Comments by OPIllini96

Great review. Yeah, obviously there are issues with HK, but as you said, that experience is far better than any club in the States, and you don’t have to travel overseas - it’s in our backyard.

I hear that money belts are helpful, and I’m looking into getting one for my next TJ trip later this year.

Chevalas for sure. And La Malquerida also has live music often from what I understand.

Man, that’s unfortunate you lost money. But besides that, sounds like you had a really great time. Taking two girls upstairs at the same time for arriba? That’s awesome. Only downside is that I hate the HK meseros kept interrupting your time in the Miami section. If the girls want to do lap dances for you, they should be allowed to without you having to take them to VIP.

Outstanding review. Glad you enjoyed your visit.

I enjoy Gold Palace. Yes, the girls there are not as good-looking as the majority of the HK girls, but for the most part, they’re decent. Best of all, they’re more humble and appreciative than many HK girls. Been to Gold Palace a few times and have always had a positive experience. Good review.

Puta is correct about PedWest’s hours - 6 am to 2 pm going into San Ysidro, then 3 pm to 11 pm going into Tijuana.

Ron, I would say it’s more of a buyer’s market (more favorable to us) early in the week (Mon-Wed). Certainly not as many ladies available those days, but most are more willing to accept your offer in my experience.

Rizo is definitely much more quieter than Cascadas, so if you like to get plenty of sleep, that’s the spot. That said, there are a few quiet areas in Cascadas, especially if you get a master room on the 6th or 7th floor. I, too, was intrigued with Cascadas’ penthouse rooms, but after seeing one last month, IMO it’s a better value if you get a master single or double room.

Good review. CC is a good alternative to the hustle of HK. It’s more laidback and there’s not a lot of pressure applied by the meseros.

Stuff like this makes me want to spend more time in CC and BT. Ridiculous.

I agree with the other posters. I’d add that if you could get to HK in the morning during the early part of the week (Monday through Wednesday), you’ll have the advantage of a buyer’s market. It’s my experience that most of the girls who work that time are likely to accept $100 and not try to be greedy.

All three reviews were outstanding Ron! You captured the essence of the HK experience very well. Yeah, it’s definitely gotten more expensive and most of us are critical (and rightly so) of management’s greed. But there’s no doubt still that HK has the best-looking ladies out of all the Zona Norte clubs.

Great review.

CJ, I knew the girl from GP that was supposed to come over as she was one of the three girls I took into the VIP room the night before. I make the mistake of trusting the GP manager and got burned. I might have been buzzed, but still was aware of what was going on.

And yeah, the Hotel Jalos (CC’s hotel) isn’t good. Outdated rooms that are just blah.

I think CC now offers a free shuttle to/from the border. But I’m not how you would arrange for a pickup ahead of time. There’s no dedicated website, just a Facebook page.

C’mon CJ and twentyfive, please take your dispute somewhere else and stop hijacking this thread. To BigBadWolfe, I’ve never had any issues crossing back in the U.S. I just tell them I was on vacation, and no problem whatsoever.

I went through this evening at PedWest. No one was at the desk, and no one asked for my passport or a FMM.

Good, solid review as always. Looking forward to seeing the new layout myself next weekend.

This coming trip in a couple of weeks will be my 9th to TJ. I started going in August 2021, and only twice did I fill it out at the customs desk. But I may just print and fill one out next week just in case.

How was the attendance on Monday? That’s the day of the flooding rainstorm that took place in San Diego and Tijuana. Sure the numbers were held down.

@Puta and @Red, that’s precisely what we need to start doing - voting with our wallets. If only more guys would do what you are doing, then maybe things would change at HK.

Puta, well said. Not only that, it appears he didn’t try to negotiate with the first arriba - $200 is a severe overpay. Yes, everything has gone up at HK, but mongers still need to keep arriba costs as reasonable as possible. IMHO, anything above $120 is too much, but hey, to each their own.

@WiseToo, the girls at HK are all Mexican.

Jascol, I agree with Puta. Yeah, what happened with you a few months ago definitely stinks, but personally I wouldn’t make things worse by going after those guys. Then you’re asking for real trouble. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide on a course of action; just be safe whatever you do my friend.

Glad you had a great time.

Exactly. It would help if it became 24 hours both ways like it’s supposed to be.

Danton, there are a few good, reasonable hotel options on Revolucion Ave - Hotel Caesar, and Hotel Ticuan among those. Hotel Aqua Rio (where I’ve stayed a couple of times) is on Constitucion a block south and a block west of Ticuan. Good, quiet location.

Excellent follow-up review!

Outwolf: good points, both regarding the tips and the vino scam at HK. I did point out the scam in the first comment for this article. It’s perfectly fine to say “no, gracias” in that situation, as long as it’s done respectfully. Other girls are watching guys to see how they interact with their colleagues, and how you behave goes a long way.

Cascadas has a noisy atmosphere. TBH, if you have a reserved room there, it’s not easy getting a good night’s sleep due to the music in HK being turned up really loud and penetrating the hallways, not to mention the constant flow of ladies and their clients walking around. There’s also a lot of construction, both on the property and in the alley. On the other hand, Rizo de Oro has a much quieter atmosphere. It feels more relaxed, and you can get good sleep in your room. I’ve stayed in both, and prefer Rizo because of the quiet. Both hotels are generally clean as far as my experience has been, and the linens are also clean. You can always request fresh linens after you finish arriba, and the staff will provide them. Comparison to U.S. chains? I’m sure the guys who have traveled to TJ have different opinions, but if you ask me, I think you can compare Cascadas and Rizo to upscale versions of Motel 6 or Holiday Inn.

Couple of things I want to add. The first is regarding buying fichas - or drinks - for any girl in a club. The price of a beer for her is $10, up a dollar from last year. But at HK, you have to be careful, as some girls will try to get you to buy a glass of wine. That’s $30; IMO it’s an unnecessary tactic by HK ownership to extract more money from mongers. Some HK girls - as well as some meseros (waiters) - will push this. To avoid this issue, ask the girl if she would like a beer. More often than not, she will agree. This only happens at HK and isn’t a problem in the other clubs. I mentioned meseros. There’s a lot of them in all these places. But with the notable exception of HK and Tropical (not sure why), there are also meseras (waitresses). Chicago Club has some good-looking ones, as does La Malquerida and Gold Palace. Not only do they bring your drinks, they are also available - for the most part - for arriba (sex). Just like taking a dancer upstairs. Some of my best times in TJ have taken place with some CC meseras: I’ve bought them drinks and enjoyed their company at my table, and I’ve taken some upstairs for arriba. Good times. Lastly, although it’s not the first thing we think of when we talk about Zona Norte, there are actually some good places to eat in the area. Azul and Senda Norte restaurants (both owned by HK) have good food at affordable prices, and the street taco scene is amazing. There are several carts in the area; my personal favorite is the one located outside HK on the corner of Calle Coahulia and Ave Ninos Heroes. That spot always draws a crowd.

While I’m glad you had a great time, I can’t believe she initially asked for $250. You at least managed to get it down to $200, but still, to me that’s a severe overpay. I personally have a hard time paying any HK girl more than $100; I’m trying to do my part to keep costs reasonable for other mongers (though I admit I’d pay a little more if she’s drop-dead gorgeous like your lady was - even so, $150 would be the limit). To each their own I guess.

Cole, I was in TJ for New Year’s Eve a couple of years ago. I can tell you that while there were still plenty of ladies, most of the best ones had returned to their Mexican hometowns for the holidays. So if you were able to go this past weekend, that was better than what NYE would’ve been like for you.

^ https://tjnoticias.info/hombres-armados-disparan-mas-de-10-veces-contra-dos-hombres-en-callejon-coahuila/ Link to what the previous post refers to. Make no mistake, this type of incident doesn’t happen often in the Zona Norte. Still, a couple of the targets ran inside HK, which created a panic. My concern is that one of these instances turns into a shootout inside the club, which would be really bad for business.

Surprised that this was approved for posting. There just aren’t enough details.

I have always wondered about the regular rooms at Jalos. By all accounts, they need a serious upgrade. And I’ve been to the short-term rooms there; they’re just blah. Also, I understand that they recently started a free shuttle from CC to the border and vice versa. CC does have an active Facebook page, so you might want to ask your questions there.

I still feel that shootings and killings within TJ’s red-light district are unlikely to occur, simply because the cartels don’t want to start trouble with the brothels like HK and CC. They know that Americans go to those places and provide revenue, so if there was a shootout inside HK (for example) which saw Americans killed and/or wounded, that would almost certainly bring trouble from the U.S. military. Not to mention it would be all but over for the Zona Norte as we know it, because who would want to go there after such an event?

@623: Correct. Here are the hours for Pedwest: Inbound (into US): 6am-2pm Outbound (into Mexico): 3pm-11pm Pedeast is still open both ways 24/7

Great article Ron. This definitely makes me want to brush off the Pimsleur app I have on my phone and start studying Spanish again. Don’t have to be necessarily fluent, but a basic grasp goes a long way.

If only Hotel Jalos (CC’s hotel you refer to) had better overnight accommodations. By all accounts, those rooms are nowhere near as nice as Cascadas or Rizo de Oro.

Pedwest is closed both ways for the time being. They needed to use the facility for migrant processing, and reportedly the plan is to reopen soon for travelers coming back from Mexico - one-way only. Even when it was open earlier this year, you couldn’t get into Mexico from Pedwest - you had to use Pedeast.

As to your question about the price increase, it’s inflation. The peso has gotten stronger over the last year. Wasn’t long ago that the exchange rate was 20-21 pesos for every dollar, but now it’s more like 17 pesos. And since the girls largely prefer dollars, that’s why you see more wanting $120. Don’t get me wrong, you can still get girls that will take $100, but $120 seems to be the current going rate.

A wise decision shown by you in not buying the girl cocaine or other illicit drugs. Like you said, it could’ve been a setup. Good review.

You can use pesos at HK, but it’s my experience that the girls prefer dollars.

Good, solid report. Went in, didn’t waste time, took care of business, and left.

That's what I thought. Thanks, Jascol. Gotta remind myself that ISG has false info more often than not.

Also concerned as well. The streets in Zona Norte don’t have good drainage and there are also plenty of potholes, so if the rain comes down fast as expected, street flooding is very likely.

Ron, I’ve stayed at both Cascadas and Rizo. Both are nice, but to me Rizo is much more quieter and I’ve found the Rizo staff to be more laid-back than the Cascadas staff.

PAFBABS, I think I have an explanation of why traffic was bad for you heading down I-5. The Dodgers are in SD this weekend to play the Padres, so I imagine there were plenty of fans coming from LA.

Outstanding review. Chicago is getting better in recent months, especially now that Adelita remains closed and is unlikely to reopen anytime soon.

Excellent review, Ron. I had gotten the Pimsleur app last year for the specific purpose of learning Spanish. Haven’t used it in a while, but I figure after reading this, it’s time to get back to Pimsleur. Like you said, you don’t have to be necessarily fluent in Spanish, but learning a few basic phrases goes a long way in Mexico.

Thanks for posting, GB. I hope I’m wrong, but I’m concerned that the cartel attacks on HK personnel away from the club will eventually manifest themselves into an attack inside the club itself. That would be very bad.

Sounds like you had a solid experience, but I don’t like that the lady displayed a somewhat greedy attitude once in your room. She should’ve said that she charged extra for a BJ before you took her upstairs. Then on top of that, she had the nerve to ask for a tip after the deed? I think you did right by telling her the extra money she charged was her tip. I understand you wanting to try L.A., but I still think despite the recent upsells at HK, it’s still better IMO than virtually any club in the U.S. in terms of value.

Nicky, good point about diabetes. I am a diabetic as well and got high blood pressure too. Could be the medications I'm using are affecting my performance - definitely something I need to talk with my doctor about. Brahma, also thinking testosterone levels could be a problem as well. Like your suggestion for an urologist.

I agree, Puta. And also concur that the exchange rate is why prices have gone up. It took a while, but worldwide inflation has reared its ugly head in Mexico.

@sfrsox: yes, that's correct. They take either TBH but prefer dollars.

$150? Ridiculous. If the girl was really hot, I’d pay $120, but no more than that. Usually I stick to $100.

Who knows, if Adelita doesn’t reopen, this could be a solid alternative to HK.

I’ve always wondered about this spot, and I appreciate you, B, and Red going in to report. Definitely sounds intriguing, but as you said, better-looking girls and some remodeling would go a long way.

*solid grasp

Puta, I've definitely heard good things about La Cueva. But I've also heard that if you're a gringo going there, you need to have a sold grasp of Spanish because there's not much English spoken - if at all. I thought about trying La Cueva in April, but may do so this time.

@devi: My understanding is that Chicago is open, but Adelita is still closed, with its future still uncertain. The fire you refer to was on the roof in the back part of the Jalos Hotel - the club itself had no damage whatsoever.

UPDATE: Saw HK's Instagram page late last night, and it said it had reopened. No word yet on the status of Chicago Club.

Wow, I was just there a couple of weeks ago with Greanbeans. Unbelievable

Fair point, Jascol. I always use my passport because as you said, it's just easier. Hope we see each other this week.

@coconutz: 1) No, you don't need to be vaccinated to get into and out of Mexico . 2) yes, you do need a passport. Though I have heard of some folks using their driver's license getting into Mexico; getting back into the States, however, could be an issue

Yeah, I've been here before, and I thought it was a complete waste of time and money. Will never repeat.

Appreciate the information.

Exactly, Jascol. The Zona Norte chicas are what makes TJ.

Your last sentence is true; HK is better during the early part of the week than on weekends. Otherwise, although I understand you apparently didn't do any arribas, this review is just barebones - not much of substance.

@623: I saw on another site (ISG) a poster saying AB would reopen next week under new ownership. But posters on that site can be unreliable at times, so only time will tell.

BBW, as long as you keep to yourself like you said, you shouldn't have any problems. Just be alert like you would in any big city in the US.

I hear rumors that if and when Adelita reopens, it will be under new ownership. Wonder if it's someone affiliated with Hong Kong; pretty sure they're eager to establish a stranglehold in Zona Norte.

^And the $30 wine fichas are an absolute joke. If I'm able to get back down to TJ next month, certainly not planning to buy them.

Good report. Appreciate the fact that the girl who wanted $300 for arriba was upfront with you. Still, it's disappointing how greedy some of them have become; glad you held the line.

I saw a video on Chicago's Facebook page today. It was from their St. Patrick's celebration last night and the place seemed to be packed, which is a good thing.

^Well, that means Chicago Club will stay busier than usual for some time as I understand most of Adelita's dancers have moved there. In fact, I'd guess if and when Adelita reopens, it will be under new ownership.

Yeah, you guys definitely got scammed at the border crossing. The visa fee is paid only if you're staying in Mexico for more than 7 days. I've never paid the visa fee on my trips into TJ.

Jascol, you just made my point eloquently. We take a risk any time we step outside our homes, whether it's going to work, going shopping, or going to an appointment. Anything can happen anywhere at any time, but that doesn't mean we should stop living our lives. If you just practice common sense and be aware of your surroundings, you shouldn't have issues. This applies both in America and around the world.

^I will also add this: if you stay within Zona Norte, Zona Centro, or Zona Rio (the tourist areas), you're fine. And if your hotel room is in Centro or Rio, take a taxi to and from Zona Norte, especially at night.

While CJ can often be annoying with his posts, he does make a good point in this thread. The cartels, as a rule, do not touch the Zona Norte clubs. They know the clubs produce a lot of revenue for them and realize if shootings or other violent activity happens inside them, the cash flow will drastically dry up fast. That's something they don't want to happen; it's part of their mindset that dictates they do not harm American tourists. We are NOT the targets of the cartels. I've said this before, and I'll say it again: if you use common sense, you will not have any problems inside Zona Norte. Don't get drunk, don't use drugs, and don't talk with anyone who wants to take you to a spot outside Zona Norte. In other words, don't do anything that draws attention upon you and makes you a mark. It's the same approach you would take in big cities in the U.S. and other countries - don't look trouble and it won't come to you.

AZ, Jascol, and Puta that's par for the course with DS. He disapproves of any of us going to any other country for mongering - he doesn't like Colombia or Europe or Thailand either. I'm not sure why he feels that way. All I will add is this: yes, there's always a risk any time you step outside your house or apartment. But if you always exercise caution, you will be just fine. We are NOT the targets of cartels. Just be alert, stay within the Zona Norte (always take taxis if you're coming from or going to a hotel in Zona Centro or Rio), don't get intoxicated, don't talk with drug dealers, and you will be just fine. Can't get any plainer than that.

To the original poster, where did you hear about fights inside HK recently? Do you have a link?

Well-written. You highlight the exact issues that HK management has caused angst and - frankly speaking - bitter disappointment among veteran TJ mongers. Seems since HK reopened, it's been determined to make up for all the lost revenues during the pandemic. Don't get me wrong, management has the right to create revenue by any means, but it's their approach in doing so that's souring a lot of guys.

Good, well-written review. Glad you had an enjoyable trip.

^The only thing that's slightly different now is the cost of the taxi ride. From what I understand, most drivers are now charging $7 from the border to Zona Norte. Also, AB is currently closed for now, we'll see if it reopens.

Jonny, here's an article I wrote for first-time visitors to Tijuana. This should help you greatly while you make your plans: https://app.tuscl.net/article/58556

Jonny, I agree with Red - the bus from the airport to downtown San Diego (about 10-15 minutes), then the Blue Line trolley is the best way to get to the border. Once in Mexico, there's a lot about halfway down the ramp. This is where you can get a free shuttle limo or van to Hong Kong and Tropical Bar. A rep will be in the lot to guide you to the office, where you wait for the limo or van to arrive. That's another option for you.

Ugh, not good at all. But then again, probably not a surprise given it is HK.

Good, solid review. Like that you immediately got down to business when you knew what you wanted.

The Hotel Jalos (CC's affiliated hotel you refer to) is terrible. Rooms are in desperate need of renovation, and they're certainly not the cleanest. Otherwise, CC is a good place with good value.

I've stayed at Cascadas twice, and haven't had any issues. That said, you always have to take caution with your laptops, tablets, and phones. I keep my tablet locked up in my backpack when I'm out the room.

Yep, ISG is the board I'm referring to.

And another link (they're both in Spanish but can be translated into English): https://www.elimparcial.com/tijuana/tijuana/Clausuran-el-bar-Adelitas-de-la-Zona-Norte-tras-operativo-de-FGR-y-Semar-20230223-0013.html

https://puntonorte.info/2023/02/23/fgr-asegura-el-adelitas-por-delincuencia-organizada-y-trafico-de-menores/ A link to what I refer to:

@Cashman, there's no question it's the nicest-looking club in Zona Norte. They not only did a recent renovation, it expanded - it goes all the way to Ave. Ninos Heroes now.

Wow, the greed knows no end with HK management. Not good.

Good review, Red. Seems like things are only getting worse each week at HK. Planning on going back to TJ in April, but probably won't stop in HK often.

@Jascol: agreed. The part that stinks is that HK will still draw a lot of guys thanks to its marketing department and reputation. If only more guys would start making a statement with their wallets, then maybe things would change. But TBH, I'm not anticipating that happening any time soon.

Very impressive update, founder. Looking forward to when the new site is fully up and running.

Sorry you had a bad experience. As Puta said, the fact she kept wanting the $30 wine fichas should've been a big red flag; you needed to walk away at that point. It's easy to think with the little head given the beautiful ladies, but your big head (brain) is much more important when you're in Zona Norte, especially HK. I would also agree with BB. Seems like you didn't pay attention to the reviews and the TJ Mongers forum enough. These areas have all kinds of useful tips and advice. If you read and follow them, you won't have any more issues provided you decide to try TJ again.

Yeah, that definitely helps. Now I can schedule my return flight from San Diego at a more normal time instead of getting a red-eye because of the long lines at PedEast.

Sorry to hear that happened to you. It is the holiday season and this type of thing seems to occur more often during this time of year. At least you didn't lose much.

Odisea2001 Showgirls (formerly Playboy Club) on Constitucion - a few doors down from La Gloria - is another solid small club you can check out. I've been to La Caretta, La Gloria, and Gold Palace as well, and had a nice time in all of them.

Wonder if PedWest will ever reopen. That would greatly reduce the waiting time to cross IMO.

Ron, good report. It's true there are sketchy guys that hang around in Zona Norte, but as long as you don't engage with them in any type of way, you should be just fine. Just mind your business and go on about your way, and you won't have any problems. Glad you enjoyed your trip.

As usual, a good, solid report Gar. Hoping to get back there for New Year's weekend, but it's beginning to look as if I may need to push the trip back until Super Bowl weekend in February. We'll see. And yeah, by all accounts, everything's gone up in TJ. But personally I wouldn't pay $150 for arriba; $100 (while higher than normal) is much more reasonable IMO. But, hey, to each his own.

If you're dealing with a paradita (street girl in Zona Norte), they prefer pesos. It's also a better deal for you, especially since you speak Spanish solidly. As for the clubs, the dollar is king.

I have to agree with Electronman. Your review is okay, but is lacking in detail. For example, how much was the room? What was the girl's name (if you don't remember her name, at least provide a general description)? Would you recommend the place? This is important info for newbies to have.

Whoever this fool is just made things more difficult for the rest of us. I'd anticipate security at the Zona Norte hotels increasing their checks whenever a girl is in the room for the foreseeable future.

Depends on how long you plan to stay. If it's a day trip, I'd bring no more than $500. If you're staying a couple of nights, at least $1000-$1500. Use the Zona Shuttle if possible. Uber also works in Tijuana (and there's more of a safety guarantee with Uber instead of a taxi).

It just goes to show that anywhere you go - whether it's the USA, Mexico, or any other country in the world for that matter - anything is always possible. Hopefully it's an one-time occurrence because I haven't seen or heard anything like that happen in a Zona Norte club before. Because if these incidents become more frequent, the tourist dollars are gonna dry up fast and Zona Norte as we know it will be no more.

@devi: good point about the smaller clubs. Just be prepared to use Google Translate often if you don't speak Spanish because for the most part there's little if any English spoken in them.

Good review Pafbabs. CC doesn't get all the attention it used to, but it's a solid place.

I'm not married, so I don't have to worry about having to see explain something to a SO.

Been to TJ a few times, and I've never had my passport stamped. The agents just looked at it and gave it back.

Duolingo is good. Another app I use is Pimsleur, which does a great job of breaking down word pronunciations.

Definitely don't drink the tap water. Jascol, you're right about the taco cart you refer to - delicious tacos, but the salsa is really hot and spicy. Will have to try the chorizo tacos next time.

Nixur, either is fine; you don't need both.

I arrived at the border at 9 a.m. and didn't get back into the US until about 11:30 a.m.

If you go to the article section, you'll find A Mongerer's Guide to Tijuana I wrote a couple of months ago. There you'll find all the info you need to plan a trip.

I was in TJ for New Year's weekend. Numbers were definitely lower in terms of girls, but still a solid amount. Empty Angel, you'll have a nice time in TJ around Christmas.

It slows down a bit in Zona Norte between mid-December and mid-January as many of the bar girls and street girls head back to their Mexican hometowns to spend the holidays with their families. But that doesn't mean it's void of activity; there is always a good amount of women around, mostly locals as Puta said.

Yes, you can. The girls at HK charge $100 for 30 minutes.

Come on, desertclub, knock it off! You cannot tell guys where they shouldn't go - who gave you the authority? I'm getting sick and tired of you criticizing guys who go to Tijuana. You're seriously biased. I bet you have never even set foot in Tijuana, so how the hell do you know what's really going on? You don't like Tijuana - you've admitted that. But we are all adults capable of making our own decisions. Like I said before, anything bad could happen anywhere in the world at any time - even inside or outside a U.S. strip club.

Is there aggressive hustling at HK? Of course there is. But it's all part of the territory when you're talking HK. As Red said, there are many more pluses than minuses, and you don't have to be a "high roller" to have a nice time. In fact, I'd guess a good majority of guys that go aren't in that category.

@lib: I personally haven't been shaken down by the TJ police. But I've heard some of them wanting $20, $40, $50, or $100. A few go higher. One way to avoid it: if they ask you for a bribe, ask what you're being charged with then ask them to take you to a judge. Then they usually will let you go without giving them anything.

Thanks for TOFTT Jascol. Yeah, that's what I've heard as well - the people there speak little if any English and you've really got to be on point with your Spanish in order to have a decent time. Otherwise, misunderstandings like the one you had will probably happen. Probably will take a pass as well on this place.

I've stayed in Velario. It's actually a good, solid hotel. You shouldn't have any issues walking from there to the Zona Norte during the day. But at night, if you walk, be careful - the local police has been known to shake down gringos going back to Velario for bribes.

@JAprufrock. you make a good point. You don't necessarily need to have sex all the time in TJ. Last week, I had FS just a couple of times during arriba. The other times I just had the ladies either do blowjobs or cuddling and kissing with them jerking me off at the end. I don't think there's anything wrong with that at all.

Pleased to report I had a nice time in Tijuana this week. Arrived on Monday afternoon and left Thursday morning. Got to meet Jascol - he's a really nice guy. I had no issues whatsoever getting in and out - though I did have to wait for almost 2 1/2 hours before I was able to cross back into San Ysidro by foot (I've gotta try to get Global Entry for the next trip; that would definitely save a lot of time.

I can confirm what Ginger said. I arrived this afternoon, had no problems at all entering at the border. The agent looked at my passport and waved me through. I'm staying in Cascadas for three nights, and everything appears normal. I will have a report later this week.

As I figured they would TJ. Glad you're okay. What is a partial shutdown?

motorhead, with all due respect, what does your comment have to do with the current situation in Tijuana? Please explain

That's real sound advice Mongo. Appreciate it. I'm always alert in TJ and avoid sketchy areas, and I'll be even more so this week.

Looks like I may be there as well after all. Maybe you and I could meet up Jascol

Ginger, did you have any issues entering TJ on Friday? Was the agent's screening process more thorough than usual?

Red, you beat me to it. I just saw the Facebook pages for Hong Kong and Tropical, and they are both open today. So is Chicago Club for that matter. Not sure about Adelita, but wouldn't surprise me if they were open as well.

Wow, you had a real-time view of everything, ginger. Glad you're okay, and appreciate your post. I'm guessing everything will reopen once the lockdown ends, but it wouldn't surprise me if there's tighter security within the Zona Norte. Because if the cartels strike there, Zona Norte as we know it is over.

Papi, that's a great question. I have no idea, it's hard to say. I do think it'll be a few days - maybe even weeks - before things return to normal in TJ. I would guess there will be even more security inside Zona Norte once it reopens. Anything bad happens there, it's likely the beginning of the end for the clubs and street girls because I think there will be a massive loss of sex tourism - which means lost revenue. And you know the club/hotel owners don't want that to happen.

I know it was a joke Jimmy. Thanks I'm not in Tijuana at thus moment, I'm supposed to go there on Monday. But it's not looking good at this point.

Glad to hear that Puta. Hopefully this ends soon. It's one thing for the cartels to commit violence against each other but when they start shooting up innocent civilians, that's not good at all. From what I understand a cartel is demanding the release of one of its leaders who was arrested by the TJ police or Federales last month and that's the reason for what's happening now.

LOL! That's a good one Jimmy

Sorry to hear that TJ. I assume all the clubs are closed

https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/us-government-employees-told-to-shelter-in-place-due-to-violence-in-baja-california

@CJ: I hear what you're saying, but I've chatted with a few friends tonight and they've all said Tijuana is under curfew until 3 am on Sunday

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=439068111598874&set=a.365200838985602&type=3&app=fbl

I agree with Puta. It's not a bad review, but needs a little more detail.

@Papi, you have a good point now that I think about it. My experience is SGs don't allow any kind of PDA. To be honest, most of them are very much businesslike - they want to get you in, get you off, and get you out ASAP, with little if any of a GFE.

I would add using Google Translate is a plus with your dealings with both SGs and BGs (girls who work in the bars like Hong Kong and Adelita).

@libbaicni: You don't have to be fluent in Spanish when dealing with SGs, but learning a few basic phrases helps. For example, - disculpe, senorita: "excuse me, miss" - hola, como estas?: "Hello, how are you?" - cuanto cuesta: "how much?" - sexo: sex - gracias: thank you - de nada: you're welcome veinte: $20 cinco: $5 This is how much most transactions with SGs cost. Hope this helps

@JAprufrock: that's an interesting development regarding the SGs. Usually they don't want a guy to even touch them unless he's agreed to get their services. It's something I'll try in a couple of weeks when I'm there.

Brian, point well-taken. I will say if you're staying at a hotel outside of the Zona Norte, better take a taxi to and from there - especially at night. I will also add than in my experiences (granted, I don't have many but enough to draw conclusions), exercising common sense and street smarts is very important. If you use them, you should not have any problems at all. It's if you're drunk that you're more likely to run into problems. Be respectful, don't be the "ugly American", and you'll be fine.

@desertscrub: Why do you always have to be so damn negative about Tijuana? Have you ever been there? Do you personally know anyone this happened to? Look, we take a chance anywhere we go in this world, bad stuff can happen anywhere at any time - even in America as you already know. You may not like Tijuana (and that's your right to have that opinion), but you can't tell anyone where they can go. We are all adults here capable of making our own decisions, so let us be the judge of where we should go. I'm just so tired of you dumping on guys who to Tijuana.

One more thing @puta, I'd love to take the train into San Diego from Los Angeles, but I understand that there's really no direct train connection between the two cities. I'll do some more research, thanks.

@Jascol: that's another good option to get to Zona Norte. As you said, the ruta bus is 10 pesos - roughly 50 cents. I took that bus on my first-ever trip to TJ last August and it was fine. @azfriole: that's the first I've heard of the #992 bus not charging. But that's a good thing if it's true, that means things have changed since my last trip in April. @puta: as always, thanks for the additional info. Great point about the street girls; need to let her know exactly what you are looking for before agreeing on the price and going upstairs. If you stay at either Cascadas or Rizo de Oro, many - not all - street girls will go to your room provided they have their ID. Otherwise, you'll be getting a room in the girl's short-time hotel. Appreciate the feedback.

Just happened to come across this article. @Mongo1964, this is well-written; interesting that you bring up the fact the local guys don't wear shorts even when it's warm. I'll remember that for the next trip.

I've stayed at both hotels. Rizo is definitely quieter than Cascadas, and yes, @devl, you can indeed bring HK girls over to Rizo (and vice versa with TB girls to Cascadas). Both are nice, but I prefer Rizo just because you've got a better opportunity of getting decent sleep there; too much noise at Cascadas coming from the main club as well as the after-hours 7th-floor lounge.