1. We don't do much besides packing as this is Jan's last and my second to last day. Then we drive out to Mulholland Drive, take a few pictures, a short hike and that's it. Weather, sadly, is perfect (sunny 25C). We watch people jog and walk their dogs for a while and then head for the airport.
2. Jan takes off and I head out to San Diego in my small car. I observe beautiful ocean views on the way and unfortunately get stuck in traffic for 1.5h just before reaching the motel.
3. I unpack, leave my bags and head straight for Mexico. But because lines of people going there seem to be long, I make a stop at a shopping mall just two miles before the border. Sales clerks seem to speak better Spanish than English! Last minute deals and off to the border I go.
4. As I come close I see signs giving distances in miles AND kilometers. That's a novelty! I reach the border point. The line of cars moves slowly but steadily. My third border jam on this trip! Nobody checks anything, just cameras. so after 20 minutes I'm in Tijuana.
5. Right off the bat I get lost (signage quality obviously not on par with the US), then I reach what seems like the center and park the car in a dark alley, wondering if 1. I'll find it again and whether 2. My insurance covers Mexico (answers: 1. possibly; 2. probably not).
6. I walk around and frankly it's not very attractive. Plenty of discos, nightclubs, a general latin vibe of happy messiness and chaos. Lots and lots of pharmacies. And lots and lots of police cars. Few gringos. Some hookers. Oh and I discover Mexicans have their own walk of fame fashioned after the one in Hollywood. So I have dinner at a nice restaurant for pennies, buy an overpriced tequila from a chatty store owner and head for the border again.
7. On the way back I get questioned extensively by the border guard: about tequila, my place of employment and immigrants in my trunk. He opens the trunk and as he only find the tequila and no immigrants, I am free to go.