SDFP videographer interviews American ex-patriots living in Baja California
Video by Horacio Jones
Last week I had to travel to Rosarito for a video gig, so I took the opportunity to pay a visit to a couple of friends who had moved to Baja a few of years ago. I decided it would also be a good idea to do some kind of story about ex-pats living in Baja while I was there. So I paid Shari and Fernando a visit to see what it was like for them now that they live along the Baja coast.
During the trip we also met another Shari and an artist named Gretchen who has opened up a place called Art House Rosarito, where she lives, creates art and plans for sustainable communities. She also opens up her home to other artists to stay and work at.
In this report they discuss what it’s like to live in baja, as well as the differences between the U.S. and Mexico. This is an expansive subject and you could certainly make a feature documentary about it, and I hope in the future to be able to make a more comprehensive report on the subject. Who knows, maybe I’ll even make the move…
I am looking forward to future installments and find out what it is really like living in a country where you are not at the top of the food chain, so to speak. Money only goes so far and then it is “what can I do about it, if anything?”
Beware. The people in this video only discuss the positive things about living in Mexico. There are at least as many reasons to not live in Mexico. I have owned two different homes in two different parts of the country. I have seen both sides. And this video is just one side. For example, the people in the interview are renters. Owning a home will be a eye opener.
Each of you should write your own articles. Don’t hold back.
Hi,
Thanks for all the comments on the story. I’m glad to see people discussing it. It would be nice to hear your positive or negative experiences about living in Baja. I think I should probably do a follow up piece on some on the cons of living down there. As the son of an ex-pat, I know about some of the negative things that can happen and what the government is capable of. If any of you would like to talk about your experiences on camera, I would be glad to interview you for a future piece.
Cheers,
Horacio
I have been living in Rosarito for two years. The choices are not easy for sure. Being born in Mexico and having been raised in the US makes it easier for me to adapt to the challenges. This is not a choice for everyone. As an artist I have the ability to live my passion without the high costs of the US system. We are here to seed positive energy, reduce crime, become sustainable, and live an example to inspire others. This is a process to balance and eventually open the border because we are human beings sharing a planet.
I’ve lived in Ensenada and have traveled in Baja (north and south) for decades.
For additional interesting perspectives on Baja, I recommend BajaNomad discussion board. The participants range from short term visitors to long time residents all over the peninsula.
Lots of helpful up to date information on various topics as well as archived posts.
http://forums.bajanomad.com/today.php