Just a quick note about the new Baja Travel Advisory website, developed to address concerns reflected in recent media reports.  Rather than reinvent the wheel, just go here:  http://bajatraveladvisor.wordpress.com/

I am yet, again, deluged with inquiries pertaining to the state of affairs in Baja Mexico.  Apparently, many patrons, tourists, and readers, are concerned, worried, and in some cases terrified to come to Baja.  This is unfortunate.  Baja is alive and well, and very little has changed other than the number of visitors.

I have spent a significant amount of time preparing to reply to this concern once and for all. You are welcome to read the full text of my findings and conclusions below, but for brevity sake I will condense it to the following points:

1) The Mexican “drug war” has caused 5500 “drug war related deaths” in 2008 which is double that of 2007;
2) The vast majority of casualties occurred in the border cities of Ciudad Juarez, Mexicali, and certain sections of TJ (350+ 2008 deaths);
3) The victims are Mexican narcos, gang-bangers, police, military and occasionally an unlucky bystander;
4) Mexico is the US #1 foreign travel destination and Baja is home to more than 400,000 US citizens-expats.
5) THERE HAS BEEN NO REPORTED USA  victims in the fatality counts that I have been able to locate!
6) The media—especially Southern CA media has continued to report on the incident as though it was Baghdad in 2003…alleging that Baja is unsafe to vacation. This is untrue.
7) There have been MORE gringo executions (10) in ALABAMA this week (3/10/09) than were executed in ALL of Mexico in 2008.
8) In the last 2 years 61 GRINGOS were executed and 24 wounded in mass killing incidents in the USA.
9) Gringos have a greater chance of being executed, in the USA, going to the mall; attending class or sitting on the front porch…than they would vacationing in Mexico! (these incidents were random acts of violence, exclusive of other homicides and exclusive of hot-zones in LA, New Orleans, Detroit or Philadelphia);
10)Baja, especially away from TJ is still a relatively safe travel destination for foreign tourists, including Gringos

NOW FOR SOME OTHER GOOD NEWS:  tthis is THE REAL PEOPLE OF BAJA

 THREE REAL LIFE BajaBrent stories from day to day situations living in Baja.

A couple of weeks ago, I traveled into Rosarito, on business, I stopped by City Hall. In one of my self-contrived hasty moments, I scrambled from the car, and hurried into the building, to conduct my affairs.  Upon my return, I reached in my pocket for my keys and felt that gut-wrenching realization that they were absent. Upon reaching the car, I spied the key chain sprawled across the passenger seat.  I darted around to each of the car doors, pulling on all, uttering spanglish "no-nos" that I knew my mother wouldn’t approve, if in fact, she (or anyone) could interpret their meaning.

In the adjacent parking lot,  I saw two ole boy Mexicans chatting in their RV that was either the parking lot security booth or someone’s home; probably both.  I greeted them in Spanish to which they replied in perfect English that the “locksmith” was 2 blocks east at the main intersection before City Hall.  I reached the booth in a couple minutes only to find it closed for the day.  I frantically punched in the phone numbers—there were several pasted on the side of the bright lemon colored booth.  Each time I reached "Jorge’s" a request to "lleva una mensaje": I obliged.  I began to ponder my plight as the sun's rays slithered behind an oceanfront condo.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spied another Mexican jovan stmiling on the corner  as he witnessed a Guerro in distress, probably much to his amusement.  He cordially introduced himself, and after hearing my predicament sent me another direction to yet another yellow shacked locksmith. "Just follow the yellow  brick shacks" I murmured, as I wondered whether he was correct or whether i understood him correctly.

Holding my breath as I turned the corner I stumbled up the ragged street-side stairs into a money-changing booth. An evil eyed attendant  looked me up and down pondering why the Guerro looked so desperate. When I explained my drama, she smiled and pointed to her left….and sure enough, just around her corner, practically in the same booth, was another set of Golden Arches:locksmith #2. 

Apparently, locksmith #DOS had a grander facility at least 6 feet in length and another 5 feet in depth.  Here it was apparent that he (Enrique) and his helper (Juan) spent the greater portion of their day, watching Mexican soap operas and munching on tortilla chips and salsa;  while awaiting for  their next customer to cut keys, and re-key locks. An occupation which would produce maybe $20-$50/day for both.

When I  explained my drama, they smiled and acknowledged that they could right my wrong in a matter of minutes.  When I asked them THE QUESTION….Cuanta questa? They looked at each other, and I pondered whether I would get the standard Mexican price or the Gringo premium… I heard Enrique utter "treinta"? 

To which I asked “pesos?? (gee 30 pesos sounded fair)”,
 
to which he chuckled "no dollares"… I reeled back and muttered to myself “30 bucks, wow they must add on a double stupid Guerro tax as well!!!l”…

Needless to say, I frowned, doug in my pocket to be sure I had 30.. earlier I knew I had 2 twenty’s and 8 singles.  Then I looked at Enrique and challenged “Thirty dollars???...just to pop a lock???”

Enrique cocked his eye, crinkled his lip and repeated “trece, trece… TRECE dollars, Senor…”

I suddenly perked up and gushed…”Oh THIRTEEN Dollars…”

He beamed back “Si si turteen dollars”

I then realized that Enrique and I were speaking fluent Spanglish to which I chirped ‘VAMANOS”!

And of course he sent Juan.

Juan and I scurried back to the car, where he popped the door  faster than a cop rescuing a chocolate glazed donut from his locked cruiser ….we were in!

We quickly returned to the booth and I parked in the back.

When I reached for my bux, I flashed Enrique the 20 to which he replied he had no change in gringo bux… which to me meant “here goes the gringo premium AGAIN", the peso is 15 to one and I’m about to lose this deal…but the light in my head popped, and I swung around and flashed as smile at ole “evil-eye” the cashing queen in the next booth.

From my pocket I pulled my twenty and stashed it under her slit…. I asked for two tens, she inspected my bill as if she knew a counterfeit by its numerical identity.  Moments later she tendered my tens.

I spun back to Enrique handed him $13 and a handful of pesos; waved, and yelped “adios”.  They both waved and replied el mismo.

As I climbed in the car, I recalled that I needed to stop for gas, so I checked to verify the amount of cash I still possessed.  When I emptied my pockets I could only come up with $5.  But I coulda sworn I had another $20 bill!!!

I looked through my pockets, again, looked on the seats, and then climbed in the car figuring I was suffering from one of my blonde-Guerro moment. Perhaps I had spent it on something earlier in the day; maybe I dropped it in all the drama,  whatever, it wasn’t there, and its time to go!

I backed up the car and just as I shifted into drive to pull out the exit, I heard the infamous “whistle”…  I hesitated, started to pull away again YET AGAIN

THE WHISTLE… yep NO DOUBT ABOUT THE “WHISTLE”…. I don’t know how many of you spend time in Baja, but if you are here long enough, you will come to appreciate the Meki-WHISTLE!  It’s the kind of WHISTLE-sound that a Mexican makes when he wants the attention of a GRINGO!  Or maybe its just us GUERROS… Its kinda like the whistle that one might make for their pet cocker spaniel, but never has a down-note… its shrills 4 octaves up and straight into your head! It’s the way Gringos are called to attention in Baja!

I know this whistle! Franciso, (aka Poncho aka Ponchita …a helper of mine), wakes me with its shrill any morning he  decides to begin HIS day working for me!!!  Funny the way things work down here!

After the second Guerro whistle, I punch the brakes and look all around,  Enrique is tapping on the passenger window. I roll it down.

“Senor, my name is Enrique Ardones, and I believe this is yours” proclaims Enrique (in perfect English of course).  He hands me the $20 bill. Astonished I looked at him.

He continues, “ I am a Jehova’s Witness and it would be wrong for me to keep this!” 

I blurt “Praise Jesus” then “Praise Jehova” then “Uh was I supposed to say that?” perplexed as I was.

He chuckled, “Adios Amigo, y Buenos Tardes”

I replied “Buenos Tardes”

Totally stunned, I sat there for a moment, car running, blocking the roadway, contemplating reality.  I thought to myself, here is a Mexican guy, of very simple means, probably has a wife, 5 kids, works 60 hours a week, and loves his God. 

He coulda kept the money, and praised Jehova for a little mana bestowed upon him by virtue of my forgetfulness.  A lotta people would’ve done that.

I pulled back and parked, got out of the car and returned to the booth.  I smiled at Enrique, and in perfect Spanglish explained to him:

“ I really want you guys to know that I am humbled by what you just did.  In the US  the gringo-media makes Mexicans sound like a bunch of banditos and druggie narcos.  Its just so bad and so unfair.  I will write this true story on my website to show the world that Mexico is not full of bad people.” 

Enrique and Juan smiled, I offered them the $20, they wouldn’t take it.  Finally, I pulled out the $5 and said to Enrique, the next time you go to your church, just put this in the offering plate.  May God Bless.  He smiled and graciously accepted.  Our paths will probably never cross again.

In conclusion, not only did I mean what I said about Enrique and Juan, as they are fair/honest men for what they did.  But the entire course of events that led me to them: the two ole boys in the camper/van; the young guy who directed me to them at the closed locksmith; then Juan and Enrique themselves (even the cashier).  NO ONE was looking for a “handout”; a mordida; a shakedown or a rip-off.  They all acted with kindness, courtesy and friendship to a complete stranger of different appearance and means.  But one they recognized needed a little help….and they gave it…and then some. 

BY the way, folks, this is NOT an unusual event, either.  This is EVERYDAY in Baja.  I can’t speak for all Mexicans in all of Mexico, but I can say that Baja Mexicans are pretty considerate folk,

So By the Way, what have YOU done like that lately?

ALEX DEPUE & MIGUEL DE HOYOS

LIVE CONCERT

“UNDER THE STARS”

SATURDAY NIGHT

SEPTEMBER 27, 2008—8:00PM

LA SALINA CANTINA, TOLL RD. KM 73

($10.00 cover charge)
 

If you have never seen these two perform together---or if you haven’t seen them perform  this summer--- YOU MUST catch their act at La Salina Cantina, THIS SATURDAY NIGHT!

THIS WILL BE CONDUCTED OUTSIDE, AT THE BEACH, AND UNDER THE STARS!!!! 

RECENTLY RELEASED FIRST DUO CD "UNDERGROUND WHISPERS"at the  show!!!
****GET YOURS AUTOGRAPHED****

This is the only SATURDAY NIGHT performance of the summer for this astounding Duo.. Cabo loved them and so will YOU !!! As reported by the “Gringo Gazette-SUR”
(not to be confused w/ defunct GG norte)

Gringo Gazette Review
Category: Music

NEED I SAY MORE???? JUST GET TO THE SHOW AND SEE THE BEST DO THE BEST!!!!
FOR MORE INFO AND MUSIC SEE
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=380664208

Alex  Depue, world renown violinist/fiddle player    (Bajabrent's cousin) and Miguel De Hoyos, world renown flaminco guitarist have just returned from a 3 month tour in Cabo San Lucas et. al.  They will be performing for one special show ONLY at Jose's Palapa--4 miles north of Bajabrent's Beachfront Bed and Breakfast (the B.4)--THIS FRIDAY NIGHT—April 25. This may be the only local show, as both artists have other individual commitments planned for the upcoming season. Seating for the show is reserved. The cost of the show is $25/person and includes dinner.  Seating begins at 7:00PM. 

The last time these two performed locally was last fall. Although they were exceptional then, they had just started performing together. At that time Alex was still on tour with Steve Vai, which successfully ended last December.  Alex then hooked up with Miguel.  Six months of practice and dozens of sold out shows have transpired. They have clearly emerged into a string-de-force that is unparalleled anywhere in this part of the world. I-Bajabrent- caught two rehearsal shows last weekend at Jose's.  EVERYONE was on their feet. 

IN FACT, These guys were SO GOOD,  as I was talking to Alex and Miguel after the show, a guy from the audience walked up and handed them EACH a $100 BILL!!!! You don't want to miss this show!!!

NEED ACCOMODATIONS???  Bajabrent WILL HOOK YOU UP! www.BAJABRENT.com.   Bajabrent has guest accommodations at the Baja Beach Bed and Breakfast (The B-4), starting at $75/night/couple for private room. OR hostel style beds in Frenchy’s quarters, starting at $35/person $60/couple for this single event (based on 2 night stay). Rates include BREAKFAST.  We will shuttle/caravan to the venue which is 4 miles away.  You must contact Bajabrent IMMEDIATELY, as he has already booked several.


Although Alex has been performing since age 6, (other info on myspace link below) his recent bio includes:

2000-2006 Band Director and Fiddler for Capital Record Recording Artist: Chris Cagle;
2005 Ranked in top ten fiddlers in USA, Grand Masters Fiddle Contest: Nashville, 4TH place;
1999 and 2006 US National Fiddle Champion Weiser Idaho;
2007 NUMBER ONE viewed video (of all videos) on YOUTUBE.com 3/25/07, now over 1 MILLION views
2007 State of California Violin Champion;
2007 Violinist/fiddler for Steve Vai World (USA, Europe and South America)
2007-2008 De Pue-De Hoya Mexico tour La Salina, Monterey, Cabo, La Mision

related links

Alex/Miguel From Cabo/Los Barriles:

Alex/Miguel http://travel.webshots.com/video/3078370090046663707chVSDA 

From La Salina last fall:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CyKovkPuXM

Alex Depue. Myspace link

www.myspace.com/alexdepue

Miguel De Hoyos myspace:

http://www.myspace.com/migueldehoyos

Steve VAI link

http://www.myspace.com/stevevai

or go to youtube.com and search

“Alex DePue and Miguel De Hoyos

SPRING is in the Air, 
LOVE is close behind, 
PhilBird wants to nest,
but not B4 WE FLY

WHEN:  April 3-7
WHERE:  LA SALINA & BajaBrents B4 (Baja Beach Bed & Breakfast)
WHO:  the list is endless, but if you are reading this....IT INCLUDES YOU!
WHAT: PPGS, PGs, Trikes, and other Fly Toys
WHY: Because its WHY WE FLY & we want to  meet the new Bird2B and make sure she knows everything she needs to know about The P-Bird!  (Like, does she know he LOVES TO SING KARAOKE????) 

BEFORE THE OTHER STUFF, Congratualtions to Phill Russman (aka PhilBird aka The P-Bird) for his 1st place finish at the Ozone Carribean Challenge last month, in the DHV 2 category!  Ditto on his USA Blue Team 2nd place finish (along with teammates Hakan Olsson (US), James Ohalloran (US), Duane Hebdige (US), and Steven Robbins) .  VERY NICE TO SEE the USA represented after a complete no show last year!  Gotta love Phills expert PG flying  (in addition to PPG).  Its awesome that he was flying the Advance Sigma 6!!!,( Bajabrents favorite bird)!

Meanwhile, in the midst of releasing his critically acclaimed PPG/PG documentary "WHY WE FLY";  filming a THIRD GOURMET chapter; AND THEN the  successful Ozone  comp; The P-Bird somehow found time to court (no pun intended) a female Bird of Feather, and has expressed a desire to FLY AWAY to nest elsewhere---WHERE THERE IS NO FLYING!!!! (this has all gone down in 60 days folks)..... BUT BUT BUT BUT BUT.....BUTT WAIT PHILBIRD!!!! WHAT ABOUT FLYING ????  The P-BIRD concedes one LAST Baja venture .....

Accordingly, this will be a reunion (and celebration) among pilots who enjoy PPG, PG and triking in La Salina w/ Phill, Philbird, The-Pbird .  We will  FLY, FLY FLY ----and tell stories, experiences, and meet other pilots who share their love of flying THE BAJA.

Pilots,  wannabee pilots and laypeople--- who enjoy watching--- are encouraged to join us for a beautiful April flying weekend in the Baja.  If you haven't seen La Salina after heavy rains, you've never seen it this specatacular B4.  AND its superior FROM THE AIR!!!  There is a good chance that a group of UK pilots will be flying through on an 2 week PG flying expedition through the baja peninsula--we welcome their participation at B4!!! 

Expected attendees: PhilBird (the P-Bird), Natasha (the new Bird2B ) Dan the Fan Man, Ron the FLY-BRO, Michael W, Chief Susan, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Big Bob A, Spacey-Casey Cadwell, Jeffe the Hamster,  Tarzan and Jane (or is SHE still Cheetah?), Greg H, Little Flipper, Bajabrent, FlightCulture.UK and TEAM FLYLASALINA.com (We Fly THE BAJA)....and anyone else who needs this excuse.

Oh yeah its a BB B4 Birthday weekend too, it will be PHUN!!!!  BTW the B-4 has a brand new 14 foot high   500 s/ft  observation deck above the courtyard w/complete 360 degree view of LS flying  ridge, beach and ocean!!!! MAD MAXINE "La Reina de La Montana" is expected to return to service for this event!!!  And Bajabrents Harley-Davidson Trike will be available for local runs!!!!

Special Rates are as follows:

$39/night/bed/person, (or 3 nights for $100).
Couples: $59/night( $149 for 3 nights). 
OR you can book separate-private  rooms at special rates . Email Bajabrent
Private Casita is still available;
THE OZ-Airstream is still available: $29/night/person
Rooms/Beds: First come, first serve. 
All rates include breakfast, and extras
BBQ is extra TBA

PASSPORTS ARE PREFERRED AT THIS TIME!!!---BUT NOT REQUIRED, IF your passport is not handy, you will need a drivers license (or other gov't issued ID) and birth certificate, or you may be detained in secondary while they verify your info.

An RSVP would be appreciated, w/preference for where/which accommodation you'd prefer....
To book or more info: reply to this email, call 760-203-2658, email bajabrent@msn.com; OR  call Bajabrent 01152-1-044-646-126-9089 or see website: www.BAJABRENT.com,

The P-Bird and Bird2B,,,,,THE  LOVEBIRDS:



By the way, NICE ADVANCE shirts!  LOVELY colors!  See any similarity.....???

 

Bajabrent streaking  a thermal under "LEOTA", pirate flag in tow!!!!(Isn't she a beautiful Sigma 6???)

                      
VALENTINES ARE RED,
DEAD PRESIDENTS ARE BLUE,
A THREE DAY WEEKENDS COMING,
AND TO B-4 SO SHOULD YOU!!!

YEE-HAH!!!, next weekend (Feb15-18) is Presidents 3- Day weekend!  The day that you never got outta school when YOU WERE KIDS, but NOW YOU CAN MAKE UP FOR IT!  And why shouldn’t you??? Its a tribute to  two more of the  greatest DEAD Presidents, AND right on the tail of cupid! 

BUT there’s something that threatens to scare US tourist from the typical resorts and hang-outs…AND DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS????

Hillary, Mac, Obama, Mitt, Ronnie, and Huck!!! The wannabee presidents and their 24/7 press coverage GUARANTEE a holiday downer…like the Eveready Bunnie….they drone on and on and on… 

ALAS  … B-4 you give up….Bajabrent has the answer…COME TO B-4 FOR A “WANNABEE Free” weekend!!!   Bajabrent,  Little Flipper and other guests are already booked. There are 2 guest rooms, The Casita and Frenchy's still available....

We will have a super flying weekend for La Salina Ridge, including Paragliding, PPG, triking and perhaps some hang-gliding!  Flying is now full on! As Bajabrent has averaged 90+ minute flights during his last 4 times airborne. His Groundhog's Day flight was over 2 hours beginning at La Salina and ended with 300 foot spiral dive over La Fonda...so its time for the tandems to go down!!!! (well hopefully UP first)  AND if thats not enuf....

La Salina KARAOKE WILL GO ROCK Saturday night  , 8:00PM,  at the La Salina Cantina KM 73 toll road Baja, MX.  YOU are cordially invited to return to B-4 and La Salina Cantina. Come one and come all!  Bring your voices, bring your discs, bring your dancing shoes and bring your friends!  The place will be packed!!!

Expected attendees: David Bowie, The Cars, Annie Lennox, Tom Petty, Muse, Little Flipper, Nancy Sinatra, Greenday, Billy Joel, Liz the Whiz, Jose Cuervo, Three Doors Down, Looking Glass, Pat Benatar,  Michelle and Mary, Pink,  U-2, Mana, The Moondoggie (see www.THEMOONDOGGIE.com), Ricky Martin, Sugar Ray, Secret Agent Man, The Great Gustavo, MLKs Ghost, Gloria Gaynor, Elton John, Sting,  Ed-as-Elvis, Rod Stewart, Three Dog Night w/ Blackie,  plus many more, as we sing and swing into the wee hours, &  then return to B-4.

On Sunday night we will celebrate Abe's and Jorge's birthday! After all Monday is a HOLIDAY, for many and a good reason for EVERYONE to B.O.W. BUSTER BBQ (i.e. Blow Off Work, Buster (Monday) it’s a BBQ).. So BE THERE… DOG-ON-IT!!! (Yep Blackie aka—“Mr. Moochie”-- will be there to mooch BBQ handouts—so be prepared!!!)

& WHAT ABOUT FLIPPER??? Of course, Lil Flipper will be co-hosting, singing, flying, sun-bathing and attempting to win at shuffleboard!!!  So COME HELP HER…she needs YOUR shuffleboard help NOW!!!

To book or more info: reply to this email, call 760-203-2658, email bajabrent@msn.com; OR after 6:00PM Thurs. call Bajabrent 01152-1-044-646-126-9089 or see website: www.BAJABRENT.com,
PS: NO PASSPORTS ARE NEEDED AT THIS TIME!!!

Apparently Dept. of State and Homeland Security have now decided to coincide with the congressional deadline of June 1,2009, for requiring the presentation of a US passport for border crossings by land in Mexico and Canada.  I have received boatloads of inquiries since my last blog entry on the same and note the the State Dept. latest update fails to mention the earlier June 1 2008 deadline.  IT WAS THERE BEFORE.  It is not now.  But the 2009, had always been there and short of congressional action will remain the same.

HOWEVER, as of February 1, 2008, you will need EITHER a USA passport OR  government issued ID AND a copy of your birth certificate.  I use the term "copy" with caution as I know of travelers who insist that it must be THE birth certificate itself.  I do not agree.  A certified copy is supposed to be acceptable. And others have reported that they have used a basic photocopy.  I think logic dictates that a photocopy as sufficient, since the intention of these requirements is to verify that the presenter is, in fact, a USA citizen.  Certainly between a government issued photo id, AND even a photocopied birth certificate, the reviewer can cross-match enough information to verify this fact. 

But safe harbor would suggest that you go get a certified copy or two or three, and present the same.  My concern is that if  a bad guy gets your birth certificate and social security number he/she can go to DMV and become YOU!  So backup is to have a certified copy with you,but buried deep and present a photocopy.  If border guard challenges, dig out the original

BETTER YET...GET a PASSPORT!!!  for more info see...

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

                 The B-4's "GOT MLK!!!"
                                 A 3 Day Holiday weekend at The B-4!!! (The Baja Beach Bed & Breakfast)

In Celebration of the honorable Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday, Bajabrent wishes to share his fondest memory of MLK: his 2ND  most memorable speech. Sure we all know MLK’s “I have a dream speech”…given at the Lincoln Memorial in August of 1963.  But, according to Bajabrent there was another historic speech.

Indeed, 3 days later, Bajabrent attended  another  MLK,  rally,   (along w/ Forrest Gump), at the Lamplighter Karaoke Club in San Diego.  Bajabrent recalls Dr King declaring:  “I have a DREAM!!!!..---TO SING---BYE BYE MISS AMERICAN  PIE….”  The speech/song lasted 9.5 minutes….and the crowd went MLKrazy!!!!! And Bajabrent finally
“GOT MLK” !!! and wants YOU to get some TOO!

Bajabrent’s  “GOT MLK”, (MARTIN LUTHER KARAOKE) …this Saturday night, 8:00PM,  at the La Salina Cantina KM 73 toll road Baja, MX.  YOU are cordially invited to return to B-4 and La Salina Cantina. Come one and come all!  Bring your voices, bring your discs, bring your dancing shoes and bring your friends!  The place will be packed!!!

Expected attendees: David Bowie, The Cars, Annie Lennox, Tom Petty, Muse, Little Flipper, Nancy Sinatra, Greenday, Billy Joel, Liz the Whiz, Jose Cuervo, Three Doors Down, Looking Glass, Pat Benatar,  Michelle and Mary, Pink,  U-2, Mana, The Moondoggie (see www.THEMOONDOGGIE.com), Ricky Martin, Sugar Ray, Secret Agent Man, The Great Gustavo, MLKs Ghost, Gloria Gaynor, Elton John, Sting,  Ed-as-Elvis, Rod Stewart, Three Dog Night w/ Blackie,  plus many more, as we sing and swing into the wee hours, &  then return to B-4.

FRIDAY NIGHT UPDATE:  Bajabrent received a call from his cousin, ALEX DEPUE (www.THEFIDDLER.org ) who just had flown into TJ after a 10 day tour with MIGUEL DE HOYA, in Monterrey Mexico. As we all know, Alex is the most awesome fiddle player  known in these parts (#1 viewed video on YOUTUBE March 25,2007) and of course Miguel is legendary as a guitarist.   The tour was a huge success and now Miguel and Alex will be performing on MLK weekend (only) at JOSE'S PALAPA, before heading out to Cabo San Lucas for a 2 month gig.  Bajabrent plans to catch their show Friday night and perhaps Sunday night after the BBQ.  BE THERE!!!  YouTube link http://youtube.com/watch?v=NHC_Qyov2Xc

On Sunday night we will celebrate MLKs Birthday! After all Monday is a HOLIDAY, for many and a good reason for EVERYONE to B.O.W. BUSTER BBQ (i.e. Blow Off Work, Buster (Monday) it’s a BBQ).. So BE THERE… DOG-ON-IT!!! (Yep Blackie aka—“Mr. Moochie”-- will be there to mooch BBQ handouts—so be prepared!!!)

& WHAT ABOUT FLIPPER??? Of course, Lil Flipper will be co-hosting, singing, flying, sun-bathing and attempting to win at shuffleboard!!!  So COME HELP HER…she needs YOUR shuffleboard help NOW!!!

To book or more info: reply to this email, call 760-203-2658, email bajabrent@msn.com; OR after 6:00PM Thurs. call Bajabrent 01152-1-044-646-126-9089 or see website: www.BAJABRENT.com,
PS: NO PASSPORTS ARE NEEDED AT THIS TIME!!!

I have received a heightened number of inquiries regarding alleged "recent" attacks on US tourists traveling in Baja.  One incident involves a surfing instructor and his girlfriend who camped on a remote beach 200 miles south of the border; another involved a family car-jacked after the recent Baja 1000.  Then there is a sprinkling of other "incidents" of alleged attacks against US tourist, some of which invloved assailants dressed/portrayed as Mexican law enforcement.

These reports have been published, republished, broadcast then Blogged over and over again hyping up an anti-baja tourism scandal unmatched in recent history.  Some of these reports are unsubstantiated, and many times over-exagerrated as they are published then republished, etc. etc. etc. 

Although I sympathize with the plight of the victims of these alleged crimes, in actuality, I do not believe it represents a significant increase over past years. Rather its a publicity feast for US press who love to bash Baja and keep the tourism dollars in the USA: it helps their advertisers. 

Admittedly there may have been a couple incidents where bad-guys dressed like cops robbed/assaulted some tourist-somewhere on the  Baja peninsula. But other than the anomaly of the attire, this doesn’t constitute a crime wave. Crimes happen to people all the time-everywhere. (these incidents remind me of the CHP officer who was sexually assaulting young girls during traffic stops many years ago in southern CA).

Try hanging out in Rio, Baghdad, LA or Philadelphia; the latter of which, 3 months ago, my cousin, a concert violinist, walking home from a performance with Philly-Orchestra  was forced to his knees with a gun to his head by a hip-hop youth. He was robbed and assaulted. Many years ago,  I was robbed at gunpoint, as the cashier of our family pizza restaurant, in Delaware, Ohio.  Thus, its not a matter of “where”, its just a numbers game:  if/when your number is “up” its “up”.
 
When it comes to the Baja, interestingly, these alleged incidents seem to happen to US tourist as opposed to any other foreign tourists. Admittedly there are a lot more US tourists, but when the score is always 100-0, then there's something else afoot.
 
I believe its behavior. Some  US tourists come to Mexico to party, get drunk,"do" drugs, and engage in behavior they’d never dream of north of the border. They become  belligerent, nasty  and down right disrespectful to others including  the natives.  Sometimes the natives don’t respond kindly to  these “Gringos” (the term itself means “go home to US”). Other times, its because the Gringos are trying to “score” contraband by fraternizing with seedy characters they’d never consider in the USA.

These situations jeopardize the Gringos who are then so inebriated they don’t grasp their peril or so arrogant that they refuse to recognize their predicament. In either event, they set themselves up. Now you have either an angry insulted native or a seedy opportunist, or BOTH.

Sometimes the bad-guys target the victims at night when the cheap gringos are soooooo cheap they choose not stay in secure campgrounds or hotels or B & Bs because they wanna save $20 a night!  It is my opinion that this was the  case of the surfer and his girlfriend, camping on remote beach because of their "budget" mentality.
 
I'm not saying that these people necessarily "deserve" what happened to them, but COME ON....why would anyone camp on a secluded  beach in a 3rd world country with a fancy RV full of expensive electronics? I doubt this surfer will repeat this behavior in Costa Rica (his next planned destination). 
 
I believe that Baja is as safe as any other 3rd world tourist destination. Interestingly Baja does not have madmen running around sniping people (Malvo-DC-18 sniped); blowing up court houses (OK city 100 dead),  high schools(Columbine among many), or  college campuses (33 died last year at Virginia Tech).  And there are no jet liners crashing into condos or skyscrapers in Mexico.   But you don’t see the US press bashing tourism in Washington DC, NYC, Virginia Beach etc. 
 
In the end, I know of no incidents that have happened here (locally-La Salina) in the last 12-18 months. I have not had a guest hassled other than the occasional traffic stop/money grab,  which in many  cases has valid grounds or if not is a minor mordida that you can fight if you know how. 

Moral of the story: when traveling/partying in Baja, treat the natives with respect.  Stay at secure facilities (like my place), and don’t flash loads of cash or  bring a bling-bling girlfriends who  freak out every time they see a Mexican with dirt under his nails or scold a Mexican for the condition of his dog!  Likewise don’t go overboard the other direction and try to fraternize and befriend everyone you meet, especially while under the influence.  Use the same judgment you’d use-sober- in the USA.

Its very important to remember that 99% of Baja-Mexicans are friendly and accomodating people.  They are proud hard-working simple folk who have no interest in tormenting or harming American tourists.  You may come to Baja for the adventure or the beauty, but you will stay because you will find its people gracious, hospitable, and friendly. 

Unfortunately for Baja , these "crime" stories continue to be replayed like Seinfeld reruns. And yes tourism is being adversly affected,  but YOU will be safer if you follow these suggestions, and hang out with known locals like BAJABRENT---He’ll Hook You Up!!!

 

 Viva Baja-Viva Mexico, fly high and fly safe, cheers, Bajabrent