BajaNomad - Are you really scared of Tijuana?

Are you really scared of Tijuana?

Alex - 9-26-2008 at 10:53 PM

I've been getting this impression that most of the posters here steer clear of Tijuas...

Is that true? :lol:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuktJ8mppE0

fishbuck - 9-26-2008 at 11:10 PM

Why do you ask? Scared in what way?

Packoderm - 9-26-2008 at 11:13 PM

I try to steer clear of TJ much like I try to steer clear of Oakland when going to and from S.F. Actually, Oakland is less of a pain in the burro than T.J.

aha baja - 9-26-2008 at 11:22 PM

Lotsa lead n' heads fly'in these days... Ensenada is better laid out for shopping and on the water.

tjBill - 9-27-2008 at 04:42 AM

I'm not scared of TJ

CaboRon - 9-27-2008 at 06:19 AM

Not scarred,

But , I try not to stay in the armpits of the world,

CaboRon

Skeet/Loreto - 9-27-2008 at 06:33 AM

For many years I have been "Avoiding" TJ. Reason: There is always the chance that you maybe in the Wrong Place at the Wrong Time.

Just as it is on Interstate 5 coming through LA. I started Avoiding LA when the "Freeway Shooter" was Active.

On my Trip to Loreto the first of october I am going to Avoid the whole Baja Norte and go across the Ferry from Guaymus.

I am beginning to think that every thing from TJ Through San Quintin is an "At Risk" Area to be Avoided.

Never be Scared, Be Aware.

Skeet/Loreto

aha baja - 9-27-2008 at 06:42 AM

Word!

2-tie-dye-4 - 9-27-2008 at 07:02 AM

I can't say that "scared" is the right word, but cautiously aware. I've only been stuck there in the vehicle the last couple of years and that was bad enough. It seems US Customs is particularly on a power trip there, maybe because it's such a busy POE. We did stop in Rosarita for a meal last year and we could just feel the bad vibes. Nothing happened, but it sure felt like it was coming, and we had no pre-conceived notions. We would rather drive to Tecate even if our destination is S.D. Our longest wait yet at Tecate was about an hour, or less. Usually much less.

Skeet/Loreto - 9-27-2008 at 07:20 AM

The last 5 years that Virginia and I lived in Loreto we always used Tecate and found it to be a much better crossing.
We would come Southbound over the Ridge then take Pasadena 210 to Hwy 60 then South on 15 through Ramona and through Tecate.

Of course the great Food and the Apple Pies just North of Ensenada always helped!

MICK - 9-27-2008 at 07:20 AM

I go thru tecate every chance I get. I am not scared It just get old dealing with the policia there. It seems I get stopped about every other time thru for something I haven't done. I never pay them but it takes time to argue. I would rather spend my time driving and enjoying the valley.
Mick

David K - 9-27-2008 at 09:10 AM

Maybe it because we go to Baja to get away from civilization, cities, law and crime... we have plenty of all that in the USA?

Tijuana can be a fun place with so much to do... and we have done a lot of it: http://vivabaja.com/vivabajacactus

But mostly I go to Baja for desert places, fun off roading, exploring California's past, beautiful beaches and palm canyons!

Viva La Zona Norte De Tijuana...Wooo Hooo

ELINVESTIG8R - 9-27-2008 at 09:22 AM

Alex - 9-27-2008 at 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Packoderm
I try to steer clear of TJ much like I try to steer clear of Oakland when going to and from S.F. Actually, Oakland is less of a pain in the burro than T.J.

interesting, I just spent three days in Oakland & survived to tell the tale!

Alex - 9-27-2008 at 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CaboRon
Not scarred,

But , I try not to stay in the armpits of the world,

CaboRon

That's to bad you consider TJ an armpit because there is beauty to be found when you rake away the dirt. But I doubt you will ever be able to experience that.

Alex - 9-27-2008 at 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishbuck
Why do you ask? Scared in what way?

I think I read some of your posts about TJ. You are an honorary citzen, disregard the question.

Alex - 9-27-2008 at 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ELINVESTI8

just be careful if you end up in a travesti club! :lol:

Packoderm - 9-27-2008 at 09:44 AM

My niece lived in Oakland, and she liked it just fine. That's not what I'm getting at. However, when I'm going to and from S.F., I'd just as well be able to drive right past Oakland without stopping. I'm not afraid of Placerville, but I'd like to avoid stopping there on my way to the mountains. OK, let's say I did want to stop in T.J. on my way further south, where am I going to park my vehicle loaded with camping gear? Let's say that I am not driving my junky old van loaded with camping gear but a respectable car instead. Will I be profiled by the cops as an easy target? You bet. I'm sorry, but we didn't get our perceptions of TJ for no reason at all. So, I'd have to admit that there is some trepidation every time I navigate through TJ. Call it fear. Call it what you like.

Packoderm - 9-27-2008 at 09:47 AM

For the record, when I take the red trolley to the border and take the bus south, I do mosey about TJ, and I enjoy it just fine. I think it's when driving that we're so out of our element.

ELINVESTIG8R - 9-27-2008 at 09:49 AM

I only went to Adelitas and Chavelas once on official business! Some of the girls were trying to get a contract with me to paint my ceiling for $60.00. They kept pointing up to the ceiling and telling me "Te quiero llevar al cielo por 60 Dolares."

Alex - 9-27-2008 at 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Packoderm
So, I'd have to admit that there is some trepidation every time I navigate through TJ. Call it fear. Call it what you like.

No, definitely your trepidation is warrented. I understand completely.

BajaGringo - 9-27-2008 at 11:01 AM

Tijuana is no different to me than most large cities around the world I have been. If you don't speak the local language and understand the local culture it can seem like a scary place at times. Hell, I speak English and grew up close to LA and LA still seems like a scary place to me.

Over the years I have come to know Tijuana and see it for what it is - good and bad. It is an interesting place for sure and I even met my wife there in a cooking class a few years back. There are some great restaurants and even better people who are working hard trying to improve the city they call home and where they raise their families.

If you take the time to get to know Tijuana outside Revo you will see a city with a lot of character, pride and noble people. Don't judge it by a few headlines or crooked cops.

Alex - 9-27-2008 at 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
Tijuana is no different to me than most large cities around the world I have been. If you don't speak the local language and understand the local culture it can seem like a scary place at times. Hell, I speak English and grew up close to LA and LA still seems like a scary place to me.

Over the years I have come to know Tijuana and see it for what it is - good and bad. It is an interesting place for sure and I even met my wife there in a cooking class a few years back. There are some great restaurants and even better people who are working hard trying to improve the city they call home and where they raise their families.

If you take the time to get to know Tijuana outside Revo you will see a city with a lot of character, pride and noble people. Don't judge it by a few headlines or crooked cops.

Thank you! This is the answer I was seeking. I am happy that there are others on this board who have taken the time to experience for themselves what Tijuana is to them rather than sheepishly listening to others.

larry - 9-27-2008 at 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Alex

Quote:

Originally posted by Packoderm
I try to steer clear of TJ much like I try to steer clear of Oakland when going to and from S.F. Actually, Oakland is less of a pain in the burro than T.J.

interesting, I just spent three days in Oakland & survived to tell the tale!

I love Oakland and try to avoid San Francisco for the same reason I prefer crossing in Tecate or Mexicali to Tijuana--less traffic and parking hassles.

east bay larry

tjBill - 9-27-2008 at 12:09 PM

I have lived in Tijuana for over two years and love it. It has an excitement and energy that is reminds of the three years I spent in New York City. If you like big cities than TJ has a lot to offer. Fancy restaurants, lots of nightlife and sophisticated locals.

Even though crime and crooked police are a problem. I have never been a victim nor have I ever paid a mordida to a policemen.

BajaGringo - 9-27-2008 at 12:45 PM

Tijuana is a great city for folks with "Street Smarts". Obviously you have that talent. I think it is funny how so many different people can travel through a city and have such a different view of it. If I were to judge a place solely because I had some bad experience there would mean there are a lot of cities NOB I would never go back to.

I take each place for what it is and try to judge it by its best qualities, not its worst. The same that I hope folks would do with su servidor.

I have gotten philosophical in my old age...

Mango - 9-27-2008 at 04:56 PM

The fist time I went through TJ was in the back of a taxi with no seat belts that was running red lights at 70+ mph.

Other than that.. no, I'm not scared of TJ; but, I would rather avoid it if driving mainly just because I don't know the city well and don't want to deal with the cops. Via bus, on foot and taxi.. no problem.

I've been through most of the big cities in Mexico. They really are no different than the big cities here in the states when it all boils down.

Mexico can be shocking to newcomers because of it's foreignness or congestion sometimes. Most of Baja is remote and quaint.. and thus not that shocking. TJ on the other hand, is just.. well in your face.

Although this photo is from another part of Mexico, it demonstrates they type of chaos and congestion found in large cities... . This is a typical street in the "Centro Historico" district of Mexico City.. (The locals often call it "Centro Histerico" for good reason.)

thebajarunner - 9-27-2008 at 05:11 PM

Mexico City is my favorite city in the entire world, and I have been in many major cities.

Years ago I spent lots of time in TJ and came to know it and appreciate it. For all the reasons cited above, and more. Lots of really nice people live there, for sure.

In recent years it has been easier just to try and skip past it, actually my goal is to skip past everything until the bridge south of San Quintin.

The "real Baja" starts after the Los Pinos slave camps, IMHO.

BajaGringo - 9-27-2008 at 05:22 PM

Hey - Wait a minute! We are in the process of moving south from Rosarito into San Quintin. You mean we STILL won't be in the REAL Baja???

:lol:

thebajarunner - 9-27-2008 at 05:25 PM

Yep, sad to say, it don't start 'til near El Rosario.

But, the good news, you are getting closer (sure a lot closer than Oakdale)

Hook - 9-27-2008 at 05:29 PM

The only thing I am scared of is Lackey pitching poorly in the first game against the Red Sox.

PEOPLE.....GET YOUR PRIORITIES IN ORDER !!!!!!!!

If nothing else they have a sense of humor about it

Shark18 - 9-27-2008 at 09:55 PM

"Garantiza Estado seguridad en Tijuana

Por medio del trabajo de coordinación que se realiza en la lucha contra el crimen, el Estado garantiza la seguridad de los tijuanenses, señaló Francisco Blake Mora, secretario de Gobierno.

“El Estado garantiza la seguridad en el ámbito de los tres órdenes de gobierno, se trabaja y se toman las precauciones, y seguiremos dando un combate frontal al crimen”, declaró."

http://www.frontera.info/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Noticias/27092...

MexicoGringoGuy - 9-27-2008 at 10:04 PM

Hi everyone!

Well.. I have lived here 3 months now.. and I can say I am NOT really scared of Tijuana.. BUT scared to do MANY things here..

I am scared to go out at night
I am scared of TJ Cops

I am seriously cosidering moving back to Acapulco..
Havent made my mind up yet, BUT I have been throwing that ball back and forth..

Acapulco is Dirty, and crazy, BUT its a diffrent type of city.. I am not scared to go out at night there in certain areas.. If I get stopped by police there (they ususallu only bother you IF you ARE breaking the law)... the worste that they will do is write you a ticket, and if you so wish a 5 buck 'tip' will get you out of that!

I have also lived in other parts of mexico, and I have to say I feel MUCH more comfortable EVERYWHERE else in Mexico better than I do here in Tijuana...

So I guess as One that lives in Tijuana, uses public transit to get around day to day.. Shops here, etc etc.. I can say personally I guess I am a little scared..

Shark18 - 9-28-2008 at 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MexicoGringoGuy

I am scared to go out at night
I am scared of TJ Cops

Yeah, for good reason. Two TJ Tourist police grabbed an American in the Tourist Corridor today, stole his wallet and cellphone, then put a gun to his head and said if he ever came back they would kill him. You can read about it here, in Spanish.

http://el-mexicano.info/nota.aspx?idNota=320783&esSecc=t...

I guess the poor guy didn't have Bajagringo's "street smarts", and foolishly assumed the Tourist Police were there to protect him.

Oh, and there was another shoot-out in Rosarito tonight. Three dead and four wounded. Don't know much about it, but the truck the guys were in had California plates.

[Edited on 9-29-2008 by Shark18]

Ken Cooke - 9-29-2008 at 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Alex
I've been getting this impression that most of the posters here steer clear of Tijuas...

Is that true? :lol:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuktJ8mppE0

While I'm not afraid, I sure watch my back while in Tijuana.

capn.sharky - 9-29-2008 at 07:53 PM

I avoid Tijuana at all costs. Not scared, but cautious. Police are corrupt, drug guys all over the place. Violence. Just an ugly place. I avoid areas of Los Angeles too for the same reasons. Why take a chance. I'm old and just don't need the thrills anymore. Any large, poor city is just as well avoided. Tijuana in the early 50's was great. Used to go every weekend to the track at Caliente. I will leave TJ to you young folks. By the way, I also avoid skydiving, bungie jumping, leaky boats and ugly wemon.

movinguy - 9-29-2008 at 08:25 PM

Quote:

Since I started dating my Tijuanense novia I have spent a lot of time there - couldn't agree with you more. Lots of beauty beneath the ugliness . . .

BajaGringo - 9-29-2008 at 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by movinguy
Since I started dating my Tijuanense novia I have spent a lot of time there - couldn't agree with you more. Lots of beauty beneath the ugliness . . .

I suppose most are in a hurry to get to parts further south and never have the opportunity/time to find out for themselves. That is their perception of the city and I always say that your perception is your reality.

Ken Cooke - 9-29-2008 at 08:35 PM

My first Jeeping adventure took place on the streets of Tijuana in 1991. I won't/can't say any more... :saint:

BajaGringo - 9-29-2008 at 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
My first Jeeping adventure took place on the streets of Tijuana in 1991. I won't/can't say any more... :saint:

But do you have pictures???

woody with a view - 9-30-2008 at 07:49 AM

NO!

i just can't believe we share the same DNA as some of these people. cutting off heads, pulling out tongues, 100's of women missing around nuevo laredo.....bunch of animals.

MexicoGringoGuy - 10-1-2008 at 02:05 AM

I guess one could argue that you can make the best out of any situation... or see the beauty in anything.. BUT all in all, Tijuana isnt the safest and prettiest of cities to be in.. Sorry to "knock" TJ , but its the way it is... Chances are one would not feel comfortable walking alone at night ANYWHERE for a long distance here in TJ no matter what area... MAYBE playas, but Im not sure... All I know is I NEVER felt like this in Acapulco.. and Honestly I thought Acapulco was a DUMP , a dirty city, which it is, BUT im sorry Comparing the two.. Acapulco is a diffrent ballgame..
Yes I know the press makes things sound bad... etc etc etc.. BUT how can one make 23 dead bodies in less than 24 hours with tounges cut out, sound good?? Yes LA has a lot of killings, BUT not mass murder.. , this is diffrent, and dont compare because it makes no sense!
This is only my opinion that I got after only 3 months living here... I fought it tooth and nail.. ALL my friends, MEXICAN and american told me I was crazy, and I argued and told them that any big city is dangerous, etc etc.. BUT those days are over.. I cant argue with them anymore.. This city is not the safest, and this city is dirty... and this city is more corupt than other cities I have been to in Mexico...

Sorry to offend anyone!

The Gull - 10-1-2008 at 05:05 AM

Todo Santos is a lot scarier. Hundreds of tweakers and the place is overrun with self-important, bored Gringos who want to transform everything to their dream-world of a quaint mexican village. Very Scary.

k-rico - 10-1-2008 at 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Gull
Todo Santos is a lot scarier. Hundreds of tweakers and the place is overrun with self-important, bored Gringos who want to transform everything to their dream-world of a quaint mexican village. Very Scary.

TS is a strange place, weird vibes, dangerous to your mental health as opposed to TJ, which can be dangerous to your physical health if you're affiliated with drug dealers or the cops/politicans/jounalists or walking down dark streets.

David K - 10-1-2008 at 09:17 AM

BOOJUM TREES... you are in the 'real' Baja when you see Boojums (cirios)! :lol:

Actually, I also think you are in the 'real' Baja when you are off the pavement, too!

Barry A. - 10-1-2008 at 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
BOOJUM TREES... you are in the 'real' Baja when you see Boojums (cirios)! :lol:

Actually, I also think you are in the 'real' Baja when you are off the pavement, too!

RIGHT ON, David!!!! :bounce:

bajaguy - 10-1-2008 at 09:45 AM

There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between San Diego and Tijuana. This is the dimension of Baja. It is an area which we call........."nothing to declare"............

Gadget - 10-2-2008 at 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between San Diego and Tijuana. This is the dimension of Baja. It is an area which we call........."nothing to declare"............

Now that my friend is good!!!

danaeb - 10-2-2008 at 11:29 AM

Quote:

You mean "Pueblos Magicos"???? :rolleyes:

PabloS - 10-3-2008 at 10:13 PM

Si!