On a whim, I decided to take a road trip to Tijuana, Mexico. I’d heard plenty of warnings about crossing the border, and to be honest, I was a little nervous. But once I arrived, those concerns quickly melted away. What unfolded was an unplanned adventure, full of surprises, beautiful moments, and unforgettable experiences.
I stayed at the cutest beachside Airbnb, which turned out to be the coziest little haven. It offered a front-row seat to the Pacific, with the boardwalk just steps away. Evening strolls and morning coffee by the beach became my daily routine, and I loved spotting the Mexican fox squirrels—so different from the little brown ones I’m used to seeing in the States.
Exploring the boardwalk, I came across a vendor selling the juiciest mangoes. Every bite felt like a celebration of Tijuana’s simple joys. Downtown was alive with energy—lively streets, incredible food, and welcoming locals. One highlight was discovering a vibrant food court where I indulged in a few frozen margaritas. But my favorite spot had to be “B Haus Coffee Shop.” The vibe was perfect, with cozy lounge rooms and patio seating. I ordered the hash waffle and a green tea, and it was chef’s kiss.
Walking alongside the border wall was an emotional experience. On one side, the familiarity of the U.S.; on the other, the determination and dreams of locals longing for a different life. It felt like I was walking through a story that bridged two worlds. The sunset casting shadows on the wall added a poetic, bittersweet touch to the moment.
Crossing back into the U.S. was an adventure of its own. I almost missed the exit, and merging into the traffic lanes led to a brief run-in with a local officer. With my limited Spanish skills, I managed to smooth things over and avoid a ticket. Patience was definitely key as I waited in the long two-hour line to cross back over. Along the route, locals were selling last-minute souvenirs, making the wait a little more interesting.
Before heading home, I stopped in San Diego for tacos, gelato, and a breathtaking sunset. It was the perfect way to wrap up a spontaneous and eventful trip.
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