Hit 4 for 4 but should have had more plate appearances

After 18 months of basically being confined at home due to the pandemic, I ventured back to TJ and one of my favorite places on earth, the Hong Kong Gentlemen's Club, last month (Aug. 14-17) determined to make up for lost time. The plan during my fifth annual trip here was to do two arribas a night my first three nights and enjoy an afternoon session the final day before heading to the airport to catch the red-eye back home.

Was a little concerned about being hassled at the border (Old crossing, PedWest still closed). I filled out the immigration form online and printed it (I think it's good 180 days). My first crossing was Saturday night at 6. The guy at the desk couldn't have been more disinterested. Showed him my passport and he asked where I was going. “To meet a friend at Hotel Cascadas,” and he responded, “Have fun, buddy,” waving me through. BTW, I spend my days at the San Ysidro outlet mall, so I had to cross multiple times. The second day, the guy led me to a side room and asked for the immigration form, stamped a temporary visa and allowed me to pass. The third day, however, after being taken to the side room, the fat ass told me the immigration form was good for only one use and that it would cost me $30. I believe it's BS but was prepared for this and paid and went through. On the return, no line on Sunday early afternoon but massive line on Monday afternoon. Took four hours. I considered bailing but I needed to hit up my bank at the outlet mall and just didn't want to spend the daytime in TJ. Tuesday was better, only one hour wait and I gave myself plenty of time to make sure I wouldn't miss my flight. No issues either day at customs on the return. They take your photo, look at your passport and ask where you'd been (visiting friends in TJ, I said) and whether you're bringing anything back (only pleasant memories!) before waving you through.

I reserved a basic room at Hotel Cascadas online and purchased the VIP card at their front desk ($60, plus a $5 tip to the MILF at the front desk with the big, beautiful rack – I was tempted to ask her for arriba. LOL!). Some discounts have been eliminated, like the half-off lap dance per night, but the hotel discount (70 percent on Monday-Tuesday, 20 percent rest of the week) makes it worthwhile if you're staying multiple nights, plus one free beer per night. I paid $156 for four nights, plus a $30 refundable deposit). Having a room there is so convenient, (it would have cost I think $23 per arriba for a short-term room). Great being able to go back to your room several times during the night to do whatever (bathroom, get more cash, shower after a session or just unwind). You also pass through a metal detector each time you enter the hotel. Your bag is searched and they insist you wear a mask in the lobby and elevator.