BajaSurVacationRentals.com » Book Reviews

Learn Spanish

nanci — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:35:38 +0000

Reading and learning have always been a big part of my life. I recently met Meg Graham the author of Ahora Hablo! Travel Edition, Seven Simple Steps to Authentic Spanish. Her book is designed for the native English speaker who would like to gain Spanish communication skills quickly and easily. This compact book offers readers a way to combine basic verbs and vocabulary to communicate in everyday situations. All words have a phonetic key, based on English pronunciation. I particularly like the phonetic key. After living in Cabo I discovered there are a number of words that look the same but are pronounced a bit differently with very different meanings. This book with its user-friendly approach is perfect for travelers who want to learn conversational Spanish. In addition to the Traveler Edition there is an Educator Edition and a Medical Edition

If you would like to review or purchase this book I have provided a link below.

http://www.ahorahablo.com/

Baja Books by Graham Mackintosh

nanci — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:00:55 +0000

Into a Desert Place

Journey with a Baja Burro

Nearer My Dog to Thee

Marooned With Very Little Beer

Graham Mackintosh, a native of London, England, first visited the Baja in 1979. In 1983 he set a goal to walk around the Baja Coastline. The 3,000 mile trip changed his life. Upon returning to England he wrote Into a Desert Place and received the “Adventurous Traveler of the Year” award. Returning to the Baja in 1997, Graham began a 1,000 mile Journey With a Baja Burro, from the U.S. border to Loreto, visiting the missions along the way. Graham spent four months in 2001 in the Sierra San Pedro Martir with two street dogs, which became the subject of his third book, Nearer My Dog to Thee. Marooned With Very Little Beer, published in 2008, tells of his 2 months hiking and kayaking the second largest island in the Sea of Cortez, Isla Angel de la Guarda.

Graham currently lives in San Diego where he gives slide shows on his trips, writes articles on the Baja and has guided tourists south of the border on various tours. He is married to Bonni, a nurse, who shares his love for the Baja and nature.

www.grahammackintosh.com

Books About Baja – Part 1

Beau — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:54:47 +0000

The Grinning Gargoyle Spills the Beans and other Yarns of Baja California
By: Jimmy Smith Jr.

Having lived in Cabo for the past 10 years and driven the Baja Peninsula over 10 times this book is a fun read about places from the border to the tip of the peninsula. The author started visiting Baja in the late 50’s and early 60’s and his adventures are entertaining and informative.

View / Purchase this book on Amazon.com

Mi Baja No Hurry No Worry A fun tale of living and playing in Baja California, Mexico
By: Bernie Swaim

The author began visiting Baja, and in particular La Salina del Mar, about 40 miles south of the border, in the 60’s. His stories are about his experiences and the people of the area. Some things have changed since the 60’s and some have not. A fun read if you are interested in the places and people of Baja California.

View / Purchase this book on Amazon.com

The Art of Traveling

Beau — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:34:43 +0000

I recently re-read The Art of Living Treasure Chest by Wilferd A. Peterson. The following came from The Art of Traveling chapter:

When you pack your bags to explore the beauties of your own country or to travel around the world, consider these keys to a happy journey:

Travel lightly. You are not traveling for people to see you!

Travel slowly. Jet planes are for getting places not seeing places; take time to absorb the beauty and inspiration of a mountain or a cathedral.

Travel expectantly. Every place you visit is like a surprise package to be opened. Untie the strings with an expectation of high adventure.

Travel humbly. Visit people and places with reverence and respect for their traditions and ways of life.

Travel courteously. Consideration for your fellow travelers and your hosts will smooth the way through the most difficult days.

Travel gratefully. Show appreciation for the many things that are being done by others for your enjoyment and comfort.

Travel with an open mind. Leave your prejudices at home.

Travel with curiosity. It is not how far you go, but how deeply you go that mines the gold of experience.

Travel relaxed. Make up your mind to have a good time.

Travel patiently. It takes time to understand others, especially when there are barriers of language and custom; keep flexible and adaptable to all situations.

Travel with the spirit of a world citizen. You’ll discover that people are basically much the same the world around. Be an ambassador of good will to all people.