Total Distance to Mexico 3141km
Daily Distance: 161km
Total Distance: 3146kmm
Well, I made it, alive and well. I really pushed myself the past 3 days to reach my target of 30 days to get to the border, but it was worth it. I travelled through San Diego beside the harbours and naval operations bases before making it into National City on the “Mile of Cars” – talk about traffic! Finally – the last city Chula Vista was easy to navigate – right down broadway. I could see Mexico clearly in the hills as I headed southbound. The closer I got, the more congested the roads became, and more sounds of honking frustrated drivers came. I met a woman who lived in Tijuana but worked at Las Americas Depot Mall who helped me find the way to the pedestrian entrance. She told me stories of other americans living a better life over the border and travelling every day. When the rent you pay in Mexico for a place is 1/5 of California, it just is a no brainer she said.
Sirens were going off in the distance and she told me that regularly there are robberies states side, and they attempt to race across the border thinking they won’t get caught, but usually end up getting shot the moment they come across the border. Mexico’s border guards carry assault rifles, instead of pistols. The same woman, stayed with me for quite a while even helping me through the turnstiles with all my panniers, and snapping photo’s for me across the border. I then went for a ride in Tijuana, dodging the crazy drivers, honking horns and people trying to get me to buy things. It is advisable that anyone going across know how to speak a bit of spanish if you are on a bike.
I left shortly there after, flashing my passport, and the US Custom agent being growly not wanting to give me a stamp for my passport. The others were pretty happy to talk to me and asked me questions and wanted to hear more about some of the crazy things that happened (like what happened to your face, dude!). It was 6:30pm and I was going to cycle 7 miles north to a KOA, but the lure of cheap hotels at the edge of the border attracted me, and I settled into a room, had a shower, and then went out in search for a celebratory beer.
This must be the only place in all of the USA they don’t sell Beer in restaurants or gas stations. Likely to keep people from straggling about at the border? Either way – I’m staying in my room, munching on cookies and pop tarts, and going to sleep. I’m not done the trip yet, but now have a bit of rest time before flying back into Canada on Saturday night – however, not into Vancouver………. California stat’s coming later..
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