Koya at Casa Del Habano

Abe and I travelled across the border this passed Saturday and as usual stopped in to see George and Moises at Casa Del Habano on Ave. Revolucion. But this time we had one very large guest with us... Koya! Koya is Abe's 5 yr. old New Foundland dog and is definitely our 4th roommate at home. She is very well behaved so we let her tag along on this trip to Tijuana.

We at first stayed outside to smoke our cigars because we weren't sure if she was allowed in. Eventually they told us to bring her inside to join the party. Although she was exhausted from all of the walking, she had to do a photoshoot. Everyone wanted a picture of or with Koya but the best of the day were at Casa Del Habano in front of their humidor. Lookout for Koya in the next edition of Cigar Aficionado!

Unomos Thoughts

A conversation with Anna Cearley (acrosstheborder.blogspot.com) lead me to write some thoughts about what the idea is behind UNOMOS in regards to Tijuana.

I understand why everyone calls Ave Revolucion "trashy" and there are definitely trashy aspects. But Revo. is a beautiful place if you get to know it from a different point of view. Tijuana is a town based on only a few industries and the main one being tourism. Learning about the history of what the street and the Caliente casino has meant to Tijuana and how certain artisans specialize in different products is what interests me the most, not the binge drinking. In fact I never even notice the binge drinking and strip clubs because I don't participate in that aspect of TJ.

My business idea is not to teach people about what "most tourists" do. It is to teach the history and culture of Tijuana (or anywhere for that matter) from the perspective of a local. In order to do so, people will need to see and talk with the people behind the taco stand, Caesars, artisan shops, maquiladoras, Caliente, etc. And like you said, telling the stories of the people is a key component of my goal.

Tijuana Tequila Tasting

One of my best friends Miguel, my girlfriend Karen, and myself travelled across the border back on October 12, 2008 to find out what the Tijuana Tequila Festival was all about. I had heard for many years this event was worth the trip and so we walked across the border and headed down the usual tourist street Revolucion.

We stopped in to say hi to a few friends, including the Casa Del Habano cigar shop in order to satisfy our Cuban cigar cravings. One great Mojito along with the cigar and we were ready to go. Unfortunately, the event was just being set up and we were early. So I took Karen and Miguel to my favorite place for a nice sit down lunch in Tijuana, Tijuana Tilly's. The food was perfect and we all walked out very happy.


Now things were beginning to stir under the large tent that hosted the festival. We handed over our 50 pesos each (can't remember the exact price, it could have been cheaper) and did a quick walk around to see what we were up against. Away we went tasting every type of tequila imaginable and many other products made from Agave nectar.

Some highlights included a table full of sweet Agave nectar treats, an organic tequila (which Miguel purchased), an iron tequila bottle holder (that I purchased), a tequila cocktail served in clay cups (which Karen loved), and most importantly the rattle snake soaked tequila jug (which Miguel and I convinced each other was a good idea to try). The rattle snake tequila was extremely organic and earthy tasting with a bit of a spice to it. I would try it again if I had the chance.

Jorge Espinosa and our dear friend Nancy showed up to the party just in time for a little more tequila tasting. In the end, it was an event that we will always remember and hopefully go back to in the upcoming years. There was a great selection of tequila to taste from the exotic to the fruity and everything in between. Miguel and I even got a chance to take a picture with the Fresca girls and Karen was very kind to take the picture of this special moment.

Mexican American War and St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick's Batallion… have you heard of them? The average Mexican has but not the average American. They were a group of mostly Irish immigrants who fought in the Mexican American War of 1846-1848, but on Mexico's side. In a US history book, they would be portrayed as traitors. In a Mexican history book, they are always the heroes of a sad story. No matter what you believe, this small group of men were a large reason why we celebrate Saint Patrick's Day in U.S. and Mexico but no one really knows or understands the history.

A struggling Mexican army was temporarily given hope from a group of catholic, historically oppressed, poor group of people. They were not living the American dream they had heard about but instead were forced into a war that was similar to what they had just fled from in Ireland, except now they were the oppressors. They related to the Mexican people and therefore fled the American army to help the Mexicans fight back. They were known as Saint Patrick's Batallion, or the San Patricio Batallion. Well to make a long story short, Mexico and the San Patricio Batallion lost the war and many of the men who survived were executed at the end of the war.

So have a happy Saint Patricks Day, the history of this holiday is closer to home than most people think. Ask your Mexican neighbors what they know about the history of San Patricios Batallion. They will most likely portray the Irish immigrants as heroes. For more information simply visit the Saint Patricks Batallion Wikipedia page (Spanish Version). Enjoy a few pints of green beer and corn beef, but next St. Patrick's Day head across the border to celebrate the real reason why we celebrate the holiday around here. You don't have to be Irish to wear green!

Tips for Travelling to Mexico

Is Mexico safe for us?

Spring Break is here and the buzz going around is how dangerous it is to travel to the most popular Spring Break destination… Mexico! How many news stories have you heard about the travel advisories, murders, decapitations, kidnappings, etc.? The media has published so many stories on these issues coming out of Mexico that it must be dangerous for us tourists, right? WRONG! This is one of the most ridiculous ideas that the media has ever conveyed. For you people who believe everything the media says, do not read on because it will simply go in one ear and out the other. If you actually want to know what it is like down there and are willing to do a little critical thinking, please do not only read my blog but travel across the border and see for yourself. Let me start off by describing my experience and relationship with our beautiful neighbor.

I graduated from Whittier College in May of 2008 and graduated with a BA in International Business Development. My senior project researched what it means to be a socially responsible business in Mexico and if there were any. I will write many blogs about that subject but for now just understand Mexicans have morals and values just like everyone else and run legitimate, responsible businesses. For this project, I travelled to Tijuana and Rosarito on a weekly basis for six months. I interviewed local business owners about everything from employee wages to the war against corruption. This process opened my eyes to what Mexico can really offer. My experience with Mexico also includes visiting my Grandpa who lives in Mazatlán and also the fact that I grew up in San Diego and went shopping across the border with my Dad. Moral of the story, I LOVE Mexico and all it has to offer. Enough about me and now a bit about how safe it is for you to travel down to this mysterious destination the media so negatively portrays.

Are you addicted to narcotics, a binge drinker, or an idiot? If so, you should stop reading because the answer is easy, do not go to Mexico or any foreign country for that matter because you attract violence. If you fall into the category of “everyone else”, then listen up. Now is better and safer than ever for you to visit Mexico. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Tourism to the country has dropped dramatically in the last year so it is less crowded.
2. The peso has decreased in value more than the US dollar so you get more bang for your buck. Currently almost 15 pesos to the dollar, up from 10 several months ago.
3. Due to decreased tourism, businesses are hurting financially so they really need you to come buy their products in order to feed their families.
4. Since November of 2007, there has been a major crack down on corrupt police and government officials. Close to 70% of the Rosarito police force was fired or imprisoned because they were found to be connected to some form of corruption. Similar action has taken place in Tijuana and other cities across Mexico. Mayor Hugo Torres of Rosarito has been a large and positive influence in anti-corruption efforts all over Mexico.
5. The crime rate involving tourists who fall into the category of “everyone else” discussed above has fallen dramatically in the last year and is the lowest in the history of Mexico. Remember, you can’t be a drug dealer to fall into the “everyone else” category, sorry.
6. Taco Fish (what used to be known as Taco Gloria’s) has reinstated their 3 tacos for $1 and 3 beers for $2.50 deals. Best taco deal in town. This place is located at the base of the bridge on the south side of the Tijuana river right at the beginning of the walking path full of shops. Oh and since you are the only tourists down there now, service is very quick.

Remember, I have been visiting Mexico frequently during the past year which is the time period when the violence has skyrocketed. I have not had a single problem or even witnessed anyone having a problem. This doesn’t mean bad things aren’t happening to good people. That is happening everywhere in this world. And just because the murder rate is high in a given city, it doesn’t mean YOU are going to be murdered. For example, New Orleans has the worst crime rates in the U.S. yet Mardi Gras was as big and safe as ever this year. There were no government warnings telling people not to go to New Orleans because it is dangerous. Every place in this world can be dangerous if you are partaking in illegal activities or acting belligerent. So what do you need to do to stay out of harm’s way? Here are suggestions than can keep you safe when you cross the border.

1. Do not dress flashy. Dressing flashy catches the eye of the type of person who would want to pick pocket you or rip you off.
2. Do not show off how wealthy you are. Yes, we are almost all wealthy compared to their living standards but when you rub it in their face it could make a few of them more inclined to take your money.
3. Leave expensive jewelry at home.
4. Stay in busy areas and if you are nervous then remain on the tourist streets where police are there specifically to protect you.
5. Take cash and do not keep it all in one big wad in your back right pocket or your purse.
6. The passport law is now in full force so don’t be “that guy” who shows up without a passport and ends up stuck in Mexico.
7. Plan your trip around daylight. It is always safer to travel down there during the day and if you find yourself still there at dark make sure you are more cautious of your surroundings.
8. When shopping on Revolucón, look for two signs that signify the business is trustworthy: Outstanding Host or CETURMEX. Both are similar to the BBB here in the U.S. but with even more strict requirements to be a member. Those shops are not only safe but sell quality products at fair prices.
9. Do not give in to the shopkeepers who stand in front of their store hollering offers at you such as “we sell cheap stuff”, “free crap”, “bulletproof bikinis”, “we sell Cuban cigars”, etc. A general rule of thumb is that you should not go into their stores unless there is a very specific product you see from outside that you want to buy and you know how much you want to pay. Any business that has to holler at you to come in is not worth entering. Just ignore them and walk passed, it is not impolite.
10. Visit shops that generally look “trustworthy”. This will decrease your chances of getting ripped off.
11. Go to Mexico with someone who has been there before. Even better if that person speaks some Spanish.
12. Tell people (friends, family, etc.) where you are going and when you will be back.
13. Stay away from the bars/clubs on the main tourist street Revolución. Although it seems like they would be the safest bars because they are for tourists, it just means that they are the best at ripping off tourists. A common practice is for them to pour watered down bad tequila down your throat and tell you it only cost a couple dollars then when they bring you change for your $20 there is only $5 left so you just paid $15 for a bad shot you didn’t want. If you complain, they will give you many problems so you are better off just leaving quietly and telling people to never go back there. Not all of these places are bad and some can be a lot of fun in the right circumstance but don’t let the waiters bully you.
14. The best bars are the ones the locals go to so ask around and take a taxi rather than walk around in the dark. Keep the cabs phone number so you have a way back to the border when you are done.
15. Do not get drunk. Inebriation just makes you more vulnerable.

Mexico is a great place to travel to and always will be. Be safe and steer clear of people who are looking to get into trouble. Get yourself tacos and beer at Taco Fish, smoke a Cuban cigar at Casa Del Habano and have George’s Mojito because it’s the best you will ever have. Then do a little shopping for leather, stained glass, Huichol (bead) art, and silver products but look for those two trust logos. Pick up a good bottle of tequila to take home and cross back before it gets too dark. I have never had a bad experience across the border and I doubt you will either if you follow some of my suggestions.

Travel in Mexico

I go to Mexico? What? Am I crazy?
Absolutely not!

I grew up in Southern California and have always tried to understand our neighboring nation. This curiosity led me to apply for the Nixon Fellowship and focus my senior project on researching the culture and business environment in Mexico. I have now been travelling across the border 2-3 times a month for one year. What type of response does this merit? You are probably thinking it right now... he is crazy! I have to defend myself and Mexico on a daily basis and I am coming to realize that it should be the exact opposite; everyone accusing me of being "unsafe" and "stupid" should justify why they are so ignorant to what is actually going on in Mexico.

But no one is to blame. Do a Google search for News articles with the term Mexico and Murder in the past year and 296,000 articles pop up. The majority of this media coverage focuses on Baja California and specifically Tijuana and Rosarito. Am I scared, absolutely not. I have been socializing with and interviewing locals, business owners, and government officials for the same time period and could confidently say I am more aware of the situation south of our border than any media source here in the U.S. What does this mean, that I have taken a personal responsibility to help Mexico turn around the negative image created for them by the controversial relationship with their northern neighbors.

Here are some facts: There is a war going on in Mexico, but it does not directly involve tourists. President Calderon has declared war against corruption and the illegal drug industry. There is no evidence that any innocent US citizen has been randomly killed in drug violence. Over 2,000 troops have been deployed to the region to reduce corruption and fight the drug lords. Mayor Torres of Rosarito (whose family I know personally) has taken the lead on the fight against corruption/drugs in Baja and with a specific police unit whose sole purpose is to look out for tourists, Rosarito is safer than it has ever been. Tourist safety in Baja has improved dramatically since Nov. 2007. "From September to November, 2007 14 attacks were reported on tourists in the border region. During the same time period there were 27 tourist attacks in California State Parks." There has not been an additional incident in the region since Nov. 2007 when the troops were deployed because of an assassination attempt on the newly appointed chief of police of Rosarito who would not accept bribes.

None the less, there is a war going on. Yes it can make people a little nervous, knowing that even though they are not American tourists over 25 people are being murdered on a weekly basis in the region. This war is between the Mexico government and drug lords who have infiltrated every level of government in the last century. This is an enormous amount of deep corruption and ever since a more stable and fair democracy has been been in place, the presidents have been attempting to fight back. Unfortunately, this war will come at a cost many people cannot bear to think about. Fortunately, President Calderon has the guts to stand up to these criminals who have held back the development of Mexico for too long.

Don't be fooled by the emotional headlines of U.S. media sources. The deaths in Mexico recently are a sad but necessary reality. Tourists are safe, the war is to protect them. If you have questions or concerns, talk to someone who lives their or visits frequently. I challenge you to ignore what your family and friends say about how unsafe Mexico is right now and travel with me across the border. You will see the truth for yourself and you will have the time of your life. We live next to a beautiful nation, take advantage of it.

Source: www.bajainsider.com and my personal research