LET’S ALL CELEBRATE CHILDREN!
El Dia de Los Niños , a tradition that began in Mexico in 1925, is celebrated on April 30 . The idea was born from the first “World Conference for the Well-being of Children” that was held in Geneva, Switzerland in August 1925. At that time several countries selected days to celebrate children. Dia Del Niño, or Day of the Child, is an annual celebration throughout Mexico. This day recognizes children, their importance to society and their well-being.
This celebration of children was started in the US on April 30, 1997 and promoted by Pat Mora a literary advocate and award winning author who thought people in the US should join many Latin American countries in this celebration. Upon learning of this Mexican tradition Pat began developing the coupling of this day with Dia de Los Libros. Literacy goes hand in hand with the well-being of children. Her idea was to equate El Dia de los Ninos to El Dia de los Libros and to encourage the love for reading and learning. A time for parents to read together with their children, visit libraries and bookstores and to create a special library for children to enjoy at home. She presented her idea to the University of Arizona Latino faculty and staff. They contacted a local chapter for the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and Spanish-Speaking. In addition a group in Santa Fe New Mexio, a national Latina advocacy organization, endorsed the idea. From the grass roots beginning the idea grew for support in linking language and literature for Dia del Niño and became official in the US in 1997.
The Baja Peninsula consists of 2 states. Baja Norte and Baja Sur.
Cabo is located in Baja Sur and the state capital is La Paz, located about 1 1/2 hours north of Cabo.
Recently I came across some interesting facts about Cabo and Southern Baja.
Almost 40% of the Southern Baja residents were born in another part of Mexico. (I always enjoy locating a Cabo native and learning from them about Cabo in the early years)
Baja Sur is the least populated state in all of Mexico, however the population of Southern Baja has doubled in the past 20 years. (637,026 people at last count) 325,433 men and 311,593 women. 96% of those age 6-14 attend school.
There are almost 11,000 people who speak an indigenous dialect.
Religion: 82.7% Catholics, 7.5% Christians of different denominations.
Commerce and Service employees 72.4% of the population with 17.5% working in manufacturing and construction. 9.2% work in agricultural activities.
Electricity has reached 96.7% of the homes with 87.8% receiving water from the city.
94% of homes have TV, 88.6 have refrigerators, 69.7% own at least one car, 40.7% have a telephone, 41.5% own a computer, 33.2% have internet and 86.5% own at least one cell phone.
Please feel free to add any other interesting facts you may know about Cabo and Southern Baja.
We always enjoy reading the Gringo Gazette, one of Cabo’s local English newspapers. The owner/editor Carrie Duncan is always creative as are the other contributing writers. Next time you are in Cabo pick up a copy or go online. Here’s the link: http://www.gringogazette.tv/
In a recent issue, March 28, I found the following article and thought it would be fun to share.
Who Reads What?
And is anybody reading the Gringo Gazette?
1. The Wall Street Journal is read by the people who run the U.S.
2. The Washington Post is read by people who think they run the U.S.
3. The New York Times is read by people who think they should run the U.S. and who are very good at crossword puzzles.
4. USA Today is read by people who think they ought to run the U.S. but don’t really understand The New York Times. They do, however, like their statistics shown in pie charts.
5. The Los Angeles Times is read by people who wouldn’t mind running the U.S., if they could find the time–and if they didn’t have to leave Southern California to do it.
6. The Boston Globe is read by people whose parents used to run the country and did a poor job of it.
7. The New York Daily News is read by people who aren’t too sure who’s running the U.S. and don’t really care as long as they can get a seat on the train.
8. The New York Post is read by people who don’t care who is running the U.S. as long as they do something really scandalous, preferably while intoxicated.
9. The Miami Herald is read by people who are running another country, but need the baseball scores.
10. The San Francisco Chronicle is read by people who aren’t sure if there is a United States or that anyone is running it; but if so, they oppose all that they stand for. There are occasional exceptions if the leaders are handicapped, minority, feminist, atheist dwarfs who also happen to be illegal aliens form any other country or galaxy, provided of course, that they are not Republicans.
11. The National Enquirer is read by people trapped in line at the grocery store.
12. The Gringo Gazette is read by people in Mexico who have recently caught a fish and need something to wrap it in.
March 21 is a national holiday in Mexico celebrating Benito Juarez Day. Benito Juarez was born on March 21, 1806 and died July 18, 1872. His full name was Benito Pablo Juarez Garcia and he was a lawyer and politician from Oaxaca. He served 5 terms as President of Mexico from 1858 to 1872. He is known for being the first Mexican leader who did not have a military background and was also the first full-blooded indigenous national ever to serve at President of Mexico and to lead a country in the Western Hemisphere. During his reign he resisted French occupation, overthrew the Empire and restored the Republic. He is also known for his liberal efforts to modernize the country.
Today he is remembered as a progressive reformer dedicated to democracy and equal rights. His time as President is known as La Reforma (the reform), and “constituted a liberal political and social revolution”. His photo is on the 20 pesos bank note.
Mexican banks, state and federal offices and local offices will be closed today.
Father Nicolas Tamaral established the Mission San Jose del Cabo Anuiti in 1730 as part of the Jesuit colonization of the peninsula of Baja California. The building site was moved by the missionaries on several occasions in an attempt to flee from epidemics and mosquito infestations, while securing a source of fresh water. Early buildings were simple structures of adobe, sticks and palm fronds, vulnerable to storm damage.
In 1734, the region’s Pericu Indians destroyed the four southern missions, including the Mission of San Jose. Father Tamaral was murdered with great cruelty during the uprising which is depicted on the tile mural above the church’s entrance.
The Jesuits left the Baja Peninsula in 1768, to be followed by the Franciscans and then the Dominicans. The Combonian missionaries served the Mission of San Jose from 1948 to 1986. Since, the church has been in the hands of diocesan clergy.
The twin-towered church seen today was built in 1932, at the traditional location on the plaza long occupied by the Mission of San Jose.
Top 10 Spanish words to know when going to Cabo:
- Cerveza – Beer
- Baños – Bathroom
- La Cuenta – check
- Agua – Water
- La Playa – Beach
- Hola – Hello
- Gracias – Thank you
- Adios – Bye
- La Tienda – The Store
- El Restaurante – The Restuarant
Since moving to Mexico my husband and I have had insurance with SkyMed and whether you travel internationally or only in the United States you may want to check in to their services. Whenever you are more than 100 miles from home SkyMed’s Wings of Life are only a toll-free call away. Since 1989 SkyMed has earned an enviable reputation within the North American community of travelers. For more information here is a link:
http://www.skymed.com/bajasurvacationrentals
Vacation Rental How-To’s
Taking a vacation? What about the Vacation Rental option?
Despite the down turn in the economy, many individuals, families and groups are still traveling but just on a more conservative budget. Renting vacation homes is gaining popularity as many people are realizing they offer affordability, amenities and privacy that is very difficult to find in a hotel or resort stay.
When you have a large group or family reunion, renting a home with several bedrooms can be up to 40% less expensive that the cost of several hotel or resort rooms.
When searching for the vacation rental for you and your group, use the following guidelines:
Be flexible on your dates as this will help in the booking of a vacation home. Expect to pay a premium rate during the holiday seasons and discounts during the off season. So, if you are on a restricted budget, you may want to look at the off season.
Decide on your list of amenities you will desire during your stay as many homes offer private pools and Jacuzzi’s, BBQ’s, tennis courts, recreational rooms and patios or decks for gathering and viewing. You should decide on how many bedrooms and bathrooms you will need and just as important, what sleeping accommodations are needed. That is, do you want a king, queen or twin size beds for your group and will the rooms be private or shared.
You also want to ask the question on what supplies are in the house. Most homes have all of the sheets, towels and paper products needed. Obviously, many of the larger villas offer toiletries, hair dryers and much more… To avoid any problems, ask he rental agent about your needs and requests prior to your arrival.
You should also do a little homework about the area so you are somewhat familiar with attractions, activities, shopping areas, grocery stores and emergency facilities in the area. You can also ask your rental agent about concierge services and everything they have to offer to you during your stay. Your contact at Baja Sur Vacation Rentals has lived in Cabo full time for over 10 years and has been in every home we rent.
Please contact Baja Sur Vacation Rentals about their vacation homes and the professional concierge services they offer to their clients.
www.baja.ryancharleston.com
E-mail: info@bajasurvacationrentals.com
Toll Free (888) 332-8477.
Go away and enjoy your vacation…….Hot suggestions
Going on Vacation?? Leave your Blackberry behind. Experts say that people who are connected to the office, even while lounging on the beach are less likely to receive the full benefits of a vacation.
Stay healthy on vacation……
Before you go, start adjusting your sleep schedule to your destination’s time zone. If you are heading overseas or your itinerary includes outdoorsy type activities, check to make sure all of your vaccinations are up to date. You do not want any nasty diseases for a souvenir.
During your stay seek out sightseeing activities that incorporate fitness like a hiking or walking that will burn about 300 calories an hour. Start you lunch and dinner with a salad or broth based soup. You will consume approximately 12 percent fewer calories during your stay.
After you vacation, schedule a post massage with a really good masseuse. Even a short massage will ease your travel aches and boost your mood.
While on the plane, turn off the air nozzle above your sat as it can circulate airborne germs…….
Cabo San Lucas Fun is where it all begins
Now more than ever it is time to soak up the sun and enjoy the outdoor activities offered in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. With its near perfect climate, spectacular beaches & romantic sunsets, Cabo San Lucas fun is the ideal year round getaway offering a vacation experience like no other.
Whether you are planning a quick weekend getaway or a long leisurely stay, Cabo San Lucas offers everything you can imagine and you are invited to come along and enjoy our paradise….
Incomparable Destination:
With numerous water & land activities offered in one place, you will run out of time before you run out of things to do! Whether it is playing golf on one of the many World Class Golf Courses in Los Cabos or fishing the blue open seas in the Marlin Capital of the World, you will create vacation memories of a lifetime.
Outdoor Activities:
Championship Golf, World Class Deep Sea Fishing, ATV’s, Sunset Cruises, Water Activities, Horseback Riding, Dolphin Adventure, Snorkeling and Scuba Tours, City & Local Tours plus plenty more can be booked by Baja Sur Vacation Rental Company during your stay.
The Beach, of Course:
With miles of pristine beaches, there are 3 recommended swimming beaches in Los Cabos. Medano, Santa Maria & Chileno Bay are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and scuba or just relaxing and taking in the spectacular pristine beach, rock outcroppings and beautiful water.
Still Looking for More:
For your perfect vacation to Cabo San Lucas, contact Baja Sur Vacation Rental Company and we will make all of your arrangements for you during your stay. We offer spectacular vacation rentals so you can enjoy your vacation in the privacy of your own home, villa or condo. In addition we can make all of your transportation, provisioning and local activity reservations during your stay.