Taxis in Tijuana, Baja California - Mexico

Coming into Mexico from the US is a bit of a shock to the system.

Its not necessarily a bad shock - its the kind though that made me feel like I was back to "real" traveling, where I couldn't speak the language and am not always too sure about the customs.

Tijuana is a border town that thrives on the trade created by many US citizens crossing the border to access cheaper prices in Mexico. This seems to be centered on cheap alcohol and a lower drinking age, pharmaceuticals, prescription glasses and prostitution. This mix of business doesn't present the best first impression of Mexico.

Once past the seediness of Tijuana, Baja California quickly started to look like I'd envisaged Mexico to look. Barren hills, ramshackle houses, Cactus, rocky desert and endless sunshine.

Compared to many other countries, the border procedures entering into Mexico are very relaxed. The border is a one way turn-style that lets you enter into Mexico, but not go back to the US. If you want your passport stamped or a visa you need to look for the immigration office and hope that its attended.

Road Trip through Baja

Its something of a cliche amongst travelers that its good to travel as the locals do.

In this case it was more local-style transport in a car shared with an American, Sean who wanted to work remotely from Mexico and a German traveler, Gunnar. The car was one that Sean had bought from some locals for $350.

Its prominent feathers were:

• No registration plates
• No registration
• billowing white smoke coming from the exhaust
• a constant stream of smoke coming from the engine
• a set of bald tires
• headlights that didn't work
• a battery terminal that only occasionally made contact to the engine
• a rear windscreen that was made of plastic sheet taped to the frame of the car

Despite its many flaws, the car drove, though I was dubious for how long. Before setting out, we decided on some conditions for the drive:

1. That there wouldn't be any driving at night
2. That we'd keep the speed down below 80km/h, assuming the car could actually go faster
3. That we'd share any fines/bribes 3 ways
4. At any point, including if the car wouldn't go any further, we were free to hail down a bus and make the rest of our trip that way

We had a quick stop to pick up some basic tools and two cans of "fix-a-flat" which Sean was convinced would cure any flat tires. By the time we finally left the outskirts of the town it was already approaching midday, but we were happy to be on the road at last.

To be continued.... !