TJ.
Written: Apr 12 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Fascinating.
Cons: Corruption.
The Bottom Line: It's a crazy, free for all city complete with an airport, a multitude of hotels, a bevy of restaurants and thousands of stores.
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| krbsurf's Full Review: Tijuana |
I've been going to Tijuana since I was 17 years old. This town is electric, dirty, fascinating, scary, and thought provoking all at once! I wanted to give my impression of the city and it's people so that you might make and educated decision on whether or not it is a place you visit some day. Remember though, border towns are different than the countries interior. It is a mixture of two cultures which oftentimes makes for a very chaotic juxtaposition.
An amazement always follows crossing that man made line separating the U.S from Mexico. This change is foreshadowed as you drive down the 5 freeway before entering Mexico when you can see a gigantic Mexican flag waving in the wind 5 miles in the distance. How can scenery change so suddenly. The streets are like battlefields with only the slightest adherence to traffic laws. Motorists play out a ballet of cars, maneuvering to avoid the numerous potholes. Cabbies drive as the kamikaze flies, weaving in and out of traffic like it were a slolem course on bear mountain. Prosperity to poverty in both sight and smell best describes the transition. Beggars and vendors infest the busy intersections, but after a while they become faceless, blending into the surrounding scenery that you drive by but do not see, building walls, preserving your perfect illusion of mankind. Feeling secure in your position even though it was the simple matter of where you were born that allows you to feel sorry and not be felt sorry for. Neighborhoods comprised of little shanties stand defiantly on stilts precariously located on eroding land. They are covered with blue tarps to keep out the rains of winter. Clothes line farms dry crops of clothing and run like telephone wires between the walls of the graffiti painted dwellings.
Once entering the city center you are thrust into the middle of busy sidewalks (full of American tourists in their Khaki shorts intent on acting like they belong, but in their drama drawing attention to their uneasiness) which border shops selling everything from zip knifes and sombreros to moccasins and fake gold. An old man sits wrinkled in his folding chair selling Mexican cigarettes for a dollar a pack. A little niña, with her big brown eyes, tugs on pant legs using the hard sell approach to peddle gum. Dark skinned mothers sit cross legged, newborn in arms, begging for the money which will feed the three children curled up napping at her side. Men with whistle adorned necks and full body aprons stand at entrances to bars soliciting patrons with “Two for one drinks” and “No cover charge.” Anything you could imagine, and things you never wanted to see. Taco stands emanating exotic smells, sport books and strip clubs.
Once night falls the club scene starts to heat up. On a Friday or Saturday night the streets are teaming with underage American kids looking for a good time. If this is not your scene, make sure to be out of there by 8:00 p.m.
ADVICE!!! Travel with cash being sure to have $50.00-$100.00 in small bills. Do not, under any circumstance have more than $50.00-$100.00 in your pocket at any time. When you run out there are plenty of ATM machines that will pay you in pesos (you can exchange these at any number of money changers located throughout the city if you have some left over when you are leaving.) This money is essential if you are stopped by the local authorities for a traffic violation, etc. They take bribes in Mexico. Trust me that paying this "fee" is better than spending time at the court house. Remember to be courteous and nice when dealing with the officers. Your American rights mean nothing in Mexico.
ADVICE!!! If you can, walk across the border and take a taxi. Driving in Mexico is an acquired skill. Most cab rides in the yellow taxis cost about $5.00. Tip: The red taxis will cost you about .50 cents but you will be sharing with people going to and from work and the grocery store. It can get crowded in these red taxis.
In Tijuana you can find anything you want to buy or have any experience you want to have if you are willing to pay the price (very, very negotiable!) Be ready to barter. Prescription medications, Spanish tile, arts and crafts, clothing, auto repair, plastic surgery, dentists, children's toys and much, much more is available.
If you are in the mood to have some lunch while visiting TJ I would suggest Carnitas Uruapan. Any taxi driver will know where it is and give you a ride there for about 5 bucks. Their specialty is Carnitas (Pork chunks simmered to perfection in giant copper pots.) Bring your appetite as they provide a lot of food for a reasonable price. Oh, and you have to try the hot dogs sold by dozens of street vendors. They are wrapped in bacon and dressed with your choice of mayo, salsa, mustard, onions, tomatoes, or ketchup. They are fantastic and go for about .75 cents each.
This is a snapshot of Tijuana but by no means does this tell you everything there is to know. Just a jumping off point!
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Singles
Best Time to Travel Here: Jun - Aug
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Epinions.com ID:
krbsurf
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Location: Vista, CA USA
Reviews written: 21
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
A So-Cal Surfer with a couple of things to say!
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