Virtual South America: Tijuana Mexico

 

Hola!  And here we go...

This is one place in Mexico I have been...I'm starting with Tijuana. Not that it exemplifies the country...but because of the stark touristy areas contrasted with the abject poverty (also here)

Crossing the Border 

You can drive in...or cross on the bridge on foot (preferable)

Your must have an entry permit issued by Mexico as well as a US Passport or card. Your will need these both ways.

Gone are the days of just carrying your birth certificate.

 Crossing in your car.

Tijuana

https://youtu.be/kdn26d51IcQ

Suddenly you are thrust into something that seems like a different world...and it just might be. This little fellow that bids you to come be photographed with him is called a Zonkey...and is basically a donkey that has been spray painted.

There is a carnival or bazaar market feel to this tourist town south of the border. Not the real Mexico...nor the rich Mexico...and abject poverty lies only an hour or so away in the desert...but Tijuana is certainly a fun way to spend a day.

And you don't have to be wealthy to do it.

The street vendors here sell a bit of everything...from delicious churros

Light as air and ready to be dipped in a cup of melted chocolate...to hand-worked silver and turquoise jewelry

for a fraction of what you would pay in The States.

Later we will learn to make the churros at home...and maybe even find a bit of the authentic jewelry on eBay!

It can be an assault on the senses.  The sights...the sounds..the smells of unfamiliar food wafting...bidding you to come try.
 

Most of the best food not within the confines of restaurant walls...but served up from the multitude of carts street-side in paper cones, on cardboard plates or paper towels.

The whole water thing is real...so remember to drink bottled.

You have been warned.

Or try a Jarritos  (pronouced harritos)

https://youtu.be/ud8UlV0E9y8

Authentic Mexican Soda available in several flavors...all containing real sugar!

The Coca-Cola here also contains real sugar and tastes vastly superior to the corn syrup we drink.

One of the BEST marketplaces is El Popo Market

https://youtu.be/MeSu7hcUaJY

 and green-space is Morelos Park.

https://youtu.be/qhBZuPT8Z9c

And the poverty I was talking about.

https://youtu.be/H9TsfJBmLow

Where entire families live in packing crate homes covered with tarps...with a average annual income of less than 500 USD.

It is an affront to see and impossible to imagine.

We will continue our virtual travels in Mexico soon!

Coming up: Cabos

 

Tijuana at Night