San Diego --- Tijuana

Nothing like a vacation from work.

Tracie had a sales conference to attend at a plush golf resort just north of San Diego. I decided to fly out after her and spend the weekend taking in the world famous San Diego zoo and a day trip to Tijuana.

I fly from Shreveport to Houston and then on to San Diego. The flight in from Houston was uneventful except for some turbulence encountered while skirting a small storm cell near San Diego. Drop into the airtport and start my search for Tracie. ring ring--- my cell phone beckons my answering. It is Tracie looking for me.

I say "I'm here at the airport.... but just not sure exactly where??". She starts describing the different store fronts she is seeing near her. "Starbucks, Books A Million" None are apparently near me.
Then I hear a alarm going off. I can also hear it on her phone.She must be close. She say's "oh my gosh I just set off the security alarm". I see the lights flashing and go to her rescue(or mine for being lost) I see several security guards and many people eyeing her suspiciously. (note to self can't piddle in San Diego either)

After quick hellos, we load in the rental car and head off for a bite to eat. A sea food restaurant overlooking the moonlit bay is the choice. The crab cakes were divided and the decrative lettuce devoured. It was funny to have been there and watched it all go down.Then off to the golf resort with plush bed pillows lettered with "Sweet Dreams" all we needed was a mint under the pillow to top it all off .

We get up early to drop off some fellow travelers at the airport. The balance of the weekend is ours to adventure with as we wished. The zoo had been mentioned as a must thing to do when in San Diego, so it was to be our first destination. A informative tour guide and short city trolley ride there let us off at the zoo's entrance.

We took the cable car over the zoo to see everthing from above. It's a big zoo with a tour bus that makes rounds throughout on a regular schedule. Our favorite animals in order were the polar bears,pandas,gorillas w/ baby, and the sleepy kaola bears.
The polar bears were very active-- fighting, diving into the water and even playing with a ball. They were real showoffs! After visiting the rest of the zoo animals we made a second trip back to the polar bears before leaving. They had slowed down after eating but were still willing to showoff for a series of up close photos. (I'll post a video later)

We get back on the tour bus to finish up our day. After a stop at Old Town and a bite of Mexican food we arrive back at our vehicle on the bay. We head over the mile long bridge to Corronado Island to watch a west coast sunset. The Pacific water was very cool to our tired feet. The breeze off of the water made it almost cold. Not exactly what I expected, but the sunset view was good and the warm hand holding mine made the end of the day very special.

We headed out in the direction(we thought) of our next hotel. Getting on Interstate 5 heading south towards National City until we see the sign saying "Last USA turn around---exit here". We excitedly turn around, careful not to venture into Mexico afterdark to never return or be heard of again. We pulled over at a local McDonalds to ask directions. Didn't think we were going to find anyone that could speak English, but alas a young black man pointed our destination out toward the north "a few miles that ways" he says.

After negotiating the one way streets off the interstate, we pull in to the old style Howard Johnson. Not near as nice as the fluffy pillows of the night before, but it would satisfy our desire for a place to sleep and shower. We sleep in until 7 ish eat a quick breakfast and head to Tijuana to get the Mexican experience only heard about until now.

Parking on the US side and walking over was suggested by many so we followed the advice and headed on over----crossin the booorder---in my best spanish accented imitation.

It was just a short walk and through a gate or two and we were in Mexico. That was easy! I knew I wanted to find a bargin or two so Revolution street was the place to be. It is the gateway of the open air market and street vendors.The vendors would come out on the sidewalk and try and catch your attention to something in their store.

"Now it is my turn", "Let me show you something you need", "You are my first customer of today and I give you good deal" were the choice lines used to snare prospective customers. We learned quick to say NO or NOT INTERESTED to most of the unwanted advances. The kids were even in on the game of salesmen, peddling small trinkets or bracelets for a dollar or two.
I'd say "how much?"
They'd say "four dollars"
How about two? I'd say
"No! Three Dollas" they'd say
Truely amazing how expert they were at their salemenship skills.

Bargining with store owners over their wares, we end up with a few cuban cigars, a pair of designer knock-off sunglasses, small bottle of Tequila, a straw hat ,and various other things for gifts in the future. We partake in a few Margaritas (two for one ya know):^)
chips and salsa then try another local restaurant for Corona's and more strawberry margaritas(more two or three for one)whew!! and a burrito dinner that we shared.

Good and buzzed we decide we've had enough fun for one day so we head back across to good ol US of A only to be detained in line at the border for over a hour. What a buzz killer.

Had a brief stop with the US border patrol from Plano, Tx that wanted to chat. He asked Tracie what she did for a living. She looked at me and said I don't want to tell him do I?" I said "No don't tell him" The patrol says "come on tell me".
"We build simulator bombs" was her reply
Somehow we managed to avoid the body cavity searches and got to cross back into the US.

We managed to get early flights back to Houston....only to get to spend the next several hours waiting on flight delays.
Late in the day we arrive in Shreveport, La to find out Tracie's bag has been lost.

The next day they deliver her bag to her job.

Nice to get back from vacation!!!! To Rest Up