Maiden Voyage part 1

Alright so @Ronjax2 convinced me to document as I go. Since he has been a huge help to getting me to this point of taking the TJ leap, I will oblige.

San Diego:

Arrived in SD Monday. Sunny day lot's to experience. Figured I would enjoy the city before heading to TJ; and I had a prior appointment to attend on Tuesday. My original plan was to head to TJ on Tuesday. However, a crazy storm hit the city and honestly I did not want to Uber to the boarder, with luggage in the rain, while trying to navigate crossing the border for the first time.

The A connection:

Remember the guy I told you all about that called me to make my reservation at Cascads etc? Well he called me Monday as that was the day I was originally set to arrive in TJ. We were chatting back and forth and honestly initially it was a little off putting because he was telling me I did not have a reservation. I was sharing with him that I initially called, heard nothing back. Decided to book online. Received a response but I needed to modify. No one ever responded to my modification request. I'll spare you the details. But lets just say the thought did cross my mind "Maybe it's not meant to be? Maybe I shouldn't go?" Thought about just hanging out in SD for the week and trying again another time to experience TJ. But I am a determined extremely competitive individual!

I decided to reach back out to A (let's just call him that. I am not sure if it's o.k. to use his name. Don't want to mess his business situation up). Called him to enquire about him picking me up and transporting me to TJ/HK. Originally when we spoke back in February he told me he provides transport and the cost is $90 one way. A little steep considering the outline you all provided as far as cost getting to TJ.

Thing is since it was my first time, raining cats and dogs and not wanting to get to the border and risking not finding my way whiled getting drenched in the pouring rain, I considered taking him up on the offer. We chatted back and forth, he said he would pick me up after 9p.m. but to be honest, I was tired. Waiting around for about 5 hours (since it was 4pm at this point) just didn't seem appealing. Decided to check into a hotel, grab some dinner and head out the next day (today, Wednesday).

We agreed to a 10 a.m. pick up time. Cost for one way, was quoted at $80. Uber was tracking around $50 so I figured what's an extra $30 bucks for transportation straight to HK.

A arrived on time and immediately we connected. Chatted about life in general, food and TJ. I began to pick his brain and confirm all the intel I had read up on. He said, you are well prepared my friend! My response, I had help (Tuscl brotherhood Thank you). Dude was a wealth of knowledge. He showed me exactly where I would cross the next time I come on foot. Showed me how and where (best time) to cross back. The best part was from the hotel in downtown SD to HK it may have took us 30 minutes? I honestly didn't keep track. We drove straight through the US customs side, got to Mexican side. Stopped. An agent checked the back of the car. That was it! we drove right through. I was like "where do we have to stop to check my passport? He was like we are in Mexico. You are good! lol" Took us less than 5 minutes to get through the border.

He pulled over to put his Hotel Cascada logo on his car. He said with frequent police stops, he has to now do this to avoid getting stopped by them. He even said that Police are pulling taxi's over and he even saw a guy get pulled out of a taxi and questioned. Just as he said this, A taxi in front of us was pulled to the side. The cop went straight to the back of the car to talk to the gringo in the back. Crazy!

He proceeded to drive me around the Red light district and a few neighborhoods to show me where it was safe to go and where to avoid. Super cool of him as it helped me get my bearings.

We arrived at Cascada. I got checked in. Staff were extremely friendly! Crazy, as I am walking through the the metal detector, the security guy says "Come around". He meant to say turn around lol. I said "Camaron (Shrimp)?" the Front Desk guy said the same thing. A said "yeah that's what it sounded like he said". I said " Are you calling me a shrimp?" Everyone busted out laughing. Now every time I have walked to and from my room, everyone says "Camaron" lol. It's super cool and honestly makes me feel more at ease.

I paid A for the ride, tipped him pretty good as he was a big help. He then said he had some down time and decided to give me a tour of HK. As he was leaving he asked if I use Viagra etc. I said for the next couple days I will lol. He gave me two pills for free and told me he would bring me more on his return trip, since I was a great client and tipped him pretty good. Great gesture if you ask me!

The room:

I opted for the PH suite. Nice room! spacious and a great view of the surrounding area. Looking out the window I can see a lot. from the Paraditas hanging out, BT, a few small bars, Adelleta's, DK. Literally just stood in my window and did further recon. Great view! Great price as I did get the VIP card (although I did not get to enjoy the 70% off, still a great value)

Side note: no one mentioned the porn on the tv!!!! The sound bar connected to the TV or the LED lights!!!! Love the room

Got settled in and was unpacking my money lol. I took you all's advice and loaded up prior to coming to TJ. I hid money all over the place in my luggage. Safe wasn't working but they fixed it immediately. When I opened the safe you would not believe what I found! $75 in 1's and 5's!!!! Score right!!!! Relaxed for a bit and headed to the store.

Oxxo: Headed to Oxxo (the convenience store across the street). Grabbed a few items including a bottle of liquor. $22 total which is cheap considering what I got.

Headed back to room. Security and Front Desk yell "Cameron" lol. Just finished my drink and now I think I'm ready to explore.

Mecca, here I come!