Welcome to TJ

Allow me to invite you to Tijuana, San Diego's rowdy, sister city to the south. I must encourage you to arrive on foot. Normally, you arrive to foreign countries by plane. No, my friends, take the trolley to San Ysidro. As the train heads south, the United States quickly disappears and Mexico begins to emerge. Soon you will see the bustling metropolis of Tijuana, blanketed by a rather large Mexican flag. You may also notice a large wall caging in the city. Some may call it a "fence" but I know, dear friends that you will think otherwise while viewing it. Exit the trolley and head over the large foot bridge to Mexico. Please don't avoid gawking at the enormous number of cars waiting to enter the United States. It is a sight to behold.

Glide toward the turnstile to Mexico. Don't forget to pause as you place one foot in Mexico and the other in the United States. It is a rare pleasure that you're birthright affords you. Then, please enter the turnstile to Mexico. Don't worry about your passport; you will only need it if you choose to return to the United States. Visit the Cecut museum to learn a little of Baja California's history. It is not an obligatory museum visit, but a first rate destination. Please pause to view the men blowing fire from their mouths at various intersections in Tijuana, but remember to tip. Swilling gas is not something one should do for free. Advance toward an obligatory walk down the Revo. There are a number of handicrafts and a wide array of pharmaceuticals for sale. A trip to Tijuana is not complete without it. For those that fancy themselves seasoned travelers, the Zona Norte is also nearby. One can pay for sex or get robbed for free.

Might I also recommend a trip to the Tijuana microbrewery? Yes, you say, you have tried Mexican beer. Allow me to encourage you to try a beer that is not distributed throughout Mexico or the United States. It has a heartier character than many of the lager style brews that have come to define Mexican beer. The next stop on your journey should include the beach. Do not be dissuaded by the descriptions friendly locals will offer you of the area. When they say it is dirty, they are simply trying to keep it a secret, though I would avoid swimming in the water. Enjoy a fabulous array of seafood tostadas while overlooking the marvels of the Pacific Ocean. Please don't neglect the octopus ceviche. No trip to the beach is complete without a visit to the lighthouse, where one can peer through the border wall at the Americans riding horses on the other side. Yes, you say, I can swim where ever I want! But no, my friends. The border wall extends into the sea.

Transportation can be a bit tricky in TJ. If you choose to drive, be advised that stop signs at four ways are optional. Simply tap your brakes and continue driving. Tijuana boasts an extensive, inexpensive bus system, though the routes can only be ascertained by boarding the bus and asking the driver if he is going to your desired destination. Allow me to recommend the calafias, various short buses painted dark red and yellow. They are wildly inexpensive and feature interiors decorated according to the various tastes of the drivers. Many offer sports or religious themes.

As for accommodations, allow me to recommend the Hotel Riviera. At a mere twenty dollars, it is an amazing bargain that includes free wifi. Do not be intimidated by the hourly rental of some rooms, you will not even know that it is happening. Please visit the Auditorio Municipal across the street for weekly Lucha Libre matches. Though the auditorium staff would like to encourage you to observe the big name acts that appear on Friday nights, allow me to suggest a Sunday afternoon, locals only match. One can best view Tijuana's home grown talent in a relaxed, outdoor environment. Be sure to order a cerveza grande, and don't forget to request hot sauce on the rim of the cup.

Friends, Tijuana is ready when you are, wey!