Tijuana

While in San Diego I took a day trip across the Mexican border into Tijuana.
I smelt it as soon as crossed the border. Poverty.

If you have never been to a developing country then you won't know what I am talking about. Those of you that have will be able to recall the universally distinct and palpable Third World stench. It lies somewhere between raw sewage, rotting garbage and a big city.

As you cross the footbridge over the river border between Mexico and the USA, the stunning view and distinct smell state most clearly the nature of the country you are entering.

Tijuana appears as a ramshackle mass of concrete buildings sprawling as far as the eye can see. The sea of buildings is punctuated by a gigantic but lone Mexican flag.

Tijuana is not beautiful, but it is stunningly different from its counterpart just across the border.


Mariachis waiting for restaurant owners to hire them for the night.