The city that never sleeps
Written: Jul 16 '02 (Updated Jul 16 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Interesting, exciting, great food, unique, colorful, good looking girls
Cons: dangerous
The Bottom Line: Tijuna is one of Mexico's most interesting cities. I would even reccomend TJ to people that are familar with the rest of Mexico because it is so much different.
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| jesse12's Full Review: Tijuana |
Tijuana, formally known as Aunt Juana's ranch, became Mexico's border city after Mexico lost most of California to the United States because of the Mexican/American war. Tijuana is a new city according to Mexican standards, and has very little in the way of history. Tijuana (or TJ) has always been a kind of a rough sin city. During the 1920's, alcohol and gambling was illegal in the states, so many Americans went to Tijuana to drink gamble and party. Even today, young Americans take advantage of the fact that the drinking age is much lower in Tijuana than in the states. Today Tijuana is still very much a party city, and is one of Mexico's more dangerous cities. There has been allot of drug activity in Tijuana, and has resulted in violence between rival drug gangs. Tijuana is also the point where people of many nationalities try to sneak into the United States for a better life, as a result, you won't find only Mexicans in Tijuana but other people from Central America, South America, and even the Middle East. Also, many Mexicans from other parts of Mexico move to Tijuana because there are more job opportunities in TJ. Tijuana is the fourth largest city in Mexico with a population of over one million. and is one of the world's busiest international borders.
Getting There:
Tijuana is a Mexican border city, which is located in Baja California. You can cross into TJ from San Diego, which is located in Southern California. I would recommend driving to the U.S/Mexican border, and then parking your car on the U.S side, and taking a bus into Mexico. There is allot of traffic in TJ, and driving through it is not easy.
My Experience in TJ:
My visit to Tijuana was my first introduction to Mexico, and I had no idea what it would be like. As I entered Tijuana, I received a real culture shock. and it is much different than what I am used to in the States. As soon as you cross that border, you know that you are in a different country. Tijuana is a huge and busy city but very poor. While there are many slums in Tijuana, the city is very colorful, and there is allot of flashy architecture. There are blocks and blocks of bars and nightclubs. with music booming in the streets. I spotted Arab influence in the architecture of some of the nightclubs. I have never seen so many bars and nightclubs in one place. There is also allot of prostitution in Tijuana. along with many homeless people and street kids. These people are desperate and starving, and many will beg for your help. I have been through most of Mexico, and I have never seen people as desperate as I saw in Tijuana. I have also not seen as many people missing arms, legs or other limbs in one place. It is true that Tijuana can be a depressing place, and is one of the darkest places in Mexico. The people in Tijuana just don't seem as happy as in other parts of Mexico. Allot more desperate and allot rougher around the edges. That is not to say that the rest of Mexico is not as poor as Tijuana. Most of Mexico is just as poor as Tijuana, but the people are happier. There are allot of stores in TJ and one can find almost anything. Along with being a party city, TJ is also a busy shopping center. Many of the locals take advantage of the fact that TJ is a border city and receives allot of tourists, and try to make money, so you might run into a few pushy sales people. The food in Tijuana is quite different than the cooking in other parts of Mexico. The food in Tijuana is among Mexico's best. You should try the tacos; TJ has some of the best tacos. Despite being so far away from the ancient Aztec capital, you will find statues, monuments, and other references to Mexico's proud Aztec past. In fact, in downtown Tijuana (Ave. Revolucion), you will find a small monument dedicated to the Aztec in almost every block. In Tijuana's modern section, you will find very interesting architecture. The Cuauhtemoc Monument, which is a statue of an Aztec warrior holding a club and shield is awesome, right next to it you will find a movie theater and shopping malls every bit as modern as in the United States. In contrast, you will find slums around the whole area. Places like the Tijuana cultural center sport very unique and interesting architecture. Tijuana is so much different than the rest of Mexico. The culture the way of life and the whole focus is unique compared to other places in Mexico. Despite being a border city, Tijuana offers just as much of a culture shock as most other Mexican cities. Tijuana is the farthest point from the Mexican capital, and does indeed seem separate from most other parts of Mexico. The culture and architecture is just so much different. I have to be honest with you, as great as Tijuana is, I feel less safe in TJ than any other Mexican city that I have been to, except Mexico City, which is the most dangerous. There is no doubt that Tijuana is a rough city, and one hell of a culture shock.
Things to Do and See:
There is a wax museum in downtown, where one can find such figures as Michael Jackson or Fidel Castro. There are numerous shopping centers and food stands, along with some shopping malls. You will find many street musicians in TJ, making a living. and of course there are many nightclubs and bars. Tijuana is a party city. In the Tijuana, outskirts there are many shantytowns where the locals live in make shift shacks. Overall you will find allot to do in TJ, and there is never a dull moment. Tijuana is faced paced, exiting, and you never quite know what to expect.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Friends
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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Epinions.com ID:
jesse12
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Reviews written: 16
Trusted by: 2 members
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