Letter from the Baja Insider Publishers:
Publisher:
Jim Glover
Life in Baja California Mexico is different than living
in other parts of the world, even other parts of Mexico. Many times it is
for these differences that people find themselves moving here or living part
of the year on a regular basis. It is also these differences that frustrate
many of us as we compare what it is like here versus where we come from.
These differences I speak of are cultural and affect the political, social
and economic life in many ways. First off the Mexicans seem to have a
greater tolerance for problems, delays and the unexpected. How many of us
have heard the saying “Ni Modo” which literally means “there is nothing you
can do about it”. There is an inherent acceptance to the problems of the day
where they just don’t get all stressed out because things are not working
out the way they want.
Secondly, because of this acceptance, Mexicans don’t
actually make plans or commitments as firm as many us foreigners would like.
Do you really know what the saying “Manana manana” means? Literally it means
tomorrow morning however unless a Mexican says Manana (en la) manana then
they are really saying “not today”. The only commitment being, that it will
not be today. If you ask them for sure by tomorrow they will probably shrug
their shoulders and say they don’t know for sure or like a mechanic friend
years ago use to say in his broken English “definitely maybe”.
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Publisher:
Tomas Zyber
I thought it was time to update our readers as to what is happening
with the Baja Insider. I would like to thank our
subscribers for an awesome response to our Insider apparel offer. Many of
you said you would buy a Baja Insider item to help support our
work here. But, with just the two of us in the office, the logistics of
shipping shirts & hats to both sides of the border has delayed that project,
at least for now.
September was a record setting month for us in every category and our subscriber list jumped
130%. Our weather reporting was a lot of work, but
we know so many of you turned to us for the most current and factual
information on the storms. Fortunately, September didn't bring any hurricanes to Baja, just
rain from Javier.
By the looks of things with just a few days left, we may escape this season
altogether! In the last two months we have had more
articles submitted to us than ever before. Vince Landis' "Los Cuatro
Caballeros Viejos" has been very popular, as has been the off-the-Baja-track
interview with Tom Varley. We also have the second online edition of The
East Capers bringing a new cult of readers to us.
Jorge Ayala also sent us
Building in Baja 4, part of our very popular series. |
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Another common saying heard here is “Poco a Poco” or
“little by little” meaning; don’t expect things to happen quickly. Again it
shows an acceptance of those forces that slow things down. I recently
ordered some tile for a kitchen project only to find out it is over 2 weeks
late in getting here. “Ni Modo” or another great saying which is “asi es la
vida”, which translates to; “such is life”. Instead of getting angry,
frustrated and stressed the Mexicans tolerate these delays much easier than
those of us from other “more developed” countries. However, is it not this
slower pace and easy going life that many of us are attracted to in the
first place?
I don’t know how many times in the last 15 years I find
myself saying well if that were to happen in the U.S. I would do this. Or
that wouldn’t happen because of this law, this system or method we use to
protect the consumer better. Yes, there is always room for improvement, but
is it not these hindrances to progress, as many of us see it, that has
protected Baja from becoming over developed and helps it remain to be one of
the great paradises of the world.
As I hear people complain about the problems here I
wonder, if they don’t like it why don’t they go on to somewhere else? Why it
is many of us must compare and complain instead of tolerate what happens?
Well the flip side of this is, if nobody complains or protests then nothing
gets changed. I find myself explaining to Mexicans all the time that apathy
gets nothing done. I do believe there is a balance between the continually
complaining and blind acceptance where most of us would find ourselves
happier in life.
I have found what needs to change many times is my own
perception. I came here from somewhere because I perceived this to be better
no? Then why do I continually compare this to where I came from, as if this
place is not as good as where I came from? I just need to remind myself that
it is those things that frustrate me trying to live and work down here that
have helped it remain such a paradise to live in.
So the next time you are getting frustrated, comparing
and complaining you might want to remember “Asi es la Vida”, Such is life
and is it not a wonderful life, living without so much stress and anger
that many of us have become accustom to?
Have a great day and even a better life!
Jaime
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A big
welcome to our new Baja Norte writer, Kerry Sims of Baja Relocations and her
article on Cultural Tijuana. From housing to paperwork, if your ready to
move to Baja, these folks can help. Kerry is also helping us with Baja Norte
road conditions.
We also welcome our new
Road Report Sponsor, Lewis &
Lewis Insurance. with the driving season gearing up we are getting new
reports from readers every few days. If you are driving down read here first
and please, take a few notes and pass them along to us here for other
readers.
While we are on that subject I would like to mention how we select our
advertisers. We promote books, products and companies we think are a good
value or resource for our readers. I recently had my first
accident in Mexico and
Lewis &
Lewis and the carrier, Qualitas were first rate. We approached Lewis and Lewis to
advertise with us after and because of my experiences with them as a
customer. I hope you will consider them when purchasing your
Mexican Auto Insurance. We will be adding two new advertisers to our roles in
November, which we think are of value to our Insiders.
The Baja Insider content has grown explosively too. Now we are close to 400
pages of info on Baja. Finally, I would
like to thank those readers who have made purchases from the Amazon,
Expedia, Dial Pad and other affiliate programs you see here on the site.
These readers are getting the same low price and the vendor kicks us a small
commission for hooking you up.
 Oh,
one more thing. With all this secret Baja information here at the Insider
Compound in Cabo, we've beefed up security a little bit. Actually two little
bits. Abby (4 months) and Milagro (6 months), seen here demonstrating combat
techniques, also insist we get up from the computers and play every once and
while. So, keep passing the word on
the Baja Insider and if you have a Baja Experience you can write about,
tell
us about it. Tomas |
