Explore: Tijuana, Mexico

[bctt tweet=”Exploring the bustling city of Tijuana, Mexico”]

Just across the border of San Diego is the sprawling city of Tijuana, considered as the largest metropolis of Northwestern Mexico. If you are familiar with San Diego, you will know that the two cities somehow share a fascination connection, perhaps something to do with the warmth of the weather or maybe the poignant smell of urban settings reminiscent of relaxed lifestyles. Nonetheless, Tijuana has been heavily influenced by the sombrero donning Mexicans from the United States particularly on notable fashion trends and the infamous development of Spanglish lingo.

Where else would you go if you fancy cultural diversity? Tijuana is the melting pot of various cultures, from Asians to Latinos, including those who simply want simple life from the greater US. Once you stroll the streets, you will definitely fit in with the crowd. No catch, everyone is smiling and the plazas are filled with vibrant shops and fascinating individuals. You can even haggle for a particular gift that you want.

And talking about shopping, if you can not find your favorite Cuban cigar in the mainland US, you can easily find them on souvenir shops in Tijuana however there is a tiny catch, you should be able to tell the genuine cigar from the fakes which is kind of impossible to tell even for the seasoned Cuban cigar smokers. To make it easier for you, you can find the real Cuban cigars at the Avenida Revolucion where plenty of other items such as alcohol and herbal medicine are also on sale. The imported wine selections at the plaza are incredibly cheap because of duty free stores.

As such, the most popular tourist spot is the Avenida Revolucion in the Zona Centro. You will not miss it because just everyone you ask in Tijuana will show you this place since they also love it for its vibrant ambience. It is kind of a complete package, with shops, restaurants and bars for your nighttime tequila shots.

If you want to see bulls going crazy at each other; how those head butts become so popular is beyond me, just visit the Playas de Tijuana not far from the US border. The buildings here are historic like the famous bullring where the bullfights are hosted. The atmosphere is highly energetic during matches and if you want to feed your bravado, this is the perfect place to visit. Yell with the crowd and feel the exhilaration, it is nothing but cathartic if you harbor some placid melancholic emotions within you.

Another particular favorite amongst tourists is the historical center of the Preparatoria Federal Lazaro Cardenas which was once the central base of liquor contraband during the Al Capone days.

Take note that even if Tijuana is on the ocean, beaches are not so popular simply because they’re incredibly foggy. There is practically nothing to see on the horizon when the fogs gather round, kind of makes for an even more melancholic set up which you are trying to escape. However, if you want to savor the mists, just buy a ticket for a boat ride to get your fix. Life is a choice, your choice.

Have fun and don’t forget to bring your ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) Visa with you for an incredible and hassle free fun adventure.