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We wanted to visit Mexico on this trip, but we did not want to deal with the tourist traps and beggers in Tijuana. So, we set out for an hour drive southeast of San Diego to cross the border at Tecate'. It was a great drive through the desert mountains. You see a lot of Border Patrol vehicles along the way, but the check points only stop vehicles that are north bound. |
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We parked our rental car on the American side and walked across the border into Mexico. You don't want to drive in Mexico if you can avoid it -- insurance is a joke and the legal system is a mystery. Besides, there is plenty to see within walking distance of the border crossing. Mexican authorities don't even stop you to ask where you are from when you enter the country. Coming back was much like returning from Canada, U.S. border official only ask where you were born. They don't even worry about what you are bringing into the country any more, thanks to NAFTA (unless you are bringing in a Mexican national, that is). |
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| It was Sunday, but all the shops were open. Naturally, we picked up some liquor at great prices (Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila $10/liter) and Barb got some gold jewelery. The grocery stores are really interesting, a big difference from American supermarkets. The church was busy too. We stopped by the Catholic Church in the center of town just in time for the 1 P.M. mass (the 4th mass of the day with two more scheduled for later) and it was standing room only with more worshipers gathered in the courtyard in front of the church. |
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As it happened, there was a fiesta going on in the town square that day. Carnival rides were set up in one street and there were many booths with hand crafted items, games, food and beverages (including the product of the festival sponsor and local employer --the Tecate' Beer Company. Tecate' beer has become fairly well known and tendy in the U.S.) The people were very friendly. Most of them were somewhat shy about speaking English, but did so fairly well. If you can manage to speak a few words of Spanish in return, you will get along fine. |
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