Customer Reviews

Baja Legends: The Historic Characters, Events, and Locations That Put Baja California on the Map (Sunbelt Cultural Heritage Books)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

While I found the writing style simplistic, fifth-grader-like, the book is a great guide to read as you are bumping along the Transpenisular. It highlights points of interest and trivia that make the traveler more aware of and in touch with the history of Baja. It also provides a brief overview of the pre-history and Mission history of the peninsula which are essential to an understanding how Baja evolved the way it has.

I used to live down in Baja and this book sure makes me want to go back. The author has put a lot of information--history and the like--in his book, but what really comes across is the fun he's had traveling there, especially the people he's met. He writes about all the people I remember, like Mama Espinoza and the Reyes' family, but also about places I haven't been, like down in the East Cape. Can't take a vacation yet this year--guess I'll just reread the book!

I have been going to Baja for almost 25 years and have a place near Loreto. I ordered Baja Legends the other day because of the title thinking it would be full of interesting characters and new information. It is more like an encyclopedia. Facts. Lots of them.

As a seasoned Baja traveller, having visited most of the places described in the book I found the book very interesting. This is the type of book where you can pick and choose your topic,there no need to follow page by page, chapter by chapter. The author, Greg Niemann has written another book about Baja entitled Baja Fever: Journeys into Mexico's Intriguing Peninsula, so he knows his subject, mostly from first hand experience . As stated I have visited many of the places but did not know some of the history behind the places. The history of the development of the tourist destination of Baja is very interesting and steeped in myth and legend. The authors sifts through all the information and presents a well documented account of what really happened in many instances debunkng some of the myths. The little known history of Baja is fascinating. The influence of foreign investors and old Hollywood retreats in Baja is part of the folklore that makes Baja what it is today. If you are the type of person who likes to lodge information in your brain for later recall than this book is for you. This is a great book for reference for that trip to Baja or to recall when you take friends down and pull a "did you know that...." About three fourths of the book is dedicated to the regions of Baja that are in the North, down as far as San Quintin. Central Baja south to Cabo is covered in the rest of the book. The book is recommended for the Baja traveler and community libraries.

Greg Niemann's 'Baja Legends' is a superb book which combines a sense of history, myth and legend with wonderful descriptions of the sights, sounds and tastes of beautiful Baja, Mexico- one of the last truly 'undiscovered gems' left for adventurers to see right on the doorstep of the United States. The book sets the scene with a very interesting and readable introduction which covers the explorations in the 1600's and 1700's, including the colonialization by the Missionaries who established the series of Missions running from Baja up through northern California. This gets the reader ready for tales of pirates, thieves and more kindred spirits- the priests who came to spread the word of God (although some spread much more than that) through their nefarious activities. Niemann takes you from the early period up through the present day, with stops at cave dwellings, roadside stands, museums and shops all along the way outlining special places of interest.

If you have never been to Baja and haven't done much exploring in the southwestern U.S., there's a good chance you've heard some half-truths about the region. Yes- many parts of Baja are dry, arid desolate wasteland where you couldn't survive for more than a few days without running to the nearest village for assistance. Yet, there are many spots which are stunningly gorgeous- coastlines where beaches have no footprints on them, serene, wonderful panoramas where you can relax and enjoy nature's wonderful beauty... The desert has a desolate beauty all its own- something you just don't see in New York or Pennsylvania or Iowa. I lived in San Diego for ten years (1988-98) and visited Baja many times, driving down to Ensenada, Rosarito Beach, San Felipe and other spots to enjoy the food and scenery. I've also flown down to Cabo San Lucas, the 'hot spot' at the very tip which gets all the tourist attention. NOTE: for those planning to visit Cabo, be aware that in addition to the 'standard' VAT tax on hotels- they have an ADDITIONAL Cabo tax of 10% or more- so be prepared to pay roughly 30%- 40% more for your stay than the brochures indicate. I personally recommend visiting the less crowded spots (like San Felipe and points further South along the coast) where you can relax and enjoy the vistas without huge crowds (like in Tijuana and Cabo). The further South you go, the more beautiful it gets!! If you like to explore and don't mind taking a 4-wheel drive into remote areas, Baja is definitely a place to go. You can find historic Missions from the 1700's, quaint little villages with wonderful restaurants and cordial people- and see sites you've never come close to seeing before in the U.S.- as the land is largely undeveloped.

I personally met Greg Niemann at the Street Fair (Village Fest) in downtown Palm Springs recently and he is a knowledgeable traveler who knows the subject quite well. It's clear he has visited and re-visited the sites many times and knows the territory. 'Baja Legends' is a must read for those who will be doing some exploration of the region- and even a fun read for those 'armchair travelers' who just want to learn more about the area. I highly recommend this book- and I plan to return to Baja someday (with it in my travel bag)...

Buy this one--seriously, it has so much more than history. It's got plenty of photos and maps, but it also has great stories about famous and not so famous locations, and stories about hotels, and famous names, and places to go, and even some great bars.

the book is very interesting in that it goes town by town and tells the stories that are real or legendary about real people who lived there. it is the type of book that you can read and reread and put down and pick up at a later date. quite enjoyable and i recommend it for anyone who wants to know what came before !!