Somewhere In Time is a weekly photo from around the world. Enjoy!

Only a 25 minute drive from the border, La Fonda is a popular surf break in Baja, Mexico. It’s a sleepy little area that has a fantastic restaurant overlooking the water. They serve up a great breakfast buffet and amazing Bloody Marys. If you’re driving through Baja, it’s worth a stop.

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*Please remember all photos on this website are copyrighted and property of BeersandBeans.com, NarikosNest.com & Bethany Salvon. Please do not use them without my permission. If you want to use one of them please contact me to ask first because I do love to share and I would be flattered. Thanks!

From the food to the people, the architecture to the wafting smells of chocolate & baking bread, Oaxaca is a beautiful city that is a feast for the senses. I absolutely loved Oaxaca and I would recommend it to anyone. The photos below are some that I took just walking around town. While some of them are not the most exciting, they give you a great taste of some of the beauty that the city holds. If you get a chance – go to Oaxaca. You won’t regret it.

If you’re curious to learn more about Oaxaca you can view some of my previous posts:

Street Photos – Oaxaca, Mexico

Inside Oaxaca’s Hidden Market

Oaxaca City Blues

The Wonderful, Beautiful Food of Oaxaca

Hostal Del Mercado, Oaxaca – A Hostel Review

Move over Margarita! Michelada has come to town.

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*Please remember all photos on this website are copyrighted and property of BeersandBeans.com, NarikosNest.com & Bethany Salvon. Please do not use them without my permission. If you want to use one of them please contact me to ask first because I do love to share and I would be flattered. Thanks!

One of my favorite ways to shoot is from the hip. Oaxaca was a great place to walk around and do this all day. The city is full of great colors, amazing faces and beautiful buildings. I also have some more typical pictures from around the town that I will put in another post but for now I leave you with the street photos. These are some of my favorite from the trip.  I didn’t notice this until I was editing the photos but apparently the lady below was not too happy with me, which I think is pretty funny.
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*Please remember all photos on this website are copyrighted and property of BeersandBeans.com, NarikosNest.com & Bethany Salvon. Please do not use them without my permission. If you want to use one of them please contact me to ask first because I do love to share and I would be flattered. Thanks!

We booked our trip to Oaxaca for Day of the Dead completely last minute. We got a super cheap flight out of Tijuana just two days before we left, we made room reservations with Hostal Del Mercado online (yes, they spell hostel with an A instead of an E) and we just hoped for the best.

We were happily surprised when we got there. It was clean, quiet and the location was perfect! The people running the place were also very nice and one guy in particular was really helpful. However there is a bit of a language barrier – it helps if you can speak a little bit of Spanish.

The reception and breakfast area.

They also provided breakfast every morning and it was fantastic! I was totally shocked. Two women came in every morning and served up hot & cold breakfast everyday. When we were there we saw: fresh fruit (every day), juice, bacon, eggs, pancakes, sausage, toast and then there was always an interesting local breakfast item as well. One day it was tortillas baked with a sauce on them – yum! The hostel also provided free WiFi and free, filtered drinking water. The free water was huge because as a traveler you can spend a lot of money every day on bottled water. On top of that it was only $11/per person a night for the 6 person dorm room.

The location couldn’t be beat! It was just a couple blocks from the Zocalo. The Zocalo is the main square in Oaxaca where a lot of the festivities take place. Any time of year you visit Oaxaca, you should definitely try to stay near the Zocalo. It’s a happening place with cafe’s, bars, restaurants and a nice green space & church right in the center. It’s also very safe. We never felt uncomfortable at all during our stay, even when walking around at night.

The other great thing about Hostal Del Mercado is that it is located right across the street from a major indoor market that we stumbled up one day – the 20 de Noviembre Market. It is named for the street it is on and you can see some more pictures from that market on another post I wrote about it. I LOVED that market and consider it a MUST SEE for any trip to Oaxaca. This is where we ate a lot of our meals during the day and most things were only a couple dollars.

So not only was the hostel right across the street from the awesome market and two blocks to the Zocalo, it was also right near the chocolate district. If you walk just a couple blocks (in the opposite direction of the Zocalo) you will land in the chocolate making area of the city. The smell of chocolate literally wafts down the streets. You can just follow your nose – it’s that potent and yummy! Oaxaca is known for their amazing amazing chocolate. If you want to see some mouth watering photos of the food in Oaxaca please check out the post – The Wonderful, Beautiful Food of Oaxaca.

Here are some more pictures from the hostel.

Their bathroom situation was interesting because all of the toilets were actually in the showers. They had plenty of shower/toilet rooms so there was never a line but it was interesting. It was always fairly clean but it was still a little odd trying to avoid the toilet while taking a shower. This wouldn’t prevent me from staying here again though. At least you know the toilets are getting cleaned several times a day by the shower!

Another thing worth noting is that we stayed in the 6 person dorm room, which really is more like a 10 person dorm room. If you book the 4 person dorm room (which at the time was more expensive) please be aware that it isn’t really a “room”. Basically they took  a large room and divided it up with 6 beds on one side and 4 on the other. They used closets and a room divider to make the two separate “rooms”. Again, not really a big deal but if you were booking the 4 person dorm room for you and 3 friends, you won’t truly be alone.

The six person dorm.

They had a couple of bonuses as well – a large balcony overlooking the street below, a large tv/pool room and a roof deck. The stairs going up to the deck were a little iffy but otherwise it was a nice change of pace to sit up there and chill out. Also every bed gets a huge locker with a key. We felt completely safe leaving our things there.

I loved the windows in the pool room!

Street scene from the balcony.

The roof deck.

We really enjoyed our stay at Hostal Del Mercado and would recommend it to everyone.

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*Please remember all photos on this website are copyrighted and property of BeersandBeans.com, NarikosNest.com & Bethany Salvon. Please do not use them without my permission. If you want to use one of them please contact me to ask first because I do love to share. Thanks!

Whale Watching In Baja. Keep in mind this is just the tip of his nose. This whale was huge!

A few weeks ago Aldo from OneTravel.com contacted us to see if we would be interested in writing a guest blog for his site. OneTravel.com is an excellent source for cheap flights to destinations around the world.

We were flattered and decided to write about what has been one of our best travel experiences ever – playing with wild grey whales off the coast of San Ignacio in Baja, Mexico. Every year the whales migrate to the safe, protected waters of the lagoon at San Ignacio and have their babies. They give birth in January and stay  in the area until March.

March is the best time to visit because the babies are a bit bigger & very curious and the mothers are less cautious. They will come right up to your little boat to say hi. They love to be scratched & pet and will stay by the boat for quite a while. We were told by the staff at the Kuyima Ecological Reserve that their barnacles get really itchy and it is a great relief to them to be rubbed.

These whales are huge – about 20+ feet and it is simply awe inspiring to be around them.

It was an amazing journey and it was mind blowing to pet such large wild creatures in their natural surroundings. We highly recommend this trip!

Please read our full write up and see  more photos of playing with the whales at Onetravel.com which has some photos and gives all the specifics about how to get there, how much it costs and what to bring with you.

If you need to book a flight try OneTravel.com because they have some great deals and can get you to Mexico just in time to see the whales yourself!

Here is a screen shot from the guest post:

Somewhere In Time is a weekly post featuring a photo from around the world. Enjoy!

A young boy wipes away tears at the grave of a loved one on Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mx while the rest of the women in his family watch over him. I wasn’t able to find out who they were mourning but it was clear in their faces that this person was very well loved. I had the unfortunate feeling that this might have been the grave of the boy’s mother. This scene caught my eye because the boy was very emotional but he was flanked by the love of the other women in his family who watched over him in the background.

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*Please remember all photos on this website are copyrighted and property of BeersandBeans.com, NarikosNest.com & Bethany Salvon. Please do not use them without my permission. If you want to use one of them please contact me to ask first because I love to share. Thanks!

In our previous posts, we talked about the dangers of traveling in Baja, Mexico. We also talked about how beautiful the country is and how it should not be overlooked just because of the current media hype. Baja is a budget travelers wonderland with a variety of activities to partake in that are all easy on the wallet.

This is the fifth and final post in our series and focuses on different places to visit in Baja.

Here are some places you might want to visit in Tijuana:

Tijuana arch on Avenida Revolution.

Avenida Revolution – This is the main tourist area and there are a lot of restaurants, bars & shops here. This is an easy area to reach by foot if you are crossing over without a car. The large Tijuana Arch built on this road should guide you easily.

Red Light District – Just a short walk off Revolution this is also an interesting area but a bit more seedy as the name might imply. There are some cool places to hang out here without as many tourists.

Tijuana Brewery – This looks like a cool place! I haven’t been here yet but it is on our list for the next visit
down. Visit the site you can get their address and any other info you might need.

Tijuana also has a bustling arts movement and they have great museums, dance troupes, art shows and live music.  We went there once for a dance performance and it was really cool. We finished the night up with a lot of dancing at a local club. Planning a visit to see the more artistic side of this city will definitely change your opinion of the place.

Alternately you can wine taste, visit an orphanage, have a day of luxury at a spa or even go south for dental & medical care. I have quite a few friends here in San Diego that will only go to Tijuana for their dental care because it is so much cheaper and also because the dentists are very good.

Insider Tip: Check out the San Diego Reader online for things happening in Tijuana. You can also visit the Tijuana Visitors Bureau for more information.

Surrounding Areas:

These spots are all within driving distance from the border and are a lot of fun!

Rosarito – This is without a doubt the biggest party spot south of T.J. Just a short cab right from the border makes this a happening spot for spring breakers. There is a huge beach here and lots of bars and shops to distract yourself with. To be honest I do not love Rosarito the way a lot of other people do, I prefer the smaller beach side towns. However a lot of people like it here and one thing I do love is their market. It’s kind of hidden, it’s basically tucked away behind a lot of restaruants and shops. While walking around the main drag, peek your head into the alleys. One of the them will most likely bring you right into the market. It’s really cool discovering it because it is so hidden from view.  You can also go horseback riding on the beach here.

Lovely Sam shopping in the Rosarito Markets.

Calafia – This is a really beautiful spot along the coast. In actuality there isn’t much here but a small, quaint hotel and it’s adjoining restaurant but it has a claim to fame. Rumor has it that part of the Titanic movie was filmed here and inside the restaurant you’ll find memorabilia from the movie and the actual original ship.  The restaurant is gorgeous. A lot of people get married here because it is right on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific. You can dine inside or outside on their large balcony over the water. This place is highly recommended for food, drinks and relaxation. The grounds aren’t large but they are just amazing. When the bougenvilla is in bloom this place is a photographer’s dream come true.Visit the Calafia website to see what I am talking about. This place is pretty romantic and is only about 30 mins from the border. The Fox Baja Studios are right down the street and I know for a fact that  Titanic and Master & Commander were filmed there. You can also take tours.

Calafia, Mexico (courtesy of trip advisor)

Puerto Nuevo – Located right on the water, this is a great little spot known for lobster and fresh seafood. This is a must stop on your way toEnsenada . Plan to spend a couple hours eating, drinking, shopping and buying some candied nuts. They have a great market here and tons ofresturants . I really like this little spot a lot and it’s easy to get to. You’ll see signs right off the highway and you can park wherever there is a spot or in a lot for a couple bucks.

Puerto Nuevo Lobsters

Insider’s Tip: Take the local (not the toll) road between Calafia and Puerto Nuevo. This is where you will find the streets lined with tons of vendors. When you leave Calafia take the local Rt 1 to Puerto Nuevo and pull off when you see shops that catch your eye. Make sure to bargain, you can get some awesome deals on handmade items.

Paco at the La Salina bar.

La Salina – Another tiny hole in the wall, this area is growing with the development that is being built at the harbor. However things seem to have stalled there with the recent housing decline in the U.S. There is a bar here with a small hotel on top (about 5 rooms). However the bar is located right on a huge, beautiful, vacant beach. There are a lot of expats that hang out in the bar and a lot of little expat homes right near by. Occasionally there are huge karoake parties here as well. You can also camp on the beach if you want. The light is absolutely beautiful in this place around 4pm. This is also where the header picture for the first post was taken (in front of the wall that says Viva Mexico). The guys that work here are really nice and if you become a regular like we did they will treat you very well. Once they even floated us the money to stay overnight when we ran out. They told us just to pay them the next time we were down which was just really, really nice & very trusting of them. Even though this is a big ex-pat place, I truly love La Salina and you can forge a lot of great friendships here with the local owner and bar workers. They are really great guys. There isn’t much to do here but drink some cervezas, order food, watch the waves, play pool or read a book from their collection. If it’s hot bring your bathing suit and jump in you will most likely have the enormous entire beach to yourself.  It’s $40 – $60 if you are considering a stay. Tell Gustavo Beth & Randy said hi!

Insider Tip: If you present them a receipt from the last tooth booth within 60 minutes of it being stamped you get a free drink! Also this is a big 4-wheel area which can be a lot of fun. However if an older American man (I think he must be pushing 80) offers you a ride on his 4 wheel stay FAR, FAR away. Just trust me on that one.

Mike & Randy relaxing in La Salina.

Camping at the beach at La Salina.

Ensenada – This is usually the destination for most people driving into Baja and for good reason. It’s fun, easy to navigate and cleaner than most parts of Tijuana. The main streets are very walkable and cute. There are a ton of hotels, bars & interesting places to check out. I like Ensenada a lot, although this is where my license plates were stolen. We’ve had a lot of fun here and there is a famous cantina here that shouldn’t be missed. Hussongs Cantina is over 100 years old and hasn’t changed much. It also claims to be the place where the margarita was invented. And their margaritas are yummy! You also get the pleasure of constant Mariachi bands as you are encouraged to throw your peanut shells all over the floor. There is also a cool fish market by the Ensenada harbor on Sunday mornings where you can get your fix of fresh cerviche & fish tacos.

Insider Tip: Make a day out of it! Start your trip in TJ and then drive through the above mentioned hot spots, drinking and eating along the way. Spend that night getting crazy in Ensenada then head home the next morning. This is a popular route I have done many times and honestly it never gets old. It’s always an adventure in Mexico!

Street in Ensenada - Hussongs in the background.

Beyond the Tijuana/Ensenada Corridor:

San Felipe -  This town has a motto – “No Bad Days”. Can a town with a motto like this be anything but fun? Located on the beautiful, blue Sea of Cortez, this seaside fishing town is about a 4 hour ride from the border crossing at Mexicali. It’s a great place, has a really fun vibe with tons of food and restaurants. It also has a huge beach and a large ex-pat community.

Breakfast in San Felipe.

Tecate -  Tecate is an easily accessible border town that makes for a great day trip. The perks are that it is smaller & cleaner than Tijuana and is a lot more relaxed. It has a cute city square where locals sell their handmade goods at great prices.  It is also the home to the Tecate Brewery which should not be missed. You get a free drink and a great tour through their entire facilities. They have tour guides in Spanish and English. It’s easy to spot – just look for the large, white building in town or follow the signs to the beer garden.

Randy getting ready for the Tecate tour.

La Bufadora – This is awell publicized blow hole about 15 mins. south of Ensenada. I’ve been a couple times and the blow hole is really not that exciting. It’s also not a true blow hole but is created instead by water splashing high above the seashore. In any case it’s kind of a fun stop because of all the vendors that line the streets. There are also tons of  bars and restaurants to entertain yourself with. In fact after a few margaritas the blow hole may seem a whole lot more interesting.

San Ignacio – If you are considering a road trip into Mexico this is the place to go. Go, Go, Go! Just make sure you go between January & March so you can see the baby whales in the San Ignacio Lagoon. For the first three months of every year the California Grey whales head to San Ignacio to have their babies. For $10 you can camp at the Kuyima Ecological Reserve (complete with solar powered showers) which is right on the water. For $40 you can take a small boat out to the whales with a group of other people. The boat is so small it will out do any other whale watching you have ever done in your life. Here you can actually pet the whales when they come up to the boats. If you get lucky like Randy did you might get to actually kiss one! San Ignacio is a 14 hour ride from San Diego but worth every minute. It is an experience that you will never forget. We will have a post coming up soon with more info about this excursion.

Yes, the whales really get this close and this is only a portion of his head. They are huge!

Cabo San Lucas - Land’s End or so it’s called. You will never be disappointed with a trip to Cabo. Breathtakingly beautiful and full of adventure this is Baja at it’s finest. It is the epitome of Baja and a huge destination for travelers and . cruise ships alike. The trip will take you at least 24 hours by car through some of Mexico’s most scenic landscapes. Alternately you can fly – there are plenty of flights out of San Diego, L.A. or Tijuana.

There are plenty of other places to visit as well so grab a map, get your car insurance and head off on your very own Baja adventure!

To read the rest of the series click below:

Blood, Drugs & Sangria – How To Vacation In A War Zone.

Part 1 of a 5 part series.

Part 2 of a 5 part series.

Part 3 of a 5 part series.

Part 4 of a 5 part series.

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*Please remember all photos on this website are copyrighted and property of BeersandBeans.com, NarikosNest.com & Bethany Salvon. Please do not use them without my permission. If you want to use one of them please contact me to ask first because I love to share. Thanks!

Beautiful Mexican Landscape

In our previous posts, we talked about the dangers of traveling in Baja, Mexico. We also talked about how beautiful the country is and how it should not be overlooked just because of  the current media hype. It also happens to be a budget travelers wonderland with a variety of activities to partake in that are all easy on the wallet.

To Read Part 2 click here: Blood, Drugs & Sangria – How To Vacation In A War Zone – Part 2 of a 5 part series.

To Read Part 3 click here: Blood, Drugs & Sangria – How to Vacation In A War Zone – Part 3 of a 5 part series.

To Read Part 5 click here: Blood, Drugs & Sangria – How to Vacation In a War Zone – Part 5 of a 5 part series.

This is the fourth post in our series of 5 and highlights our third tip for hanging out in one of the busiest & dangerous  border cities in the world – Tijuana, Mexico.

We want to encourage you to head south of the border so while our tips may start with a “Don’t”, they are followed up by several “Do’s”. It can be scary to drive or visit any foreign country so we invite you to comment or contact us by email if you have any other specific questions before embarking on your own adventure. We would love the opportunity to answer your questions and give you the confidence you need to begin your journey.

Driving through Mexico

Tip # 3 – Don’t drive without insurance, extra gas or at night.

The last place you want to run out of gas or blow a tire is in the middle of the desert. Keep yourself safe by planning ahead and having extra supplies. The roads in Mexico have been known to have bandits on them. Never drive at night in Mexico.

Do:

1. Get Mexican auto insurance before your journey. You can get it online or you can buy it on your way down. The highway exits leading up to the border will have signs telling you where to exit to purchase it.  As an added perk most places are open 24 hours. It’s pretty cheap – anywhere from $10 – $20/day and it’s technically illegal to drive in Mexico without it. If you rent a car you will be forced to purchase it through the rental agency. I know some people who go without insurance but I just don’t think it’s worth it. The Mexican justice system is not the same as the U.S.  In Mexico you are guilty until proven innocent and you will remain in jail during that time. Driving in Mexico is typically safe but Tijuana is a very congested city. You don’t want to get into a small fender bender and end up in jail just because you were too cheap to buy the insurance. It’s just not worth it.

2. Carry small, extra spare parts and gas. You can get pretty much anything you need in TJ or Ensenada but travel further and you could be stuck with limited resources. Make sure you have a spare tire and any other small odds/ends that you might need. It’s always good to have an extra jug of water and a flashlight  just in case. Also make sure you bring extra gas if you are planning a multi-day road trip thru Baja. Baja California Sur (the southern half of the state) is mainly a beautiful national park that makes for fantastic scenery but there is little in the way of gas or snacks so make sure you have some with you.

Gassing up on the way down to San Ignacio.

3. As a rule of thumb you want to make sure you Do Not Drive At Night. Make sure to plan your days so that you arrive at your destination before sundown. Due to the drug lords and bandits there have been many issues on the locals roads and the toll road between Ensenada and Tijuana. Some tourists have even been shot at and others have been robbed. Don’t take this risk and leave your driving for the daylight hours. Additionally, the side roads are not marked well, you could get lost easily. We always drive during daylight hours and we have never had any problems. Also try to keep on the toll roads for any long hauls. Generally, the toll roads are a lot safer and it will be much easier to get help if you need it. As for the tolls, after Tijuana there are 2 or 3 tolls to pass through on the way to Ensenada. Ensenada is about 1 hr 20 minutes from the border. Based on the exchange rate each toll will be roughly $1.30. This fluctuates a bit but U.S. dollars are accepted on the tolls so you don’t need to change into Pesos to pay the tolls.

4. Wear your seatbelt. In Mexico it is illegal to drive without your seatbelt and in Tijuana you stand a good chance of being pulled over. This is especially common on the way back to the border because some cops will stand in the street to direct traffic. Because the cars are moving so slowly they have a birds eye view to see if you are buckled in or not.  I learned this the hard way when I brought my mom down to a little town called La Salina. On the way back we were pulled over in Tijuana because my mother did not have her seatbelt on.  We were told we had 2 choices: 1. Pay a $65 bribe or 2. Follow him to the police station. My mother started making things worse by telling a lie that she just took her seatbelt off momentarily because she was getting something out of her purse which was in the back seat. Fortunately there was a huge language gap which kept the fine from getting bigger. Wear your seatbelt, keep your money in your pocket and don‘t offer up any additional information. Just keep your mouth shut, pay the fine and be on your way.

5. This leads me to another point which is you should always carry extra cash with you in while traveling in Mexico. This money should be set aside specifically to pay bribes with. Hopefully you will not have to dip into this reserve but if you do you will be extremely thankful that you have it. Personally I have only had to do this twice but I know most of my friends have been bribed at one point or another. Many people refuse to pay the bribe and you can do that if you want. Typically if you really did nothing wrong then they will eventually let you go. However if you did do something illegal (like not having your seatbelt on) it’s a lot easier to pay the bribe instead of getting an actual ticket and ending up with a trip to the police station.

6. Another driving tip  – About an 1.5 hours into Mexico (after Ensenada) you will be pass through a car inspection station. There will be young men with machine guns standing on the side of the road and it will undoubtedly look very intimidating. For the most part they are scanning the bottom of your car for certain insects so that they can’t be brought into southern Baja. Occasionally they will ask you to pop the trunk so they can inspect the things that you are carrying. Do not and I repeat do not carry guns into Mexico. This is highly illegal (even if your gun is licensed in the U.S.) and will land you in jail fast. However the HUGE tip I want to impart here is about talking to the soldiers at the checkpoint. The less Spanish you speak the better off you will be. I know this sounds strange because you think rationally that if you try to speak their language they will be more lenient with you. In my experience this has not been the case. The only thing this does is open you up to more questioning. Every time I have engaged in a Spanish speaking conversation with them I get searched for longer than anyone else and asked extra questions which can be nerve wracking. However when I speak English and act like I only know a little Spanish I get waived through pretty quickly. If they can’t communicate with you then there isn’t much point in trying to ask you about your luggage, etc. Trust me on this. I realize it sounds 100% backward but besides the Hola & Adios keep your Spanish language skills to an absolute minimum when speaking to an official at the inspection station. Work on your conversational skills with the locals who will be more than happy to talk to you without a machine gun in their hands. To corroborate on this fact I have other friends that are fluent in Spanish and do the exact same thing. This tip also applies to cops if you get pulled over.

7. Make sure your license plate is screwed on tightly. I had my plates stolen once in Mexico (they were my old, obvious Massachusetts plates). I can only wonder what kind of errands those plates are running now.  If you are parking on the street take a look to see if any other cars on the street are missing one or both plates. If you notice a lack of plates keep driving and find a new spot.

Lonely cactus

8. Do drive a crappy or dirty car. Do NOT take a flashy SUV or car. You will get attention you don’t want – either from     the cops or theives. The drug lords typically drive  large, black, flashy SUV’s and it’s been reported on many occasions that they roll together into town before a  shoot out. One of my best friends has a black shiny SUV with  bright, sparkling rims. That vehicle will never see the dirt of a Mexican road because it is just too flashy. We don’t want anyone to think twice when they see her car and you don’t want that either. My crappy, consistently dirty Hyundai is a perfect Mexico car and since I lost the MA plates, it attracts zero attention. If you don’t have access to an ugly car then rent one, most car rental companies in San Diego will let you bring their cars into Mexico just make sure to tell them you are going to cross the border.

There you have it – my most important tips for driving in Mexico. Keep in mind that the roads in Tijuana are well marked but after that most roads aren’t marked very well. Also if you are planning on shopping during your trip one of my favorite spots is off the toll road. Between a little town called Calafia and Tijuana on the local road (it runs parallel to the ocean) there are a ton of small shops. You can park your car and spend a couple hours walking through them all and finding some really unique items. You can find excellent paintings, home furniture, odds & ends and even home improvement goods like Spanish tiles and Spanish sinks at a great price.

Mike talking with the vendors in the Tijuana border line.

Also I should point out that you will not need to stop for any inspection as you enter Mexico. Unless you are carrying an RV full of stuff they will just waive you right through and there won’t even be any traffic. However on the way back be prepared for at least a 2 hour wait to get back into the U.S. Don’t worry you won’t be bored – the entire wait will be lined with  peddlers selling everything from ice cream to the ugliest Aztec calender statue that you can imagine. As you get closer to the border the crowd intensifies and to me, it’s one of the most exciting parts of the trip. I love the border wait because you can get anything, you can practice your Spanish with people selling things in the street and overall it’s just fun to take it all in. If you happen to miss the Tijuana crossing and cross back through Otay Mesa the crowd will be thinner but you will be treated to a different show. Many times you will see people blowing fire for tips. However last time I saw this the fire blowers were children under the age of 10. That was very disturbing.

Our last post in the series will have a few more tips of the trade and I will also point out some great areas to visit that most people miss. Along with those little gems I will point out a couple long road trip excursions. Baja is an exciting and inexpensive place to visit and it can provide you with amazing memories unlike any of your other trips.

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*Please remember all photos on this website are copyrighted and property of BeersandBeans.com, NarikosNest.com & Bethany Salvon. Please do not use them without my permission. If you want to use one of them please contact me to ask first because I love to share. Thanks!

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In our previous posts, we talked about the dangers of traveling in Baja, Mexico and also about how beautiful the country is and how it should not be overlooked just because of  the current media hype. It also happens to be a budget travelers wonderland with a variety of activities to partake in that are all easy on the wallet.

To Read Part 2 click here: Blood, Drugs & Sangria – How To Vacation In A War Zone – Part 2 of a 5 part series.

To Read Part 4 click here: Blood, Drugs & Sangria – How to Vacation In A War Zone – Part 4 of a 5 part series.

To Read Part 5 click here: Blood, Drugs & Sangria – How to Vacation In a War Zone – Part 5 of a 5 part series.

This is the third post in our series of 5 and highlights our second tip for hanging out in one of the busiest & dangerous  border cities in the world – Tijuana, Mexico.

Randy & Mike wait for a street taco.

We want to encourage you to head south of the border so while our tips may start with a “Don’t”, they are followed up by several “Do’s”. It can be scary to drive or visit any foreign country so we invite you to comment or contact us by email if you have any other specific questions before embarking on your own adventure. We would love the opportunity to answer your questions and give you the confidence you need to begin your journey.

Tip #2 – Don’t drink the water

I know you’ve probably heard this before but it’s true. You don’t want to end up with Montezuma’s Revenge because you had a mixed drink that wasn’t made with purified water. When we traveled to Oaxaca recently we learned that there is a state law there that mandates all ice must be made with purified water. We have never heard of a law like that for Tijuana so it’s always best to be on the safe side.

Do:

1. When you order a water check to be sure that the restaurant or bar is opening a brand new bottle and not just re-opening one that is half empty. You may be told that it is half empty because they gave the other half to the person before you. Don’t fall for this. Request a new bottle be opened. It will be a non issue and you’ll be glad later on. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to drinking water. 

2. The same rule goes for salads. Eat salad only if it has been made with purified water. Don’t be shy about asking, this is a common question and some restaurants (the more touristy ones) will even advertise that fact on their menus so you don’t have to ask. You definitely don’t want a salad that has been rinsed with tap water because the bacteria can make you very ill and ruin your trip. If there is any doubt skip the salad and order well cooked veggies instead.

3. A trip to Mexico wouldn’t be the same without a couple margaritas right? Just make sure the ice is also made with purified water (de hielo purificado). Again if there is any doubt order a beer instead and save the mixed drink with ice for a time when you can be sure that it is safe. You can’t be 100% sure all the time but it’s best to hedge your bets the best you can.

4. When it comes to brushing your teeth, I guess it is personal preference. Some people use tap water, other people use bottled water. Randy and I usually start out our trips with bottled water then we get lazy and switch to tap water. That being said Randy never gets sick and I usually end up with some sort of stomach bug. I have no idea if that is from brushing my teeth with tap water but now that I think of it I should probably stop and use bottled water the entire time.

5. Definitely eat the street food! Not only is it good but it’s cheap and we’ve eaten it many times without any repercussions. You can get everything from corn on the cob (Mexican style with lime & chile sauce – yum!) to spicy hot dogs and cotton candy on the streets of Tijuana. Don’t be afraid of eating the street food – it’s usually fantastic and has never made us ill.

Stay tuned for tip #3 coming up in the next post which will give you all the tips you need for safe car travel through Baja!

Did you like this article? If so, consider retweeting below or stumbling it. Better yet sign up for our RSS feed and get the goodies delivered directly to your inbox! Consider yourself hugged.

*Please remember all photos on this website are copyrighted and property of BeersandBeans.com, NarikosNest.com & Bethany Salvon. Please do not use them without my permission. If you want to use one of them please contact me to ask first because I love to share. Thanks!

In our previous post, we talked about the dangers of traveling in Baja, Mexico and also about how beautiful the country is and how it should not be overlooked just because of  the current media hype. It also happens to be a budget travelers wonderland with a variety of activities to partake in that are all easy on the wallet.

To Read Part 3 click here: Blood, Drugs & Sangria – How to Vacation In A War Zone – Part 3 of a 5 part series.

To Read Part 4 click here: Blood, Drugs & Sangria – How to Vacation In A War Zone – Part 4 of a 5 part series.

To Read Part 5 click here: Blood, Drugs & Sangria – How to Vacation In a War Zone – Part 5 of a 5 part series.

This is the second post in our series of 5 and highlights our first tip for hanging out in one of the busiest & dangerous  border cities in the world – Tijuana, Mexico.

We want to encourage you to head south of the border so while our tips may start with a “Don’t”, they are followed up by several “Do’s”. It can be scary to drive or visit any foreign country so we invite you to comment or contact us by email if you have any other specific questions before embarking on your own adventure. We would love the opportunity to answer your questions and give you the confidence you need to begin your journey.

Tip #1 – Don’t look flashy

This may seem obvious yet I still see people looking like they just stepped off the tourist boat wearing their big jewelry, carrying their big cameras around their necks or driving their decked out BMW’s all around Tijuana (TJ). This is just plain dumb so please don‘t be this person. Wear your everyday clothes, keep your jewelry to a minimum and keep the camera in your bag until you need it. Take the crappy car or at the very least let your car get nice and dirty before you head in. The goal is simply to blend in. Remember that Tijuana is a border city. Border cities are generally less safe than other areas and require a little more caution. Many people are far away from their families, living off very little and in desperate situations. Your sweet, little car stereo could go a long way here. Do yourself a favor and leave the big, black SUV’s and fancy rims to the drug lords.

Do:

1. Park in well lit areas or in lots with a security guard and tip him/her. This is typical in Mexico and not something you want to skimp on. A simple dollar or two can go a long way.

2. Lock your car up and keep all belongings out of view even if there is a guard – trust no one. This also applies to the        lots on the U.S. side of the border. One night we came back to the U.S. from TJ only to find our friends car was stolen     from the lot and we’re pretty sure the guard was in on it. The car was never found.

3. Consider picking up a local language newspaper and putting it in the dashboard to look more “local“. A lot of local    people cross daily and it isn’t unusual to see California license plates all around the city. Likewise  it is very common to see Baja plates here in San Diego. A Spanish language newspaper can make your car even more local looking and less appealing to a thief with a conscience for the people of his/her homeland.

4. Wear comfortable clothes that are mainly generic in style. You don’t want to be too hippy, too goth, too Gucci or too  military. You just want to blend in. It’s fine to wear some jewelry, just don’t get too blinged out.  Ladies – don’t get slutty. You might want to club hop with your tight tank tops and short skirts and while I don’t recommend it -  if you do, be sure to bring clothes to cover up with when the party’s over. The men of Mexico are very amorous and love any reason to approach women. They will assume if you are dressed even remotely revealingly that you want attention and they will be more than happy to provide that for you. It doesn’t matter if you are with other guys. I have had men buy me drinks and start a conversation with me while I was sitting next to and talking with Randy. A waiter even asked me to marry him once when I was eating dinner with Randy. I’m not trying to toot my own horn here, I’m definitely not a beauty queen and I don’t get any attention like this at all back home. Typically I wear jeans & flip flops, nothing special. While it’s flattering at first it can get intimidating quickly so don’t go out of your way to encourage it or you will regret it. Tijuana also used to be the serious playground of the under 21 American crowd and it’s reputation as an insane party destination is still strong even if it has dwindled a bit in the past couple of years. As a result,, a lot of American men think normal rules don’t apply in Tijuana. They think because there is a brothel, cheap drinks and strip clubs they can get out of control drunk and stupid with all the ladies in town, this includes the locals girls and you. If you dress revealingly and hang out in bars or clubs, you are guaranteed to be approached (read: harassed) by the locals, the drunken U.S. frat boys or most likely, both. You will have a pretty good chance of having an annoying and possibly dangerous night so do yourself a favor and save the revealing threads for another time. For the men: having long hair will most likely get your bothered by the cops. Randy likes to grow his hair long and then cut it all off. We have noticed a huge difference when we visit and Randy has either long hair or short hair. Every time his hair is long he is harassed by the cops – thrown up against fences, questioned, etc. Mexico is a fairly traditional country and although the younger generation is bucking the trend, being a male tourist with long hair is just another way that you will stand out and will most likely get you the gringo shakedown.

5. Do bring your camera and keep it in a bag that doesn’t look like a camera bag. Any over the shoulder bag that looks    generic will work. A small diaper bag is also perfect because it has built in padding and no thief is interested in ripping off a diaper bag. A small over the shoulder, flexible cooler lunch bag will work too. Take photos and have a good time but be smart about it and don’t carry the camera around your neck or wrist while walking around. This also goes for cell phones. Randy has been robbed of 2 cell phones in Tijuana by people who befriended him in the city.

There you have it. The first big tip for traveling in Tijuana. Stay tuned for tip 2 which will fill you in on what to eat and what not to drink.

Did you like this article? If so, consider retweeting below or stumbling it. Better yet sign up for our RSS feed and get the goodies delivered directly to your inbox! Consider yourself hugged.

*Please remember all photos on this website are copyrighted and property of BeersandBeans.com, NarikosNest.com & Bethany Salvon. Please do not use them without my permission. If you want to use one of them please contact me to ask first because I love to share. Thanks!