Mexican resort towns like Cancun, Acapulco and Cabo San Lucas are major spring break destinations. Hundreds of thousands of college students flock to these beach resorts and other places south of the border to take advantage of cheaper prices and fewer restrictions. But spring break in Mexico might be a little less crowded this year. The Texas Department of Public Safety has issued a statement advising students to avoid Mexico during spring break, with the department’s head saying that continuously escalating drug violence has made it too dangerous, especially for young, inexperienced travelers. For the most part, tourists have not been targets of drug gangs. However, there have been frequent shootouts between rival gangs, cartel members and Mexican armed forces. The biggest danger for spring break travelers would be getting caught in the crossfire of such gun battles.
The Department of Public Safety’s statement didn’t mince words: “Our safety message is simple: avoid traveling to Mexico during Spring Break and stay alive.” Though the statement focused on Mexico as a whole, Texans are especially concerned about areas near the border that are especially prone to violence and especially easy for tourists to access. The statement specifically mentioned Falcon Lake, a body of water that straddles the border. An American jet skier was killed by a sniper this past summer when he strayed onto the Mexican side of the lake. Authorities believe he was killed by members of a drug gang who mistook him for a rival gang member or law enforcement official. A U.S. Customs agent was also recently attacked and killed in a Mexican town along the Texas border.
In total, 68 people from the U.S. were killed in Mexico last year, most as a result of drug-related violence. Tens of thousands of Mexicans have been killed since authorities began using the army to crackdown on drug gangs. A recent spate of shootings in Juarez, one of Mexico’s most violent cities, lead to the deaths of three people associated with the U.S. Consulate. Recent bloody incidents in Cancun (including several be-headings blamed on cartel enforcers) probably inspired Texas decide to issue a country-wide warning rather than simply focusing on the border areas.
Of course, not everyone will heed the warnings. Cancun alone sees well over 100,000 college students annually during spring break. MTV still plans to continue its popular spring break events, which will be held in Acapulco this year. Mexico, which relies heavily on tourism for income, will undoubtedly be upping the security. However, that has not warded off violence in the past. Drug gangs have showed a willingness to have fire fights with police and army officials rather than avoiding them. Because of the many instances of violence, it almost seems inevitable that spring break revelers somewhere in Mexico will end up caught in the cross-fire. If you are traveling to Mexico for spring break or vacation this year, use common sense to protect yourself. Better yet, talk to local law enforcement about what you can do to stay safe.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
visit vacation and retire in san felipe,mexico!
san felipe,mx
a great place to vacation or buy beach property!
About 200,000+ American expatriates live in Baja California. The Baja California Real estate in coastal resorts such as Rosarito and San Felipe are notable for offering affordable homes, which can be easily purchased by retirees while still holding US citizenship. There is also a considerable immigrant community from Central and South America, as well as Canada. Immigrants who work in San Diego earn better, pushing Baja California Real estate prices several notches higher, and prefer to live in Tijuana, which has a considerable American population. The investment prospects in Baja California are much diverse than they were even a year ago. There are many successful developers in the U.S. who are also building good projects in Baja Norte. There is a new security in purchasing here and it is attracting investors from not only the U.S. but also from Europe and Asia. The best thing here is, the fundamental criteria for buying Baja property are no different to buying in the United States when it comes to an investment opportunity.
Worry free vacations in Baja
Truly a vacationer's paradise, Baja California has something for everyone, with wonderful water sports, fishing and sailing, trekking, wildlife and exotic destinations to explore and simple relaxing activities. Baja California cruises are a great way to explore this fascinating peninsula as there is a long, long shoreline, and are dotted with islands on the Pacific shore. Guadalupe Island is especially noted due to its big colonies of sea lions. The Todos Santos Islands are popular with surfers offering some of the highest waves worldwide, and the diving, snorkeling and kayaking opportunities are truly unique. Great shopping, modern resort hotels, fabulous beaches, and unbelievable weather fulfill every traveler's dream.
Baja California vacation rentals are very popular, as it is not possible to experience the variety of this land without staying for a while. Whether it a beach condo, a cottage or villa, or an apartment, Baja California vacation rentals have something for every budget, and brings out the true spirit of a Mexico vacation Baja California vacation rentals feature much better views and amenities than hotels!.
The best of Mexico in Baja With winery tours available, horseback riding, the freshness of open air dining and the nearby sea lion show, unparalleled seascape and exhilarating water sports, Baja California has a very tourist-friendly atmosphere. Many Baja California Airlines offer convenient round trips that allow the traveler peace of mind while on a vacation, and travel between the airports. It is little wonder that people who visit once want to never go back!
san felipe 250 2011
25th Annual MasterCraft Safety Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250
March 10-13, 2011—San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico. Total Entries: 135 (as of 2/12/11) (from 18 States, Canada, Finland, Germany, Mexico)
Race to honor memory of long-time SCORE Mexican liaison Jose ‘Pepe’ Limon
LOS ANGELES - Round 2 of the 2011 SCORE Desert Series will be held March 10-13 in Mexico’s picturesque fishing village of San Felipe, located 120 miles south of the U.S. border on the East side of the Baja California peninsula along the azure waters of the tranquil Sea of Cortez.
As part of the festivities of the 25th anniversary of the popular SCORE ‘spring-break’ race, SCORE has made it a memorial race to honor long-time SCORE Mexican liaison Jose ‘Pepe’ Limon, who passed away last November at age 73.
With entries accepted up to race morning, over 275 entries from over 20 US States and 10 countries expected to enter the race and competition will be held in 28 Pro and 6 Sportsman classes in the popular race. The green flag will drop at 6 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, for the motorcycle and ATV classes, followed three hours after the last Sportsman ATV later by the car and truck classes at approximately 10 a.m. The start line and finish line for the race is scheduled to once again be the landmark San Felipe Arches on Highway 5 on the outskirts of San Felipe. One vehicle will start every 30 seconds in the elapsed-time race, with an 11-hour time limit to become an official finisher.
Following January’s season-opening SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge, the World’s Foremost Desert Racing Series will be visiting Mexico for the first of its three annual SCORE Baja races
Andy McMillin, National City, Calif., and his father Scott, race in SCORE Trophy-Truck, while Scott’s daughter Jessica McMillin is racing in Protruck. Scott’s brother Mark McMillin, El Cajon, Calif., is also racing in SCORE Trophy-Truck while Mark’s sons Daniel (Class 1) and Luke (Class 1-2/1600) are also entered in this year’s event. This year’s race will use a race course of just under 250 miles that is very similar to the past two years with a few modifications beyond those caused by normal weather conditions. Running in a counter clockwise direction out of San Felipe up to and then parallel to Highway 3 (south side) and then south back down through three of the most picturesque and challenging washes in all of Baja.
After the start at the landmark San Felipe Arches, the race will proceed north and then Northwest and then south to the entrance of majestic Matomi Wash. After Matomi, the challenging course will run through two more of the infamous Baja canyons—Huatomote and Chanate before heading back Northwest for the final sprint to the finish line.
The pre-race Manufacturer’s Midway and tech inspection of the vehicles in the race will be held on Friday, March 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the picturesque Malecon, flanked by the Sea of Cortez on one side and the popular restaurants and night clubs of San Felipe on the other.
Round 2 of the 2011 SCORE Desert Series, the MasterCraft Safety Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 annually provides a greater economic impact to San Felipe than the popular six-week-long ‘Spring Break’.
The race began in 1982 and was not held between 1985 and 1989, the first five years of the seven-year combined High Desert Racing Association-HDRA/SCORE Desert Series of US and Baja races. It has been held consecutively each year since 1990.
In its first 24 years, the race was held in San Felipe all but 2007 when political issues forced a last minute move by SCORE, starting it in Ensenada and finishing it in Santo Tomas. Ironically, 2007 saw a race-record 394 starters and a race record 288 finishers even though the race was moved and the course changed just 10 days before the event. The records when the race actually started and finished in San Felipe are 341 for starters in 2006 and 220 for finishers, also in 2006.
In addition to season class point championships, the racers are also competing for part of the nearly $400,000 in cash purse and contingency postings in this event. Drivers in the Pro car and truck classes are also attempting to earn prestigious SCORE Toyota Milestone Awards given to drivers who complete every required mile of the five-race season. Being presented by Toyota Motorsports for the 26th consecutive year, a total of 72 drivers remain eligible after Round 1 of the 2011 SCORE Desert Series. Racers are also competing for the annual SCORE Off-Roadsman of the Year awards, including the MasterCraft Safety SCORE Rookie of the Year award, which includes a $2,000 MasterCraft bonus.
For more information, contact SCORE at its Los Angeles headquarters 818.225.8402 or visit the official website of the 2011 SCORE Desert Series at www.score-international.com.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Spring Break, Girls Gone Wild and Fish Tacos--Go Figure
On The Range
Spring Break, Girls Gone Wild and Fish Tacos--Go Figure
By Chris Meesey, Wednesday, Mar. 3 2010 @ 2:48PM
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Via Rubio's Glorious, Famous Menu
How appropriate that fish tacos, the perfect beachside snack, were first introduced to the States by an American college student who became obsessed with them while on Spring Break at a Mexican beach. So says Barry Popik, eminent etymologist and Austin guru of word origins.
Although most historians trace the innovation of fish tacos to Baja California, there is some debate as to whether the town of Ensanada or San Felipe is the true source of their birth. Popik points to the latter, citing the tale of college student Ralph Rubio, who traveled every spring to San Felipe to surf, soak up rays, and camp for free on the beach.
One night, a hungry Ralph spotted a tiny taco stand advertising the fishy treat, ordered one, and promptly became obsessed. Popik adds: "Over time, Ralph became pals with Carlos, the man behind the counter."
Carlos showed Ralph how his fish tacos were made. Ralph went back to San Diego and perfected a recipe of his own. Several years later, with his father Ray as partner, he opened his first restaurant - a walk-up stand in Mission Beach. Since that day back in 1983, Ralph, with the help of a lot of great people, has sold more than 50 million fish tacos."
Today, Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill sells his "Beach-Mex" at over 100 locations in five Western states. Gee, most guys try to pick up girls on Spring Break, not entire business empires.
girlsurfingtaco.jpg
Shopeatsurf.com
Surfing The Rubio's, man.
While San Felipe is a tiny village on the Gulf of California, the much larger Pacific port of Ensanada also claims to have spawned the fish taco. In an article entitled "History of Tortilla, History of Taco," What's Cooking America Web site writer Linda Stradley notes that while fish tacos have been popular there since the 1958 opening of the Mercado Negro, Ensenada's incredible fish market, they doubtless have been around for much longer:
"People in the coastal areas of Mexico have been eating fish tacos for a long time.The history of fish tacos could seemly go back thousands of years to when indigenous North American peoples first wrapped the plentiful offshore catch into stone-ground corn tortillas...(Today), the best place to sample them is at any of the small food stands that line the streets around the Mercado Negro. The fish tacos served are simply small pieces of batter-coated, fried fish in a hot corn or wheat tortilla."
What kind of fish is used in fish tacos? Anything that swims, apparently. The classic Rubio's fish taco recipe calls for whitefish, while Food Network gurus Bobby Flay and Rachel Ray offer versions featuring mahi mahi and halibut, respectively. In any case, New York Times writer Sam Sifton says, "For tacos, something fresh and white and firm. Emphasis on the fresh. Out in the cold waters off Montauk (Long Island), the cod bite is on and the flatties are coming soon: Big, doormat flounder, caught on hooks and line."
Unfortunately, our Addison neighbors and residents of The Colony can't just put on their waders and walk out into Long Island Sound for their daily catch. Instead, they must rely on places like Zen Bar, where the beer-battered white fish is combined with tomato, lettuce, fresh cilantro, and jack cheese, then drizzled with chipotle ranch for an almost creamy taste. More delicately textured than crunchy, Zen Bar's tacos are still good enough to keep you from making the long drive to Baja, either Ensanada or San Felipe. Plus, they will no doubt take you back to carefree days on the beach at Spring Break.
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fish, restaurants, tacos
for complete article visit; http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/cityofate/2010/03/spring_break_girls_gone_wild_a.php
san felipe,mx travel and info
San Felipe (Mexico)
From Wikitravel
North America : Mexico : Baja California : Baja California : San Felipe
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Contents
San Felipe is a city in Baja California, Mexico on the coast of the Gulf of California.
Understand
San Felipe was orignally a sleepy fishing village, barely connected by road to Mexicali over a long, often flooded, mud, or washed-out road. Over the years it has developed into a resort destination for both Americans and Mexicans. However, its fishing roots are still evident in the large commercial harbor south of town frequented by shrimp boats.
[edit] Get in
One of the easiest routes to San Felipe is via automobile, although you can fly into the small Aeropuerto International De San Felipe.
By Car
If you are coming from California, into Baja Mexico, there are two simple routes.
1. San Diego/Tijuana Border Crossing: Drive South on the Mexican 1-D to Ensenada. Then, take the Mexican 3 South to the Mexican 5. Head south on the Mexican 5. The 5 ends directly in San Felipe. This route takes you directly across the Baja Peninsula. You will pass two or sometimes three Mexican Army checkpoints, where you will be greeted and searched by soldiers. Leaving/entering San Felipe you will be searched thoroughly. Also leaving Ensenada, heading towards San Felipe there is another military thorough inspection, and not only cars are searhced. You will need to tell them your final destination. The Mexican 3 is notorious for major potholes and sometimes banditos. The drive will feel like it goes on forever.
2. Mexicali: The drive to San Felipe from the Mexicali border crossing is relatively more direct. Just hold South on the Mexican 5 all the way to San Felipe. The majority of this path will take you through desert terrain. Make sure to have extra water.
General driving advice:
Be very wary of Mexican big rigs. If a car or truck in front of you turns on its blinkers, this usually denotes that it is safe to pass on a two lane highway. Make sure your car is in good shape. Make sure to be able to speak even a little bit of Spanish! Also, few gas stations live along the road to San Felipe so make sure you have full tank of gas. It is best to fill up before you leave Mexicali or San Felipe. Another warning: Be careful with parking your car on the beach, regardless of it being 2 or 4-wheel drive. The tide is very quick, and will turn over your car/truck before you know
By plane
San Felipe has a small general aviation airport a few miles south of town.
Get around
The malecon (waterfront) is the center of San Felipe. Most of the bars and restaurants are situated here and are within walking distance of each other. Free, ample parking is usually available.
Many of the beach-front camps and vacation villages are a couple miles away from town. You will need a car to get into town.
Driving on the beach is an excellent way to get stuck shovelling sand for a few hours. While four-wheel drive vehicles are better at driving on the beach, they too will get stuck at particularly soft spots.
See
The tide. The Sea of Cortez has incredible tide changes. Walk out and see the ocean bed. Be wary of the tide though. The tide can take you and your car quickly if you park on the beach.
[edit][add listing] Do
* Whale-whatching. Many local fishermen will take you out on their boat for a fee. Take note that while a permit is not needed to fish from shore, a permit is needed to fish from a boat. Collecting clams and other shellfish is legal only for locals.
* The Baja 500 and Baja 1000 races often pass near or through San Felipe.
* California Motorsport Adventours Off road adventure tours for people of all riding abilities. Everyone welcome: families, couples, friends, single riders, bachelor and corporate groups. Our trips to San Felipe can be done in 4 or 5 days. Begin in San Diego, end in San Felipe. We can also customize tours around the Baja 500 and 1000. Contact the office for reservations and inquiries.
* Blues Festival. An annual event that normally takes place in April. Many local bands and a great way to enjoy the outdoors during the spring in Mexico edit
Buy
Most stores in San Felipe sell the same souvenirs: rings, necklaces, T-shirts, and so on. Typically, shopping will happen on a need basis -- "oh, I forgot to bring sunglasses; I'd better buy some", or else on a whim -- "That's a nice-looking ring". In addition to the actual stores, there are often peddlers walking around on the streets or beaches selling wares of some kind, usually personal accessories. Often, these people are associated with a store. Almost without exception, vendors in San Felipe accept the U.S. dollar.
Eat
Fish Tacos!! San Felipe is known as the birthplace of the fish taco and every restaurant on the malecon serves them. It is said to be the taste that launched Rubio's chain of Mexican restaurants. A trip to San Felipe would be incomplete without trying the local delicacy. Most places also serve tacos with other types of seafood as well. As with most eateries in Mexico, look for ones frequented by locals.
It is possible to buy seafood, especially shrimp (camerones) and clams (almejas), from local fish markets, or occasionally directly from the fishing vessels in the large commercial harbor.
* Brian's Beach Bar, Playa De Oro (North of San Felipe). Brian, orignally from Iowa, makes great Mexican and American food. You must try the tenderloin sandwich and the MaidRites.
* The Taco Factory, Downtown (At the melecon). Great tacos, quasedillas and cervezas
Drink
There's a couple of bars/clubs along the malecon. Some of the more popular ones are Rockodile and Beachcomber. Most restaurants serve beer and wine, and many have a full bar. Most of the campgrounds have a bar, making the stumble back to your tent relatively quick and painless.
Buy some Cuban rum, Coke, and limes at one of the local markets and drink Cuba Libres at your campsite on the beach.
Sleep
Many beach campgrounds ("campos" or "playas") are located a few miles north of town. Most offer a parking place, palapas, and bathrooms; some have showers.
Pete's Camp, outside of town is a friendly place with a great beach and a great bar. You get an interesting mix of college students and retirees here. *[1]
There are a number of adequate motels in town. There is a larger hotel south of town, near the commercial harbor.
Get out
Valley of the Giants is a natural Reserve of the thousand year old Cardon Cactus. This area has become a major visitors attraction due to the selection of one of these giant specimens that was transported to Seville, Spain during World Expo '92.
South of San Felipe, the paved road continues to Puertocitos, then by rough dirt road through Gonzaga Bay and back to Highway 1 between Catavina and Bay of Los Angeles
san felipe,mexico real estate,homes,and land
San Felipe Mexico
One stop for real estate and information
Summer BeachThe dream of millions of Americans is to own a home at the beach. The only obstacle for most folks is money. A postage size lot in Southern California, with an ocean view, costs in excess of one million dollars. In San Felipe, a beachfront home and land can be had for less $450,000.00.
If the beach is not your cup of tea, you can buy a three bedroom two bath home in a middle class San Felipe neighborhood for $65,000.00 or less. We have never seen a better market in Baja. With zero unemployment and proximity to the border, we are attracting workers from all over Mexico and Latin
SAN FELIPE MEXICO Where the Sea of Cortez, the Baja desert and 10,000 foot mountains come together to create a wonderland for tourists and great opportunities for investors.
Just two hours from the Calexico California border crossing; it is an easy five hour drive from Phoenix or San Diego airports. Private aviation can land at the San Felipe airport where clearing customs and immigration is a breeze
Baby Boomer retirees and young investors alike fall in love with San Felipe
* 360 days of sunshine
* The warm, azure blue sea of Cortez
* A tranquil fishing village with great shopping, restaurants, and night life
* Sea and Desert Sports: snorkeling, diving, great fishing, jet skiing, windsurfing, cycling, horseback riding, and the entire off road exploring and adventure anyone could ask for.
* The freedom to take your dog, your horse, your vehicle or create a campsite on the beach. Anything you want to do or take to the beach is OK in San Felipe. The myriad of rules and regulations in El Norte don’t apply in “live and let live” San Felipe.
* San Felipe residents and police are friendly and helpful people who respect the economic contribution made by tourists and foreign born retirees.
* A fine bicultural - bilingual “state of the art” hospital if you need it. Founded by a retired U.S. physician and his nurse practitioner wife it meets all the criteria of a top quality U.S. facility.
for more information on san felipe,mx real estate check out: www.sanfelipemexico.net
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