The San Felipe Blog

Yes, it has been awhile. San Felipe, in many ways, is still the same, yet in many ways it is very, very different.

The economy has taken its toll on this sleepy little drinking village with a fishing problem, but many residents still enjoy all the regular benefits of San Felipe living.

On the other hand, property values have plummeted and events which used to attract droves of persons now attract handfuls.

Why? Besides the economy, there’s the exaggerations by the U.S media. San Felipe has always been, and for some time to come will be, one of the safest places to vacation or to live. I reside in Los Angeles, and I can tell you I feel more safe in San Felipe than any given day driving around the southland.

If you’re interested in affordable investment properties, now is the time! Many persons are looking to get out of their properties so badly, you can just take over payments. Not all of those deals are great, but there are some real gems to be found right now in San Felipe.

I’m looking myself at the possibility of buying soon…

It’s been awhile since I”ve been to San Felipe. I can tell you that what I hear from the locals is that there is NOT the violence and other mayhem experienced in the border towns and up and down the west coast of baja.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again Thanksgiving Weekend!

It looks like a small turnout for the summer water volleyball tournament and La Ventana del Mar (El Dorado Ranch). Three teams, maybe four.

At least everyone will get a trophy…

I’ve never been on a first place team, so it would be nice–even with such a small showing–to take home the big trophy

Yesterday, I finally made it back to San Felipe! The Mexican 5 freeway has A LOT of construction on it right as you are leaving Mexicali. Expect delays.

The four lane road going into San Felipe from about El Dorado Ranch is nearly complete. It’s open most of the way into town, and I have to say I am loving it.

Now if the Pemex station north of town would just open, we’d be all set.

Heading off to play water volleyball at La Ventana del Mar right now!

Mexicans don’t really celebrate May 5 like we think they do… It’s not their version of the fourth of July, it was just a battle they won with the French.

So in San Felipe, the party’s are more for the Americans who think it’s a huge Mexican holiday!

It was a lot of fun being in San Felipe for the weekend, but the weekend did not differ very much from any other random weekend I spend in San Felipe.

The Baja 250′s this weekend, and I’m going to miss it. Bummer.

Any one who made it this year, feel free to tell us all the juicy details.

If you’re not a race fan, you might want to avoid San Felipe this weekend!!!

Something you don’t see every day in San Felipe is an elephant and a camel just strolling down the main drag into San Felipe, Chetumal. The beasts were headed down to the Malecon not for the night life and the great view of the Sea of Cortez, but to be a part of the celebration of Carnaval!

I couldn’t resist pulling over and taking a few pictures with my camera phone when I saw this sight.

For the time being, the construction of the excellent condos in La Ventana del Mar has been halted. Workers were laid off, and there’s nothing going on.

Rumors abound when something like this happens, and I’m sure it doesn’t do much to bolster confidence in those who may already be a little gun shy about property in Mexico.

I’ve heard everything from Pat Butler is going bankrupt to it’s just a dispute over interest rates. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle.

From what I can tell, all the bank notes came due and interest rates are higher. So the cash flow isn’t there until the refinancing goes through. Who knows what would happen if they can’t get something worked out within the budget…

The Mexican version of Mardi Gras is Carnaval, and it’s going on right now in San Felipe.

On Saturday, I went to watch the parade down on the malecon. It was no Rose Parade, but it was much better than I expected and a whole lot of fun.

Of special note the El Dorado Ranch float had an African tribal theme and their presentation was outstanding. El Dorado hired a choreographer and used local San Felipe residents for the dance. I was extremely impressed by the job they did in putting it all together. The float certainly drew a nice crowd.

If you’re in the San Felipe area, you can check out the El Dorado float and all of the others on fat Tuesday itself. The parade runs Saturday and Sunday, already passed, and again on Tuesday.

Carnaval and Mardi Gras are celebrations in Catholic regions where they let it all hang loose prior to Ash Wednesday and the season of sacrifice during Lent.

Pictures coming soon! I used my camera phone, but Verizon does not work in San Felipe, so I have to wait until I get back to the States to get the pics off of my phone.

Well, there was no tournament, so I didn’t have to make a decision about whether to play or not. Evidently, they’re going to be doing tournaments on a monthly basis this year. You’d think they’d have the common sense to put it on a holiday weekend