10 Reasons why Tijuana is the greatest place for a daylong vacation

June 5th, 2008

On a recent search for Papel Picado through this city of our Aunt Jane, I realized what a great place Tijuana actually is. No! I’m not being factitious! Here’s a list of 10 reasons why you should make a visit to Zebra-Donkey town.

Tijuana has recently been labeled as unapproachably dangerous.

Sure, this might seem like a reason to stay away, but in actuality all NARCO violence is grossly exaggerated. Also, due to this decline in tourism, the entire town is making a concerted effort to make Tijuana a friendly place. I had a sales clerk personally walk me to their private restroom so I could take care of business. None of that “it’s in the back” for me. Later another street yeller took the time to give us very specific directions on a Papeleria we were looking for.

Haggling is a sport

This is where the haggler can really test their mettle. All haggling is taken very lightly and is expected if you know Spanish. You can test out you’re “The guy down the street has it for a dollar cheaper” or the one where your friend keeps telling you it’s too expensive and you’re undecided.

Mercado de Artesania

Taking up a city block with small Venetian streets, this is a market much less for booze & pills and more for reproductions of old Pedro Infante movie posters or huge Brass sundials & Aztec Calendars.

Calle de la Revolucion

How much fun can you have with no money? Try Calle de la Revolucion. Of course you can’t have any of the aforementioned booze & pills, but people’s clever attempts to bring you into their establishment will provide for lots of enjoyment.

The Side streets

I actually ventured out of the standard streets and into many of the small backstreets. Here you can find churches, flower shops and lots of other things that have nothing to do with why you’re in Tijuana.

Mom & Pops

Almost every store you go into, especially away from Revolucion, will have a distinct Mom & Pop feel. The couple may even be there in the middle of an argument when you walk in. When we sat down to have gorditas the lady making them was playing with her baby nearby while preparing our food. You get a distinct feeling of warmth when finding places like this.

Turnabouts

I love turnabouts. They are a distinct advantage to Street signs and are very very Euro. Unfortunately I have to drive to Long Beach to visit one in LA. Not true in TJ. Tons of turnabouts all over the place.

Driving

Yes you will get dinged, but if you come in a beater, you can do the dinging! Street laws and common sense go out the window when visiting TJ. It’s like bumper cars for grownups. Also very Euro.

Crossing back to the US

Have you ever imagined what your car would look like if it were a store? Find out on your return to the states. Your car offers ceramic piggy banks, elote, flan and many other great delicacies. I had a shrimp cocktail made for me before my eyes (thanks to the traffic) and managed to finish it before declaring I had nothing to declare.

Cajeta!

I know you can get it in the states, but not like this.

Entry Filed under: Exploring