BajaNomad

Intro and question re: crossing Tijuana

DieselCruiser - 6-25-2009 at 11:18 AM

Hi all,
just joined and here's a brief intro: Born in Austria, emigrated to the US 13 years ago, lived in Manhattan for 6 years, since then in San Diego. I am faculty at a research institute here and work on cancer/aging.

I have been to Baja many times since moving here, but not since last July 4th.

Next month my brother will come over, and we (4 of us plus dog) will go down for 2 weeks again. We want to go do the mission San Xavier, cross over to the pacific there, and make our way up to the Ignacio Lagoon. No idea how that road is, but we'll see.

My question concerns Tijuana. Last time I was down there (almost a year ago) the turn off to the street that leads along the border and to the scenic route, right after the border crossing, was blocked off. Is this still the case? And if so, what is the best/fastest way to get through the city?

thanks, cheers,
Jan

[Edited on 6-25-2009 by DieselCruiser]

Bajaboy - 6-25-2009 at 11:22 AM

Welcome to Nomads. The route is open again through TJ

Have a great trip.

DieselCruiser - 6-25-2009 at 11:26 AM

Great, thank you!
cheers,
Jan

Von - 6-25-2009 at 11:36 AM

Remember dont drive at night always during the day. Welcome to our familia.

DENNIS - 6-25-2009 at 11:45 AM

Get your visas....Don't drink beer while going through the military checkpoints...Buy insurance from Bajabound.com [ above ] and, if you don't mind and since you're from Austria, take Arnold with you and drop him off somewhere. :lol::lol:


Forgot the laughing faces again. Don't want anybody to think I'm getting political here.

[Edited on 6-25-2009 by DENNIS]

Hook - 6-25-2009 at 12:13 PM

Dont blame Arnold too much, Dennis. He is going through a Kindergarten Cop deja vu dealing with the CA legislature.

It's time for CA to take its nasty medicine, since they are unable to fix the system.

rpleger - 6-25-2009 at 12:42 PM

DieselCruiser ...Welcome to Baja California...Have a wonderful trip...

DieselCruiser - 6-25-2009 at 12:56 PM

Thanks for the information. So I need to get the visa in Tijuana? Last time we went that far south I just got it at the checkpoint outside of Guerrero Negro.

Cheers,
Jan
Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Get your visas....Don't drink beer while going through the military checkpoints...Buy insurance from Bajabound.com [ above ] and, if you don't mind and since you're from Austria, take Arnold with you and drop him off somewhere. :lol::lol:


Forgot the laughing faces again. Don't want anybody to think I'm getting political here.

[Edited on 6-25-2009 by DENNIS]

nbacc - 6-25-2009 at 01:02 PM

Be sure you have all your papers in order for the dog. We take ours everytime and have never been asked.....but the one time we go without them you KNOW they will ask. Have fun....Nancy

Paulina - 6-25-2009 at 01:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DieselCruiser
Thanks for the information. So I need to get the visa in Tijuana? Last time we went that far south I just got it at the checkpoint outside of Guerrero Negro.

Cheers,
Jan



Get your visa at the San Ysidro border crossing. Fill it out there, pay for it a few windows down, have it stamped back in the Im. office and you'll be set.

If you are going down for the 4th of July weekend, remember that alcohol sales will be stopped Friday night and resume at 10 am. Monday the 6th. Stock up like the locals do.

Have fun.

P<*)))>{

DENNIS - 6-25-2009 at 01:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by nbacc
Be sure you have all your papers in order for the dog. We take ours everytime and have never been asked.....but the one time we go without them you KNOW they will ask. Have fun....Nancy


Nancy is right. Not only might the Mexican authorities ask for them [ rarely ] you may for sure need them when you return to the states.

Bob and Susan - 6-25-2009 at 02:19 PM

paulina
why."alcohol sales will be stopped " sat and sunday???

bajamigo - 6-25-2009 at 02:26 PM

It's Election Day (July 5).

Paulina - 6-25-2009 at 06:49 PM

:yes: Election weekend. It's silly if you ask me. The voters know to stock up ahead of time. One would think that tourists shouldn't be included in the "dry out period" as they can't vote. Unless you "know" someone in the business, you'd be best to plan ahead.

P<*)))>{

thanks

msawin - 7-10-2009 at 09:50 AM

Thanks for bringing this up. I have allways stopped at the ag inspection at Guerrero Negro to get our tourist permit.
I just called Lewis and Lewis and asked the cuestion.

No coverage south of "FREE" zone being illegal. I told them they should let thier insured's know about this. I know it is my fault for stupity but geezzz...


martin-o

Bajahowodd - 7-10-2009 at 10:57 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Get your visas....Don't drink beer while going through the military checkpoints...Buy insurance from Bajabound.com [ above ] and, if you don't mind and since you're from Austria, take Arnold with you and drop him off somewhere. :lol::lol:


Forgot the laughing faces again. Don't want anybody to think I'm getting political here.

[Edited on 6-25-2009 by DENNIS]



No beer? Just the other day, a soldier noted some empty Tecate cans in my back seat trash can and acted happy that I wasn't drinking Bud! They gladly accepted our offer of small bags of chips, but turned down beer. Kinda understand that. My understanding is that the military has a strict role to play and enforcing driving rules is not part of that.