Gerry Lidstrom

Gerry Lidstrom is a retired english teacher living most of the year in northern Baja California, and summers in Minnesota. He writes regularly for the Baja Review and keeps very busy with all the associations, clubs and activities in Rosarito. He wouldn't trade his ocean front condo for any place on earth, now. Who knows about the future. Watch for his travel articles.

The Taco

Nothing says “America” quite like the hot dog and likewise nothing says “Mexico” quite like the taco.  I have eaten quite a few of both.  Each is quick, easy, and tasty. When I was teaching junior high English in Minnesota our Spanish teacher would prepare tacos as a treat for her students four times a year.  She would commandeer the …

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Beach Lingo

We love Puerto Vallarta.  We like the area in the heart of the old city, with cobblestone streets, not the high rise hotels just south of the airport, all white and glossy, nor the new development called Nuevo Vallarta.  We stay at Los Arco’s, named for the famed monolithic rock formations out in the bay.  We return yearly because we …

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Camels, Rhinos, and Turtles, Oh My!

Some of us are collectors.  I have a friend who collects cookie jars.  She has perhaps 400 lined up on top of her kitchen cabinets, on specially designed shelves and spread throughout her home.  She didn’t begin by thinking, “I’m going to collect cookie jars.” It just happened.  Friends, knowing her passion, give her cookie jars.  She hunts antique stores …

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Carnaval

The long dark nights and short days of January are almost behind us and February is the season of Carnaval.  This huge, festive time of celebration, indulgence and partying occurs before the Christian church enters into Lent on Ash Wednesday.  This year Carnival is February 11-17. Interestingly ‘carnival’ means the end or farewell to meat.  It comes from Latin “carn” …

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Betty’s Burgers

Aren’t we all looking for that perfect burger?  The one that exemplifies all we want in a burger?  I want my burger a bit thick, like a hockey puck…. and juicy, not perfectly round with the thickness of a CD case.  I shun those pre-made, perfectly formed frozen burgers that are typically thrown on the grill, sometimes even in the …

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In 1492

In fourteen hundred ninety-two Columbus sailed the ocean blue.  He had three ships and left from Spain; He sailed through sunshine, wind and rain.  He sailed by night; he sailed by day.  He used the stars to find his way. How many of us remember that little ditty?  Or maybe only the first two lines?  It cemented in our minds, …

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Heroic Children

Driving through Tijuana on my way to the border I have crossed Avenida Niños de los Heroes many times, not to be confused with Avenue of the Heroes.  But, why is there an avenue memorializing children?  I learned a fascinating and sad part of Mexicoʼs history. The story has captured the hearts and minds of most Mexicans who look on …

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Missing Home

Last night I asked my wife how long we have been back in Minnesota.  She said, “Two weeks.”  Funny, I thought, it seems more like three.  Generally, I can’t believe how fast the time goes by.  So, it’s strange to think that time has slowed down here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.  Or is it because I so desperately …

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Susanna’s – Not Just For Company

A lot of people suggest Susanna’s Restaurant as a special place to go for a great dinner, especially when you want to impress friends or family who are visiting from the States, or for a special occasion like an anniversary, birthday or Valentine’s Day.  But, we like to go when we just want an especially well-prepared dinner and a great …

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The Driver’s Test

My wife and I have decided to make our move to Rosarito full-time.  After ten years of living here part-time, we feel comfortable in making the total commitment.  But, that involves some major changes. First hurdle, obtain a California driver’s license.  I went online and found and printed some practice tests.  Always one to take short cuts, I figured we’d …

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