in Rosarito, total crimes of violence went from 40 to 39 (-3 percent), robberies and burglaries (combined) from 1,657 to 1,178 (-29 percent), vehicle thefts from 768 to 430 (-44 percent) and home burglaries from 362 to 364 (+1 percent).

Around Town in Loreto with Lynn Hamman Various groups and associations have been meeting throughout the summer and most recently at the Hotel Desert Inn to give input regarding changes within the Loreto Marine Park. Unfortunately, the foreign community of Loreto did not have representation appointed for these meetings. Jaime Cayuela has been present at most of these meetings. It was stated that changes will take effect in mid 2010 when the revised map and rules of the park will be distributed and enforced.

Some examples of the changes that have been submitted for review and approval are: no water toys will be allowed in the park, such as jet skis, banana boats, etc.; tent camping at the islands will need a permit and reservations, and there is a two-night maximum stay per permit (if you are a Loreto resident or posses a FM-3 or 2, the permit is not required); a decal will be required for your boat to coincide with your fishing license; no harpooning for fish will be allowed in designated areas. Meetings are ongoing to discuss legalities and policing.

Cruise Ship Tourists in Loreto.

The cruise ship schedule for Holland America has really slimmed down for the 2009–2010 season (the schedule is in the Loreto Business section). Instead of the usual 10–14 ships visiting Loreto every year, we’re down to six! The people who visit Loreto via cruise ships contribute to the economy of the town. There is always the purchase of trinkets and souvenirs, but also many visitors take pangas to nearby Coronado Island, taxis out to Loreto Bay and do general site-seeing within the town.

Only six? . . . this is just a sign of the times everywhere.

Around Town in Puerto Peñasco with Tom and Rita

by Rita Pizarro and Tom Thomas

Governor Eduardo Bours Castello cut the ribbon at the ceremony for the new Visitor’s Center for the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve “Schuck Toak” (Sacred Mountain). The new building demonstrates the use of solar energy, has beautiful landscape and terraces, and features exhibits by Jesus Gamboa and archaeological findings from the O’odham tribe.

The Third annual government report marked the last day in office for Mayor Heriberto Rentería Sanchez. In an official ceremony, he announced with pride the many changes that happened during his term, including the improved water system that now reaches 96 percent of homes, and sewage went to 76 percent, almost double in size. The goal of 200,000 square meters of paving was surpassed reaching 381,000; just in this two areas there was more done is 3 years than in the previous 10.

One of the most significant works was the creation of a new home for MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

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abandoned and abused children.

Rodger and Jeannette Clifton, and Minerva the Rentería worked tirelessly to make this a reality. They received an award from the city for their generosity.

The Links at Las Palomas Beach and Golf Resort has been offering The new Schuck Toak visitor’s center several golf packages, including the of the Pinacate Biosphere. first night tournament, and the first Guys and Gals tournament. Don’t miss the third annual golf tournament, November 13–15; you can win prizes from golf bags to Plasma TVs and cars! Contact ron@lplgc.com or ivan@lpglc.com.

Photo by Rita Pizarro

{Local News}}

{{REAL ESTATE & MOVING TO MEXICO}

Investing South of the Border

by Jim Scherrer

Let’s start out by assuming that you’re a better than average investor; your 401k, IRA or personal investments have kept up with the S&P 500 average during the past 10 years and you’ve lost only about 35 percent of your life’s savings!

Did you realize that the Mexican Exchange Traded Fund (EWW), which represents the Mexican stock market, even though it was annihilated during the current recession along with all other markets throughout the world— but is recovering rapidly—has advanced by 200 percent during the same time frame?

In other words, $100 invested in the S&P 500 in 1999 would now be worth $65,

whereas if it were invested in the Mexican EWW fund it would now be worth $200.

Please refer to the 10-year graph in order to see the comparisons between these two areas of investment and perhaps you can speculate as to where the best market might be to place your next bet!

One of the most significant reasons for this steady and rapid growth in the Mexican stock market (Bolsa) must be attributed to the policies of the new governing party that has been in control since 2000. Mexico has been governed by a couple of pro-foreign investment Harvard alumni during most of the time frame illustrated and will continue under

the same leadership for at least another three years.

The PAN party, led first by President Fox and currently by President Calderón, has brought Mexico from a Third World Country to a Newly Industrialized Country standing in a matter of seven short years. Among their numerous accomplishments, they have cracked down on corruption, have promoted free market capitalism while maintaining a relatively firm peso/dollar relationship, and have elevated tourism to the top of their list of strategic objectives.

We have lived in Mexico during the entire 10year period and have witnessed the changes

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and growth firsthand. As the economy has boomed, unemployment in the Mexican resort areas has been virtually eradicated while the population has doubled, prices for materials, labor and land have tripled, and, of course, real estate prices have also tripled.

Now, let’s compare this growth and real estate value appreciation in Mexico to what has been experienced in the U.S. The latest government released graph below from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) shows that average housing prices in the U.S. appreciated by nearly 70 percent from

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

Continues on page 41.

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{REAL ESTATE & MOVING TO MEXICO}}

Buying Real Estate in Mexico—From A to Sí

by Christa Thomas

Purchasing real estate in Mexico is a lot like buying it in the U.S. or Canada— you find a property you like, enlist the help of some professionals, do your due diligence, arrange financing, sign some paperwork and enjoy your new property.

Mexico has become a popular place to retire or to own a vacation home.

And, yes, foreigners can own property in Mexico, even on the coasts. Hundreds of thousands of foreigners have successfully purchased real estate in Mexico.

Mexican real estate can offer good value for your money, especially with

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The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez

favorable exchange rates. And the cost of living is substantially lower here.

Three years ago, I bought a vacant lot in beautiful beachfront San Carlos and began building, and one year later I moved into my dream home.

I fell in love with Mexico after enjoying several vacations here. The warm weather, friendly people, food, language, vibrant culture, the interesting and fun things to do—all drew me here. It’s beautiful here.

And, if you like outdoor activities, you’ll never be bored.

There are many factors you should consider when choosing a town, such as location, local infrastructure (roads,

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

airport, water supply and electricity) and local amenities you find important to you, such as medical and emergency services. You may need U.S. mailing services, which may be limited in some areas, construction services if you decide to build and rental services for places to stay while visiting, churches, etc. (See page 12 for featured businesses.) There are several books available that discuss the pros and cons of numerous Mexican towns.

When I was looking, I read Live Better South of the Border in Mexico by Mike Nelson and Choose Mexico by John Howells and Don Merwin. Both books are excellent resources, and I highly recommend them. At this point you will also have to decide whether to build on a vacant lot or to buy a finished house (the pros and cons of building from scratch are beyond the scope of this article).

A realtor cannot only help you find a building lot or a house, but can also answer questions about amenities and help you get settled in your new community. When selecting

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a realtor, make sure that the agent is experienced and is a member of AMPI (the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals). AMPI members are available throughout the region. Also, in Sonora, the realtor must be licensed.

Once you’ve found a property you like, you will enter into an agreement to buy, which will specify costs, closing date, etc. You will also pay a deposit, which is usually 5 percent to 10 percent of the purchase price.

You and your realtor will now begin working with a notary public. All real estate transactions in Mexico require the involvement of a notary. The deed to the property must be prepared by a notary. The realtor and notary will begin preparing the necessary documents and performing the due diligence, such as: • Ensuring that the developer’s permits are in order, if you are buying from a developer.

• Obtaining and reviewing the Land/Property Deed from the seller to make sure that the property has a “clean” history.

{{REAL ESTATE & MOVING TO MEXICO} photo ID (such as a passport), birth certificate, marriage license (if applicable) and your visa (Tourist Visa, FM3).

Mexican real estate can offer good value for your money, especially with favorable exchange rates. And the cost of living is substantially lower here. Three years ago, I bought a vacant lot in beautiful beachfront San Carlos and began building, and one year later I moved into my dream home.

I fell in love with Mexico after enjoying several vacations here. The warm weather, friendly people, food, language, vibrant culture, the interesting and fun things to do—all drew me here. It’s beautiful here. And, if you like outdoor activities, you’ll never be bored.

• Arranging for an official appraisal of the Land (Avaluo).

• Ensuring that there are no liens on the land (e.g., an unpaid mortgage). Under Mexican Law, liens are passed on with title of the land—buyer beware! Title insurance is not required when making a real estate purchase in Mexico, but if it interests you, it is now available. Title insurance protects you should the property you buy subsequently turn out to

have liens on it. Ask your realtor about what title insurance is available in your area.

• Checking that all land taxes and utilities (electric, gas, water and phone, HOA fees) have been paid.

• Checking that structures have the required building permits. You will need to provide your realtor and notary public with certain official documents, including

Mexican law provides for private ownership of land by foreigners.

However, if your property is within the 100 km border zone or 50 km coastal zone, there are ownership restrictions. If your property is within these restricted zones, as mine is, you can own land through a fideicomiso (a trust) which is set up through a bank. Your realtor will work with the bank to establish your trust.

Title to the property will be transferred to the trust. A Mexican bank of your choice will act as trustee and you, as purchaser, will be designated the beneficiary. The bank follows your instructions and acts only for your benefit. As beneficiary, you will have the use and control of the property and will make all decisions concerning the property. You will have all the rights of ownership, including the right to sell, rent, lease, mortgage and develop your property. You can also pass the property on to your heirs.

The trust is renewable for an indefinite number of successive 50 year periods.

The trust is formalized by the issuance of a permit from the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Your rights as beneficiary will be recorded in the public record. The bank charges an initial fee for establishing the trust and an annual fee based on the value of the property.

Recently, a couple of Mexican Senators have argued that current inter national economic and political conditions favor removing ownership restrictions, and have introduced legislation to that effect. It remains to be seen whether restrictions on foreigners from directly acquiring property on Mexico’s coasts

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and the resulting requirement for a fideicomiso will be eliminated.

At this point in the transaction, you should have your financing in order.

Financing is now available in Mexico and several big name players from the U.S. have entered the marketplace.

These U.S.-based mortgage companies offer U.S. dollar denominated products.

Mexican banks have also begun to offer mortgages, but a significant down payment is required and interest rates are higher than in the U.S. or Canada.

Your realtor should be able to help you connect with the financial institutions that are offering mortgage financing in your area.

With your due diligence done, and your trust, financing and title insurance in place, you are now ready for the closing.

This will take place at the notary public’s office, where you will sign the deed and make the final payment. This is also when you will pay the notary public’s fees and any other outstanding closing costs. With the documents signed and these payments made, all you now need to do is enjoy your new property and plan the Open House party!

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

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{REAL ESTATE & MOVING TO MEXICO}} Prices from

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San Marino Beach Club A “Sun and Sea” Paradise

San Marino Beach Club is a new, gated community located north of San Felipe at Km 172 (Hwy. 5). This development features over 350 home sites, including beachfront and gradual rise, in a total of eight communities within the development: Faetano, Domagnano, Serravalle, Florentino, Montegiardino, Maggiore, Borgo and Acquaviva.

The exclusive community pools will be situated throughout the development, sure to delight the residents and their guests. The beach at San Marino is perhaps one of the most beautiful beaches on the Sea of Cortez, and it is closed to public access, preserved in natural beauty for the people who live in San Marino.

A grand, gated entrance with planned parkstyle, commercial area and restaurant greets you through the manned security entrance. Drive to your home built by a custom contractor of your choice or the San Marino Developer (your choice

Mexico’s Baja Riviera on the pristine Sea of Cortez is open for business and economic conditions for investment have never been better.

A stable regional economy, a pro-growth government committed to the protection of private property rights, and a safe and secure environment free from the crime and turmoil of the big cities make investing in this Mexican beach community an especially attractive proposition.

Whether you are looking to purchase a retirement or vacation property, or are contemplating residential or commercial development, Baja Beach Partners are experts in the Mexican real estate and finance market and can help you sail through the entire process in a professional and straightforward manner.

Home buyers can depend on them to explain all the requisite processes and procedures to assure that your purchase is completed in a friendly and legal manner. Additionally, Baja Beach Partners can provide detailed computerized home inspection

Playa de Oro A Dream Paradise by the Sea

Voted Best Development 2007 & 2008 in Mexico Living Readers Poll

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The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

of custom model homes). San Marino’s Developer is a well-respected Mexican family with extensive development and building experience. Lots range from 4,851–6,276 square feet and start at only US$40,000. Underground electric is included, as well as a cistern for water and an individual residential wastewater treatment system (septic).

Additional construction of the commercial area and restaurant is scheduled to begin in early 2010.

For information about San Marino, please contact Kristy Deegan at San Felipe Management Services (SFMS). There really is too much to say about this one-of-a-kind development. Maps of the home sites, with location and sizes, can be seen at SFMS or on their website.

This is an incredible opportunity to have your very own Piece of Paradise! Make San Marino your ultimate “sun and sea” vacation or retirement community!

Baja Beach Partners You’ll Like the Way They Do Business!

Playa de Oro offers beach and oceanfront real estate and properties with a view near San Felipe, and have been voted Best Development by the Mexico Living Readers Poll in 2007 and 2008.

San Felipe is a scenic town facing the beautiful Sea of Cortez and is well known for its excellent fishing and shrimp, and was proclaimed to be the “Aquarium of the World” by Jacques Cousteau.

Located just two hours (about 125 miles) south of the border, and just over six miles north of San Felipe, Playa de Oro is a development committed to providing the very best vacation and retirement living, and secure form of ownership.

Playa de Oro makes it possible for non-nationals to legally own property in Baja California, with USA title insurance from First American Title.

Playa de Oro is a 64-acre subdivision that has 260 residential and 4 commercial lots.

The development has a natural gentle slope

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San Felipe

San Felipe

services, lots with developer financing and preapproved architectural plans designed to maximize the potential of your home site, and long-term bank financing to make it easy to own your dream home in this beautiful and serene beach community.

Developers should know that they understand what it takes to succeed in a dynamic environment and they are ready to assist in your efforts to purchase, develop, construct and promote your residential or commercial developments in Mexico.

Their creative developer programs are designed to help your organization navigate the complex financial and regulatory processes required to launch successful development projects in Mexico, including all aspects of business planning, site analysis, property appraisals, land acquisition, permit consulting, project development, construction loans, lot financing, long-term mortgages, joint ventures and property management.

Call Baja Beach Partners today to discuss your ideas!

San Felipe

from the west to the Sea of Cortez on the east.

Subsequently, each lot has an unbelievably gorgeous sea vista. Lots range from 5,000 to 9,000+ sq. ft. Seller financing is available making it affordable for most every budget.

Opened since February 2002, the project is now close to 90 percent sold out. Playa de Oro offers a 62-foot lap pool, 43-foot designer swimming pool, 10-man hot tub and Palapa Cantina.

Homes throughout the development have a height restriction of 14 feet from grade level. This protects the fantastic sea, desert and mountain surround-views available from every roof patio.

Playa de Oro is American owned and operated.

They can reached from the U.S. at (888) 4335471, (509) 280-7517, or locally at (686) 576-0223, www.mexico-real-estate.us or email sales@SeaMexicoRealty.com.

{{REAL ESTATE & MOVING TO MEXICO}

Yet Mail, Etc.

San Felipe

Offers MORE Than Just Mail Services Yet Mail, Etc. would like to remind you that if you get your FM3’s at the Mexican Consulate, you only have 30 days after it is stamped at the border to open an FM3 file at the Immigration office in San Felipe, or you will have to start the process all over again.

For FM2 renewals, immigration in San Felipe is asking for the last three copies of your bank statements and a Bank letter with the amount of $2,500 for two people or $1,600 for one person.

For your FM3 and FM2, you need proof of address in San Felipe (electric, water, phone bill or property tax receipt), but they have to be under your name. You need to start your FM3 renewal at least three weeks before expiration date; after the due date you will be fined.

Yet Mail is proud to offer these immigration services to you at very reasonable rates. They offer a no-worry service and are experienced in FM2 and FM3 processing.

In addition, they can assist you in setting up a Mexican corporation, provide legal assistance, legal contracts as well as translation services. A full-service copy center is also available onsite, as well as mail boxes for U.S. Mail delivery and UPS services.

Yet Mail is not just a mail center; they are SO MUCH MORE! Stop in to get complete information about all the services they provide.

Baja Lending Company & Baja Closing Services Baja Lending Company has been the dominant mortgage broker in Baja for five years. Over 100 U.S. citizens have purchased Mexican homes with loans originated by Baja Lending. No other mortgage broker in Baja has provided this level of service or loan volume. Baja Lending Company has closed loans throughout Mexico. Their office is located in San Felipe in Plaza Paraiso, across from the north-end Pemex. As any of their clients can attest, they are available seven days a week to assist you.

Baja Closing Services provides assistance to sellers and buyers of Mexican real estate in a number of ways. As elementary as it may sound to someone who hasn’t purchased Mexican real estate, assuring that the seller is the real owner of the property being purchased is the first of many steps. The most complicated aspect of the transaction is the fideicomiso process. Simply

San Felipe

Escrow Services & Closing Escrow & Services Baja Lending & Baja Closing Baja Company Lending Company & Baja

real estate • #1 Mortgage Broker on the Baja on •the Protecting • your Protecting your real estate • #1 Mortgage Broker Baja put, if the buyer does not have a fideicomiso, they • Competitive interest rates transaction transaction • Competitive interest rates are not recognized as the property owner by the • 6 major •international financial • From Contract, Closing, 4 6 major international financial • From Contract, Closing, Mexican government. Even if a U.S. citizen has Fideicomiso, Fideicomiso, been in their Mexican home for many years, they institutions institutions • Construction loans & Disbursements & Disbursements • Construction loans are playing Russian Roulette if they don’t have • Purchase money loans • Our 3rd party oversight insures • Purchase money loans • Our 3rd party oversight insures their fideicomiso.

• loans Refinance loans • Refinance that funds are disbursed that funds are disbursed Baja Closing Services strongly recommends correctly correctly according to written that purchasers of Mexican real estate demand insructions that all funds involved in the purchase be escrowed. Whether the buyer is purchasing property through a realtor or directly from the seller, it is unwise for purchase money to not be escrowed with a third party Avoid potential pitfalls. Get Baja Lending Company & Baja Closing Services involved at the beginning of your sale or purchase of Mexican real estate. You will not regret it. Stop by or call am j a L ew n dwiwn .gB Cao j.ac Lo e mn d i nwgwCwww.bajaclosingservices.com w w w .B a j a L ew n dwiwn .gB Cao j.acwww.bajalendingco.com mn d i nwgwCwo..B wo..Bc ao jma L e w n dwiwn .gB Cao j.ac Lo e mn d i n g C o . c o m Lo e co them today for more information.

US 760-494-7053 MX 011-52-686-576-0653 Mary@BajaLendingCo.com US 760-494-7053 MX 011-52-686-576-0653 Mary@BajaLendingCo.com

San Felipe Management Services

NEW! Fix-it Express

San Felipe

Your One-Stop Builder and Mover

San Felipe Management Services (SFMS) was created in May 2005 and is the result of 65 years in managing people and projects. The partnership of Kristy Deegan and Stan Shifflet realized there was a need for a professional construction management company to be the eyes, ears and voice for absentee owners during the construction of their home.

They have aptly named their crew the “Dream Team,” which consists of the homeowner(s), the architect, contractor, legal team, interior designer, finishing contractor and building inspector.

There are two phases of project management.

Phase I takes the owners’ vision of what they want their home to be and develop it into a concrete idea, working within their budget for construction and in compliance with all developer and governmental requirements. In Phase II, team members oversee the construction, provide detailed reports and photos of the progress via your individual website for

your construction, resolve issues and concerns, control payments to the contractors, and ensure all deadlines are met and are within budget. SFMS monitors payment of social security and withholds final payment to the contractor until the Letter of Liberation is in hand. And the owner just has to sit back and relax.

Recently, they launched Fix-it Express, a personal property management service to provide a 24hour emergency repair service; they also provide maintenance contracts for regular upkeep of your home. Additionally, they are equipped with the legal expertise to assist in Mexican wills, FM3, FM2, citizenship, fideicomisos, insurance for home and health, as well as import/export of your personal belongings and all required processes. They are your One-Stop Builder and Mover in San Felipe!

Call, email or stop in for more information about these and other available services.

24-Hour Emergency Repair Service

   

Design/Build Certified Inspection Interior Design Health/Homeowner Insurance  Legal: • Mexican Will • Fideicomiso • Immigration • Importation

We also have PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Services!

We handle your construction project from start to finish.

MX: (686) 576-0553 US: (760) 890-4447 www.sanfelipemanagement.com

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

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{REAL ESTATE & MOVING TO MEXICO}} Move from ANYWHERE in the US to ANYWHERE in Mexico!

A Z

From

to

Let our team of professionals handle everything for you

MX (686) 576-0432 E-mail: sfelipe3@prodigy.net.mx www.sanfelipesafestorage.com Mention this ad for $100 off MOVING or 1 month FREE STORAGE!

San Felipe Moving & Storage For a Trouble-Free, Door-to-Door Move San Felipe Moving & Storage are experienced professionals in moving families from anywhere in the U.S. to anywhere in Mexico. Yes. ANYWHERE! There is a very specific process for transporting personal property into Mexico. Their job is to ensure that the process is not compromised, giving you the full legal right to have your household possessions in the country. They handle the trucking and the importing process for you for a trouble-free, doorto-door move. Their team recognizes the need for a streamlined service for moving to Mexico from the U.S. and has spent a year learning all the ins and outs of the system.

San Felipe Moving & Storage manages the entire process, start to finish, so you can relax. They load your belongings onto a truck and bring it all the way to your Mexican destination WITHOUT changing trucks at the border. Your belongings are in good

hands with them, legally and properly crossing the border.

Save yourself from the aggravation of having your personal property seized by the Mexican government for lack or proper documents. Let them do all the legwork for you. Having them work this process to the letter, you have a one-time exemption from having to pay import duty (tax) on your possessions.

Mexico is a wonderful place to live, work and play, and they want your experience of moving here to be a good way to start living the good life.

As their name indicates, they have a storage facility in San Felipe as well. Be sure to mention this ad for $100 discount on moving services or one month free rental at their storage facility. For more information, visit www.sanfelipesafestorage. com.

Mission San Felipe

Bringing the “Good Word” to Everyone They Touch Mission San Felipe (MSF) worship service provides relevant preaching and teaching, as well as an exciting variety of music. Traditional favorites can be heard during services, and you are sure to hear Gospel Bluegrass and some of the classics provided by their own Spirit of Joy Band.

Pastor Dr. Gary Lewis and his wife, Karen, have extensive experience ministering in the United States, Central America and Mexico. They are an English-speaking nondenominational church whose fellowship in San Felipe brings the Good Word to everyone they touch.

Their main project is Sonshine Hacienda Home for Children. Another project includes the Christmas Program held annually to bring Christmas joy to the children of San Felipe. Some of these children would not have a Christmas if it weren’t for the efforts of the wonderful people of San Felipe.

Sea Side The Place to Relax

www.seasidesancarlos.com SeaSide ReSeRvationS the widest variety of rental properties in San Carlos.

1 to 4 bedroom homes & condominiums, with beautiful views.

Coming soon!

PLAYA BLANCA BEACHFRONT CONDOMINIUMS

Seaside Staff Welcomes you to San Carlos

This could be your back patio view

info@seasidesancarlos.com U.S. toll free: 1 888 502 2761 * MX toll free: 01 800 830 9592 * Local 622 226 0007 office Located next to Catholic Church, at the end of Beltrones Blvd.

14

The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

San Felipe

Sea Side Reservations San Carlos opened officially in San Carlos in May 2007. Their office is open seven days a week to take reservations and assist their clients, both owners and renters.

They also have office management, cleaning staff and contractors on call for any emergency.

Roberto Gracida started working for Sea Side Reservations in Puerto Peñasco, the first location, since the foundation in 2001. Two years ago Steve Schwab, CEO, gave him the opportunity to open his own business as a Sea Side franchisee for San Carlos.

Roberto and his staff work every day to help and assist property owners with whatever they need regarding their home or condominium.

Their goal is to grow with owners, developers and the community, and to be one of the best on the Sea of Cortez, for all visitors and residents.

They use the best online tools to make their services “user friendly.” They provide their

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

San Felipe

Sonshine Hacienda is coming along very well, with the assistance of the San Felipe Lions Club and its members. Last year, the organization was able to donate monies for construction after the Blues and Arts Fiesta held at the ball field in downtown San Felipe. They are appreciative of their continued support and donations.

They have Men’s and Women’s Bible Study and Fellowship as well. These programs are available at the church on Fridays, 8 a.m. for men and 10 a.m. for women. Sunday worship service is at 8:45 a.m. (English-speaking). All denominations are welcome and they embrace each new member into Christ’s family.

Please feel free to call or stop by the church.

In San Felipe, call (686) 577-0877. May the Lord always hold you in His tender, loving hands.

San Carlos

owners with administration and promotion of home and condominium rentals, Bill Pay services and condo-hotel management experience.

Their primary mission is to provide peace of mind and a good night’s sleep knowing that the Sea Side Team is taking care of their properties and well-being in Sonora. This goes beyond just looking out for your vacation rentals. This includes anything you need help with while in Mexico. This is their commitment to you as your agent in Mexico.

Secondly, they are there to ensure their guests have a great experience and enjoy their vacation.

Sea Side Reservations is a business of rocksolid integrity. Sea Side Reservations, Vacation Rentals and Property Management is available at www.seasidesancarlos.com, (888) 502-2761 or info@seasidesancarlos.com.

Alexander Real Estate Committed to the Community of Loreto Alexander Ogilvie is the owner of Alexander Real Estate and Investments S.A. de C.V. He has been in Baja for 12 years, the last 11 in Loreto, and has an excellent grasp of local trends, having sold in excess of 300 properties during that period. He also works closely with local architects and builders to keep up to date on any changes in the community, prices and regulations.

Alexander is the current President of the Loreto AMPI chapter, all his staff are AMPI members and they are affiliated with NAR in the U.S. They handle transactions from start to finish and assist new buyers in such extras as converting the utilities over to their name, introducing them to other expatriates and generally making them feel at home in their new town.

Originally from Vancouver, B.C., Alexander received a call from a friend asking for help to drive a vehicle down the Baja peninsula. He fell

SkyMed For Peace of Mind

{{REAL ESTATE & MOVING TO MEXICO} Loreto

in love with Baja and decided to stay. He opened a real estate office in La Paz. A few months later, another opportunity came along and he moved his real estate practice to Loreto, a place he is proud to call home.

Alexander is deeply involved in the Loreto community with Optimist Club activities, and fundraisers for the baseball stadium, the University, the local library, the Interlado, the Turtle Foundation, the new Whale Museum and other local projects.

He is a member of International Real Estate Specialist and works with Realtors in other countries that market his listings. To view his listings, visit www.castlesandestates.com and click on Mexico on the home page.

Located in downtown Loreto, Alexander Real Estate can be reached at (613) 135-0212, www.loretorealty.com or realtybaja@gmail.com.

Mexico

Mexico is not all about tacos, margaritas, salsa, tequila, sunshine and sunsets, inexpensive living, sombreros and mariachi bands.

Living in Mexico is also about health care and where to go when you need it. At a time of a major medical crisis it is as simple as going to the yellow pages or the Internet to find a health care provider.

Excellent medical care is available in Mexico, but what if your preferred providers are in the USA or Canada? What if you want the comfort of your Medicare professionals or your provincial health care plan in Canada? American Medicare may reimburse you for a small amount of emergency care to stabilize you, but does not pay for hospitalization in, or evacuation from, a foreign country. The Canadian plans pay a pittance, although out-of-province insurance can be counted upon; but in many, if not most cases,

Mariposa Jabon An Extra Gentle Cleansing Soap

Loreto

Mariposa Jabon has been handcrafting their soap in Loreto for over two years and have perfected an extra gentle cleansing bar that balances and nourishes the skin.

Their soaps are naturally biodegradable and ecofriendly, and are especially formulated to leave your skin feeling moisturized and silky soft in hard water.

No color additives or fillers are used, which results in slightly higher glycerin content and a softer bar density.

All the skin care products are made in Mexico with Mexican ingredients and are free of synthetic or carcinogenic producing ingredients. They’ve just opened a retail store and also carry Mexican manufactured cotton towels, luffas and bathroom accessories. They can ship throughout Baja upon request.

For more information, call (613) 111-0752, email mariposa@cicgsa.com or visit www.cicgsa.com/ mariposa.html.

it is the traveler’s responsibility to pay all charges and then submit them for recovery payment.

If the illness or injury is a critical one, it may well be your hometown option is best for you and your loved ones. To be repatriated to those hometown providers thousands of miles from where you are spending your time in Mexico is very costly. Especially if a flight by a medically equipped jet is required. This can run into tens of thousands of dollars. More important is the air ambulance provider wants to be paid up front.

A very affordable answer can be a prepaid inexpensive travel membership service like 20-year-old SkyMed International Inc, www. skymed.com/cathiesmith. As Maralyne Hoenes, Kalamazoo, Michigan, said after suffering a critical illness in Cancun, Mexico, “If it weren’t for SkyMed, I would not be alive today.”

MARIPOSA

LORETO BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR Mariposa is a extra gentle cleansing bar that helps to balances and nourishes the skin.

Handcrafted - Biodegradable - Eco-Friendly

A NEW product line of eye wrinkle creams, face rejuvenation creams and moisturizing body creams. All Mariposa products are made in Mexico with Mexican ingredients.

613-111-0752 mariposa@cicgsa.com www.cicgsa.com/mariposa.html The soap has been tested by a lab in La Paz and was certified according to the Mexican norms [similar to FDA].

Attention American & Canadian Residents & Travelers!

Do you rely upon health insurance, like a PPO, HMO, Medicare, VA or national healthcare to cover unexpected medical bills when you travel?

Would you prefer to be air evacuated all the way HOME for treatment where your insurance covers you, and with your own doctors, hospital, & loved ones?

If you’ve answered YES to any of these questions, then SkyMed is for YOU!

Cathie Smith LoCicero, SkyMed VP Latin America, will assist you to choose the specific SkyMed program that suits you and your family’s particular needs.

Phone (US) 575-527-8227 and mobile 575-993-8227.

Email cathie.smith@skymed.com

Gato Construction Ensenada

Presenting the Best of Baja!

Gato Construction is a full service Baja California company, building and selling homes near Ensenada for more than five years. Specifically marketing premier homes in Punta Banda, a beautiful peninsula of land south of Ensenada, Gato Construction has set the standard in building quality and customer service. Punta Banda has been growing steadily and has been chosen by many developers as the next happening place.

Tiger Woods recently announced his first ocean golf course design called Punta Brava, located at the western-most point of Punta Banda. The area offers a multitude of activities, including water sports, deep sea fishing, diving, theater, shopping, hot springs, and the world-famous blowhole at La Bufadora. Visit Baja! Gato Construction will be your guide.

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

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{REAL ESTATE & MOVING TO MEXICO}} On Time . . .

On Budget

San Felipe

Patty Bell and her team are respected members of the San Felipe community. Baja 24/7 is a Multiple Listing Specialist Agency. They are members of API, our local Realtor’s Association. Baja 24/7 would be proud to serve you; and they give their clients 24/7 service. See them first! www.baja247.com.

Lowest Commission Rate in Town! San Felipe

A resident and Real Estate agent in San Felipe since 2006, Bill Maine works as an independent purchasing consultant. His experience and knowledge can help for smooth transactions in purchasing, sales and price negotiation. Bill is the guide people want so that they may steer clear of common errors made in Mexican Real Estate purchases.

Village Realty

San Felipe

Jim Moore’s Village Realty knows you have several choices when buying or selling real estate, and Jim appreciates your business. Our sleepy little village has an abundance of quality homes and lots at affordable prices, and Village Realty follows your transaction from start to finish, insuring a clean and fully transferred title. Let their team of experts assist you in your search for that perfect dream home! http://jimmoore3.point2agent.com

The Print Supplier

Mexico

The Print Supplier is a cutting edge, full service online web-to-print resource servicing both commercial and retail clients nationwide. The Print Supplier offers the largest collection of online print products, paper stocks, colors, sizes and product finishing options available in the printing industry today. In addition to providing highquality full color printing, better than competitive prices and the fastest turnaround, they offer in-house mailing services and a full custom department! 800-576-0919 or www.theprintsupplier.com.

jim moore

In Mexico (686) 231-4921 From US (619) 203-5129

(686) 184-9237 cell in mexico (619) 209-8486 from the u.s.

E-mail: billmaine@gmail.com

E-Mail: sfvillagerealty@yahoo.com.mx

Omni Services

La Paz

Over 15 Years of Real Estate Know-How Gordon G. Herpst and his team at Omni Services have been in business for 15 years providing buyers with information about real estate in the La Paz area. They are a member of AMPI, Baja MLS and Realtors International.

Omni Services works as the buyer’s representative and they do not work for the seller.

This permits them to negotiate the best terms possible.

Let Omni Services know when you are coming to La Paz in search of your retirement or dream vacation home. They can assist you in finding a property to fit your needs. They can also assist you in obtaining your FM-3 and bank trust. They even offer an Internet cafe for visitors.

Omni Services can be reached at (612) 1234888, http://osmx.com or omni@osmx.com.

Would You Recognize The Symptoms?

A NEW EBOOK BY SUSAN FOGEL

Special Offer for Readers of Mexico Living Reserve Your Copy Now & Save $10.00 www.MargaritaMind.com

Thinking of buying a home in Mexico? Then you need this book! This jam-packed, informational and entertaining e-book, written by an expert in Mexican real estate and mortgages, Susan Fogel, known as the Goddess of Loans in Silicon Valley, will guide you through the process. As “closing director” for a major cross-border mortgage company, Susan has seen it all. She filled the book with: coupons, checklists for evaluating the property, trick phrases to clue you in to shady agents, a list of questions to ask and the answers to expect, and “Contract with Sanity” that you sign and send to Susan so you buy the safe and sane way. The contract comes with a free 15-minute phone consultation with Susan.

Ready to Retire in Mexico? Plan in advance.

By Jennifer Schindel

It can be a very big step to move to another country. Many individuals have decided to retire in another country, specifically Mexico because of the beauty that is around them and the fact that their dollars will go a little bit further. It doesn’t mean, however, that moving to Mexico is going to be free of any trouble whatsoever.

There are some certain regulations that you’re going to need to adhere to in order to get into the country as a resident. If you want to move to Mexico, there are certain things that you can do to make sure that it goes smoothly for you.

Naturally, it is going to take a lot of planning for you to actually be prepared to make this move in the first place. Moving to another country is not 16

very different than moving to another state when it comes to making sure that you are taken care of when you get there. Of course, you are going to be under a different governmental system, but really what you need to worry about is making sure that all of the loose ends are tied up. This would include making sure that your belongings end up where you need them to end up. Packing is always an issue when it comes to moving but, by carefully planning ahead, you can make sure that this goes relatively smoothly.

You are also going to need to make sure that all of your finances are taken care of in advance.

It would be good for you to hire someone that is knowledgeable about buying property in

The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

La Paz

Mexico before you decide to purchase. Not only can they help you to make a wise decision on where you live, they can make sure that the process goes smoothly. There are also a financial considerations that need to be taken care of, such as making sure that your banking is available.

Finally, you need to take into consideration the fact that you are going to need insurance. There are several options as far as insurance. Speak with a knowledgeable insurance agent to make sure that you have all of your bases covered.

As long as you plan in advance, your move to Mexico can be a smooth one.

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

Photo by Lynn Hamman

Do You Have Margarita Mind?

{{COVER FEATURE}

Got Mail?

Frequently asked questions about Mail in Mexico

by Anita Kaltenbaugh

Photo by http://mexicoenfotos.com

If you are like most Americans living in the 21st century, walking to your mailbox to get or send mail, dropping a letter off in one of the many standard U.S. Post Office blue mail boxes, or perhaps stopping by a Mailboxes and More is hardly worth contemplating.

“Snail mail” in 2009 refers to the age old delivery system of hand delivered letters and packages through the Post Office, UPS or FedEx. In today’s electronic age, email is the quicker alternative to sending a letter.

What would the Pony Express make of the Internet?

Gone are the days of letter carrying on horses. It is mind boggling to think of all the men and women in history and the vigilant hard work and determination to deliver a single letter in days or months, which now can be transported in minutes. Yes, informational letters, contracts and books stretching across international borders in a push of a button.

In 1997 a Kevin Costner movie, The Postman, depicted the roots of mail in a futuristic aspect. Although the film was set 16 years in the future in the year 2013 after an apocalyptic disaster, it really brought home the complexity of delivering mail and how it all began. The uniform and the mail jeep found by the characters symbolized the importance of tradition and universal symbolism.

In the United States everyone has heard of the Pony Express and the courageous men and women who helped cross state borders

to deliver sensitive news and urgent top secret instructions.

In Mexico, a version of the Pony Express existed just as it did throughout the world creating a universal postal system. The word “Postal” is universal and used throughout the world much as the word “email” and “Internet” are universal. In Mexico mail can be traced back for centuries. In the Aztec times there were three types of messengers: “Painanis” were religious and ceremonial and more like messengers of God, the “Vciucatitlantis” brought urgent data, and “Tequihuatitlantlis” were known as messengers related to the army and reporting on war or battle. Until 1840, the receiver of the mail actually paid for the letter, not the sender.

In 1856 Mexico joined the worldwide postal reform. The first printing of Mexican postage stamps occurred in August 1856, during the office of President Ignacio Comonfort. These stamps portrayed Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla’s image.

A year ago, in September 2008, President Felipe Caldrón unveiled a Mexican post office makeover. The colors pink and lime green were painted in the post offices and

new uniforms with the same hot pink and green replaced the old to help strengthen the Mexican Postal system. Changes to the logo “Corres De Mexico,” translated to “Mexican Mail,” branded a new logo of a white carrier pigeon holding a letter assisting the updating of the age old system and revamping the system. In some areas of Mexico, Internet access was added to post offices to replace outdated typewriters.

Today, some Mexico post offices have moved to an online service replacing archaic typewriters or hand systems. Delivery times will depend on the size of the city and/or how far the letter is traveling. A standard letter or postcard may take one week to get to the U.S. or Canada, and twice as long to reach European countries. If you’re going to the post office, expect to show a Passport or FM2/FM3 to pick up mail.

Living in smaller tourist areas in Mexico, you’ll find some condominium communities will receive the mail for the entire complex and then sort out the mail and hand it out to residents. When living in Puerto Peñsaco, my bank statements, important Immigration papers came directly to the guard gate at the condominium and the guard would sign for it and hold it for Since the revamping in 2008, the Mexican postal service is me.

The size of the city will becoming more efficient and worth looking into. determine the efficiency of the mail in Mexico. Look for the post office to be near the city hall or city center (Centro). Look for the colors lime green and pink and “Corres De Mexico.” In 2009, a sender can track mail online and find out detailed information about your town mail services.

Since the revamping in 2008, the Mexican postal service is becoming more efficient and worth looking into. To find out more about the Mexican post office in your city, visit Baja California post office. www.sepomex.gob.mx.

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

Are there post offices where one can mail a letter or package? Yes, in most towns look near city hall or the municipal office and city center. Look for the logo and “Corres De Mexico.”

How much does it cost to send a general delivery letter? Similar to U.S., a general mail letter is about 400 to 500 pesos ( 40 to 50 cents).

Are there Mexican stamps? Yes, more than 3,600 original postage stamps have been issued by the Mexican postal service depicting images in history.

What is the general turnaround time for letters? Mailing a letter to the United States from Mexico may take up to a week, Europe, Australia or Asia may take twice as long.

Are there universal mailboxes? Yes, depending on the size of the city or town, look for red mail boxes. However, most go to the post office to send their mail.

What other alternatives exist for mailing packages or receiving mail in Mexico? In northern Mexico, towns close to the border, some residents establish border town post office boxes where they travel to various times throughout the month to pick up and send mail through U.S. services. In some towns, community businesses offer mail services to the U.S. for pickup and delivery.

Are there Mexican mail persons, mail trucks similar to the U.S.? In some areas of Mexico postal workers ride motorcycles and carry whistles so you can hear them coming to deliver your letters. If your mail is not hand delivered, you can pick up mail at the post office with proper ID. What is the website for Mexican mail? www.sepomex.gob.mx.

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Business: News & Features DIALING INSTRUCTIONS Mexico City: (011) 52-55, plus the 8-digit telephone number.

Guadalajara: (011) 52-33, plus the 8-digit telephone number.

Tijuana: (011) 52-664, plus the 7-digit telephone number.

Baja Country Club Offers Picturesque Lakeside Living

by Cai Tierra

Just south of downtown Ensenada, nestled in a canyon surrounded by mountains, 12 acres of lakes and 300 verdant acres is the Baja Country Club. The Baja Country Club has been known for its gorgeous par 72 championship golf course, which is open to the public.

The picturesque, par 72 championship golf course boasts lakes, mature trees and plenty of

challenges to the seasoned golfer, but aside from its strong appeal as a golfing resort, Baja Country Club is also a sanctuary, encompassing natural beauty and tranquility, with cooling ocean breezes and gated, controlled security.

The Baja Country Club is a gated community with homes by the prestigious Marena development group, which are well known for

Club Marena in Rosarito. These consist mainly of two choices of custom home locations around the golf course. An impressive but elegant wall surrounds the entire area making it more exclusive.

The homes are situated on the mountain side and on the fairway side, and three different models are available: Los Cabos, Loreto and a recently released San Felipe model.

It will also be offering tennis courts and resident and guest pools in addition to the golf course and club house amenities.

A few model homes are available for viewing and many homes are already being constructed and delivered to excited owners. Starting prices in phase one offer a great investment opportunity.

The Baja Country Club is found at the end of a canyon and is surrounded by mountains that embrace the Bentgrass greens and ocean breezes gently blow over the property.

USA to MX Cell Phone: 011+52+1+Area Code+(Tel #) USA to MX Landline: 011+52+Area Code+(Tel #) MX to USA: 001+Area Code+(Tel #) MX Landline to MX Cell Phone: 045 or 044+Area Code+(Tel #) MX Cell Phone to MX Landline: Area Code+(Tel #)

DIALING 800 NUMBER:

To Dial USA 866...............dial 883 To Dial USA 877...............dial 882 To Dial USA 888...............dial 881

IMPORTANT NUMBERS: MX 411 (Spanish only)........... 040 Tourist Assistance Hotline...... 076 Green Angels (MX Toll-Free) ......................... 1-800-903-0092 Worldwide Emergency No. for Mobile is................................ 112 Emergencies................060 & 066 Sky Medical (from MX) ..................... 001-866-805-9624 Air-E-Vac........ 001-880-321-9522

18

Rosarito-Ensenada Bike Ride Draws 5,000 In A Full Weekend Of Tourism Activities The RosaritoEnsenada 50-mile Fun Bike Ride had 5,000 participants— an increase of more than 40 percent from the April ride—as the event in its 30th year Archisand founder Greg LeBon and the passed the 20-million team with the completed sand sculpture. mile mark.

The ride along a scenic route from the seaside resort area to the port city of Ensenada was one of several high-profile weekend events for Rosarito, including the first in a planned annual sand sculpture contest, and the annual steak and lobster festival.

Bike ride organizer Gary Foster attributed the ride’s increased attendance to the growing awareness that Mexico’s highly publicized crackdown on organized crime did not affect visitors or daily activities.

“The corridor from Rosarito Beach to Ensenada is safe for tourists, and Baja remains a beautiful and affordable destination for travel with friends and family,” Foster said.

Rosarito Beach Mayor Hugo Torres was the official starter as a sea of cyclists filled Boulevard Benito Juarez from the starting line near the Rosarito Beach Hotel and stretched blocks to the north.

Cyclists came from throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central

The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

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and South America. The youngest rider in the iconic and festive event was 7.

Following the successful bike ride, Rosarito hosted Baja Sand 2009. As well as a competition between more than 20 amateur teams, Baja Sand 2009 also featured an exhibition by Archisand.

Archisand, a team of architects and craftsmen, was founded by in 1989 by Greg LeBon. They have won the 10-man division of the U.S. Open at Imperial Beach six of the past nine years.

“This is a great venue,” LeBon said. “We’ve been tremendously impressed by the hospitality of the people and the cleanliness of this beautiful stretch of beach.”

Raul Aragon, Rosarito’s state tourism delegate, said the number of participants exceeded expectations. The first full-scale sand sculpting competition is scheduled for May 2, 2010.

While the sand sculpture competition was taking place, people walked the nearby grounds of the Rosarito Beach Hotel and sampled food from Rosarito restaurants during the city’s Annual Steak and Lobster Festival.

Photo courtesy of Rosarito-Ensenada Bike Ride

To Dial USA 800...............dial 880

Photo courtesy of Archisand

800 DIALING to the USA From MX (dial 001+)

Playas de Rosarito Associate Publisher Rachel Pack MX 686-230-9933 / rachel@mexicoliving.info www.mexicolivingguide.com/rosaritobeach

{{PLAYAS DE ROSARITO}

ROSARITO DIRECTORY ICON Descriptions

- Pool/Spa

- Accept Credit Cards

- Pet Friendly

- Wi-Fi / Internet

- Serves Breakfast

- Kitchen/Restaurant

- Beer/Spirits

# - Map Number

- Reader Poll Winner

WHERE TO EAT See the Dining Guide on page 28

WHERE TO STAY RV Park/Parque de RV Baja Season RV Parks................................ 661-628-6128 Popotla R.V. Park....................................... 661-612-1501 Motel Camino Inn................................................ 661-612.2803 Hotel / Condo Baja Rentals.................................. www.BajaCatalina.com Bobby’s Baja by the Sea ................. 661-614-1135 Costa Azul ......................................... 800-800-9632 Grand Baja Resort (Puerto Nuevo) ............................................ 877-315-1002

BUSINESS DIRECTORY A-Z DOG GROOMERS D’ Groomer Dog Grooming .................. 661-100-6218 Certified Certified Certified Master Master Master Dog Groomer Groomer Dog Grooming Estética Canina DogGrooming Grooming-- Estética - EstéticaCanina Canina Groomer

Located just south of PEMEX AM-PM across from Tacos Jr. Located just south of of PEMEX AM-PM across from Tacos Jr.Jr. Located just south PEMEX AM-PM across from Tacos Libre Km 28.5, Popotla Blvd.

Rosarito, Appts: Tues, Weds and Thurs Libre Km 28.5, Popotla Blvd.

Rosarito, Appts: Tues, Weds and Thurs Libre Km 28.5, Popotla Blvd.

Rosarito, Appts: Tues, Weds and Thurs

661-100-6218 661-100-6218• •125*317*7317 125*317*7317

Elevators/Elevadores To The Top Elevators.................................. 661-614-1434 FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Baja Lending Company........ ......................686-576-0653 FISH/PESCADERÍA Vince's Old Peir ......................................... 661-612-1253

Poco Cielo’s restaurant offers a menu that integrates Baja California’s bounty. Every meal is freshly prepared to order, and heart healthy items are available and clearly identified on the menu. The restaurant has 3 ocean front terraces providing al fresco dining for 36 with spectacular 180° views of the Pacific from every table.

INSURANCE Jorge Cuadros y Asociados........................ 661-612-1295 Lynda’s Insurance (English speaking)......... 686-577-1622 Click On

INTERNET .............................................. 661-614-0513

Click On

MAILING SERVICES .............................................. 661-614-0513

REAL ESTATE AGENTS/AGENTES DE BIENES RAÍCES Nicolas Santos (Rosarito)........................... 619-917-5695 Laura Miller . ...............Rosarito Beach 661-612-5844 .............Member NAR (US) AMPI (Mx) US 619-888-6171

Rather than one executive chef, Cielito Lindo is blessed with the services of a family of chefs consisting of four brothers. The new Cantina Feliz will offer a festive, casual dining experience that perfectly complements the tranquil, romantic ambiance of Cielito Lindo.

REAL ESTATE/BIENES RAÍCES Ensenada Remax....................................... 661-612-1132 REAL ESTATE SERVICES Baja Closing & Escrow Services................. 760-494-7053 Satellite TV Installation Cisco-Sat................................................... 661-616-0779 STORAGE SERVICES Baja Public Storage........... 619-272-3271, 661-614-1642

Open 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Room service is available 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Poco Cielo’s Cantina is open 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM.

utilities/empresas de servicios públicos CFE .............................. 612-143 0064 or 612-142 0237 TELMEX . .................................................. 612-142 0001 CALIGAS.................................................... 612-142 0122

See Poco Ceielo feature article in the NEW DINING GUIDE on page 28.

Get the Guide At: La Bamba Restaurant Medio Camino (Halfway House) Rosarito Beach Hotel Lobby Coffee Shop CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

D’Groomer - dog grooming Click On - Puerto Nuevo Baja Open House, km 38 Bobby’s Baja by the Sea, km 42

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

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{ENSENADA, BAJA CALIFORNIA}} Ensenada Associate Publisher Associate Rachel Pack MX 686-230-9933 / rachel@mexicoliving.info www.mexicolivingguide.com/ensenada

ENSENADA DIRECTORY ICON Descriptions

- Pool/Spa

- Accept Credit Cards

- Pet Friendly

- Wi-Fi / Internet

- Serves Breakfast

- Kitchen/Restaurant

- Beer/Spirits

# - Map Number

- Reader Poll Winner

WHERE TO EAT See the Dining Guide on page 28

WHERE TO STAY RV Park/Parque de RV Mona Lisa RV Park.........................................646-177-5100 Popotla R.V. Park............................................661-612-1501 Motels/Moteles America Motel .........................................646-176-1333 Rudis Motel . ..........................................646-176-3245 Ensenada Inn.................................................646-176-1361 Hotel El Joker.................................................646-177-5151 Posada Don Fernando....................................646-177-0127 Azteca Inn......................................................646-177-4015 Hotel Best Western El Cid........................................646-178-2401 Corona Hotel .........................................646-176-0901 Costa Azul . ..................................800-800-9632 Grand Baja Resort (Puerto Nuevo) . ..............................................877-315-1002 Hotel Coral & Marina ........646-175-0000 Hotel La Fonda ........................646-155-0007 Posada El Rel Sol . ..................................646-178-1601 San Nicolas Hotel...........................................646-176-1901 Oxidox Cafe...................................................646-178-8827 Rentals Baja Rentals...................................... www.BajaCatalina.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY A-Z Aeropuerto/Airport Aeropuerto ...................................................646-273-1984

Art Gallery Garery Art & Stuff..........................................646-175-8859 ARTIST Alfonso Arambulua.........................................646-149-3866 DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE FRACCIONAMIENTOS Baja Mar Country Club ........................ 1-800-434-2252 FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Baja Lending Company..................................686-576-0653 HEALTH SPA La Fonda........................................................646-155-0394 INSURANCE Lynda’s Insurance (English speaking).............686-577-1622 MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS ISSSTE .........................................................646-176-2230 IMSS ............................................................646-120-7771 Centro de Salud.............................................646-152-1371 MUSIC/MUSICA Pharmacy Regia & House of Music................646-174-0557 Professional Services PSN Mexico Professional Services.................646-178-8280 Legal/Immigration Assist FM3/FM2/FMT Import documentation www.psnmexico.com POLICE/POLICÍA Policia Ministerial...........................................646-176-3636 Policia Federal Caminos................................ 646-683-8040 Policia Federal Preventiva ..............................646-176-2579 Prefectura Naval.......................................... 469-0376/2948 public transportation/ el transporte público Terminal de Buses..........................................646-224-1041 REAL ESTATE AGENTS/ AGENTES DE BIENES RAÍCES Nicolas Santos (Rosarito)...............................619-917-5695 REAL ESTATE SERVICES Baja Closing & Escrow Services.....................760-494-7053 utilities/empresas de servicios públicos CFE ..................................612-143 0064 or 612-142 0237 TELMEX . ...................................................... 612-142 0001 CALIGAS........................................................ 612-142 0122 Vinos Fuentes Winery

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The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

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Winery .............................646-171-7070

{{SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA }

San Felipe Associate Publisher Bill Maine 686-231-4921 / billmaine@gmail.com www.mexicolivingguide.com/sanfelipe

The San Felipe Arches The monument at the entrance to San Felipe was built in 1980 to represent the commitment of the four states around the Sea of Cortez (Baja California Norte, Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, and Sonora) to promote tourism and the regions beauty and charm.

What Are The South Campos?

by June Snow

Beginning at Km 13 south of San Felipe, there is a complete absence of telephone poles. The reason is obvious! South of this point there is no electricity as we know it. Everything beyond this point is solar powered, and the residents prefer this.

Unsightly poles with dangling wires, extremely high installation price. Solar is simple by comparison. If taken care of, the panels will last a long time and batteries are not too expensive and can easily last four to six years if properly maintained.

Many people are unaware that you need more solar panels and only a few batteries. Don’t overload your panels trying to charge your batteries. We have a computer, scanner, printer and computer, a television and an electric refrigerator, plus a trash compacter. Surrounding our home are walls with posts where tiny, portable solar lights offer night viewing. This also allows a safeguard for approaching vehicles.

Sadly, many of the original Ejidatarios (camp owners) in this area have passed away, but for the most part the families have taken over. A small building was constructed to hold meetings, laws were enacted for control and camp business began to attract more people.

Dr. Lopez opened up a small office. A small grocery store set up with mostly needed items, but leaned more towards Mexican items. They soon expanded a little to offer other things like milk, fresh fruits and vegetables. More Americans and Canadians arrived to explore what was available.

The camps are widespread and listed by kilometer number. Ours is Playa Adriana, Km 45. We are about 17 miles before you reach Puertecitos to the south. Most people live here from October to May, returning to their homes in the States, or go traveling during the summer months when it can be very humid and warm here. I have lived here full time for 24 years. It’s my only home. I love the peacefulness of the area!

This is a vastly growing community with many new activities to enjoy for the pioneer-spirited souls that call this home.

California Dental Spa & California Optical ONE CONVENIENT LOCATION!

COME SEE US TODAY!

DENTAL SERVICES

Melina California Fierros Z., DDS White Fillings Teeth Whitening Cosmetic Dentistry Root Canals Implants Permanent Bridges

Removable Partials Extractions Dentures Metal and Porcelain Crowns

Mar Caribe Sur #1088-4 Across from ABC Bus Depot Visit us online or e-mail for more information

OPTICAL SERVICES

Licensed Optometrist Efrain Castellanos, OD, FCOVD Complete Eye Exams Vision Problem Evals Frames and Lenses Contacts

YOUR VISION SOLUTION

SEE your way to better DENTAL care!

E-Mail: californiadental@hotmail.com E-Mail: californiaoptical@hotmail.com

www.CADentalOptical.com CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

(686) 577-0708 MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

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{SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA}} Get the Guide At: Baja Nueva Blowin’ Smoke BBQ Botica Sagrado Corazon Charley AM/PM Airport Road Chumpos Pizza & Ice Cream CSI Baja Fat Boy’s Pizza Juanitos Restaurant Lillyana’s Day Spa Lighthouse Los Arcos Happy Jackass Maderas de San Felipe Maxivision Optical Oasis Market Playa Azul Restaurant Rancho Otro Market Redwagon Rosita Resturant Santa Fe Ph. SunRunner Mail Srvc.

Yet Mail Z Market

SAN FELIPE DIRECTORY ICON Descriptions

- Pool/Spa

- Accept Credit Cards

- Pet Friendly

- Wi-Fi / Internet

- Serves Breakfast

- Kitchen/Restaurant

- Beer/Spirits

# - Map Number

- Reader Poll Winner

WHERE TO EAT See the Dining Guide on page 28

PLACES TO STAY RV Park/Parque de RV Club de Pesca............................................ 686-577-1180 Kiki's RV Park on the Beach........................ 686-577-2021

Rentals Baja Bill's Property Managment.................. 686-577-4014 Casey’s Place ....... 686-577-1431

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The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

{{SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA} MySanFelipeVacation.com........................(686) 109-0579

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z) ACCOUNTING/CONTABILIDAD CP E&A Accounting......................................... 686-577-0836

Now in TWO LOCATIONS

NEW SPOT!

At Playa de Oro next to Sand & Sea Market for PIZZA TAKE-OUT!

Alterations/sastre San Felipe Seamstress (Vickie Silva).......... 686-175-5420

Mar de Cortez & Chetumal for

PIZZA

MEXICO LIVING Best of

2008

ARCHITECT/ARQUITECTO Rosa Lina Ramos Lazcano......................... 686-184-6172

Free Breakfast Sundays* Tortilla Soup DAILY Baked Ziti! *with purchase of alcoholic beverage

(686) 577-4092

*with purchase of one (1) alcoholic beverage

Rancho del Sol . ................... 686-231-4921 Redwagon Property Services..................... 686-576-0081

REDWAGON Property Services San Felipe’s Leading Provider Since 1999

Beachfront Condos Long-term Rentals Vacation Rentals Property for Sale Property Management Cleaning Services

Contact Pam

011-52 (686) 576-0081 redwagonbaja@gmail.com www.sanfelipepropertyservices.com Sandollar Condotels................................... 686-123-7688 Places to Stay…Rentals…Sandollar Condotels Seaside Shangri-La Apartment................... 686-577-1573 Su Casa Elegante ........................ 686-577-0745 Motels/Hotels La Hacienda de la Langosta Roja................ 686-577-0483

ART GALLERY Oasis Fine Art Gallery................................. 686-221-1245 ARTIST/ARTISTA Andrena Joyce ......E-mail: andrenajoyce@yahoo.com Melody Ashley............ E-mail: melodya2004@yahoo.com Robin Waters............................................. 686-115-0526 Sandy Colomb "The Gourd Lady" . ............. 686-576-0384 Watercolors by Mary Lou........................... 686-171-5513 ATTORNEY/ABOGADO Carlos A. Martinez Monges........................ 686-120-1650 Lic. Francisco Sosa Mendez....................... 686-577-0624 ADULT CARE/ATENCION DE ADULTOS San Felipe Adult Living Facility.................... 686-576-0661 BAKERY/PANADERÍA Panaderia Especial .............................. 686-577-2948 BANK/BANCO BBVA Bancomer......................................... 686-577-2224 Silvia Elizabeth Urbea, Preferred Customer’s Unit Ext. 13 BANDS/BANDAS Agave Blues............................................... 686-184-9237 BARS/CLUBS Al’s Backstreet Cantina .................. 686-577-1580 The Beach Bar and Grill ........ 686-577-3144 The Green Door Bar (Los Algodones)............ 658-517-7347

Fandango’s . ................................... 686-577-0060 JollyMon.................................................... 686-213-5647

Marina Resort ........................... 686-577-1569 Olympia Motel (Los Algodones).................. 658-517-7347 Los Arcos - Happy Jackass ............ 686-577-2585 V Lounge . ........................................... 707-237-1906 BEAUTY SALONS/SALONES DE BELLEZA Lilly Ana’s Day Spot ............................ 686-577-6253

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

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{SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA}} BUILDING MATERIALS/MATERIALES DE CONTRUCCIÓN Maderas de San Felipe ........................ 686-577-1515

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE CONSTRUCCIÓN San Felipe Management Services............... 686-576-0553 ..... 686-577-0195 Sweitzer Construction Management

SWEITZER CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT COMPANY BJ Sweitzer Consultant

Graphic Design/Diseño Gráfico GreetScape................................................ 686-188-2393 GYNECOLOGIST/GINECÓLOGO Annel Becerra Prado.................................. 686-577-6350 HATS/sombreros Band It....................................................... 686-123-5147

www.SanFelipeHomeBuilder.com

Carlos Mora Contractor

Home Builders in San Felipe

Phone: 577-0195 USA: 011-52-686-577-0195 Email: bejota10@aol.com

Perez Construction..................................... 686-576-0650 COUNSELING-THERAPY/CONSULTA TERAPÉUTICA Inner Connection........................................ 686-172-8851 DELI Sand & Sea Market & Deli .................... 686-577-3168 ..................................... 686-576-0369 SunDance Deli DENTIST/DENTISTA . .......................... 686-577-0708 California Dental Spa Consultorio Dental Y de Ortodoncia ........... 686-577-6212

San Felipe (686) 577-3176 San Diego (619) 920-2292

HOME BUILDERS/CONTRATISTAS M & O Construction................................... 686-124-3908 Oscar Parra................................................ 686-163-6514 Oscar Perez............................................... 686-120-6506 Perez Construction..................................... 686-236-4927

HOME CLEANING/LIMPIEZA DE CASAS Redwagon Property Services..................... 686-576-0081 Housekeeping - Jackie’s Home Help........... 686-228-7480

* e*st*in* B * a ja ” “B

El Dorado Ranch * *5*Star * * Contractor El Dorado Ranch 5 Star Contractor

CATERING The Latin Garden........................................ 686-209-6369 CHOCOLATE/CHOCOLATE . ....................... 686-576-0348 Baja Chocolate Lovers

DEVELOPMENTS/FRACCIONAMIENTOS Casablanca................................................ 686-157-1728 Diamante Residencial................................. 686-569-2347 El Dorado Ranch........................................ 686-577-0015 La Perla Del Mar......................................... 760-458-7602 ........................................ 686-576-0223 Playa de Oro Playa del Paraiso.............................. 888-647-5292 x 704 San Rafael................................................. 686-576-0223 Discount Store El Cheap-O................................................. 686-577-6263

Lupe Pérez, General Contractor Lupe Pérez, General Contractor 011.521.686.170.3979 011.521.686.170.3979

Jane Allen, Contract Manager Jane Allen, Contract Manager US: 480.600.2114 or MX: US: 480.600.2114 or MX: 011.521.686.236.4927 011.521.686.236.4927 www.sanfelipehomesbyperez.com

www.sanfelipehomesbyperez.com bestinbaja@gmail.com

bestinbaja@gmail.com PMD Developments.................................... 638-105-9182

DOCTORS/DOCTORES Dr. Victor Abasolo.......... 686-577-1706 or 686-573-0174 ENTERTAINMENT/ENTRETENIMIENTO Name That Tune - Denny Flannigan............. 686-576-1683 .686-576-0047 The Singout Sisters & Chuey (Karaoke) EVENT SERVICES/servicios acontecimiento Produciones Baja....................................... 686-576-1683 FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Baja Lending Company........ ......................686-576-0653

MexQuest Mortgage Corp..........Toll Free: 1-888-257-9162 FILM DEVELOPMENT/IMPRESION DE FOTOS Fotografia Alvarez....................................... 686-577-1144 church Mission San Felipe..................................... 686-577-0877

Mission San Felipe

Non Denominational Church

(English Speaking)

2 Blocks west of the Glorietta at Chetumal and Mar de Irlanda

SUNDAY SERVICE 8:45 AM Please call 577-0877

Baja Nueva

FURNITURE/MUEBLERÍA ......................................... 686-187-7795

CITY SERVICES/SERVICIOS DE LA CIUDAD District Attorney’s...................................... 686-577-1110 Mayors Office............................................ 686-577-1021 COFFEE & TEA/CAFÉ Y TE The Bistro (Java Jitters)............................. 686-114-7735 COMPUTER SERVICES Computing Integral Solutions...................... 686-577-2370 CSI Baja..................................................... 686-577-2928

24

GOLF/GOLF Las Caras de Mexico.................................. 686-576-0517

The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

Providing Quality, Integrity and Professionalism since 2005

HEALTH & fitness/SALUD Y ejercicio Squats Gym ........................................ 686-125-1555

Construction Pé“Best rezinC onstruction PC Pérez Baja” Dr. Felix Rodriguez...................................... 686-577-1919 Dr. Mario A. Garibay DDS (Los Algodones)...658-517-3286

San Felipe Home Builders........................... 686-577-3176

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

IMPORT SERVICES/SE RVICIOS DE IMPORTACIÓN San Felipe Storage Company...................... 686-576-0432 Insurance Alani’s Mexican Insurance.......................... 686-577-2464

DRIVER LICENSE INSURANCE

15% OFF

Homeowners Insurance

Call or e-mail TODAY! Mail - YETMAIL 277 segurosalanis@prodigy.net.mx

686-577-2464 • FAX 686-577-2916 Lynda’s Insurance (English speaking)......... 686-577-1622 Orval Insurance...........................orvalquotes@gmail.com INTERIOR DESIGN/DISEÑO INTERIOR Baja Nueva................................................ 686-211-4676 INTERNET CAFE/CAFE DE INTERNET Soluciones Integrales en Computacions...... 686-577-2370

{{SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA} Kitchen/Bath Cocina/Bano Concepto Casa ..................... 686-576-0731

LANDSCAPING/JARDINERÍA Mauricio's Landscaping.............................. 686-151-8002 Prestige Landscape and Maintenance......... 686-170-8651 Your Paradise...My Passion Versoleil .............................................. 686-576-0664

LAUNDRY SERVICE/LAVANDERÍA Wash Tub................................................... 686-577-2001 LIFEGUARD/SALVAVIDAS San Felipe Lifeguards................................. 686-233-7730 Ask for Franscio LOCKSMITH/CERRAJERO Gomez Locksmith...................................... 686-221-8337 24 HR Service, Professional Service. Homes, Cars, Boats, Motorcycles, English Spoken Markets/Mercados Hipon/El Pelicano..............................686-577-0104/0204 Oasis BEST CIGARETTE PRICES................ 686-577-1276 MASSAGE/MASAJE Casey’s Place (Massage)........................... 686-577-1431

Massage Therapy Call for an appointment

686-577-1431 www.sanfelipe.tv

Meat Markets/Carnecerias Mercados Zsamaniegos Carnecerias (Z Market).......... 686-577-1676

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

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{SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA}} MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS Ambulance................................................ 686-577-0500 Baja Medical Center................................... 686-576-0200 Health Center............................................ 686-577-1521 Red Cross.................................................. 686-577-1544 Dr. Victor Abasolo.......... 686-577-1706 or 686-573-0174 Optometrists/Opthamologists California Optical........................................ 686-577-0708 PHARMACY/FARMACIA Botica “Sagrado Corazon”.......................... 686-577-1294

Baja 24/7 Construction & Real Estate......... 686-577-6196 Desert Hawk.............................................. 686-577-1244 Sea Mexico Realty (SMR)........................... 686-576-0223

Hospital Animal.......................................... 686-577-1688 PETS......................................................... 686-577-2155 Veterinaria Mundo Animal........................... 686-577-2663

REAL ESTATE SERVICES/servicios DE BIENES RAÍCES Baja Closing & Escrow Services................. 686-576-0653 RECREATION/RECREACIÓN San Felipe Sailing-Sailing Lessons.............. 686-114-3259 Aerodynamic - Ultralight flights . ................ 686-116-2933 SATELLITE TELEVISION & INTERNET/ TELEVISION SATELITALES Y INTERNET CSI - Computer & Satellite Installation........ 686-577-2928

Thank You ROTARY!

Computer & Satellite Installation

The Rotary Club of San Felipe Meets every Monday 8 AM at the Barefoot Bar El Cortez Hotel

Santa Fe Pharmacy ................................... 686-576-0546 Satellite Internet

Also Computers, Cell Phones, and DVD Rentals

Av. Mar de Cortez, Plaza San Felipe Visit us Online: www.csibaja.com

For Information call 686-576-8974

686-577-2928 shane@csibaja.com PHYSICAL THERAPY Adrienne Streppel.....................................(686) 576-0339

WASTE MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE DESHECHO San Felipe Disposal.................................... 686-121-1004

SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS/ ORGANIZACIONES DE SERVICIO Club Las Amigas........................................ 686-202-0455 San Felipe Lions Club................................. 686-212-3599 San Felipe Rotary....................................... 686-576-0112

      



         

POLICE/POLICÍA Federal Preventive Police ........................... 686-577-1045 Police ....................................................... 686-577-1134 PRINTERS/IMPRESORAS Papeleria Copicentro.................................. 686-577-1402 The Print Supplier....................................... 686-230-9933 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE PROPIEDADES Casey’s Place............................................ 686-577-1431 Custom Vacation Homes............................ 928-277-6863 928-277-7559 & visit www.sanfelipevacations.com Enjoy Baja.................................................. 686-576-0697 Redwagon Property Services..................... 686-576-0081 POSTAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS POSTALES Yet Mail...................................................... 686-577-1255

                           SHOPPING MALL/CENTRO DE COMPRAS La Plazita................................................... 686-577-2119 Solar Baja Solar Systems.................................... 686-111-0504 SPECIALTY STORES Sea of Cortez Salt...................................... 686-209-0074 SPORT FISHING Azteca Sport Fishing and Tours.................. 686-577-0741 STORAGE/ALMACÉN San Felipe Storage Company...................... 686-576-0432 TATTOOING/TATUAJES Baja Ink Spot Tattoo & Body Piercing.......... 686-577-0746 TIRE SHOP/lLANTERA Llantera Aguilar.......................................... 686-192-8462

Sand & Sea................................................ 686-577-3168 SunRunner Mail Center ........................ 686-147-6752 PUBLICATIONS/PUBLICACIONES Gringo Gazette........................................... 686-111-3692

TRANSLATION/TRADUCCIÓN Carlota Villagran B...................................... 686-212-9951 TRANSPORTATION/TRANSPORTACIÓN Airport....................................................... 686-577-1368 Taxi Service............................................... 686-577-1293 Bus Station ............................................... 686-577-1516 utilities/empresas de servicios públicos Electric (CFE)................. 686-577-1060 or 686-577-5602 Estrella Azul (Water Dispensery)................. 686-577-1314 Propane Gas.............................................. 686-577-2373 State Com. of Services Public.................... 686-556-1383 Telnor Phone Co......................................... 686-577-1000 Water Company......................................... 686-577-1022

Mexico Living Magazine............................. 686-577-1377 San Felipe Newsletter................................. 686-577-2898

VETERINARY/VETERINARIO Desert Veterinary Group...........................(760) 355-0141

REAL ESTATE AGENTS/AGENTES DE BIENES RAÍCES Bill Maine................................................... 686-231-4921 Jim Moore.................................... MX Cell 686-184-9237

US 619-209-8486 REAL ESTATE/BIENES RAÍCES Amor Property .................................... 686-577-0611

26

The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1



Day of the Dead

by Benjamin Eugene

Mexico’s much anticipated and most celebrated time of year is here, October 31 to November 2. It’s time to celebrate the dead. Day of the Dead’s ancient origins make it as fascinating as the actual festivities. While celebrated in slightly different ways depending on where you live, the general practice of honoring the spirits of those who are gone is still the center of the celebration just as it was 4,000 years ago.

The ancient Aztec civilizations that populated modern day Mexico started the tradition, and it lasted for about 20 days from the end of July into August. These long lasting ceremonies were dedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl who was honored as the “Lady of the Dead.” Just as the modern Day of the Dead celebrations represent, the ancient versions were a way to celebrate the spirit and was not seen as an evil or scary practice.

It was typical of Aztec cultures to keep skulls of the deceased as a remembrance and they would be displayed during rituals.

They believed their souls did not die, but rested and waited until they could return to visit with the living. Death was seen as a friendly and lively state to be in. During the 20-day celebration, alters were displayed as encouragement for the deceased souls to come back and visit.

Once Catholic Spanish settlers of the 1500s came across this ancient practice of remembrance, they were horrified. The Catholic priest found the glorifying of death and the joyous celebrations to be mocking of the dead. However, in order to keep peace and encourage the ancient people to adopt Catholicism, they took the Catholic celebrations of All Saints Day and All Souls Day in November and blended them with the ancient Day of the Dead festivities.

This changed the ancient celebration from mid-summer to late October and early November. It is now a joyous mixture of respect, remembrance and celebration for all souls.

Each local area may celebrate adding their own twist to the festivities, yet the basic celebrations and practices remain intact. For each soul being honored, the family will prepare an elaborate altar. There are traditionally six major features on every

Keeping Souls Alive

Painting on cover by Andrena Joyce, andrenajoyce@yahoo.com.

altar. First, you will usually find a picture of the dead. You will find the favorite foods and drinks of the dead. It is believed their souls will absorb the aromas of their favorite dishes after they return to visit.

Once their souls are full, the food and drink can be shared with the living.

Another important component is the placement of flowers, most commonly they are marigolds. The scent is said to help the souls find their way. Since flowers die quickly, they also serve as a reminder that life is fleeting on Earth. Candles and incense send light and scent out to the spirit world also.

Lastly, most altars will be decorated with favorite or special belongings of the dead.

This will obviously vary greatly from altar to altar. You might find favorite clothes, books, cigarettes, or anything that made that soul an individual. Items to represent the four elements of nature, earth, wind, fire and water, also are placed on the altars.

The altar is not only a place for the living to pray for the soul of the dead, but also a place to gather and tell stories about the lost one.

An altar at home is only one part of the Day of the Dead annual rituals. Celebrations take place throughout the town and at the cemeteries. The headstones of the dead are often repainted, which is said to ward off evil. Offerings are laid at the headstone also. Some people will leave pillows and blankets at the headstones so the dead can rest after the long journey back to the family.

Some villages will lay flower petals on the ground leading to the graves. Parties complete with food, drink and music will take place into the night. Years ago when most dead were buried in cemeteries close to their family homes, these cemetery ceremonies were more common.

The days are also broken up according to who is being honored. The souls of dead children have a night and practices that specifically honor them. November 1 is called the Vigil of the Little Angels.

Children from the village dress in colorful clothing and pay homage to the souls of children who have died. They do this as a group while their parents watch. November 2 is the Vigil for Adults. These honorable

ceremonies bring the entire community together for the same purpose, to share their pain and transform it into joy for the loved one they had.

Preparations for the Day of the Dead ceremonies and celebrations begin well in advance by harvesting enough marigolds to embellish all the altars. Aside from private home altars and grave-sight altars, there will be altars at the public schools and government buildings for the whole town to admire and respect.

As with any large community festivity or holiday in Mexico, food plays a vital role in the Day of the Dead celebrations.

One traditional edible creation that sparks awe and gasps on the faces of those who are unfamiliar with Day of the Dead is the skulls for eating and giving to friends.

Sugar candy skulls are decorated with brightly colored frosting with names etched on them. This traditional gift is meant to be eaten as a joking gesture of eating death.

They can be seen stacked in pyramids on the streets.

Another culinary tradition is the making of sweet pan de muerto. This “death bread” is found in almost every Day of the Dead celebration, be it in a home, cemetery or on the street. Two knots are formed on the top to make the bread look more like a skull.

Other foods that are served represent the age of the dead. If the altar or ceremony is for a child, you will find fruits, tamales, sweets and chocolate drinks. For adults, the meals will be spicier with alcohol and coffee served.

These traditions may have been slightly modified over the last 4,000 years, but the meanings behind them have stayed the same. They teach each generation to honor

and respect their ancestors and to not fear death. They let the entire community share in the joy over the thought of their loved ones souls coming home to them again.

Feeling this communication between the living and dead and expressing what made the dead unique brings joy to the hearts of those who have suffered loss.

La Catrina – In Mexican folk culture, the Catrina, popularized by José Guadalupe Posada, is the skeleton of a high society woman and one of the most popular figures of the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. Height: about 15 inches-38 cm. Picture taken at the Museo de la Ciudad, Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico.

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MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

www.mexicolivingguide.com

27

{dining guide}} SAN FELIPE, BC

Blowin’ Smoke in north San Felipe offers true Memphis-style slow smoked ribs, pulled pork, chicken parts and award-winning beef tri-tip. Healthy portions and great atmosphere, homemade coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, and very cold beer.

Poco Cielo Offers a Choice of the Gold Coast’s Finest Cuisine

Sundance Deli in north San Felipe offer deli meats, cheese, as well as regular prepared meals, such as meatloaf, sandwiches, hot wings, pizza, soups and breads, all made from scratch. They’re also a complete grocer with dairy, vegetables and all your staples.

The Pavilion Restaurant on Las Cares de Mexico Golf Course at La Ventana del Mar has a full menu of meats and seafood dishes and a great affordable breakfast.

Armando’s Taco’s on Chetumal in downtown San Felipe has flamed broiled chicken and beef tacos and the best deal in town of full flame broiled chickens every Tuesday.

Fatboy’s Pizza downtown on the corner of Chetumal and Mar de Cortez offers great pizza, excellent salads, delicious hot and cold sandwiches, and more. And now you’ll be able to find Fat’s downtown and north at Playa de Oro.

LORETO, BCS

Family owned and operated Restaurant Sagitario at Rivera del Mar RV park in downtown Loreto opened last month, offering true Mexican value and incredible flavor.

Augie’s Bar and Bait Shop on the Malecon is always a favorite for locals and visitors alike, wonderful sushi, Mexican favorites as well as burgers and breakfast. Augie even has free food during happy hour Monday through Friday, plus extremely cold beer, full bar and good friends.

Loreto Islas is aptly named; a seaside restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows that face east onto the Malecon, the Sea of Cortez and Isla del Carmen. Loreto Islas’ menu is simple, made with the freshest produce and ranch-fresh eggs and chicken. Islas also serves the freshest seafood available, caught and prepared the same day.

PUERTO PEÑASCO, SONORA

Giuseppe’s Coffee on Fremont is a familyowned and operated coffeehouse and diner with great coffee and wonderful breakfast and lunch. Check out the Sunday breakfast buffet.

Thirsty Parrot upstairs on the Malecon of Old Port is great fun for everyone. Wonderful food, atmosphere, people and view. Come for the food, full bar and good time.

28

Poco Cielo’s Terrace Dining Room

The Baja Gold Coast is known for many fine restaurants, two of the finest are Cielito Lindo and Cantina Feliz, located halfway between Rosarito and Ensenada at the Poco Cielo Hotel & Cantina.

Throughout Mexico the food is based on a blend of the pre-Columbian diet of corn, chilies, jicama and beans with culinary influences from Spanish conquistadors, Moorish immigrants, African slaves and other settlers. In the northern states, you’ll find plenty of barbecued meats, fish in Veracruz, and in the southeastern states is a variety of molé sauces.

Unlike the rest of Mexico, Baja California separated from the mainland, and isolated from the rest of the country, never developed a cuisine to truly call its own (except for fish tacos and Puerto Nuevo style lobster!), yet fresh produce and seafoods are plentiful.

Cielito Lindo, Poco Cielo’s restaurant, offers a menu that integrates Baja California’s bounty of fresh ingredients with traditional Mexican fare. A

style that has a little California fusion thrown in just to keep the mix interesting.

At Cielito Lindo every meal is freshly prepared to order, and heart healthy menu items are available and clearly identified on the menu.

Cielito Lindo’s indoor dining room offers seating for 20 around a large fireplace with seating for an additional 8 in the bar area. Additionally, the restaurant’s three oceanfront terraces provide al fresco dining for 36 with spectacular 180-degree views of the Pacific from every table.

Rather than one executive chef, Cielito Lindo is blessed with the services of a family of chefs consisting of four brothers. This team of culinary professionals may seem a little top heavy for one restaurant but not for two restaurants.

Cantina Feliz, their new restaurant, presents a varied menu made from the freshest of local ingredients. Cantina Feliz offers a festive, casual dining experience that perfectly complements the tranquil, romantic ambiance of Cielito Lindo.

The brothers have approached their menu with a sense of joie de vivre and imagination, revitalizing traditional Mexican cuisine with a creative and innovative touch that enhances their ancestral recipes.

Some not-to-be-missed specialties include Poco Cielo’s signature Chiles Rellenos, Clams Steamed in Garlic and Butter then flambéed with Tequila and Anise, and the Breaded Scallops topped with Grand Marnier.

Locals favor Poco Cielo’s food, many driving from Tijuana and Ensenada simply to enjoy the captivating atmosphere and distinctive menu.

Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., menu prices are midrange with breakfasts from $4 to $8.95, lunches from $4.95 to $8.95 and dinners from $9.95 to $21.95. Hotel room service is available from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Poco Cielo’s Cantina is open 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. You can contact them at (646) 155-0606, info@pococielo.com, or visit www. pococielo.com.

See Ad on page 19.

Oshii’s is NOW OPEN and Offering Fine Japanese Cuisine in San Felipe

Del Borracho in Loreto is Open!

Oshii, one of San Felipe’s newest restaurants is now open. Oshii has a wide variety of Japanese dishes including sushi. It’s a small, very clean restaurant of seven tables and excellent service.

Great Japanese food at a very good value.

Oshii’s is recommend for all your family and friends.

Along with their daily entrees and soup specials, Del Borracho Saloon and Grill offers a great tasting breakfast of two eggs, potatoes, toast, coffee, and a choice of bacon, sausage or ham for only for 35 pesos! Located just off Highway 1 on the road to Mission San Javier, they’re open Wednesday–Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

Any visit to San Felipe should include a meal at Oshii Japanese. Stop in and say hello to the proprietors, Ken Jackson and Elsa Carrasco. It is next to Motel Super 7 at the corner of Manzanillo and Mar Jonico Sur.

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

Playas de Rosarito American Food La Bamba ........................................... 661-100-2560 Steak & Seafood Bobby’s Baja by the Sea ..................... 661-614-1135 Vince’s Old Pier ............................ 661-612-1253

ENSENADA Mexican Casa Mar Restaurant Bar................................646-174-0417 www.restaurantcasamar.com Magana’s.......................................................646-155-0586 Steak & Seafood El Rey Sol......................................................646-178-1601 . ...............646-178-3271 La Mansion de Ensenada

Spanish Miguel & Paco .................................686-111-2257 Steak & Seafood Al’s Backstreet Cantina ..................686-577-1580 Green House...............................................686-181-6358 El Nido .................................................686-577-1028 Lighthouse Restaurant .............686-577-2540 Los Arcos . ....................................686-577-2585 Fine Dining The Latin Garden.........................................686-209-6369 2-Highway 5 KM 183, San Felipe, BC Pavilion Restaurant ................686-577-0022

The Pavilion Restaurant

30% off

Any breakfast, lunch or dinner Excluding shrimp or scallops dishes. Not valid with any other special. Items only discounted off regular price.

Contact cesar.quirarte@doradoranch.com.mx

SAN FELIPE American Los Arcos . ...........................686-577-2585 Baja Java .....................................686-577-2465 Baja Jimmys...............................................686-139-7373 Beach Bar & Grill ................... 686-577-3144 Blowin’ Smoke BBQ .................................. 686-576-0710 Breakfast The Bistro “Java Jitters” ........686-114-7735 Burgers Baja Burger.................................................686-577-2465 Chilis & Burgers..........................................686-577-6196 Ice Cream Chumpo’s Pizza and Ice Cream...................686-577-0085 Japanese Oshii Japanese Restaurant..........................686-184-9790 Mexican The Beach Bar and Grill ..........686-577-3144 El Apetito....................................................686-139-1943 El Club........................................................686-577-1175 Juanitos (El Colorado) ........................686-133-6500 La Palapa Bar & Grill ..............686-200-4083 Mi Casa es Tu Casa.....................................686-577-1495 Rancho Alegre .........................686-576-0648 Restaurant Playa Azul .........................686-120-9051 Rice & Beans ........................................686-577-1770 Rosita . ..........................................686-577-1903 Pizza Fatboy’s .............................686-577-4092 Los Arcos - Happy Jackass . ...........686-577-2585 Popeye’s Pizza............................................686-577-1122 Rabbit Pizza Delivery...................................686-577-0987

MULEGÉ Mexican La Casitas...................................................615-153-0019 Tacos y Pollos “Del Castillo”........................615-153-0378

LORETO Bar & Seafood Augie’s bar & Bait Shop............................. 613-135-1224 Breakfast Restaurant Sagitario....................................613-135-0718 Mediterranean Mediterraneo.............................................. 613-135-2571 Mexican 1697.......................................................... 613-135-2538 La Cascada Restauran............................... 613 135-0550

Augie’s Bar & Bait Shop!

{{DINING GUIDE}

Mita Gourmet............................................. 613-135-2025

PUERTO PEÑASCO

American Maxs Cafe .................................................638-383-1011 Breakfast Giuseppe’s Coffee . ....................................638-383-5181 Giuseppi’s Espresso

What’s Healthier than a Salad?

LA PAZ

Cafe Capri...................................................624-123-3737 Gorilla’s Grill1.............................................612-128-8095 Le Bistrot Francais......................................612-125-6080

CABO SAN LUCAS American Applebee’s..................................................624-172-6472 Asian Baan Thai Pan Asian Restaurant and Bar.....624-142-3344 Burgers & More Baja Brewing Company...............................624-146-9995 Cactus Jack's Bar and Grill..........................624-142-5601 Die Trying Cafe...........................................624-142-5657 Coffee & Baked Correcaminos Cafe.....................................624-142-3510 International Local Eight Restaurant................................624-142-6655 Havana Supper Club....................................624-142-2603 Italian & Pizza Buon Appetito.............................................624-142 4040 La Dolce Italian Restaurant..........................624-142-6621 Mexican Don Emiliano Restaurant.............................624-142-0266 Casianos Restaurant................................... 624 142 5928 Brisa Beach Club and Restaurant...................624-142-244 Habanero's Restaurant................................624-142-2626 Jazmin Restaurant.......................................624-142-1760 Seafood La Panga Antigua Restaurant and Bar..........624-142-4041 Steak La Bodega Steak and wine house................624-142-6619

SAN JOSE DEL CABO Mexican Panchos.....................................................624-143-2891 Ay... Chihuahua...........................................624-143-3280 Baja Cantina................................................624-143-0225 Margaritaville..............................................624-143-7401 Mi Casa......................................................624-143-1933 Restaurant Pancho’s & Tequila Bar..............624-143-2891 Seafood La Golondrina.............................................624-143-0542 Lorenzillo’s.................................................624-105-0212 The Blue Turtle............................................624-143-1118 Villa Serena.................................................624-145-8244 International Peacocks....................................................624-143-1858

Giuseppi’s Soup and Salad Bar

Blvd. Fremont, Puerto Peñasco

www.giuseppis.info

Marios Coffee – On the entrance to the Malecon Charbroiled Chicken Pollo Lucas – Blvd Benito Juarez “under the big Palapa” Cuban Food Restaurant Habana Vieja.......................... 638-383-6909 Leon de Barra #161 and Guillermo Prieto -Col Centro International Aladinos Restaurant....................................638-383-6175 Changos Bar and Cantina............................638-382-8648 In front of Sonora Spa Debbie’s Restaurant – On the Malecon upstairs Old Port Thirsty Parrot .........................................636-388-7068 On the Malecon

Mexican Betos Place ...............................................638-383-5198 On the Malecon Old Port #40 Charros Restaurant – Blvd Benito Juarez in the Jim Bur Plaza Cocodrilos .................................................638-383-6376 La Cocina de Ramon – Ave FCO Gonzales Boca Negra #261 La Curva . ..................................................638-383-3470 Manny’s Beach Club ..................................638-383-3605 Viva Mexico Taco stand just off the Malecon Fundadore Pizza Augustin’s Pizza and Wings.........................638-383-1699 13th Street in front of Kenos Capones Pizza – Sinaloa Street next to Playa Inn Steak & Seafood Bestos Place...............................................638-114-3917 El Conchal Seafood.....................................638-383-8173 Friendly Dolphin .........................................638-383-2608 Jerrys Restaurant – On the Malecon Old Port Lighthouse . ...............................................638-383-2389 Latitude 31 Rest. & Sports Bar....................638-383-4311 Mariscos el Conchal – Blvd Benito Juarez #79

Where it feels like Home!

Loreto’s Best Happy Hour Monday - Friday from 4pm - 7pm Featuring Augie’s Specials: Angus beef Hamburgers Fresh Sushi Chili Rellano’s Rib Eye Steaks Fabulous Fish Dinners

www.augiesbARloreto.com 613-135-1224

4 years in business

8 years in business

Restaurant Sagitario & Rivera del Mar Francisco I. Madero Norte No. 100 C.P. 23880 Loreto, BCS Mex. Telephone 011 52 613 13 50718 www.riveradelmar.com Email: lanyvall@yahoo.com Good American breakfast and Mexican food, we have very good service.

Restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch 8:00 am - 3:00 pm CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

www.mexicolivingguide.com

29

{Mulegé, baja california sur}} Mulegé DIRECTORY

www.mexicolivingguide.com/mulege

WHERE TO EAT

See the Dining Guide on page 28

PLACES TO STAY

Mulegé Hotel...............................................615-153-0090 San Buenaventura Hotel..............................615-153-5616 Terrazas Hotel.............................................615-153-0009 RV Oasis Rio Baja............................................615-153-0425 Villa Maria Isabel RV Park............................615-153-0246

Bed & Breakfasts Clementine's B&B.......................................615-153-0319 Casa del Los Suenos B&B...........................615-155-4087

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z)

Hotel Desert Inn...................................................200-124-9122 Hotel Serenidad...........................................615-153-0530

Baja Tropicales................................................ 615-153-0320

{Loreto, baja california sur}}

WHERE TO EAT See the Dining Guide on page 28

www.mexicolivingguide.com/loreto

PLACES TO STAY

Motel Motel El Dorado..................................686-613-135-1500

Tours/adventures Mulegé Sportfishing....................................615-153-0482 Cortez Explorers..........................................615-153-0500

La Mision Hotel.......................................... 613-134-0350 Tripui Hotel................................................. 613-133-0818 Rentals Coco-cabanas........................................... 613-135-1729 El Tiburon Casitas.............................. US (805) 748-4566 Hamman’s Vacaciones............................... 613-135-0791 Villas de las Palmas................................... 613-135-2256

US 760-603-8313

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z)

AIRPORT Loreto International Airport......................... 613-135-0565 BUS Loreto Bus Terminal................................... 613-135-0767 Hotel Hacienda Suites......................................... 613-135-1693 Hotel Coco Cabana.................................... 613-135-1729 Hotel Luna................................................. 613-135-2288 Hotel Oasis (in Mexico).........................01-800-624-9449

Toll free US: 1 866 482 0247 La Damiana Inn.......................................... 613-135-0356 La Daminanas............................................ 613-135-0356

TOURISM Loreto Tourism Office..................................613-135-0411 MEDICAL Red Cross...................................................613-135-1111 Centro de Salud

Hospital

Holland America Cruise Ship 2010 Schedule

February 8 • 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

March 5 • 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

March 30 • 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.

April 29 • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m

Get the Guide At: La Cas Cada Restaurant Silver Desert Jewelry & Gifts Bar Eclipse Hotel Luna El Canaveral Dali Gourmet Coco Cabanas La Damiana Inn

Beach-side Vacation condo or house rentals E njoy

Luxury Living

fuLL kitCHEns , privatE patios ,

W ifi HigH - spEEd i ntErnEt aCCEss , & soLar - HEatEd sWimming pooL . $72/ nigHt to $900/ WEEk

www.stayinloreto.com C ontaCt L ynn H amman 52-613-135-0791

L ynnHamman @ yaHoo . Com

30

The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez

La Damiana Inn is a small, intimate posada located in the heart of the historical section of Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Originally built in the 1930’s for a General in the Mexican Army, the house was

renovated into an inn in 2005 with six beautiful rooms with private bathrooms, living room, kitchen, patio and garden area.

A visit to a beautiful place like Loreto, deserves a beautiful place to stay - La Damiana Inn is that place.

Contact us: ladamianainn@yahoo.com www.ladamianainn.com

Outside of Mex: 011 52 613 135-0356 in Mexico: 613-135-0356

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

www.mexicolivingguide.com/lapaz

LA PAZ DIRECTORY

{{La Paz, baja california sur}

WHERE TO EAT See the Dining Guide on page 28

PLACES TO STAY Hotels Araiza Inn Palmira $$..................................612-121-6200 Club El Moro $$..........................................612-122-4084 Crowne Plaza $$$.......................................612-124-0830 La Casa Jalisco...........................................612-12-84311 La Concha Beach Resort $$$......................612-121-6344 La Posada de Engelbert $$..........................612-122-4011 La Posada de Las Flores $$$$....................612-125-5871 Los Arcos $$$............................................612-122-2744 Marina Hotel $$$........................................612-121-6254 Mediterrane $..............................................612-125-1195 Seven Crown Hotel $$$$.............................612-128-7787

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z) FERRY SERVICE Baja Ferries.................................................612-125-7443 GOVERNMENT SEMATUR...................................................612-125-8899

Baja California Sur State Government..........612-124-0199 La Paz Post Office

{{san jose del cabo, baja california sur} SAN JOSE DEL CABO DIRECTORY

www.mexicolivingguide.com/sanjosedelcabo

WHERE TO EAT See the Dining Guide on page 28

PLACES TO STAY Hotel Baja Vacations............................................877-462-2226 Barcelo Hotels and Resort........................ (624) 146-7500 Cabo Surf Hote...........................................624-142-2666 Desire Resort & Spa...................................624-142-9300 Posada Chabela..........................................624-172-6495 Posada Real Best Western.........................624-142 - 0155 Suites Las Palmas.......................................624-142-2131

{{cabo san lucas, baja california sur}

www.mexicolivingguide.com/cabosanlucas

Cabo San Lucas DIRECTORY WHERE TO EAT See the Dining Guide on page 28

PLACES TO STAY Hotel Bahia Hotel.................................................624-143-1888 Best Western Cabo Las Flores Hotel............624-143-6199 Casa Pablito................................................624-143-1971 Hotel and Plaza Los Arcos .........................624-143-0702 Mar de Cortez Hotel....................................624-143-0032 Siesta Suites Hotel......................................624-143-2773

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z) Police State Police.................................................624-143-0296 Highway Patrol............................................624-143-3977 Federal Police..............................................624-143-1210

Red Cross...................................................624-143-3300 City Chamber of Commerce...............................624-143-0437 Family Protection........................................624-143-0586 Gas Leaks...................................................624-143-1292 Marine Harbor Master.............................................624-143-4771 Cabo San Lucas Marina..............................624-143-1766 Utilities TELMEX......................................................624-143-0001 Tourist Assistance.......................................624-143-0016 Drinking Water............................................624-143-0228 Electric Power Co........................................624-143-0064 Tourism & Immigration Services Public Services...........................................624-143-2786 Immigration................................................624-146-5229

Medical Alcoholics Anonymous................................624-147-5516 Ambulances................................................624-143-4020 Social Security Hospital...............................624-143-1548 Health Center..............................................624-143-0102

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

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{puerto peñasco, sonora}} Puerto Peñasco Associate Publishers Ray & Annette Ramirez MX 638-150-4512 / US 480-704-4726 rayramirezmlg@gmail.com, annetteramirezmlg@gmail.com www.mexicolivingguide.com/puertopenasco

INTEGRITY

Get the Guide At: La Cocina de Ramon Mariscos el Conchal Jerry’s Restaurant-Bar Pollo Lucas Betos Place Home Plate Seafood Aladinos Reggies 8-12 on Sinaloa St Reggies 8-12 on 13th St Capones Pizza Disenos Furniture Hotel Playa Inn Changos bar Debbies Restaurant Thirsty Parrot Charros JJ’s Cantina Tienda La Cholla Playa Inn - in the Mirador Sonora Market Viva Mexico Taco Stand Cosmos 2000 Pharmacies Licores el Crucero Restaurant Habana Vieja Boo Bar

SERVICE

CHOICE

GSA CORPORATION Mexico Real Estate Financing

US & Canadian Citizens Residence Rates Low as Purchase Pre-finance Cash-out a 6 .750 s Up to 80% Financing % Lot Financing Fractionals

USA: (480) 704-4885 MEX: (638) 388-7632

BIKER RALLY 2009 NOV.5, 6, & 7 ROCKY POINT, MX.

THE THIRSTY PARROT presents... an island THANKSGIVING with NO COVER

BOB MEHL

FRI. Nov. 27 SAT. Nov. 28 Both perfomances start at 1pm www.thethirstyparrot.net old port, rocky point 32

The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

www.mexicolivingguide.com

33

{puerto peñasco, sonora}} Puerto Peñasco DIRECTORY ICON Descriptions

Reggies 8-12 – On 13th Street and Luis Encinas

Rita Pizarro

MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS Clinica Hospital........................................... 638-383-2447 City (Municipal) Hospital ............................638-383-2110 Central Clinic .............................................638-383-2110 Hospital IMSS ...........................................638-383-2777 Red Cross . ................................................638-383-2266

- Pool/Spa

- Accept Credit Cards

- Pet Friendly

- Wi-Fi / Internet

- Serves Breakfast

- Kitchen/Restaurant

- Beer/Spirits - Reader Poll Winner

# - Map Number

Tienda La Cholla – In Cholla Bay

WHERE TO EAT

DEVELOPMENTS/FRACCIONAMIENTOS Bella Vista ..............................................638-388-7194 "Parayso" Desembembogue Devept..............638 388-5707

See the Dining Guide on page 28

PLACES TO STAY RV Park/Parque de RV Bonita RV Park............................................638-383-1400 Rentals/Se Rente Casa Monica Cholla Bay..............................638-382-5147 Bed & Breakfast with First Class Accommodations on the Beach in Cholla Bay” Go 2 Rocky Point........................................602-748-4134

DOCTORS/DOCTORES Dr. Luis Vasquez, M.D. ................................638 383-3014 Fire Department/Departamento de Bomberos Fire Department.................................. 638-383-2828/068 Fish Markets Home Plate Sea Food – On the Malecon next to Betos Place FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Baja Lending Company......... ......................760-494-7053 GSA Corporation.........................................638-388-7632 Monex Financial......................................... .638-388-5764

Motels/Moteles Sonoran Spa Resort....................................638-383-1044 Playa Inn.....................................................638-383-5015

FURNITURE/Mobiliario Disenos Furniture........................................ 638-383-8633 Designs by Eddie Wharez Consign and Design ...................................638-110-6121 Home Furnishings Alexa Home Furnishings.............................. 638-388-6409 Baja Nueva Decorating Studio..................... 686-211-4676 Custom contemporary furniture & home accessories Serving Rosarito, Ensenada, Puerto Penasco, San Felipe

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z)

HOME INSPECTIONS Tom Thomas................................................602-748 4134

ARTIST Marianne Menditto...................................... 638-383-7616 BARS/CLUBS ............................................ at Cholla Bay JJ’s Cantina BooBar....................................................... 683-476-2665 CAR RENTAL/alquiler de autos The Point Rent-A -Car..................................638 388-5823

MASSAGE/MASAJE ...........................................638-386-5203

OCEAN SPORTS in Marina San Carlos.........638-226-0696 E mail: deportesoceano@prodigy.net.mx We offer - Scub Diving, Snorkeling, Fishing, Kayaking, Horseback Riding, Margarita Cruises, & Private Charters.

Pharmacy/Farmacia Cosmos 2000 Pharmacies....638-383-3896 Blvd Benito Juarez and the train tracks POLICE/POLICÍA City Police Department . .............................638-383-2626 State Police................................................ 638-383-2783 REAL ESTATE/BIENES RAÍCES Baja Lending Co..........................................760-494-7053 Century 21 Cholla Bay ..............................638-382-5147 From the US 602-412-3311 ask for Grechen GretchenEllinger@century21penasco.com Century 21 Puerto Peñasco . ................638-388-1295 USA Office # 480-626-4687 Susie Flinn - Remax Puerto Penasco...........638-360-5876 REAL ESTATE SERVICES/servicios DE BIENES RAÍCES Baja Closing & Escrow Services..................686-576-0653 RECREATION/RECREACIÓN Kayak Rocky Point ...............................638-103-2038 del Mar Ocean tours – At the Marina........638-107-3739 Rocky Point Parasailing...............................638-107-5922 www.RockyPointParasailing.com Jet Ski rental, fishing charters Choya Bay at JJ’s Cantina

Seamstress/Modista Naomi Black (habla ingles)..........................638-388-5004 naomi@rhipeo.com TEQUILA Manny’s Tequila Factory..............................638-388-0607 Translation / Transducciones Shandra (Sami) Keesecker-Rivero...............638-383-8217 www.recursosmexico.com info@recursosmexico.com utilities/empresas de servicios públicos Power Company ................................ 638-383-2492/071 Propane ....................................................638-383-2630 Telephone Office ........................................638-383-2288 Water Co. .................................................638-383-2060

Immigration Services/Servicios de Inmigración Sun Valley Immigration Services ................ 638-383-8891 Ask for Bianey or Dynora INSURANCE Services/Servicios de SEGUROS Alejandro Portugal Insurance....................... 638-383-2390

church/iglesia Family of God Christian Fellowship Non-Denominational 044-638- 107-7150 Church Worship Services, Sundays at 9 a.m. Placita Melanie, Suite #211 Blvd. Fremont CONTRACTOR PMD Developments......................................638 105-9182

Lynda’s Insurance (English speaking)..........686-577-1622 ProAlliance Insurance...................................638-383-2390

Convienience Stores Reggies 8-12 – On Sinaloa Street across from Playa Inn

Liquor store/Tienda de licor Licores el Crucero.................................... 638-388-0578 Blvd Benito Juarez and the train tracks next to Cosmos 2000 LEATHER Manny’s Leather Factory............................. 638-388-0609

602-971-0166

Kayak Rentals, Sales, & Tours

EcoFriendly way to expore, photograph, fish, & excerise

Sales

Rentals

Guided Kayak Tours, Snorkeling, Fishing, & Estuary Eco-Tours

Local Cell: 044-638-103-2038 & 044-638-109-6894 US toll free: 1-866-687-2510

www.kayakrockypoint.com

Located on the Main Blvd. Benito Juarez at the entrace to Old Port, Look for the YELLOW building at the fork in the road on the right.

34

The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

{{san carlos, sonora} Puerto Peñasco Associate Publisher Lynn Prince 622-111-2624 / lynnprinceformlg@gmail.com www.mexicolivingguide.com/sancarlos

Get the Guide At:

Seaside Reservations

Baracuda Bob’s

La Palapa Griega Greek Restaurant

Paradiso Resort

Captains Club

Joyas de Country

San Carlos Plaza Hotel

Marinaterra Hotel

Long Realty Seaside

Santa Rosa Market

Izzy’s

Tesoro Decoracion

Rosa’s Cantina

Soggy Peso Bar

Tequila’s

Piccolo’s

Remax

SAN CARLOS DIRECTORY WHERE TO EAT See the Dining Guide on page 28

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z) Fire Department/Departamento de Bomberos Fire Department (call Rescate).................... 622-226-0911 Rescue Squad/EMT's (Rescate)................... 622-226-0911 MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS Ambulance......................662-255-9181 or 662-253-0776 Clinica San Carlos....................................... 622-226-0062 CIMA Hospital............................................. 662-259-0900 Surgical Medical Center............................... 662-222-0267 POLICE/POLICÍA San Carlos Policia.......................................622-226-1400 State Policia................................................622-226-1540 Commisario Sergio Garcia...........................622-226-0004 Real Estate Long Realty Seaside....................................622-226-2188 Siesta Realty, S.A. De C.V...........................622-226-2066 RECREATION OCEAN SPORTS in Marina San Carlos.........622-226-0696 E-mail: deportesoceano@prodigy.net.mx We offer - Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Fishing, Kayaking, Horseback Riding, Margarita Cruises, & Private Charters STORAGE San Carlos Storage Services.......................622 226-0866 www.sancarlosstorageservice.com utilities/empresas de servicios públicos Power Company (CFE) ...............................622-229 4400 Telmex............................622-226-0026 or 622-226-0050 Water Co.(CEA)...........................................622-226-0909

Castaway Kids, and Sonora is Safe in San Carlos, Sonora can use your help. Its estimated that over 40,000 in the region are homeless and have lost everything due to Hurricane Jimena in September. Both are charitable organizations working in the hardest hit outlying areas. Tent cities have been set up, but now as winter approaches the task of building 1 room block structures for the tent dwellers begins. The goal is to get everyone in tents into structures before the cold weather hits. If you would like to donate funds, materials, or just help, please contact: Castway Kids: www.castawaykidsmx.org/ CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

Sonora is Safe: www.sonoraissafe.com MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

www.mexicolivingguide.com

35

{calendar}} Send your calendar event to calendar@mexicoliving.info

IMPORTANT DATES Nov. 1: Daylight Saving Time ends.

(Does not apply in Sonora or Arizona) Nov. 1: All Saints Day Nov. 2: El Dia de Los Muertos/ Day of the Dead or All Souls Day Nov. 11: Veteran’s Day (U.S.) Nov. 14: The Mexico Promotional Event.

Liberty Station in San Diego from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Nov. 20: Mexican Revolution Day (Banks closed).

Nov. 26: Thanksgiving Day (U.S.) Dec. 12: Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Mexico)

LOCAL WEEKLY EVENTS

See the Community Calendar on www.mexicolivingguide.com for a weekly schedule of events for each city.

PLAYAS DE ROSARITO Nov. 7: Half Marathon. The Rosarito-Puerto Nuevo Half Marathon is Back! (800) 962-2252 Nov. 19 & Dec. 17: Portofino Restaurant Pairing Dinner. $38, 7 p.m. at the Hotel Festival Plaza. Reservations required. US (800) 453-8606 Dec. 5–6: Fall Motocross Series Round 4. A specially designed race track with jumps and obstacles in a circuit of approximately two miles. US (619) 819-6323

ENSENADA Nov. 4–7: Baja Epic MTB Race. A grueling four-day mountain bike competition. (619) 819-6323 Nov. 19–22: Tecate SCORE Baja 1000. The granddaddy of all Baja Races, where intrepid drivers travel over 1,000 miles through mountains, valleys, deserts, forests and beaches. www.score-international.com

SAN FELIPE Nov. 5–8: 17th Festival del Camaron/Shrimp Festival. www.festivaldelcamaron.org Nov. 6–8: Aida Valencia Mosaics Playshop for Beginners Nov. 10–12: Aida Valencia Mosaics Playshop for Previous Mosaic Playshoppers Nov. 14: Mexico Living Home Show. Get Answers, Find Solutions and Live Your Dream.

An event designed for anyone considering playing, living, or investing in Mexico. www.mexicolivinghomeshow.com

The Second Annual Mexico Living Home Show Featuring Experts, Solutions, Food, Libations and Fun . . .

Everything You Need to Start Living the Dream!

On Saturday, November 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Mexico Living Home Show will feature over 100 exhibitors offering the finest products and services needed to live the good life in Mexico. Join us for food, drinks and a ton of fun, as the exhibitors and speakers inform and inspire at La Ventana del Mar Resort/El Dorado Ranch, located on the beautiful Sea of Cortez, seven miles north of San Felipe, Baja California.

This event is for anyone considering Moving to Mexico; Buying and Selling Property; Building a Home; Owning and Operating a Business; Importing or Exporting; Remodeling, Landscaping; or Decorating their homes in Mexico.

You’ll have a chance to take tours, watch demonstrations and see samples of products such as the newest in insulation and building materials from companies like San Felipe Home Builders and San Felipe Management Services; learn the latest on importation

by San Felipe Moving & Storage; business and property ownership laws from Mexican attorneys, Corporativo Aguilar/ Lexcorp Abogados and more; get information on real estate from the most experienced like El Dorado Ranch and SeaMexico Realty; in addition to the numer-

ous products and services to transform your Mexican home from companies like Baja Home Improvements, Baja Batteries, Baja Nueva, Baja Reel Screens and 100 more companies.

The event includes a combination of expert advice from the pros and government officials including: Arturo Martinez Esquer, Deputy Director of Visitor Assistance for State Secretary of Tourism of Baja California; Banking with Silvia E. Urbea Peña of BBVA Bancomer; authors such as Tom Gatch, Hooked on Baja; Greg Niemann, author of Baja Legends and Baja Fever; Graham Mackintosh, author of Into A Desert Place and Journey with a Baja Burro; wine author and TV host Steve Dryden; along with many others that will inspire, answer questions, inform, educate and provide countless ideas on enhancing your Mexican experience and increase your home’s comfort and functionality, as well as its aesthetic appeal and overall value.

Nov. 28: Percebu Poker Run Dec. 4–6: “Race Ready 275” Mexicali-San Felipe Code Dec. 11–13: Ensenada Record to San Felipe Race Ready

LORETO Nov. 13: 2nd Annual Loreto-Nopolo Paella Cook-Off. For tickets and reservations, call (613) 135-0143 or email jupebarb@cs.com.

Dec. 5: San Fransisco Javier Fair and Festival The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez

Live The Dream!

www.mexicolivinghomeshow.com

Nov 21: Baja Nueva Stain Glass Art Show – Jamie Cavliver 11am - 4pm

36

Come enjoy a fun fall day and great food from Frog Island Coffee Shack, Baja Chocolate Lovers, Mainelli’s Italian Sausage and many, many others, all of the shores of the Sea of Cortez.

Encompassing over 35,000 acres of land, El Dorado Ranch is the largest ranch in Baja offering its owners and guests unparalleled recreation and breathtaking scenery.

This year, the event is being presented at Mexico’s newest resort community, La Ventana del Mar at El Dorado Ranch. This development is designed to be a premiere seaside community that offers exceptional and affordable retirement and vacation living. This unique resort harbors an 18 hole championship golf course with 760 residential lots and 300 condos. It will be anchored by a 240-room Hotel and Spa. Regular Admission into the Mexico Living Home Show is 50 pesos (US$3.75). Kids 5 and under are FREE. This incredibly affordable event is open to the public and is a wonderful way to spend a beautiful fall day with friends and family. Tickets are available at the gate.

For ticket information, directions and further details, visit www.mexicolivingGet Answers, Find Solutions h o m e s h o w. c o m , and Live Your Dream. email John Pack at mexicoliving@ Saturday, November 14th 2009 gmail.com, or call La Ventana del Mar Resort (800)576-0919 Ext. 5 or 011-521-686San Felipe Baja California 230-9933.

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

{{calendar} The Baja 1000 is the world’s premier off-road race. This year the race will start and finish in Ensenada and will cover points as far away as San Felipe on the east and Erindira to the south. The race itself will take place on Friday, November 20, and many racers will still be on the course well into the following day.

The festivites will begin in Ensenada on November 19 when the “contingency row” is set up near the Riviera Convention Center. Contingency gives race fans a chance to see the race trucks and buggies up close, and gives locals a chance to ask for autographs and “steekers” from the race teams. A true carnival atmosphere goes on from 11 a.m. until the close of contingency in the early evening.

On race day, the motorcycles and quads leave the start line in Ensenada beginning at 6 a.m. and continuing with one vehicle leaving each minute.

After a wait of one hour after the last quad leaves the start, the trophy trucks will approach the start line. The first truck will start around 10 a.m. and each four-wheeled vehicle will be waved at one minute intervals until the final sportsman UTV leaves the line.

The racers will head east out of Ensenada to Ojos Negros, then across Highway 3 through Tres Hermanos and El Alamo and then cross Highway 3 again at Kilometer 76. They will then travel into the mountains of Baja and cross the famous “summit” before descending into the southern portion of Laguna Salada at Cohabuzo Junction. From this point the course heads

Photo by Lynn Hamman

LA PAZ

November 19–22 south to Highway 3 where it will cross at Borrego.

At this point, the racers will head south through San Felipe and three of the area’s more picturesque washes, Matomi, Azufre and Huatomote. By the time the first trophy trucks arrive in San Felipe it will be early afternoon. The course will make a big loop through the washes and then back to Borrego crossing where the course will follow Highway 3 westbound towards the village of San Matias. From San Matias the racers will retrace the Baja 500 course over to San Vicente on Highway 1 and then to Erindira on the Pacific coast. From there they will head north through Santo Tomas to Uruapan, where it will turn slightly inland returning to Ojos Negros and then back to the start/finish line in Ensenada.

Every year over a 100,000 spectators stake out a place along the race course and watch as these amazing vehicles race past them. This year, fans will be looking for Nascar star Robby Gordon in his number 77 Chevy Trophy Truck who is currently leading in SCORE points this season having scored two wins, one 2nd place and one 7th place in the first four SCORE races. An awards ceremony will take place in Ensenada on November 22 at the San Nicolas Hotel.

Photo by Francisco Romo Victorio

Baja 1000

Nov. 1–15: La Paz Construction Fair. This is a great show and an opportunity to come and see the best construction of the upcoming developments in Baja.

Nov. 1: Valle 300 Car Race. Everyone is invited to this big off-road race.

LOS CABO Nov. 8: The Sixth Annual “Dog Day Afternoon.” The Los Cabos Humane Society invites all animal and food lovers to attend a fund-raiser at the Greene’s fabulous Flora Farm at 3 p.m.

Nov. 25–27: Expo Los Cabos

TODOS SANTOS Nov. 6: “Twinings, Stories and Dances from the Third World.” Explore man’s sense of wit, humor and wisdom as SunErgos celebrates the variety and unity of traditional tales, dances and myths from around the world. 7 p.m., La Canada del Diablo.

Nov. 15: Open Reading at Michael’s at the Gallery. 4 p.m. Please come and read your original work. New readers welcome. Drinks available for purchase.

2nd Annual Loreto-Nopolo Paella Cook-Off and Gourmet Luncheon

PUERTO PEÑASCO

Have an “awardwinning” paella recipe? Love paella or have never eaten it?

Then join us at the Loreto Bay Tennis Center in Nopolo on November 13 for great fun, food and wine!

2008 First Place Winning Dish by “Team Dali-Playa Loreto” Paella is a Spanish recipe, composed basically of rice, saffron, and local products. Meat— sausage, seafood, fowl—and vegetables are combined together to enhance the final cooked plate. Paella started out as a dish made for farm families and workers toiling in the fields in the area east of Valencia. Traditionally it was cooked over an open fire made from twigs, as there was no time to wait for hot coals. An open wood fire is still desirable, as the flames lick

Nov. 27: Iron Chef Competition

Nov. 5–7: The Stinson Broz at The Thirsty Parrot. 8 p.m. www.thethirstyparrot.net

the sides of the pan creating a smoky taste and creates a crusty rice base called “socarrat.”

Competitors will start cooking at 9 a.m. Spectators are encouraged to come early and watch the cooks at work. Shortly after 1 p.m., the paella and a Caesar salad will be served. Desserts, beer, wine, sodas and water will also be available for purchase.

The first place revolving “Cup & Pan Award” was won last year by Paulette Lane and Beatriz Jaurez Herrera, “Team Dali-Playa Loreto,” and they will be defending the trophy again this year. First, second and third place winners will receive ribbons and there is also an award for the “Most Beautifully Presented” paella. This year there will also be a “People’s Choice” award.

Sponsored by Roganto Premium Wines and the Loreto Optimist Club, proceeds go to the Loreto Optimist Club Charity Fund. Roganto Wines will offer a free public wine-tasting and will have wine for sale by the bottle.

Attendance may be limited, so reserve early. For tickets and reservations, call (613) 135-0143 or email jupebarb@cs.com.

The Mexico Promotional Event The Mexico Promotional Event, presented by the Mexico Tourism Board and AeroMexico Airlines, will take place at the Liberty Station Convention Center in San Diego, California, on Saturday, November 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event will feature exhibitors promoting Mexico travel/tourism, culture and real estate products.

Entertainment will include traditional music and dancers plus authentic Mexican food samplings.

Exhibitors to date are from 20 destinations including Baja California, Colonial Mexico, IxtapaZihuatanejo, Los Cabos, Nayarit, Puerto Vallarta, the Riviera Maya, Puerto Peñasco, San Miguel

Nov. 5–9: Rocky Point Annual Bike Rally. www.rockypointrally.com

de Allende and the Yucatan. More exhibitors from other destinations are expected to present.

In addition to the event, a series of complimentary seminar presentations on tourism destinations, Mexican culture, authors and real estate in Mexico will be offered throughout the day. Various raffle prizes will also be given away throughout the Expo including round-trip tickets on AeroMexico Airlines and hotel stays.

For additional information including exhibit and sponsorship availability, contact Ana Bravo at (619) 584-0829, email mexicoexpo@yahoo.com or visit www.themexicoevent.com.

Nov. 27–28: Rob Mehl for “An Island Style Thanksgiving” at the Thirsty Parrot. www.thethirstyparrot.net Nov. 28: Taste of Peñasco at Bella Sirena Resort. Noon to 6 p.m.

SAN CARLOS Nov. 12: Rescate Welcome Back Margarita Party. Marina Terra Beach Club 5–7pm.

US$10 100 pesos for unlimited Margaritas.

Nov. 12: Dia del Cartero/Mailman’s Day. Donations expected early in November for postman’s private party. Post Office Closed.

(622) 226-0506 Nov. 29–30: Rodeo and Dancing at La Posada.

Contact Rosa Meza (622) 101-5885 Dec. 6: Christmas Craft Fair. Marina Terra Boardwalk (Malecon) 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Call Judi Peek 226-1216

THIS JUST IN: Caminata Contra El Cancer Fund-raiser “BACK TO THE ’50s SOCK HOP.” Live music with “The Baja Boys,” prizes for best theme costume, dance contests, raffles, Soda Shop, No Host Bar. November 12, 5:30–9 p.m., Ejido Salon Social. $5 Admission, Food and drink separate. Be there, or be square.

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

Dec. 6: 11th Telethon. Fund-raiser to buid a rehabiltiation center for poor children in Mexico. All Banamex branches will be open from 9 a.m. to noon only to collect donations.

Dec. 12: 10th Annual Rescate Melodrama.

Tryouts for the cast at 1 p.m., dancers at 3 p.m. at Club Deportivo. Gloria Richer 227-0054

Send your calendar event to calendar@mexicoliving.info

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

www.mexicolivingguide.com

37

{People & voices}}

Racers and Ranchers Preserving Baja’s Off-Road Legacy

by Bob Ham

Centavo’s Two Cents

HOUSE PLANS

by Penny Nask

As the baby boomers wind down their careers and dream of their next move after retirement, I sit in a place of wonder, enjoyment and peace. Yes . . . I am in my backyard looking at the mountains, and reveling in my luck. We did what we thought we could never do. We built a beautiful house in San Felipe!

Well, we didn’t build it, but in many ways it felt like we did. The design of the house, though simple and basic, was ours. We tiled our kitchen backsplash and the two bathrooms ourselves. We acid stained all the floors in the house including the back patio. It was work but it was fun! Really.

There are so many things that you think you have to know about building in a foreign country. In reality, you just need a good builder who respects what you want and can tell you if it’s possible. We used San Felipe Home Builders, a choice we never regretted for one minute. I feel it is important to note who my builder was because we were not fluent in Spanish. Though there are many good local builders here, we were not confident that we could translate what our house concepts were if we only spoke English. Our builders spoke English and Spanish and promised they could build to California building standards and ours as well.

At the time we started building we were still working in Phoenix. We were promised pictures of the building progress sent to us via the Internet by our builder. If you live farther than Phoenix and can’t travel here as often as we did, the pictures are as important as the blueprints. It is an essential service when you are anxious for visual results. We logged on to our builders site and could pull up weekly photos.

You could also view the first photos that they took. My work days were always better when I could look at these pictures!

People have asked me why I chose to live outside the United States and was I an expatriate, or a disgruntled American. I always say, “No. I am an Adventurer . . . carefree, footloose, with a permanent tan and a smile on my face. Baja California, San Felipe in particular, has given me scenic views that I never would have been able to afford in the United States.” I tell them. “It’s no secret. You have to see for yourself.”

Right now our petite town is experiencing a rise in home building and Centavo aka Pamela Esther real estate sales. Because of American Nask (“Penny”) and Mexican economic issues, you can buy a little piece of heaven for not a lot of Co-owner of Simpatico Arts, money these days. Thousands of us have she is a writer and an art already done this with no regrets. historian, whose luck in these fields has given her an early My Dad built our house in the 1950s. retirement. She attributes “laughter” as the best Years later I found the blueprints in a box possible stimulus for life. pennynask@yahoo.com and decided to save them. I did the same with my own.

Last year before the Baja 1000 I had the pleasure of meeting two racers who decided to take their love of racing in the Baja Peninsula to a new level. During their years of racing and prerunning races in Baja, they met many of the ranchers and landowners in the remote parts of Baja where, once or twice a year, the local dirt road becomes part of a race course for one of the famous Baja races.

Sometimes the relationship between ranchers and race promoters becomes strained when the landowners feel that they are taken for granted by the promoters, racers or the offroad public. When racers prerun the course (or wannabe racers who prerun the Baja course just to say they did it) and they forget to close a gate, it can cause problems of lost or injured livestock.

After hearing some of these complaints from ranch families, Rudy Irribe and Lance Kane decided that something needed to be done to show how much the racers appreciate the willingness of the ranchers to open their property.

They formed an organization called “Racers and Ranchers” in 2007. Racers and Ranchers has now grown to several hundred members.

The group sponsors work weekends where a group of 30 to 100 off-road enthusiasts will gather to repair fences or even help in the construction of a new schoolhouse, as they have done in the community of Asseradero in the

Sierra San Jaurez mountains in the Constitution National Park.

Last April I got a chance to participate in the group’s annual fund-raising event. It consisted of a trail ride that began at Rancho Veronica Off Road Resort, 45 minutes south of Tecate. From there our group of dirtbikes, ATVs, off-road buggies and trucks started on a 100-mile off-road adventure that ended at the Horsepower Ranch just outside of Ensenada.

The group lunched at Ramona’s place in the ejido . . . where they have been building the aforementioned schoolhouse. While Ramona was busy selling burritos, drinks and gasoline to the group, the leaders of the ejido drove up to offer their thanks to Racers and Ranchers for all they have done to improve the quality of life for the residents of that community.

When the group finally finished the afternoon portion of the ride, everyone had a chance to check into their rooms and shower the dust off their tired bodies and prepare for the barbecue dinner and cocktail hour. Andy Grider, who is a frequent co-driver with SCORE champion racer Robby Gordon, joined the group at dinner to participate in the “bench racing” session that always occurs when a group like this gathers after a long trail ride.

Anyone interested in supporting the efforts of Racers and Ranchers can visit www. racersandranchers.com.

Nearly 100 riders gather at the lunch stop at Ramona’s near Laguna Hansen in the Sierra Juarez mountains.

38

The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

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{{People & Voices}

The Gypsy Journal

Weenies and Eggs

by John and Rachel Pack

unpaved, without railing and covered in gravel.

In Santa Rosalia it seemed that they had already been hit by the hurricane; although they had not, the highway was covered in mud and water. In many places the water flowed across the highway into the sea. If this is how it looked before the hurricane, how could it handle a direct hit?

As we crossed the peninsula towards Guerrero Negro, the skies cleared and the day became beautiful.

When we reached the El Rey Sol Posada hotel in Ensenada, it was They grow up so fast. Troy and Cherise Pack being married in Goleta California. dark and we were exhausted.

The next morning we were heading to a wedding! had left in such a hurry that I only brought Santa Barbara was beautiful. David Cybulski, my dress shirts . . . no pants, no belt, no tie, no best friend since Jr. High, and his wife, Karin, and shoes . . . nothing! Fortunately, David enjoyed daughters Sarah and Amber, welcomed us into their the culinary delights and spirits as I did, and had home for the week. That night our son, Troy, came similar girth; so, I was dressed in David’s attire and by after his bachelor party in the mountains—a full was “wedding ready.” moon and plenty of bourbon!

The wedding was on a beautiful grassy knoll, My mom and my sister, Suzette, arrived the overlooking a lovely golf course. In the distance I next morning. That evening we met our son’s new could see the Pacific Ocean and endless blue skies. family. I hate this kind of stuff, but surprisingly it The ceremony was stunning, my new daughter-inwent well and everyone had a good time. law, Cherise, was gorgeous and my son was more Just as we were finishing dinner, David called handsome than I’ve ever seen. Rachel, of course, and said they were out scouring the neighborhood was tearing up, as well as my Mom and nearly in search of Cai. Apparently, the gate was left open every person around me. and our dog went looking for us. So, Rachel and I We had outrun Mother Nature to get here . . . spent a exhaustive evening out prowling in search and I couldn’t have been happier! of Cai; we turned up nothing and went to bed empty handed.

The next morning, as we began to continue our John & Rachel Pack search, my Mom leaned out the car window and After marrying John asked the first person she saw if they’d seen a little & Rachel traveled the red dog that looks like a fox. “Last night,” was the United States full time reply. producing live events, It turned out someone down the street had until moving to San picked her up. After knocking on several doors, we Felipe Baja to slow down. That only lasted a couple of months. came up empty handed again. So, we went to the Since then they’ve dedicated themselves to pound and asked if they had seen her. “We just sharing life in Mexico with the world. They brought her in. have fallen in love with so many of you that Here she is,” a man said as he handed Rachel they want you to join them as they explore the our scared puppy. I had two very happy girls! wonders of Mexico living.

The wedding was the next morning. We

Photo by Miranda Koke.

We had been watching the hurricane for days.

This was on Tuesday and our son’s wedding was in five days. The direction of Hurricane Jimena would force our hand; would we be able to go or would we be trapped?

As Loreto prepared, we too prepared what we could. “Talking cars” were driving through town announcing that the water was going to be turned off. We filled our tanks and our two fivegallon bottles of drinking water. Our neighbor had even filled his boat with gas, “might need it to get through town,” he said, not setting our minds at ease.

Tuesday night, Rachel began to cry as the fear was building. I assured her things would be okay, and I had a plan; of course, that didn’t help at all.

We could hear the wind whipping outside as we reviewed the plan. We would sit tight; if it looked as if it were going to move northeast, we would leave early in the morning and try to race past it; if it appeared to head directly east or southeast, we would batten down and pray.

At 4 a.m. it looked as if it were heading northeast—this was the deciding factor; we needed to get past it or we would be be stuck.

Outside the wind was howling and it was eerily dark. Our greatest fear was the wind blowing a hatch off the top of the RV and rain pouring in and destroying it. So, Rachel and I worked as a team to hoist large rocks onto the roof and strategically placed them on and around the hatches to help hold them in place.

As we were about to leave, Yolanda, the park owner, kept saying, “muy peligroso, muy peligroso” (“very dangerous”). But, if we didn’t leave then, we wouldn’t be able to leave at all.

As the rain fell and the wind blew, we said goodbye to our cats, which would be cared for by our neighbor. We got our dog, Cai, into the car and left. We drove through the darkened town toward the highway, dodging growing streams of water in the streets and only passing two vehicles; a local police pickup helping another police officer change a flat.

When we reached the outskirts of Loreto, at the military checkpoint, the soldiers were holding their posts.

The wind made holding the steering wheel difficult. Our windshield wipers had not been used in so long, they had dried up and now were almost useless, so the rain made it hard to see.

As dawn approached, we had still not seen any other vehicles. The sky was ominous and dark, and strangely beautiful. North of Mulegé, the highway was becoming washed out. We had to cross streams of water 30 feet across and thankfully only as deep as our floorboard. Then we reached a bridge being built, and at the bottom of the bypass around the construction the river had overtaken the road and there was no way to pass. There was no room to turn around, so we backed up the highway and drove over the unfinished bridge—still

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by La Huerita

In Mexico the words “huevos con salchicha” on a restaurant menu is usually translated into English as “eggs with sausage.” I well remember the first time I ordered it for breakfast, fully expecting to get a nice sausage patty or a couple of links with my eggs. Imagine my surprise when my breakfast arrived and instead of Americantype sausages full of fat, sage and succulence, a couple of pale wieners stared wanly back at me from my plate, sliced down the middle and fried.

I know what my face looked like at that moment, because in ensuing years I took a certain vicious pleasure in not warning newbie American diners about it just so I could watch their faces when their breakfast arrived. It was all part of allowing others the fun of discovery for themselves, doncha know.

In Mexico “salchichas” means “wieners”; they are as ubiquitous as Spam is in Hawaii. You will even find them chopped up in spaghetti sauce (Mmmm, que sabroso . . .) or sliced and served with French fries (“salchipapas”). Other types of “sausages” are always referenced on a menu by name, such as “chorizo” or “longaniza.”

Real Mexican food is often quite different from the dishes served in most Mexican/TexMex restaurants in other countries; so if you think you’ve had “Mexican” food in the USA or Canada, you might be surprised to discover that you haven’t. If you have a taste for culinary adventure, you’ll be well rewarded in Mexico; if not, stick to a few simple and traditional dishes that are almost always very good.

Tacos come to mind, of course, but they won’t be anything like what you get at the Taco Bell kind of places. Also likely to be familiar are guacamole, enchiladas, tamales, chile rellenos, meatballs and, of course, rice and beans. You can branch out from there.

Resort areas frequented by foreigners generally have restaurants that cater specifically to gringo tastes (and fears), and in those cases the word sausage is likely to be followed on the menu by “American Style,” so you’ll know what you’re getting. But you know what? After a few years I actually began to like salchipapas; and now that I’ve warned you, I’m rather sorry I won’t get to watch YOUR face when you’re served fried weenies with your eggs.

Oh, one more thing about those wieners: They’re usually of the Vienna type, pale in color and not particularly rich in flavor. In fact, they may be the only food served in Mexico that isn’t rich in flavor. Unless you love those weenies, go with chorizo or machaca for breakfast instead.

You can thank me later.

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

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39

“Investing South of the Border” continued from page 9.

1999 through 2006. Since then, the rate of appreciation has dropped precipitously until the fourth quarter of 2007 when values actually started depreciating.

Throughout all of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009, prices have plummeted by about 10 percent and, as you can see in the graph below, we can project prices to fall by another 5 percent to 10 percent before they once again start appreciating. In other words, the average investment in housing in the U.S. made 10 years ago will have increased in value by 40 percent to 50 percent by the end of 2009.

Even though housing values have recently been crushed, real estate has still way outperformed the stock market during the past 10 years; hopefully, your real estate gains have more than offset your stock market losses!

With the U.S. real estate market currently experiencing a serious recession, no real appreciation in housing values is expected for at least two more years. In summarizing, most Americans have enjoyed roughly a 40 percent to 50 percent gain in their property value over the past 10 years and can expect the equity in their residence to be, at best, essentially dead money for the next couple of years.

When we compare the above data to what we’ve experienced in Mexico, where real estate values have tripled during the past decade, we can only thank our lucky stars for letting us be among the first to participate in the ongoing land rush in Paradise! Fortunately, for the about-to-retire baby boomers, it’s not too late.

Due to the extreme demand in second homes and retirement properties in resort 40

destinations, the Mexican Riviera has witnessed an explosive 10-year period of growth. So much so, that with the current global recession, the developers of the large condominium projects requiring long-term planning, financing and construction have been caught totally off guard. Once they committed, most of them (the reputable and fully capitalized ones!) felt it necessary to complete their projects regardless of sales.

Consequently, with the recession driven reduction in demand and a supply of more than thousands of units, prices for new condos are at a bargain basement level with some of the developers selling their surplus inventory at not much above their cost. This is truly a buyer’s market in the Mexican resort cities for new condos; however, this supply/ demand imbalance has had minimal effect on the value of existing condos.

The situation regarding the resale of existing homes and condos south of the border is entirely different than in the U.S. In Mexico, there are seldom any promotions or transfers requiring a housing upgrade or relocation (i.e., business-related issues almost never require the sale of a resort property). Also, very seldom do owners decide to upgrade or downsize once they own a retirement property.

More importantly, almost all real estate purchases in Mexico have been done on an all cash basis and therefore, regardless of the economy, there are no foreclosures on these fully owned properties. Mortgages became readily available in Mexico about five years ago, however, they require at least 20 percent down and substantial documentation proving

The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

one’s ability to pay. (Sorta like the good ol’ days in the U.S.!)

With this kind of financially solid buyer and this level of equity, there are virtually no foreclosures in Mexico. Although the rate of sales of existing properties has slowed to a snail’s pace, in the absence of foreclosures, prices of resale properties have held up fairly well; certainly not plummeting as in the U.S. In summarizing, those of us that have been fortunate enough to be invested in Mexico during the past decade have fared very well.

Even though we’ve felt the impact of the financial downturn during the past couple of years, our Mexican stocks and Mexican properties have more than doubled in value while those in the U.S. have lagged well behind.

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As we look to the future, we see very promising growth in the Mexican Bolsa as well as in Mexican real estate sales. In fact, FONATUR, the Mexican Tourism Board is still forecasting explosive growth along the Pacific Coast of Mexico during the next decade; only time will tell. As they say, “past performance is no guarantee of future results”! Assuming the global economy eventually rebounds, it is a given that the millions of baby boomers, just starting to retire, will be heading south for the benefits that Mexico has to offer. When this stampede of boomers hit the sunny Mexican beaches, real estate prices that have been essentially flat for a couple of years will continue their escalation.

Aside from the fact that we have seven months of perfect winter weather along the Pacific Coast of Mexico from November through May, when the average temperature is 73 degrees Fahrenheit with virtually no rain and blue skies, we have numerous magnificent golf courses, hundreds of tennis courts, worldclass deep sea fishing, hundreds of fine restaurants, clean food and water, and perhaps another 100,000 other gringos to play and party with, our portfolios of stock and real estate investments south of the border are “en fuego”!

If you’re recently retired or considering retirement in the near future, and you’re the savvy investor that you think you are, you really ought to check out the investments that lie south of the border; enjoy your retirement to its ultimate, and put your dead money to work for you on the beautiful Mexican Riviera.

{{fishing}

Best Fishing Days of My Life

by Dann Manz

Today was to be one of the best fishing days of my life. And it has been a very long, satisfying life indeed. Yesterday I went out with my 75-year-old neighbor, Bob, another die-hard angler like myself.

We planned on launching at 7:45 a.m.

Typically, wind on the estuaries, where I normally fish, is not as much of a problem as it is on the ocean. And waves rarely build up to a point that makes fishing difficult.

Much like fishing on a lake back home in northern Michigan. And during the winter that can be very productive for halibut.

This morning I arose at 7 a.m. I went out to my deck, and had a cup of coffee and a cigarette. I noticed there was no wind and the ocean waves were relatively calm.

I called Bob and convinced him that we should fish the ocean and not the estuary.

The ocean was due to explode with activity, I could feel it in my bones.

We managed to launch off the beach at LaJolla Beach Camp in Punta Banda

around 8:30 a.m, later than anticipated and late for a expedition on the ocean. We launched our faithful little vessel, a 14-foot Smokercraft, with no problems and started heading west, along the shores of the Punta Banda Peninsula. We got about four miles out and I noticed pelicans diving right next to shore, below a huge cliff. I got close to the bird activity and shut down the engine, turning on my electric trolling motor. “Stay calm,” I told myself, as I knew something extraordinary was about to happen.

We snuck up the cove and started casting with plastics, and soon started snagging fish like there would be no tomorrow. In this particular area, half the size of a football field; in less than an hour, we caught six white seabass, one yellowtail, eight calico bass, one sand bass, and a lingcod. After things slowed down a bit, we headed further west. We ran into a couple other friends that were also having a better than great day fishing.

Another mile out, we started to notice a lot of bird activity again, about a half mile off the point.

We started trolling toward the flurry of birds, and after 10 minutes things really turned marvelous as we were hooking into 10-plus pound bonita, left and right. Faster than we could bait our lines.

For the next hour we chased enormous schools of bonita, both casting and trolling.

We ended up with 16 beautiful bonita and one extremely large barracuda. (I know many people don’t care for bonita, but at our house we devour it like the most tender cut of beef you could imagine.) There was a lot of blood everywhere, many fish onboard and bigger smiles on our laughing, beaming faces.

After some time, I looked up and could see the waves and wind were picking up quickly. We were in an small aluminum with a 9.9 Evinrude motor, and a old pair

Fishing Photo of the Month

of wooden oars. We were so involved in catching fish that the weather caught us by surprise. We decided to head in, which turned out to be a very good move. It was a rough ride back in, but in all our excitement and pulsating adrenalin, even the big bouncy waves and a long boat ride back to shore was sheer joy. We kept glancing at each other, grinning.

Today was hands down, most definitely the best fishing on the Pacific Ocean I have ever had.

Even though I didn’t catch any of this on film, the images will be in my mind for the rest of my life. Days like today make me want to get up in the mornings.

Plus what could be better than taking your 75-year-old fishing buddy out and having him catch more fish in one day than he has ever caught in his entire life? I think not much.

Got Your Tide Calendars?

Ray Ramirez and Captain, Antonio Vasquez of Pancho Villa Charters. Ray caught this 68-pound grouper using a” hand line” doing it the old-fashioned way—before we had all the fancy fishing rods and poles that we have today! Ray is always ready for a new challenge, and this grouper was a good workout!

Go to www.mexicoliving.com/tides to print your monthly Baja & Sea of Cortez Tide Calendars

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MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

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41

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS ITEMS WANTED I’m looking for a office desk with file drawers. Please call 686-1849237 Jim Moore,bajajim007@yahoo.com ITEMS FOR SALES San Felipe: Furniture - 1940 classic dressing table with very cute mirror $400. Las Palmas Segunda, 011 52 1 686 171-6885, www. laspalmassegunda.blogspot.com/ REAL ESTATE Casa de Llantas FOR SALE by Owner - Contact: andrenajoyce@ yahoo.com 686-210-4598 Artist designed, custom built tire home in the Ejido. Two master suites, two baths, spacious open floorplan, tiled, fenced & landscaped, garage. Furnished and ready to move in.

Owner will carry with substantial down. You must see this unique home! $149,000

this property has it all! http://www.century21penasco.com. info@ century21penasco.com.

Puerto Penasco: Absolutely Stunning “Casa de Oro” exudes taste and elegance. Situated on the beach in pristine Playa Miramar, this home offers everything an owner would need to enjoy with ease. Built with the highest standards. http://www.century21penasco.com. info@ century21penasco.com.

Puerto Penasco: $19,900 Seller must sell. Bring all offers. Brisas Del Mar Development is located in an area of prime future growth. Just north of town, adjacent to the new highway and airport. The master plan community. 6,789 sf lot nicely placed at end of cul-de-sac, for privacy. Jaclyn Alas: jaclynalas@century21penasco.com or Cell# 638-109-1424 Puerto Penasco: This is a great opportunity to own an entire block!

The property is located on the main entrance road into Lopez Aceves.

They have already marked the road off. There is commercial potential to this property as well. Just a few minutes walk to the beach. Jaclyn Alas: jaclynalas@century21penasco.com or Cell# 638-109-1424 Puerto Penasco: Two huge blocks for only $30,000 Located only 2 Blocks north of Samuel Ocana Blvd. on Fransisco Marquez. This 500 square meter lot is perfect to build rental appartments or divide it for two large homes. This is a great investment property. This lot is priced to sell fast! Jaclyn Alas: jaclynalas@century21penasco.com or Cell# 638-109-1424

All ads must be placed online at www.mexicolivingforum.com. All Ads Must be posted by the last Friday of each month. All ads must be specific, no generic ads, All ads must contain contact info and price. Mexico Living reserves the right to edit all ads for length, or to refuse any ads. We will not print ads submitted with ALL CAPS.

San Felipe: Los Sahuaros – 4,500 square foor lot adjacent to the pool, club house and tennis courts in San Felipe’s premier gated community. Best buy in development. $55,000.00 Dlls OBO. Desert Hawk Properties, US 760-370-0090, MX 686-577-1244, www. deserthawkproperties.com San Felipe: Playas de San Felipe – 3 BDR, 4 BTH home with pristine pool on two lots. Furnished and great for entertaining. $299,000.00 Dlls. OBO. Desert Hawk Properties, US 760-370-0090, MX 686-5771244, www.deserthawkproperties.com San Felipe: Villas de las Palmas – Two 300 square meter lots just reduced to $59,000.00 Dlls each. All services. HOA and just steps to the beach. Desert Hawk Properties, US 760-370-0090, MX 686-5771244, www.deserthawkproperties.com RENTAL PROPERTY La Mision: House for rent - 2 bdrm 2 bath large house with view, carport, fenced yard ,fireplace, utility room, glassed in porch. $600.00 per month plus utilities. call 619-270-8991 or e mail bette.webb@ gmail.com

Loreto: Property in the central district $160K. Near beach/Harbor.

Residential or Comm. Cleared and filled lot between the Harbor and Mission in the central district. Utilities and mature fruit trees. Full title, 160K Liz or Jack US # 805-748-4568 Email for pics.

Puerto Penasco: Luxury Estate-Perfect for a B&B or Medical Retreat.

Luxury Estate of 15,957sf. It is the largest home in the Puerto Peñasco area, built with the finest quality material and workmanship. http://www.century21penasco.com. info@century21penasco.com.

Puerto Penasco: Las Palmas Beachfront Casa 4 For Sale. Reduced & Priced to Sell. Beachfront Casa offers absolutely stunning ocean views. Main living area flows onto the beachside patio and features wall to wall wrap around sliding glass windows. Look no further

San Carlos: Straw Bale House. Very cozy 2 bedroom 2 bath house in the Ranchitos subdivision. 1/4 acre, RV hookup, fully fenced and landscaped. $149,000, owner carry back with substantial down. www.sancarloshouse.com AZ (520)248-3333 San Felipe: La Hacienda – Majestic Property overlooking entire development with uninterrupted views, pool, two car garage, caretaker’s quarters, workshop, front and rear garden area. 4 full bathrooms and so much more. $279,000 Dlls. OBO. Bring us an offer and let’s negotiate! Desert Hawk Properties, US 760-370-0090, MX 686-577-1244, www.deserthawkproperties.com

mitating

The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

MOTOR VEHICLES FOR SALE San Felipe: 1989 Toyota 4Runner, 4 banger. Needs TLC $2400.USD. 011 52 1 686 171-6885 San Felipe: 2000 Honda 500R - 2 stroke motor. Needs a little work for flawless performance. $800 USD. 011 52 1 686 171-6885 San Felipe: 1980 Chinook 19’ Motorhome - Oldie but goodie California Titled. Rugged all fiberglass construction. 360 V8 Dodge chassis.

Condition is OK with some TLC. 011 52 1 686 171-6885 San Felipe: V.W. powered “Sand Rail” for sale! Great toy for the beach or desert! 1835cc VW engine. Fun Toy. $3200.00 obo. Jim Moore 686 184-9237 bajajim007@yahoo.com

San Felipe: Charity Cookbook - Benefits the food related charities in San Felipe. I am collecting recipes for appetizers, potluck dishes, main dish, desserts and drinks. Recipes will go into a delightful cookbook with proceeds going to the San Felipe Food Bank. Send your contributions to sanfelipecooks@yahoo.ca. Debbi Moore and the Cookbook Crew.

HELP WANTED San Felipe: 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Luxury Beach Front Condominiums.

Summer Rate starting as low as $100.USD. per night. Playa del Paraiso 1 888 647-5292 San Ignacio: Ignacio Springs after Hurricane Jimena is ready with 5 rooms. Only one month after Jimena’s rain was to the tops of the doors in our office/kitchen we are open for business thanks to the great support from our good friends, who were customers first, family and our staff. http://www.ignaciosprings.com, e-mail: ignaciospringsbyb@prodigy.net.mx or mail@ignaciosprings.com

Mexico Living is looking for community and regional reporters and advertising sales associates. Positions available throughout Baja and Sonora. Email mexicoliving@gmail.com.

Work from home. All you need is a computer, voip (Skype, Gismo, Magic Jack, etc.), good communication skills, enjoy people, passion for Baja and Sonora regions of Mexico. Email mexicoliving@gmail. com.

Loreto: Beachfront Rental in Loreto, 2 Bdrm, 2 1/2 Bath, sleeps 6, Unique, private home, 5 mi. north of town. Kayaks, Bikes inc. $1000/wk or $3500/mo. e-mail for more info. jwbaja1@gmail.com website: estrelladeloreto.com

Across 1: Earth tone 6: Mocked by imitating 10: One working with Linux, e.g.

14: Effect of a lashing 15: Center of a cathedral 16: Span's inches 17: Uppercase 18: Got larger 19: High speed phone line 20: Silenced 22: Speak well of 23: Garbage bag closer 24: Natural depressions 25: Wine choice 29: Jack of nursery rhyme 32: Tended a squeaky hinge 33: Like some agreements 37: Champagne type 38: Fasten, as a ship's rope 39: Autumn tool 40: Clause connector 42: Slipper material 43: Little litter members 44: Natural ability 45: Wiser partner 48: Abacus part 49: Mum one 50: Checkroom employees, e.g.

57: Story by Chaucer 58: On the house 59: Sweet'N Low alternative 60: Last word in prayer 42

Puerto Penasco: Vacation Rentals from $106. Las Palomas www. postlets.com/rts/1978829 and Bella Sirena www.postlets.com/ rts/1965187 or call 520 4903420

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Puerto Penasco: $21,000. This home has 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Gated with beautiful trees in the front yard. Located a few blocks away from Blvd. Samuel Ocana this home is close to everything! Contact Jaclyn Alas for more info. jaclynalas@ century21penasco.com Cell# 638-109-1424 Puerto Penasco: Incredible Opportunity to develop a gorgeous part of Puerto Lobos north side of the town. This beachfront parcels is a total area of 31 Acres/12.6Hectares. The sand here is pristine powder white and is the finest beach and topography in the area for development.

Contact Jaclyn Alas for more info. jaclynalas@century21penasco. com Cell# 638-109-1424

Loreto: Casitas by week or month. Fully furnished steps from Harbor/ Beach. New 1-3 person casitas with full kitchens, AC, pool and BBQ area. www.eltiburoncasitas.com, US 805-459-3100

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FREE CLASSIFIED ads can now be submitted via email classified@mexicoliving.info.

All ads must be 60 words or less and contain phone number, city and price.

61: Curling surface 62: 'Kama ___' (Hindu love manual) 63: Bringing up the rear 64: Goes for 65: Succulent Down 1: Night birds 2: Bloke 3: Roll call response 4: Roid or road follower 5: Voted in 6: Point of view 7: Cut back 8: Holiday nights 9: Morning moistures 10: One-sided 11: Rugmaking fiber 12: Provide with a trait 13: Tears apart 21: Strike 24: Dyer's tub 25: Corn cores 26: Old Italian money 27: Grad 28: The golden years 29: Country towers 30: Course of action 31: Piano man Charles 33: Hit hard 34: Miles per hour, e.g.

35: Analogous

36: Post-Mardi Gras period 38: '___ appétit!'

41: Varlet 42: 'The ___ are these, 'It might have been'' (Whittier) 44: Bon or won follower 45: In base 8 46: Andes pack animal 47: Valleys 48: Acts like a skunk 50: Curly coif 51: Send sprawling 52: Camp sight 53: Water color 54: Brownie pieces 55: Like lemons 56: Delight, as a comedy club crowd

Open House: SAN FELIPE $149,000

Yabba Dabba Doo!

A “Green” House Just for You!

by Cai Tierra

What would bring a woman in her 50s to the desert from the wet Pacific northwest? It is likely a sense of adventure and freedom. With the experience of designing and building her last three homes, and the desire to build again—along with the freedom Mexico provides . . . to try anything . . . to build anything—in addition to the lower cost of building was all the motivation Andrena Joyce needed.

San Felipe offered a quiet and peaceful environment, like-minded friends and a lower cost of living. A place where creative talents can expand and flow into all aspects of life.

Inspired by friend and business partner, Melody Ashley, who first started tire construction with a fence around her property, Andrena Joyce, a local artist, designed a house made entirely of tires.

Choosing to build a “green” house came easy for Joyce, both as an artist and having already built “green” in the past. Originally from Oregon, she designed and built a log home with her family. She also built a solar home in El Dorodo Ranch.

Choosing to use old tires was easy—they were free, plus the material is both strong and smart.

The tires are packed with red dirt then wrapped with wire and cement to cover, providing excellent insulation. It also cleaned up tires in the desert and along the roadside. They’re organic looking . . . a Flintstone of Bedrock look.

There are no fumes from tires, and it is NOT a friendly environment for insects or mold. The walls are twofeet thick, providing amazing strength and footing and incredible insulation for the hot Mexican summers, plus the thickness in the walls significantly cuts down on outside noise. In addition, these homes will still be standing when others are long gone!

Tires are free for the pickin’! They create a unique structure and clean up the environment by using a material that does not decompose. Joyce hopes others will be inspired to use this method of building and that we will see less discarded tires along the road and in the desert, and, instead, see more beautiful, sustainable homes and structures.

When she first started building, Joyce had no idea what the total cost would be. It was kind of an experiment. She was very pleased that it was about the same as block construction with foam insulation. There were higher labor costs because

it is more labor intensive, but the building materials were less.

Joyce enjoyed building the home so much that she built a second one right next door and would love to build more. Building a tire house was exciting and, in the end, she found living in a tire house brings a sense of security, an organic feel from the curves and bumps of the tires, “almost womb-like” says Joyce, “very cozy and welcoming as well as artistic and unique.”

Joyce has been living in her larger tire home for almost three years, which is now for sale. When it sells she says she’ll move into the smaller one next door.

Casa de llantas is $149,000. Owner financing available. The home has an open floor plan, large kitchen/ dining area, utility room, big living room, and bedroom suite with a walk-in closet and bath.

The bedroom and living room sliders open to the patio. Upstairs there’s a second large bedroom with a bath and a rooftop patio. The house has city water and electric, a landscaped and fenced yard, brick garage, tiled floors, tiled counters, custombuilt cabinets, arched windows, and heat and air conditioning. It’s also furnished and ready to move in and enjoy!

Joyce is always happy to show off these unique homes. They’ve been on the SFAARP tour of homes.

To tour one of the homes, call Joyce at (686) 2104598 or email andrenajoyce@yahoo.com.

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1: The foundation of property way being laid. 2: The construction shows the tires wrapped in paper and wire prior to cementing. 3: Fireplace being built. 4: The first structure was the garage. 5: Back patio with stairs of truck tires leading to the second story bedroom and patio. 6: A view of the second home’s front patio area and stairway to the roof patio. 7: Full kitchen with ever appliance and amenity for the gourmet. 8: Living room, facing into the dining and kitchen area.

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The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez

MEXICO LIVING – November 2009

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