 |
ADDING A LINK TO BAJA EXPOIf you have a Baja-related web site and would like to have your site linked on BAJA EXPO, just let us know. The process is easy and free! Just send us your URL via the E-mail address below, and we'll place your link and the basic information about your company or organization in the most effective category of BAJA EXPO.
|
ARTWORKAs much as most of us would like to spend more time in Baja, sometimes it's just not practical. That's when you go to the closet and pull out your custom Baja T-shirt, to remind you where you would rather be! Baja hats, T-shirts, and artwork can help keep the dreams alive, until you can make your next Baja adventure!
RUSSELL REDMOND BAJA ARTTelephone (858) 616-8555.
BAJA CAVE ARTTelephone (505) 523-1950.
BRYER'S BAJA ARTWORKTelephone (714) 498-9512.
DAVID ROTHERMEL STUDIOSTelephone (505) 523-1950.
BAJA CALIFORNIA MAP OIL PAINTINGTelephone (619) 216-8035.
BAJA CALENDARS
THE BAJA CALENDAR 2002Telephone (949) 493-7890.
BAJA EVENT CALENDAREach year there is more and more going on in Baja! This section of Baja Expo was designed to promote various events and happenings throughout the Peninsula. If you have an event that you would like listed in our Baja Event Calendar, just drop us an e-mail to let us know what, when, and where! Speaking of calendars...how about an awesome calendar about Baja? The "Baja Calendar" might be just what you need to satisfy your Baja fix when you can't head south. You can obtain the BAJA CALENDAR by contacting Marv Sherrill at msherrill@capousd.k12.ca.us or by phone at (949) 493-7890. If the Baja 2001 calendar is anything like the 2000 calendar you are in for a real treat!
BAJA EVENT CALENDAR
CACTUS HEAD QUALIFICATIONSDo your friends think you spend too much time in Baja? Frankly, we at Baja Expo don't think this is possible! But in case you (or someone you know) thinks you have a problem spending too much time in Baja, we have developed some guidelines to help you determine if you are 'addicted' to Baja. Watch for these key warning signs when you are in your home environment to see if you are spending too much time in Baja. Do you... If you answered "yes" to 5 or more of these questions then you could have a problem. The anecdote? Head south, amigo!
ECO-BAJAThe Baja Peninsula is host to one of the last remaining natural open spaces on the planet. As we proceed into the new millennium, it is amazing that he vast majority of Baja remains untouched and unspoiled. However, development poses a very real threat to Baja's open land and pristine waters. Virgin Baja is subject to abuse from many sides, including over-fishing, over-hunting, and over-development both on land and along it's 2,000 mile coastline. Fortunately, we as a global society are becoming increasingly aware of how fragile our earthly environment is, at a time when we can still make a significant impact on an area as large as Baja. The goal of preserving Baja's natural elements will not come easy. As a third world country, Mexico's Baja will always have the conflicting ideals of culture and employment versus conservation. It is easy for an outsider to fight for causes such as saving the turtle or the prevention of over-fishing. It is a different perspective, however, if you and your family have had a history of living off of the sea, and your very livelihood is at risk. The learning curve takes time, on both sides, and it is difficult to keep everyone happy as solutions are negotiated and implemented. In the long run, there is good reason to believe that much of Baja's natural wonder can be saved. But it will take time and cooperation on all sides. This section of Baja Expo was designed as a forum for environmental causes, to help with the planned growth of Baja. The organizations here each have a specific concern, and reviewing their information is the first step towards moving forward on each issue.
|
REAL ESTATE INFORMATIONThe real estate market in Baja is very active! Much of Baja is now easily accessible by car or jet, so it is increasingly practical to set up a primary or secondary residence in Paradise! Financing is now available, and the Trust system of holding title is the perfect tool for holding title and developing equity in Baja real estate. For more specific information on properties for sale in Baja, visit the "REAL ESTATE" section in any of the 24 city sites listed on the BAJA EXPO home page. For more general information on Baja real estate, go to our "Carlos Fiesta Updates" business section. For a review of the basic information on buying property in Baja drop by the web site of BAJA 4 U.
|
LANGUAGE SCHOOLSWhat better way to learn Spanish than to dunk yourself into an environment specifically set up to teach Spanish! These language schools are very effective, and usually offer the extra value of learning about the Spanish culture as well. Ole! For a fun stab at Spanish, check out the word translator at the FREE TRANSLATION web site!
BAJA CALIFORNIA LANGUAGE COLLEGETelephone 011-52 (646) 174-5688.
"AMERICA" INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGETelephone 011-52 (612) 122-4387.
CENTER OF LANGUAGES AND LATIN AMERICAN STUDIESTelephone (800) 834-2256.
SE HABLA LA PAZTelephone / Fax 011-52 (612) 122-7763.
QUIXOTE INSTITUTE OF SPANISHTelephone (619) 283-1285.
MISSIONS IN BAJABaja's missions played a very special part in the Peninsula's history. The 31 missions built in Baja constituted more than half of the 52 total missions that were built along the western coast of North America. Before starting construction of the first mission in Loreto in 1697, missionaries had over 100 years of experience in building missions on the mainland in Mexico. However, unlike the missions on the mainland that were designed to be self-sufficient enterprises, the remote and harsh conditions of Baja made it nearly impossible to build and maintain these sites without ongoing assistance from the mainland. Although the Missionaries and Indians who built Baja's missions performed an amazing feat under the circumstances, supplies from across the sea of Cortez in the port of Guaymas played an important part in keeping the mission system intact. The missions that were established were not random acts of construction, but rather well planned projects following established rules set forth by the authorities. These completed missions played a very important part in Baja's history, and were ultimately the driving force behind the permanent colonization of the Peninsula. The missionary system (not to be confused with the missionary position) was established by three different religious groups, and was a common tool for Spanish expansion into new territories. The Jesuits and the Dominicans were the most successful, although kudos should be given to the Fransiscans for a significant yet mostly unproductive attempt. The road to the development of the 31 missions in Baja was rocky indeed, and the lack of government financing made the construction of most of the missions a private endeavor. Difficult terrain, unforgiving weather, and resistance from unsympathetic local Indians only added to the struggle. This was especially true in the southern missions where the local Indians were polygamists, and who resented the Christian values being imposed upon them. Indian uprisings ultimately led to much of the demise of the missions at La Paz, Santiago, Todos Santos and San Jose del Cabo. These same Indians also paid a heavy price for the mission system, where their population decreased from 50,000 to about 5,000 due to epidemics of small pox and syphilis brought in by the missionary groups. Contributing to the demise of the missions in Baja was Mexico's independence from Spain, which promoted a conversion of the missions to local Pueblos. By the early 1800's the big push for missions moved north under the guidance of Father Junipero Serra, who started the system of 21 missions that are located in what is now the state of California. Many thanks to those Baja Mision fans who have helped add information to this section of Baja Expo, especially all of the help from David K of DAVID K'S BAJA web site. We graciously welcome any additional data (or links) on the misions of Baja from anyone who wishes to pass on accurate information. As we begin the new millennium, a very important event is in motion to help restore two of Baja's missions, Mision San Francisco de Borja and Mision Santa Gertrudis la Magna. Father Mario Menghini Pecci, who has finally retired after a lifetime of pastoral duties at a church near San Jose del Cabo (at the age of 69), is moving forward with his life goal to restore these two special Baja missions. Your donations can help make his dream a reality. Donations may be sent to his organization: BAJA CALIFORNIA MISSIONS FOUNDATIONS For additional information on this project, their e-mail address is bajafound@san.rr.com. For more information on tours to Baja's missions, stop by ECOTUR MISSION TRIPS. And for an awesome wall map of all the California and Baja missions you can contact Garza Communications Group by e-mail or by phone at (626)683-3395 to obtain their MISSIONS OF ALTA AND BAJA CALIFORNIA map. For $19.75 it is a real gem! Visit DAVID K'S BAJA for more good information on missions in Baja! And while you are at it visit his other Baja web site: DAVID K'S BAJA. David seems to love Baja as much as Carlos Fiesta! And for the ultimate book on Baja's missions Ed Vernon's hard cover 300 page book 'Las Misiones Antiguas, The Spanish Missions of Baja California' is quickly becoming the resource for Baja Missions. It offers lots of information, color photos, floor plans, maps, GPS waypoints and a whole lot more. It can be ordered through Viejo Press, 729 Woodland Drive, Santa Barbara, California, 93108. David K. gives this book two thumbs up! For more information on the mission system visit the web site of CALIFORNIA MISSIONS. Check out PHOTOS OF BAJA MISSIONS courtesy of David K. To review information on colonial buildings in Mexico the web site of COLONIAL MEXICO has more information. And visit the web site of COLONIAL CITIES for information on some of the most authentic and historic towns in Mexico.
BAJA MISSIONS
NATIONAL PARKS IN BAJABaja has plenty of wide open spaces and there are plenty of people, including the Mexican Government, who are trying to preserve some of this open space for future generations. Not surprising for a peninsula with over 2,000 miles of coastline, not all of Baja's protected areas are on land. Protected areas off shore are gaining increased attention in Baja, and hopefully more ocean areas will become protected in Baja's future. A brochure with a map of Baja's National Parks and Biosphere Reserves is available from CARACOL the center for Mexican Culture. Their phone number is 011-52 (617) 8-7192 or they may reached by e-mail at oficina@caracol.org.mx. Brochures are available in English and Spanish!
ALTO GOLFO DE CALIFORNIA Y DELTA DEL RIO COLORADO - (UPPER GULF OF CALIFORNIA AND COLORADO RIVER DELTA)This Biosphere reserve is one of the largest protected areas on the Baja Peninsula. It includes the Sea of Cortez from the point where the Colorado River spills into the sea and includes all of the area south to San Felipe, including much of the shores on the upper west coast of the Mexican mainland.
CABO PULMO NATIONAL MARINE PARKCabo Pulmo National Marine Park is the smallest of all national parks in Baja. It may be small, but this jewel protects the only coral reef on the west coast of North America, and is well deserving of it's national park status. The coral reef consists of seven parallel fingers or bands of reef which start right next to the shoreline and line up progressively further out to sea. Sea life is abundant here, the water visibility is usually very good, and the water temperature runs from a low of 70 degrees in winter to about 90 degrees in the summer. Popular recreation here includes snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and taking naps on the beach! Several facilities are available nearby for food and overnight accommodations. For more information on the area near Cabo Pulmo, drop by the EAST CAPE section of Baja Expo. And for more details on Cabo Pulmo Reef the OCEANIC RESOURCE FOUNDATION has a very informative web site on the area! Cabo Pulmo can be reached by taking Baja Highway One north of San Jose del Cabo to the paved La Ribera turnoff. Make another right turn after 6 miles at the marked sign, prior to meeting the coast at La Ribera. The paved road turns to dirt and gravel 5 miles before reaching Cabo Pulmo. It is also possible to reach Cabo Pulmo from the Los Cabos area, via the coastal road east of San Jose del Cabo. However, this road can be a real adventure, and downright impassible after heavy periods of rain. Even when the road is in good shape it is not recommended for vehicles with trailers or larger RVs.
CABO SAN LUCAS UNDERWATER WILDLIFE RESERVEThe Cabo San Lucas Underwater wildlife reserve is one of the most recent areas to be added to Baja's protected areas. The area includes San Lucas Bay, as well as areas in the Sea of Cortez west and east of Cabo San Lucas. The large amount of tourist activity in these waters added to the need for a protected area here. Included in this marine park is the underwater "sand falls" discovered by Jacque Cousteau before the Cabo area was established as one of Mexico's most popular resort destinations.
EL VISCAINO BIOSPHERE RESERVEThe El Viscaino Biosphere Reserve was established by the Mexican Government in 1988. The area covers 2,546,790 hectares and includes the Vizcaino Desert, the Sebastian Vizcaino Bay, and San Ignacio Lagoon. It is a h-u-g-e protected area. This area has also been designated as an internationally recognized biosphere reserve by the United Nations Educational Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The Mexican government and Mitsubishi are planning to permanently alter a significant part of the land in this Biosphere on the northern shores of Laguna Ignacio. They are planning a second salt producing facility that would include development on the natural lagoon and much of the surrounding open space on land. This new facility would be in addition to the existing facility further north in the waters of Laguna Ojo de Liebre, near Guerrero Negro. Yes, the local Mexicans could use the employment opportunities from this proposed project, but no, the world's salt is not in short supply. So think twice before you purchase a Mitsubishi product. For more (unbiased) information on the new salt project, drop by the GREY WHALE ADVOCATE web site.
ESTERO DE SAN JOSE DEL CABO STATE RESERVEThe estero which empties into the Sea of Cortez behind the city of San Jose del Cabo obtains it's water from the runoff of the Sierra la Laguna mountains north of Cabo San Lucas. This beautiful marshland plays host to a host of birds and other wildlife, and can be enjoyed by kayak on the wider western end. During times of heavy rains the lagoon flows directly to the ocean, and when the water flow is low a sand bar separates the estuary from the Sea of Cortez.
BAHIA DE LORETO NATIONAL MARINE PARKThe Bay of Loreto National Marine Park was established in 1996 by President Ernesto Zedillo to help protect the fish, sea life and waters offshore, north and south of Loreto. The protected area extends north up the coast from Loreto approximately 12 miles, and out to sea approximately 20 miles, covering nearly half a million acres!. The protected area runs to the south over 35 miles, and includes the islands and waters of (from north to south) Isla Coronado, Isla del Carmen, Isla Danzante, Isla Montserrat, and Isla Santa Catalina. Sportfishing is permitted in the protected area, but commercial fishing is prohibited. Baja Communications offers a good MAP OF THE PROTECTED AREA. And Loreto's BAJA BIGFISH Website offers additional information about the park and park rules. For more information on the Loreto area, drop by the LORETO section of Baja Expo.
ISLAS DEL GOLFO DE CALIFORNIA BIOSPHERE RESERVE (ISLANDS OF THE GOLF OF CALIFORNIA)This protected area includes the islands in the midriff region of Baja, including many of the islands off of Bahia de los Angles and the islands running south of Bau of LA Also included is the huge island of Isla Tiburon which is adjacent to mainland Mexico.
ISLA GUADALUPE BIOSPHERE RESERVEIsla Guadalupe is located off of Baja California's west coast south west of Catavina and north west of Isla Cedros. It is located over 100 miles off of the peninsula coastline, and is the most remote protected area in Baja.
PARQUE NACIONAL CONSTITUTION DE 1857This National Park is the closest to the U.S. border and one of the highest destinations in Baja. A special feature of this park is Laguna Hansen, a beautiful (but shallow) alpine lake surrounded by Jeffrey pine trees, located 22 miles in from Highway 3! Primitive campsites can be found on the lake's western shore. After extensive periods without rain this lake can dry up considerably. On the other side of the coin, the park often receives snow!... one of the few places in Baja that gets cold and wet enough to do so. It is interesting how quickly the terrain drops off to the east...approximately 10,000 feet to Laguna Salada below. Runoff from these mountains creates the river that forms the oasis and pools at Canyon Guadalupe, below the park in the lower eastern foothills of the mountain. The park is accessible by taking Baja Highway 2 southeast of Tecate, or (the more popular route) by taking Baja Highway 3 east of Ensenada to the Laguna Hansen sign near Km. 55.
PARQUE NACIONAL SIERRA SAN PEDRO MARTIRLocated in the northern part of the Baja Peninsula, Parque Nacional Sierra San Pedro Martir is Baja's highest national park, as well as it's largest mountain park. Topping out at 10,154 feet at the top of Pichacha del Diablo, this pine covered mountain is also the highest point on the Baja Peninsula. Because of it's high elevation and distance from population, this park was chosen for the location of one of Mexico's finest observatories. The high altitude and lack of light interference provide the perfect location for the large domed telescope. Directly to the east of the park, and about 10,000 feet down the mountain, lies the dry lake bed of Laguna Diablo, and a bit further east the town of San Felipe. Because of the steep grade there is no access from the park to the eastern side. Snow is a frequent visitor to the park during some of the colder winter months. Unimproved camping is available inside the park boundary, south west of the road to the observatory. The park is accessible by taking Baja Highway One south from Tijuana to a marked graded road which meets the highway approximately 6 miles south of Colonet. After passing by Meling Ranch at mile marker 32, the park entrance is approximately 50 miles due east of the blacktop. It is another 15 miles to the observatory. The road is passable in most passenger vehicles and RVs unless recent storms have damaged the road.
SIERRA DE LA LAGUNA BIOSPHERE RESERVEThe Sierra de la Laguna mountains are located north of Cabo San Lucas and east of Todos Santos. These spectacular mountains rise to over 6,000 feet above sea level and offer thick forests, beautiful wooded areas, meadows, streams and pools, and are home to plenty of wildlife. Although access into these mountains is possible from the eastern side, north of San Jose del Cabo, but the preferred and easier route is up the western flank, south of the town of Pescador.
ORPHANAGES
Telephone (619) 275-7072.
TEQUILA!
Okay, we all have our stories about the evils of Tequila...they often start out very similar..."I can't drink Tequila anymore, because once I..." and then the victim goes on to tell how the ravages of this wild spirit turned their life upside down for a week one night! Tequila does seem to be able to bring out the best and worst in people...usually bringing out more of what an individual already has going when they are sober!
The good people of Mexico alone consume over 45,000,000 liters of tequila each year, and this unique drink is quickly circling the globe as a premier ingredient for cocktails, or taken straight up. Exports to the world are now close to $400,000,000 per year. Yikes! For a different slant on Tequila see what Baja author ANN HAZARD has to say about the stuff! And, if you really like Tequila, you gotta check out the web page of JOSE CUERVO TEQUILA. Think you've heard of all of the different types of Tequila? Think again! This is a list of your options if you stop by for a shot of tequila at PANCHOS in Cabo San Lucas! Ready to try something different? Drop by the web site of TEQUILA ROSE for a new flavor in Tequila! Need more good stuff on tequila? Wax your board and surf TEQUILA - CULTURE & MYTHS. Yikes!
THE HISTORY OF TEQUILA Sometime before the year 1,000 AD an elite member of an Indian tribe on a plateau in northern Mexico discovered quite by accident that the sweet water inside the heart of the maguey plant, when removed from the plant and allowed to ferment, transformed into a creamy liquid that was quite pleasant to drink. And to his delight, after drinking substantial quantities of this sweet liquid, the Indian noticed that the world seemed to be a much happier place to live. Thus was born the predecessor to tequila, pulque. And if you have ever tasted pulque you will indeed learn to quickly appreciate the flavor of today's tequilas. Always looking for new ways to catch a buzz, another Mexican Indian (and you thought these guys just sat around all day and smoked payote!) discovered that a similar process could be performed with the agave plant, also common in the central high plains of Mexico. After maturing for approximately 10 years, the roundish ball of the agave plant is stripped of it's leaves, cooked for 24 to 48 hours, and then pounded and crushed to extract the liquid inside. Then, after a specific aging process in wood barrels that varies depending upon the type of tequila being made, the tequila is ready to party! The question is, are you ready for the tequila? TYPES OF TEQUILA The government of Mexico strictly controls the making and labeling of tequila to protect the product's integrity. By law all tequilas must have at least 51% Blue Agave Tequila. Anejo means 'aged' or 'old'. Anejo tequila has been aged for over a year in either white oak casks or in used bourbon casks. These tequilas represent the finest efforts of Mexico's distillers. While each Anejo has it's own unique character, they are all exceptionally smooth and have a deep gold color, complex taste, and a long finish. A "Reserva" Anejo tequila is aged for no less than two years, and availability may be limited. Examples of Anejo Tequila include Herradura Seleccion Supreme, Reserva de la Familia Cuervo, Porfidio Single Barrel Anejo, Sauza Tres Generaciones, Centinela Anejo and Antigue Anejo 1800 de Cuervo.
Reposada means "rested in wood". Tequila Reposada has been aged from two months to one year in wood and is known for imparting a full flavor, light gold color, and a mellow smoothness. This type of tequila is generally less expensive than Anejo Tequila. Examples of reposada include El Tesoro de Don Filipe, Don Augustin, Las Vallientes, Centenario, Corralejo, Cuervo Tradicional Reposada, Cuervo 1800 and Herradura Gold Reposada.
Plata Tequila is a silver tequila, never aged in wood, and known for it's pure taste, clear color, and long, clean finish. Examples of Plata Tequila include El Tesoro, Herradura Silver, Dos Reates, Don Julio Plata, Patron Silver and Sauza Especial Tequila Blanco.
Mescal is the same as tequila but is not made in the official Tequila region near Guadalajara. Mescal is grown and distilled in the Oaxaca region in southern Mexico. Examples of Mescal include Encantado Mezcal, Monte Alban, Santo Domingo, Chichicaps, San Luis del Rio and Minero. Want to have fun at a party? Become a tequila expert. The girls will love ya!
TOURISM OFFICES
|
