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| Corner Bakery Cafe |
We woke up to another beautiful sunny and blue skied day. We went down to reception to make enquiries about trips to Tijuana. They phoned the tour company and apparently they had a trip running that afternoon and recommended we go on it as they don't run them every day. So we decided to go for it. The trip didn't leave till 1pm, so we had the morning to fill. We decided to go get some breakfast at our favourite spot, and then go look around the Mission Valley Mall. It was very quiet indeed, but we had a nice time looking around. We bought some candles from Bath, Bed and Beyond, and a few other bits and pieces. We stopped at Target for coffee at their in house Starbucks, and to do some shopping, then headed back to the hotel to wait for the tour bus.
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| Downtown Tijuana |
Well what an adventure we had, the tour bus was late but eventually we were off. After picking a few other people up we started to head south. There were 16 of us on the coach, us, 2 New Zealanders, some people from China and a handful of American's. A while into the journey the bus driver/tour guide informed us the trip didn't go very often as most American's are too nervous about crossing the border. Oh great.....now he tells us!!! Anyway, he talks all the way there painting a very grim picture, we didn't know what to expect when we arrived. At last we arrived at immigration, where we had to get off the bus. The bus goes thru separately as its x-rayed, We had to go thru immigration on foot, not a pleasant experience....men with guns, and stony faced officials. But at last we back on the bus!! We were taken on a half hour drive around downtown Tijuana to see the sites, and then were dropped off at avenue de revolucion for a couple of hours to shop and soak up the atmosphere. The reality is that there are no tourists in Tijuana and when the shop keeps see a tour bus coming into town there was much excitement.They were out there shops in a flash trying to attract your attention. The novelty wore off very fast, every shop you walked passed, there was someone trying to lure you in! In the end we just had enough. We found a restaurant and hid out there with large margaritas, tequila and taco's. The restaurant owner was delighted, as on seeing us there a few other people from the tour stopped their too. I think he felt he had won the lottery. For us the food and drinks, were very cheap, but good. We were made to feel welcome, and before we left he shook my hand and thanked me for coming.....several times!! We only bought one thing, a Mayan mask which we really liked. Other than that we stayed in the central area till it was time to leave. As we were about to leave
our driver asked a young busker to come onboard and provide entertainment for us. Oh bless him, he was so funny. His guitar was held together with a hope and a pray, but he was happy and enthusiastic. He played several songs, and it was hilarious. Some of you might have seen my video on Facebook, every time i am feeling a little down i play it and I smile. It was the absolute highlight of the day. Ray the busker got off before the border, and wondered off up the road. We then had to face American immigration at the border, it was actually easier. Though it was commented that they rarely see British passports at that border. I am glad we went, but would I go again......NO!!!
We got back to the hotel at about 7pm, and were so tired that we just walked to the Mission Valley diner for dinner. Great food, huge portions, but sadly lacking in atmosphere.....it had none. The staff were lovely, but the place was quiet. We did enjoy dinner though, and had to take half of it away with us....breakfast the next day, ha ha.
And that folks was our adventure to Mexico!
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