My Latest Tijuana Trip

Recently returned to the monger’s paradise known as Tijuana. Here’s a recap for your reading enjoyment:

Saturday (February 8) - I flew out of Chicago that morning and got to San Diego around 11 a.m. local time. Since Cascadas usually doesn’t begin check-in until 3 pm, I spent a couple of hours in the United Club at the airport eating lunch and relaxing, then left and went downstairs to catch the MTA #992 bus that goes to downtown. Usually the bus stop is on the lower level of the airport (departures), but because of ongoing construction, it’s been moved upstairs to arrivals. I had went downstairs as usual, but then saw the signs indicating the re-route. So back up I went, but at least I didn’t have to wait long as the bus was sitting there. After waiting a few minutes, the bus took off, and I got to the America’s Plaza downtown by 1:30.

Then I waited a few minutes for the Blue Line trolley to San Ysidro, where the border is. I arrived in San Ysidro around 2:30 and stopped at the currency exchange by the McDonald’s to get pesos. Much to my chagrin, the exchange rate was 16 to 1 - which means the peso is getting stronger in Mexico and the dollar weaker. This time I only exchanged $100 instead of $150 or $200 like I usually do, and then went up the walkway to the turnstile gates leading to the pedestrian checkpoint. Fortunately, I didn’t wait long, and my passport was stamped (first time that’s happened since I’ve been going to Tijuana). I got handed a FMM and was on my way.

Once in Tijuana, I headed through the gravel lot located halfway down the walkway to the turnstile gates and walked over to the Zona Norte shuttle office. I only had to wait a couple of minutes before it arrived and soon I was on my way to Cascadas, getting there just a few minutes before 3. I thought I’d have to wait for check-in, but they went ahead with it.

I paid for a four-night stay in a Master Suite, which has a king-sized bed (much appreciated by a big guy like me!). The room was cozy and quite comfortable. Plus the HK VIP Card I got at check-in provided a huge room discount (70%) for Monday and Tuesday nights. After unpacking my luggage, I went to the OXXO in the alley and got water, energy drinks, and snacks, then went up Constitućion to the pharmacy on Calle Primera to get the generic brand of Cialis. I got quoted $41 for the generic 8-pack, the regular Cialis was $29 - for one pill. Like an idiot, I paid for the one pill and instantly regretted it; I should’ve gone for the generic eight-pack instead. But one of my friends, who came the next day, gave me three additional pills and I paid him $15 which he appreciated.

After my stops at OXXO and the pharmacy I went back to my room and took a nap. I went downstairs to Hong Kong around 11, and it was a sausagefest. Lots of girls, but just as many guys. Still, the vibe was great. I didn’t partake in any arriba that night but tipped plenty of ladies.

The next day was Super Bowl Sunday. After taking care of work for my freelance writing job, I went down to HK and caught up with a couple of friends - Greanbeans and Seven. It was Greanbeans’ first time in TJ in almost two years and it was great seeing him. He’s a really cool dude, as is Seven. One of Seven’s friends had reserved several booths in a prime spot - overlooking the main stage on the second floor in front of the giant TV, perfect for the game. I was invited to join them, and I accepted. Got to meet several great guys and the booze and food were flowing.

The game itself was boring, though I have to say that the halftime show was great, production was excellent. As the Seahawks pulled away from the Patriots late, I decided to head across the street to Tropical Bar. I’ll have more info in reviews, but I wound up doing two arribas that night with two different girls. Great time.

Monday afternoon, I had an arriba with yet another girl from Tropical (all three times, I brought the girl from TB to Cascadas). Then Seven and I made a tour of all the Zona Norte spots: Chicago, La Gloria, Odisea, La Malquerida, La Carreta, and Gold Palace. We didn’t stay long in any of them, just wanted to take in the vibe. That night, we along with Greanbeans wound up in Dulce and Gabbana and chatted with the girls and bought fichas. It’s actually a really nice place with potential to be really good, they just need to learn how to market themselves.

Tuesday, Greanbeans left for home, but Seven and I stuck around. We did another tour of all the ZN spots, then later that night spent time in Mermaids, the massage place next to Tropical. They brought out a lineup of girls, and they looked good. Neither Seven nor I partook in a massage, which was $140 for 45 minutes but included arriba. Instead, we took a couple of the girls to the bar for fichas, and I got contact information for one of them.

Ended the night at La Carreta. Seven wound up doing arriba with a girl there, while I left to find a street girl. I saw a mature one in her late 30s/early 40s that looked good, and I brought her to my room at Cascadas. Cost was $100 for an hour, and it went great.

Wednesday morning, I dreaded heading back home. The trip home from Tijuana, I call it a trail of tears because I never want to leave. Alas, I still have to work for a living. Maybe when I retire soon, I’ll consider moving to TJ. But with the good memories made this trip, I’m already thinking about the next one, likely this summer.