tijuana.

the border

well, i have completed the state of california. i am still here, but from north to south, it is done. today i entered mexico for the first time.

i was told repeatedly that it wasnt worth it, pretty much by everyone i asked. it was too dangerous, the border towns arent really mexico, etc. i went anyway. i am here for a couple of days and it seemed like something to do, something to say that i have done.

so i crossed around 10am, and as soon as i made my way through the gates i was inundated with taxi drivers that would take me wherever i wanted, and get me whatever i wanted. drugs, girls, food, whatever. however, 10am was very early. i took a cab to revolucion ave and walked up and down it, many things were closed or just opening. i was one of very very few white faces.

the tijuana arch

becasue of that, i was quite the target, every shop owner tried to entice me into their shop, i diligently refused. mostly i just walked and looked. i did stop and have some lunch, i got the deal that i have been looking for! i had six tacos and two beers for $4! that was pretty sweet.

something i was surprised to see was the military. just driving randomly down the streets were military jeeps patrolling the streets. i thought maybe something was in the air, but nothing seemed to be amiss.

around 2pm i caught a cab back to the border and got in a long line to walk back into the us. i was amazed at how long the line was. eventually i made it back over and am safe and sound.