Destinations on this planet can be put into many categories including
popular, affordable, historical, accessible, exotic, fun, exciting,
culturally diverse and more. Some will be put on the checklist of “must do
at least once in my lifetime”. Others seem to become a place that we cannot
get enough of, no matter how many times we visit. On rare occasion you might
find a very special place that seems to combine all these key traits and
will even make us think out loud, “I can actually imagine myself living
here”.
I said those very words myself years ago, walking on a sandy Baja California
beach.
No single destination can offer everything to everybody. Even if that were
somehow possible you probably wouldn’t want to live there anyway as you
would quickly be sharing it with a few billion more like minded folks. I can
honestly say that after years of travel and living abroad on different
continents I have yet to find a single place on this planet where I would
rather be than right here on this beautiful stretch of land that makes up
the northern Baja Pacific coastline. I have never before felt so connected
to any place, people or culture as the bond that I now share with this
magical place.
What draws us to this wonderful stretch of Pacific Ocean real estate is
probably as unique as each one of those who have chosen to make their visit
here a permanent one. Year round mild climate, low cost of living and
affordable health care with a white sandy beach out the back door are just a
few of the reasons the northern Baja California peninsula has become a top
retirement destination for baby boomers looking to retire earlier with an
active adult lifestyle.
Since I began writing this column on life as a Gringo living in Mexico a few
months ago I have received hundreds of emails from folks considering making
the same decision I made on that Baja California beach, years ago.
Questions about cost of living, buying property, renting, border access, TV,
internet, phones, language, security, doctors, dentists, lifestyle, bank
trusts, notarios and price of gasoline arrive in my inbox every day. I make
an effort to answer each and every one and I must admit that it has been a
very rewarding experience in the process. Along with their questions, many
have taken the time to share their stories and reasons for moving to Baja
California, Mexico.
Many of the questions fall into similar categories but one of the things
that surprised me is the diversity in the backgrounds of those asking the
questions. They range from 25 years old to 80 plus. They are engineers,
plumbers, electricians, teachers, artists, prison guards, bureaucrats,
musicians, retirees and entrepreneurs. Some look to live out their golden
years in Baja while others will be running online businesses from their
homes. Many have grown children and grandchildren but others told me of
wanting to raise their young children to experience life in a different
country and culture.
My biggest surprise would come in discovering where all these emails are
coming from. Considering it from a geographical point of view, I expected
that most would hail from the southwestern United States and maybe a few
more from the rest of the USA and Canada. The reality is that they are
coming in from all over, including Germany, Korea, Israel, Spain, South
Africa, England, Belgium, India, France and too many others to list all.
The enchanting call of the Baja peninsula is far reaching and in the past
few months I have come to better understand the unique responsibility I have
been given. The reality is that it is a responsibility that all of us have
been given who now call this seductive stretch of ocean front real estate
our home. We have the opportunity to open new doors for others and increase
our own cultural awareness and life experience on the Baja California
peninsula along the way. It is a small debt we pay for the gift we are so
blessed to live and enjoy and one that is so easily taken for granted.
Responding to the many emails each day I am constantly reminded of how lucky
I truly am. How fortunate we all are who have been given this wonderful
opportunity to live life in such a special way and in such a beautiful
place.
I remember reading once that the greatest gifts in life; children, love and
life itself are only on loan to us. They can never truly be owned or
possessed. They are to be cherished, enjoyed, nurtured and shared. Baja is
one of those gifts.
As Gringos living on this peninsula we have been so graciously allowed to
share in the gift. Enjoying the Baja lifestyle we all love suggests that we
now should also consider taking on the role of stewards and caretakers of
this wonderful gift on loan. I have had the pleasure to meet and know many
who share this perception and commitment to the Baja peninsula. I invite
others who currently live here part time, full time or even considering the
move here to join in this rewarding adventure.
Conservation of fauna, habitat and coastal waters in addition to community
cultural development, ministries to the less fortunate and teaching are just
a few of the opportunities available to those wishing to participate. It is
a very rewarding experience and may open your eyes to gifts and abilities
you never even knew that you possessed.
We only stop learning and growing when we choose to.
Baja California is currently on loan and all of us here are her caretakers.
Giving back is an appropriate and noble response. Giving back to Baja in our
own way offers the chance to pass on this gift to our grandchildren, and to
their grandchildren who will follow. What a beautiful legacy to leave that
will be long remembered after any other inheritance has long since been
spent or lost.
I dedicate my personal contribution to the Baja peninsula in remembrance of
my precious Olivia who left this earth at the tender young age of fourteen
to become her Daddy’s angel, four years ago on April 22, 2004. I pray that I
might even be able to add something special to this beautiful place to honor
her name, along the way…
BajaGringois Ronald Hoff,
eMarketing and SEO Consultant.
He can be reached at:
