Additional reflections about Baja….

[Azusateach]

Traveling in what is essentially a third-world country is an acquired taste, I believe. I've traveled fairly extensively in northern Europe and never felt uncomfortable largely because the standard of living isn't much different than what I'm accustomed to here in the U.S. However, even though Mexico is almost in my backyard (AND I teach a population that is 75% Hispanic) I feel no inclination to visit. I've been once, as a child, and the impression it left on me remains today. However, my thoughts and ideas about traveling to South Africa to go on a photo safari have been changing lately ...

Differences are what make the world go 'round. I'm glad for it -- as long as we can agree to disagree and still get along.

Laura

[WickedLady]

No desire to go to Mexico. Too many places in the USA I want to see; and at age 72 too little time to take it all in.

[chalet05]

Tina, I was sorry I couldn't have had a talk with you about your trip, but this post is very much appreciated! As much as I love the beach and the beautiful photos, I wondered about 'the other side' of the story. Thank you for your honesty and all your sharing!

[AlmostThere]

You mentioned the Canadians don't have the fear about MX like the Americans do. My thought is they don't share a border with the country like we do.

[Excel]

Really enjoyed your post Tina... was surprised at your honesty & appreciated your sharing of the good & the not so good... Kind of picked up that something wasn't all that great about the middle of the trip when you 4 split up... didn't feel that was good but then I like to travel differently than some. I've been to Mexico several times but never RVing & would never travel there with my coach. I, too have found the people to be mostly really nice considering how so many are so poor... so enjoyed hearing how your experiences were with them.
Kind of reminds me of my trip to the Grand Canyon.. I traveled with several Born Free members (a Rally) and a super great Leader who had a lot of experience in traveling there. We went all around the canyon & spent some time at the southern side where Bob had set up visiting various Indian tourist sites. I came away with a whole different opinion after making that trip... After the Rally broke up & everyone headed in different directions, some friends & I decided to head back together in our coaches to get into California. I was shocked at the condition of the roads (mostly single lane), no gas stations, no highway signs, no towns, no restaurants and trash & mostly beer & alcoholic cans & bottles strewn all over for miles & miles. Was not impressed with most of the natives either & tried to understand but then realized that they have to 'entertain' the tourists in order to make a living (of some sort) and that has got to be a hard way to make a dollar. All in all though it's a beautiful place, I don't think I'll ever go back there. I've been to Europe and spent most of the time in Germany.... was absolutely stunned at how clean it was... would go back there in a minute.... Anyhow, I think everyone here really appreciates your post & would love to hear more about your encounters and of course, I'm in agreement.... you should definitely write a book..... Thank you for sharing your experience....

[daibraik]

Good stuff, Tina. Thanks. I was wondering about Baja myself. I appreciated your perspective.

Dawn

[Readytogo]

I thought it looked kind of isolated and barren, but I thought that was the attraction of it. Since I like a different syle of traveling for myself than most on here.

[MelissaD]

Thank you Tina, I found myself rereading this thread several times. Trying to look at all the angles so to say. I've noticed my thoughts also while reading Carol's post from the main land. While I have met wonderful people in my travels and seen some increasable scenery, I (me, personally) have a hard time looking at it through the poverty of the local community.

I thank you all for sharing your experiences and thoughts.

[longdog2]

Thanks for the really honest post Tina. It would make a great wrap-up post for your blog. I thought some of you might be doing your best to enjoy your experience because you were there but perhaps it wasn't exactly what you expected. We all do our best to make our blog posts interesting and something we can look back on and remember so sometimes they don't exactly reflect the less good parts. I think Carol and Bill's travels in Mexico are greatly enriched by the fact that Bill is fluent in the language.....that does help in visiting those little out of the way villages.