It was a long drive to San Diego from Las Vegas, all the way along route 15. Nearing our destination, we both decided it was definitely time for a loo break, so stopped off at a bar. As we were walking towards the entrance Mark and I suddenly went flying over onto the pavement – we had both totally missed a big concrete step and ended up sprawled on the pavement nursing bruised knees and stubbed toes. Mark went into the loo and then the funniest thing happened…a lady from inside the bar came out with ice and said all the people sitting around the bar had seen ‘the show’ and wanted me to come inside for some medicine to make me feel better. Hmmm…medicine was in the form Don Julio tequila served iced cold and very smooth – everyone clapped when we went in and were so sweet and funny – big thumbs up for introductions to the people of San Diego!
On the first night we just stayed in a little motel which served a purpose, although we did move nearer the car hire place to a different motel the next morning as it was in the cooler Gas lamp district. Dropping off the car near the airport was impressive as the planes flew right overhead so low and would have been exquisite for a budding plane spotter.
San Diego is a fantastic city with great beaches, an awesome marina and lots of impressive boats (it’s home to the US Navy fleet). The art work dotted around the city is interesting with there always being a sculpture that takes you by surprise. The regenerated Gas Lamp District is one of the better known areas & certainly has a nostalgic feel with lots of cafes, bars and great architecture. Most of the day was spent walking along the sea front and pottering around downtown, taking in the atmosphere and the generally relaxed pace of life.
To get to the border, we took the Trolley, a train/tram that runs through SD. Crossing the border was remarkably easy – no checks, no passport, just walking through some big iron gates and that’s it. I imagine it is not a similar story coming the other way through. They do not seem to care who enters Mexico! Once through, we hopped in a taxi to Tijuana airport & had a very chatty & friendly driver. On the way, we passed along the border wall, which had thousands of names inscribed on it, which he explained all belonged to those who had died trying to cross the border – incredible. Then a 5 hour wait at the airport, which was made more fun by meeting an American Head Chef who worked at a Club Med Resort in Mexico. Then, onto the flight to Guadalajara. JG
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