Our Story

     In 2014, a job transfer took our family of four from Oregon to Nevada. Moving south meant we were able to drive across the Mexican border in only a few hours, so we did it. Often. After many drives exploring the wild and wonderful Baja Peninsula, we considered the option of moving to Baja long-term. We selected Loreto for several reasons. Some, like having airport access and a place for the kids to go to school were obvious. Add to that the majestic Sierra Giganta and the crystalline waters of Bahía Concepción and it was sort of a no-brainer. 

     What we didn't expect was how quickly Loreto would embrace us. As outsiders in a town with plenty of ex-pats, we expected a certain resentment from the local population. After all, they were here first. This is their street, their grocery store, their school. We tried our best to respect this. Still, despite hours of Spanish lessons and best attempts to decipher local customs, we still made many mistakes. We didn't accept invitations out of shyness and fear, we sometimes forgot to inquire about a neighbor's health, we didn't linger in conversation quite long enough. It didn't matter. Loretanos are kind. Very kind. In the words of a local woman, Loretanos are "calientito" or "warm" in English.

     Thank goodness. I soon realized that good intentions and human spirit transcend language. Loreto has reinforced what I have always believed. People are nice. Especially in Mexico. So try your best to be nice back. Even better, try to be nice first and see what happens then.

     After only a few months we started to feel less like visitors and more like friends. I still don't feel like this is "my" land, and I hope I never do. It's more than enough for me to be welcomed with such kindness. With any luck, I can return the favor one day.