.....and I NEVER plan on going back. I know Mexico is a 3rd world country but I still didn't know what to expect. In TJ I expected the Mexicans to be pretty much begging us to buy their stuff because i've heard about that and DH got a great bargain on cuban cigars and tequila LOL! But I just felt so unsafe there. First of all you pretty much have to take a taxi to the downtown because everyone warned us not to drive in and I found out why. HORRIBLE DRIVERS!! They don't require car seats and you can hold you baby on your lap, in the front seat none the less! ...(I can see Trinas face right now They cut each other off and honk their horns like its a whole different language. They are pretty much playing bumper cars because they WILL hit you and its not a big deal, you just keep driving and continue on your way. I was SOOOOO scared and when we got out of the taxi I just kept thinking about the fact that we had top take one back to the car too! The streets are horribly dirty and I was sick to my stomach because I was so hungry but scared to eat their food. We payed so I could use a decently clean bathroom. The prostitutes are out roaming the streets as early as noon and the bars are completely full... mostly 18 year olds since its legal to drink at 18 there.

It was a bit what I expected but at the same time I was completely appalled! It just makes me realize how spoiled I am after all and how precious I will take everything that I have! I mean, we have a lot more than most people our age but after a visit to TJ I dont have anything to ever complain about.... ever!

I guess on a nice note there were a few really nice Mexicans, and the taxi driver although a horrible driver gave us good tips on where to go and where to eat outside of TJ. I dont regret going there because now I know how 3rd world countries live but I really have no desire to ever go back.

By Jackie on Sunday, September 5, 2004 - 02:46 pm:

Oh Yes, that sounds like Tijuana to me.. Ive been there several times, when I use to go visit a friend in San Diego.. Mind you though, those were in my single days
It is a dirty place, but great for finding little bargains from the vendors.. Ihate all the begging as well,makes me feel creepy.. Granted its been over 11 yrs since Ive been there, so Im sure its gotten worst.
Ive had many a margarita's there in my single days , and always much cheaper to drink there , then in San Diego..

By Andi on Sunday, September 5, 2004 - 03:50 pm:

I've lived in San Diego my whole life my friends and I used to go all the time when I was 17 and 18...legal drinking age is 18 there. We used to go to the bars every Friday and Saturday night. It really isnt that bad of a place, you just have to be ready and know what to expect. The best part about going into mexico is Porto Nuevo, they have the BEST lobster...UUUUMMMMMM so yummy. I think DH and I might have to go very soon.

By Mrsheidi on Sunday, September 5, 2004 - 06:50 pm:

Melissa, we've been to MX too many times and to this day it gets harder to return. The only reason I would go there now is to help people. It's so dirty and depressing. My brother-in-law got married in Mexico last year (Zihuatanejo) on the beach...it was beautiful, don't get me wrong, but the city itself was just unsafe. What's worse is that they tell you that when you take a shower, you have to close your mouth so you don't swallow any of the bad water. Can you imagine not having safe water to feed your babies? (BTW, any luck TTC?)
I've been to a lot of harsh countries and it seems that, for the most part, the citizens are just as content as Americans because they care about the same things we care about...family. If they don't know what they're missing out on, it doesn't seem to hurt them. Although, while I was in Jamaica, it was absolutely heartbreaking to see children live in boxes, malnourished, and begging for food and money. That's when the leadership of the country needs to step up. You do what you can for how long you can. We helped build a church in a small town in Jamaica and their sewer system a few years ago. We felt much better about that than just giving money. Although money does help as long as you know exactly how its spent.

By Truestori on Monday, September 6, 2004 - 01:50 am:

Melissa,

I can totally relate to your post! LOL

My girlfriend invited us to stay in Rosarito this summer with her grandmother, so we went. It was a great lesson for my children, though. They got to see poverty first hand, and I think it really humbled my daughter. We didn't stay in a five star hotel, we stayed in a tiny little house that my girlfriends grandmother owns.
I do have to say the clubs were jump'in though. I think if I didn't have my kids I would have defintly ventured into a club on the beach.
My daughter and I ended up getting so ill from something we ate that the drive home seemed to take forever. I don't think I will be going back, but it was quite the experience.

By Truestori on Monday, September 6, 2004 - 01:53 am:

Andi,

Just read your post...I stood in line 4 hours for that lobster...LOL
It was awesome, though!

By Nicosmom on Monday, September 6, 2004 - 01:41 pm:

We're driving to San Diego in two weeks to visit dh's family. I love it there, Andi you're so lucky! I've only been to Rosarito once. It was night time and very depressing. Let's just say, I had a few too many and I was crying about all of the stray dogs and kids in the streets.