The Hype is Real

I've been spending some time in SoCal and finally worked up the nerve to try Hong Kong. I don't speak any Spanish and had never been to Tijuana. I've read a lot of forums and reviews and tried to take the advice to heart. Before I left, I stopped at the bank and got $30 in $1's and $60 in $5's and a bunch of $20's. I drove to exit 1A off of I-805 and turned right and turned into the first lot available (Border Station Parking).

To enter the lot, you need to swipe a debit/credit card or enter your phone number. This is how they track your time in the lot in lieu of getting a physical ticket. I found a spot and headed for the sidewalk. From there, I found a nice San Diego couple who had crossed before and they helped me out to get to the crossing into Mexicio. Immigration was easy and pretty quick (< 10 minutes). Once through immigration and customs, you follow a long sidewalk to an area where you can get a cab. A driver approached me and I said I needed a ride to Hong Kong. He was polite and took me to his cab. I asked if $5 was OK and he said sure. He took me to Hong Kong and I tipped him a buck for the polite conversation and encouragement to have a good time.

I got to the door of Hong Kong around 1:00 PM and was patted down pretty extensively by a large fellow. No cover was required. I passed through the curtain and there it was. The best way I can describe this place is it's like a multi-level split level house. There are stairways that take you up to the next half floor and it appeared to have 4 levels. There were 25-30 girls and only a handful of guys. The waiters were pretty quick to try to get you a drink. I elected to stick to water since I was solo and had to drive later. Bottles were $4 so you give one of the many $5's you got and give the guy a tip. Someone suggested drinking most of your drink but leave some in your bottle. That way, the waiters leave you alone regarding drinks and it seemed to work pretty well.