The whole reason for Cinco De Mayo is the Mexican's military expulsion of the French Empire. Prior to that there was an interesting period when Mexico was ruled by the Emperor Maximillian and his lovely, doomed wife, Carlota. They did it very ala francais, too.…Read More

The whole reason for Cinco De Mayo is the Mexican's military expulsion of the French Empire. Prior to that there was an interesting period when Mexico was ruled by the Emperor Maximillian and his lovely, doomed wife, Carlota. They did it very ala francais, too. See their Sleeping Beauty coach in the museum in Guadalajara and you get the picture. You can still see the Gallic influence on architecture and, less happily, the legal system. And they never worried about whether they were seeing the Real Mexico. Until the Real Mexico came and killed them.

Why is this historic drivel important to you? One word: bakeries. The French may have lousy law and government and self-esteem issues, but they sure can cook. One legacy of their aborted Napoleonic rule is that even the small towns in Mexico have good French bread. The most common form is the bolillo, a split top, tapered, loaf the size of your palm and thick as your wrist. Chewy and substantial. Many places also have baguettes, rolls, or various forms of Frog Bread. A traveler's standby for generations.

But man doth not live by... etc. You also get a yin for some sweets now and then. So you're in luck. You probably didn't think you could get a yummily frosted, flaky-layered napoleon or sticky eclair in Latin America, but guess what? Those treats and many, many more await. There are dozens of bakeries in downtown TJ alone - and fresh-baked bolillos are available even in supermarkets like Gigante at Second and Revolucion or Calimax at Second and Constitution (in Gigante, a clear plastic spiral chutes hot rolls right down from the second floor bakery). But I've spotlighted three very special bakeries worth signalling out as worthy of attention.

Starting with San Ysidro. Located on Second (Juarez) right next to the Cathedral (another thing locals doth live by) San Ysidro is a Cadillac of bakeries. Sure they have bread, if you want to be pedestrian, but first you have to get by racks of lavish cakes, towering stacks of donuts, baked sandwiches, tortes, cookies, fruit-topped tropic isles of glucose, multi-layered muthahs of munch, gooey little landmines of greed, cream-filled carambas, meringue mambos, and visions of sugarplums.

As with all Mexican bakeries, you grab a huge tray and snappy tongs when you come in, then wander around heaping the tray before taking it up for bagging and charging. If you haven't run amok and embarrassed yourself lately, this would be a good time and place. My only problem is meeting the eyes of children who are confined to one lousy cookie while I snatch pineapple danish and cream filled horns. Hell with the little snots: there has to be some payoff for getting old and having to work, and being childish is as good a reward as any.

There's not much point in detailing this place. It's crammed full of incredible goodies and they don't cost much. Have at it. Oh, if that's not enough, the sidewalk window sells the chickens you see roasting on spits in front of you. Around four dollars with the trimmin's. Remember what Mom said, though: don't eat your dessert first.

There are just as many logical and reasonable reasons to visit Tijuana, and the rest of Baja, as there are pleasurable ones. If you have time, you can combine the two! Goods and services are much cheaper than they are in the US, and…Read More

There are just as many logical and reasonable reasons to visit Tijuana, and the rest of Baja, as there are pleasurable ones. If you have time, you can combine the two! Goods and services are much cheaper than they are in the US, and why not hit two birds with one proverbial stone?

1. If you have a valid prescription for drugs, you can obtain it in Tijuana’s countless farmacias for a fraction of the cost of what you’d pay back home. Up to a 90 day supply is permitted.

2. Need a car make-over? Get your wheels painted and/or re-upholstered for a bargain.

3. If you smoke, you can find genuine Cuban cigars which are imported directly from Havana. Beware of vendors selling counterfeit cigars; you know you’re OK if you spot a Habanos certificate on display.

4. If you drink, you will find a duty free shop at 841 Ave Revolucion between 2nd & 3rd Streets with the major labels. At the same place, American cigarettes and international fragrances. Just like the airport!

5. Wear lenses? You can have them replaced in 2 hours at incredible prices; this goes for glasses and contacts as well! Head over to the Centro Optico on 1651 Revolucion between 8th and 9th Streets. The brands of Versace , Nina Ricci , Armani and Bausch & Lomb among others line the shelves.

6. Grocery shopping can be an adventure here as well. If you are concerned about items which are not allowed back in, you can check with the US Dept of Agriculture at (619) 662-7417 in San Diego. Their web site is at usda.gov On the Ok list are coffee beans, breads, cookies, cake, spices, sauces, cheeses, dairy except eggs unless cooked, no pork in any form, and chicken must be good, other meats OK. Most fruits can be brought back including papayas, strawberries, dates, grapes, and a whole variety of nuts.

7. Need new pillow cases, shams, towels for the house? Head over to Hand Art at 967 Av Revolucion. They have a 45 year tradition as sellers of the best quality linens and embroidered tablecloths, doilies, etc.. They also have clothing from Mexico’s various states.

8. Need a dental cleaning? Feel sick to your stomach? United Medica y Dental San Diego at your service located at 1471-A Ave Revolucion. For more involved dental problems, like root canals, gum treatments (those are muder!!), implants etc.. visit Odontologia Integral de Mexico which is 2 blocks from Av Revolucion, crossing 7th Street at 1457-201 Av Niños Heroes.

9. If you find pricing for removing unwanted hair prohibitive, call ahead Laserium who do permanent hair removal by appointment only. Their telephone is (011526) 622-5129, and if you’re in Mexico, drop the numbers in the parentheses.

9. Thought about esthetic surgery? Tijuana is equipped with the latest technology and professional practitioners. There is a very interesting web article on the lure of Mexico for these procedures right here . Worth a read before the plunge.

10. Alternative and holistic medicine: Tijuana is reputed for alternative cancer therapies. Do your research and ask people that you know if they’ve had any positive experiences.

I won't lie to you. Some parts of our trip showed an urban city, away from the main tourist areas, that weren't as polished as Revolucion. The smells of urine and sewage were strong there, graffiti and decay decorated the walls, and the people…Read More

I won't lie to you.

Some parts of our trip showed an urban city, away from the main tourist areas, that weren't as polished as Revolucion. The smells of urine and sewage were strong there, graffiti and decay decorated the walls, and the people milling about looked much less than friendly. It looked, really, like any urban area.

The difference is that Tijuana, a city of a million people, is crucified for these areas. Whereas, say, Philadelphia for example, is not. I've seen Camden, New Jersey, and it is far worse than what I saw in Mexico, and probably has more seedy bars and strip clubs.

Nobody says that the whole of Philadelphia is bad because of Camden or areas of West Philly. Nobody makes judgement on the USA and its inhabitents as a result of finding one of these areas.

It struck me as less than fair.

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Many stores searched for employees.

Most of the Help Wanted signs that we saw on Revolucion were looking for bilingual workers. With the huge tourist tides, I'd noticed that most of the store workers and vendors spoke English, sometimes broken, but well enough to pass and be understood.

On a side street, down a hill and past tables of street vendors selling jewelry, trinkets, and souveniers, cashing in on the fringes of the Revolucion crowds, was an art supply store/english school. A local told us that the rates were exorbitant.

I wondered, though, how knowing english would affect the earning potential of those who chose to pay.

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The alley appeared to curve, but further back, a small cul-de-sac held a fountain and several shops. One sold metal lizards to hang on your wall, and the proprietress was more than willing to make a deal with me for a beautiful blue iguana…Read More

The alley appeared to curve, but further back, a small cul-de-sac held a fountain and several shops. One sold metal lizards to hang on your wall, and the proprietress was more than willing to make a deal with me for a beautiful blue iguana that I wanted for the side of my own iguana's cage.

"For you, only seven dollars," she began.

"I only have five," I said, taking out a five-dollar bill. It was a lie, but then again, so was her initial offering "just for me".

"All right. Today only. Five dollars. For you."

Shopping in Tijuana has a sort of thrill of the chase that you don't get up north, where the price tags are pretty much the bottom line.

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Our guidebook mentioned an art gallery.

The accompanying photos were full of color and light, and I wanted to see. So we wound our way back after haggling -- and buying -- a god and turquoise ring that Henry liked on my hand. ("Now you are engaged in Mexico!" the shopkeeper said as Henry slipped the ring on my finger. "Only in Mexico?" Henry answered.)

We found it on Revolucion, hidden away between a drugstore and a serappe shop.

I was dazzled. The store had painted furniture and gorgous wallhangings, and in a locked case, my newest obsession.

Oaxacan (wa-HAH-kin) art is carved wood and hardened leather, painted brightly in figures of insects, animals, and people. The store was vastly overpriced with a sign posted that said that prices were firm (no haggling, American style), and I ended up buying nothing. It planted a seed, though, that I've been indulging on Ebay since.

Just what I needed. Another obsession.

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We couldn't stay forever at Club Escape, though I wanted to. I wanted to watch all day from my perch at the window, drinking up the atmosphere with the pina coladas. We waited for an opportune moment ("opportune" being defined as "chain-vendor-free"), and…Read More

We couldn't stay forever at Club Escape, though I wanted to. I wanted to watch all day from my perch at the window, drinking up the atmosphere with the pina coladas. We waited for an opportune moment ("opportune" being defined as "chain-vendor-free"), and darted out into the fray.

Along the street were statues of rock, commemorating various Mayan and Aztec gods. This one of Tlaloc, the Aztec god of rain, stood at the opening of an alleyway that wound back as far as we could see. People milled around the shops lining the alley, and we followed them, looking to get awy from Revolucion's more touristy nature.

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The alley was lined with art.

Dimly-lit in the midafternoon sun, it seemed we'd left the slow-moving, shiny tourist areas, and found an ever slower-paced real world.

An old man walked past us, shakily coming to a stop to wipe his brow and greet us. Two identically dressed boys played catch with a ball. (We found out later that they were working the door of a strip club in that alley.) A few tourists had also found the place, milling around buying tortillas and Mexican candy from the stands that blocked the road.

There was a wooden sandwich sign that read, "Discover the REAL Tijuana..." and gave more information in Spanish. One of the words was "museo"...museum.

We wandered off to find it.

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In an inconspicuous looking building, at the right of the stairway, a painted sign announded the "Amigos del Arte" -- the Friends of Art museum. Inside, two men sat opposite one another on wooden benches. One played a guitar in a sort of slow chord progression, and the other listened intently, his eyes closed. On each wall, old sepia-toned and crudely colorized photos hung with captions beneath or beside, printed in Spanish.

I picked up several brochures before the first man's song ended.

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"Bienvenidos! Welcome!" one of them called out. "Come in, come in! Have a look around!"

We complied, smiling, and I wandered to the far wall, reading the captions of the photos, picking out words and trying to pronounce them silently. I was batting about half -- I could either recognize or discern what about half the words meant. The two men, meantime, talked to Henry.

"Where are you from?" they asked him.

"San Diego."

"Ah! Beautiful city!"

The other admonished him, "You've never been to San Diego, Pablo."

"I have!" he retorted, reverting to Spanish to, presumably, tell the story of his trip to San Diego.

I just concentrated on a commemorative photo of the old Tijuana main street and tried not to smile. Some things don't change, no matter what language you're speaking.

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We heard a noise on the stairs.

A man came from the back room, carrying a wooden shelf and artist supplies. He set the shelf on a table and started sanding it and painting it lightly with a sponge.

"Do you mind if I take your picture?" I asked him. He shook his head and posed -- a working pose.

"What?" one of the others said, "You don't want our picture, too?"

I laughed. "Sure..."

"Now you make sure to tell all of your San Diego friends about the Amigo del Arte!"

"I will. I definitely will."

We stepped back into the alleyway, the sound of guitar music beginning again behind our footfalls as the door swung closed behind us.

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Your overwhelming first impression of TJ will be an infinite supply of insane junk piled up everywhere with aggressive jerks trying to charm, swindle, or intimidate you into buying it. Well, junk is a big part of the TJ experience and one man's junk…Read More

Your overwhelming first impression of TJ will be an infinite supply of insane junk piled up everywhere with aggressive jerks trying to charm, swindle, or intimidate you into buying it. Well, junk is a big part of the TJ experience and one man's junk is another man's treasure. If your kid might like a huge plaster Bart Simpson or switchblade comb or $20 watch that says 'Rolex' and looks fairly passable, go for it. But there is good, serious shopping in Tijuana--some real bargains on certain items. No need to change money--dollars happily accepted here.

Of course there are fireworks that would give Saddam Hussein second thoughts, and switchblades and Cuban cigars, and over-the-counter codeine and all that--but sooner or later you have to cross the border. Best stick to legal goods that are a good buy. Leather, embroidery, Mexican liquors, handicrafts, cutlery, woven goods are all good bets.

EVERYBODY is selling leather. Prices vary--and you have to haggle for anything. Just walk away and hear the price coming down as you recede. But it's a good buy anywhere. A nice leather bag that might cost $90 in the states can be had for $25, okay $20, for you $16, today only $12, how much do you want to pay? And some of the stuff just can't compare to anything available north of the border. Like leather Tweety Bird baseball hats. Sleek leather jackets with the logo of your favorite team stitched on in leather go for under $200. Examine closely, drive a hard bargain. Remember that all your friends are expecting you to bring them some trinkets from Mexico.

On the West side of Revolucion by Sanborns is Hand Art--THE place to buy embroidery. They have gorgeous blouses, unbearably cute little dresses, sumptuous tablecloths--all hand embroideried at prices that are ridiculously cheap by US standards. English spoken, too. Don't worry about little girls going blind from their needlework--purchase of labor-intensive crafts helps support village people (no, not THOSE VIllage People) who need the money.

Handcrafts can get out of hand. You can steal a stained glass window, a wrought iron bedframe, a life-sized paper-mache giraffe, a basket big enough for Alladin to hide in--but how do you get it home? The better shops take care of that for you, of course. And the better shops are tucked in among the 'junko loco' places on Revu. You'll know when you walk by and look through the window and see a bunch of incredibly beautiful furniture or decorations. HIGHLY recommended is the big circus tent-looking place right by the Jai Alai palace at 7th. Good prices and here you can actually see some work being done. Huichol indians in their native dress (colorful pajamas and hats with dingle-balls) doing their beadwork, maybe a weaver doing a blanket or wall-hanging (your name woven in for a price). Other than that, it's a scavenger hunt.

Tequila and Kahlua are cheaper here, but so are most LOCAL brands of rum and brandy. But remember, only one liter per adult when you hit customs. And only one carton of the cigarettes, which cost about a quarter of the US price. For something different, try Rompope, an eggnog liquor and fairly cheap. Cheap drunks try a bottle of 'Cana', sugar-cane based everclear that is like 98% alcohol and costs about $2 a liter.

Blankets are everywhere, of course, and you can't beleive anything anybody says about them. Search out nicer wool blankets in places you can walk into, they'll still be cheap. Everyone has rows of gleaming knives, but look past the barbarian killing empliments and you'll see good prices on useful sports, kitchen, and pocket knives.

Also check out duty-free bargains on everything from Lalique crystal to european perfume in the big import shops--'Sara's' is the big one, but there are several along the drag.

And if you find yourself going home with some money left, don't panic. There will be hawking bizarro wares right up to the border crossing.

25. General Ignacio Zaragoza MonumentIn 1925 when Tijuana became a Municipality (County) it was to be re-named "Zaragoza" in honor of this great man who beat the French Army in the Battle of Puebla.This historic battle is remembered every year on the Fifht of May,…Read More

25. General Ignacio Zaragoza Monument

In 1925 when Tijuana became a Municipality (County) it was to be re-named "Zaragoza" in honor of this great man who beat the French Army in the Battle of Puebla.

This historic battle is remembered every year on the Fifht of May, in Spanish "cinco de mayo".

This street was the main road from the border to the Casino.

26. President Abraham Lincoln Monument

This monument is the work of a Mexican sculptor and was received as a gift from the U. S. Government. In appreciation, the Mexican Government donated a sculpture of President Benito Juárez.

The Statue of President Juárez is in San Diego’s Balboa park.

As an interesting historical note, Slavery has been outlawed in Mexico since before it became an independent country.

27. Cuauhtémoc Monument

Cuauhtémoc means "Eagle that falls" was a leader of the Aztec People during the Spanish Conquest of what is now Mexico.

This statue is the work of a Mexican artist and was a gift from the Government of the State of Guerrero and was placed here by the people of Guerrero that live in Tijuana.

28. Two Californias Monument

This monument is know by many names to the people of Tijuana: Scissors, the "M", the Iron Monument.

"Scissors" and "M" are fairly obvious names since it sort-of resembles those things but the "Iron Monument" name was because of its iron structure that stood exposed several months before it’s completion.

One thing we know for sure is that its modern design won several awards in the early 1980’s for, among other things, the fact that it looks like a letter "M" from every angle.

29. Plaza Río Tijuana Mall

This Plaza was the first American-style "Mall" built in Tijuana and is still a favorite among the locals.

This mall is must for people wishing to buy where the locals and acquire authentic Mexican products.

30. City Hall

Due to the growing city –- and growing government -- this building was raised here just over 20 years ago. For 80 years before that, the government was at a downtown building.

Its important to note that in Mexico, City and County governments functions exist as one Municipal Entity.

The "Ayuntamiento" is the Mexican equivalent of the Board of Supervisors and the City Council rolled into one.

The City/County of Tijuana is the smallest in territory but it holds almost half ot the State’s population.

The largest City/County is Ensenada and covers over 70% of the State. Ironically, it’s the one with least people.

An interesting fact is that the Baja California Peninsula is larger than the Italian peninsula.

32. Tijuana Cultural Center

This Cultural Center is the most important in the northwest of the country and houses a Omnimax Theatre, a Performing Arts Theatre, The Museum of the Californias, exhibition halls, bookstore and a café.

The Museum of the Californias tells the history of the Peninsula since before Spanish colonization. It offers guided tours in Spanish and English by appointment.

18. Tijuana Country Club ("Club Social y Deportivo Campestre de Tijuana"):The "campestre", as it is commonly called, was the first in the state to have its own golf course. The golf course, as well as the bar and three restaurants are open to non-members.Many of…Read More

18. Tijuana Country Club ("Club Social y Deportivo Campestre de Tijuana"):

The "campestre", as it is commonly called, was the first in the state to have its own golf course. The golf course, as well as the bar and three restaurants are open to non-members.

Many of the golf pros here are veterans of the PGA Tour.

The "Campestre" is also home to a yearly moonlight concert by the Grammy-award winning Baja California Orchestra.

19. Agua Caliente Race Track

In the 1920’s the Caliente Company organized its first dog and horse race track in a site that would later house the historic Agua Caliente Casino.

In 1971 a fire destroyed the building but the company rebuilt it in one month. An engineering wonder for that time.

Now a days the race track is home for daily dog races.

20. Restaurant Row

Tijuana is very well known for the surprising quality of its restaurants. Cuisine includes, Mexican international, modern, traditional, specialty and ethnic.

Many of the best can be found in the Zona Río Restaurant Row but there are also much more dispersed throughout the city.

21. Old Agua Caliente Casino Site

This tower built in a Arabic-Spanish style called "mudéjar" was a smokestack for the Agua Caliente Casino. This tower, a swimming pool and some walls are all that remains of this important Tijuana monument.

This Casino was one of the main engines for growth in Tijuana during the U. S. prohibition and it was considered among the best vacation spots in North America.

During its golden age, it was home to a hotel, various theatres, ballrooms, bungalows and airstrip.

When gambling was made illegal in Mexico, the casino was turned into a military academy and later a pre-university education center.

22. General Lázaro Cárdenas Monument

This sculpture is the work of a Mexican artist of Spanish descent. This is of note because President Cárdenas was very welcoming of exiled Spaniards at the end of their civil war.

President Cárdenas is more well known for having returned oil and minieral wealth to the State. He is also the president who outlawed casinos in Mexico.

23. Teachers Park

This small park is among the newest in the city and was made to honor the noble work of Teachers in Mexican Society.

It's important to note that this park was placed facing President Cárdenas, who, by outlawing casinos, gave Tijuana its largest pre-college education center.

24. General José María Morelos y Pavón Monument

The Caliente Racetrack presented the City of Tijuana with this monument as a gift. It was among the first monuments of its kind in the city.

General Morelos is a great figure in Mexican History and is also considered one of the founding fathers of our country.

Of his military gifts, Napoleon is said to have commented: "With three men like Morelos, I could conquer the world."

This was years before France attacked Mexico but failed to hold on to it.

12. L.A Cetto Wine Cellar ("Cava de L.A. Cetto"):The House of Cetto is one of the oldest in the country and one of its’ largest producers of wine. Their vineyards have been in the Guadalupe Valley since the late XIX century although their winemaking is…Read More

12. L.A Cetto Wine Cellar ("Cava de L.A. Cetto"):

The House of Cetto is one of the oldest in the country and one of its’ largest producers of wine. Their vineyards have been in the Guadalupe Valley since the late XIX century although their winemaking is done here in Tijuana.

Winemaking, aging and processing for L. A. Cetto is done in a beautiful cellar here in what is now downtown Tijuana. For any who are interested in wine and winemaking, can visit for a guided tour or schedule a winetasting session.

The Guadalupe Valley is located about an hour’s drive from here, near Ensenada, and is home to more than ten winemakers. Here, over 95% of Mexico’s wine is produced.

13. The Tijuana Tower or Agua Caliente Tower ("Torre Tijuana" o Torre Agua Caliente"):

This tower is a replica of one built in the 1920’s for the Agua Caliente Casino although it is now known as the "Tijuana Tower".

The original tower served as the control tower for the casino’s private airport until the 1950’s when it was destroyed by fire.

Tijuana’s Agua Caliente Casino was internationally famous during American prohibition and it took it’s name form the hot springs present in the City.

14. Tijuana Brewery ("Cervecería Tijuana"):

"TJ Tijuana" beer is new to the world but old in tradition. The Baja California Brewing Consortium (the company’s official name) produces a high quality lager tipe beer of several different types.

Its two master brewers (one Czech and one Mexican) use the highest quality Mexican and Czech ingredients to produce beers Tijuana can be proud of.

The brewery hosts tours by appointment and has a traditional style bar where you can taste the unfiltered beer straight from the tap.

The Czech Republic is where beer was invented.

15. Toreo de Tijuana Bullring ("Plaza de Toros ‘Toreo de Tijuana’")

The oldest of the two bullfighting rings in Tijuana. This arena has been host to the most famous bullfighters (matadors) in the world such as: Eloy Cavazos and Julián Sánchez

Bull season is from late spring to late summer and lets visitor live a unique cultural experience in north America. This spectacle testifies to the European roots of modern Mexican culture.

Tijuana’s other bullring is by the Pacific and is named the "Monumental Plaza" making this city the only one (after the capital) to have more than one bullfighting arena.

16. Baja California Defender’s Monument ("Monumento a los Defensores de Baja California")

The people of Tijuana built this monument in memory of it’s brave inhabitants that, in 1911, defended it against an American annexation attempt during the Mexican Revolution.

The memorial was built in the 1950’s.

17. Free textbook monument ("Monumento al Libro de Texto Gratuito"):

This monument was built by the City of Tijuana in the 1960’s and is the only one of it’s type to honor the concept of free education through textbooks for all Mexicans.

Every year, teachers mount an honor guard on national Flag Day, February 24th.

4. The Monumental Clock ("Reloj Monumental"):Symbol of the modern Tijuana, this arch was dedicated in the year two thousand for the second millennium. Since then it has been a source of friendly debate between the citizens of the City.5. Saint Cecilia Square or Arguello Square…Read More

4. The Monumental Clock ("Reloj Monumental"):

Symbol of the modern Tijuana, this arch was dedicated in the year two thousand for the second millennium. Since then it has been a source of friendly debate between the citizens of the City.

5. Saint Cecilia Square or Arguello Square ("Plaza Santa Cecilia o Plaza Arguello)

Located on one of Tijuana’s oldest streets (Arguello Boulevard), this square is the only one on a transverse street from the original city grid.

Presently you may find stores and restaurants. Also you can find a Mariachi band at almost any hour of day or night.

6. Hard Rock Café:

Like many other tourist cities, Tijuana is host to one of these establishments founded in England in the 1970s.

The building it occupies was home to one of Tijuana’s first bowling alleys. Later it became a restaurant famous for its burritos named Bowl Corona ("Bol Corona").

After the building was gutted by a fire, the burritos moved and the HRC moved in.

To this day you can still find these famous burritos in many places in Town.

7. Historic Bank Building ("Banco Histórico"):

This is one of Tijuana’s oldest private buildings. This structure was built to resemble the French style in vogue during the early part of last century.

On this same street you may find other examples of this style of architecture but none are in such a good state of preservation.

8. The original Caesar’s Palace Hotel (Hotel César’s):

This hotel, also one of Tijuana’s oldest, has a very unique claim to fame. It was the birthplace of the Caesar Salad in the first half of last century.

Few people think of this salad as a Mexican dish, but it is.

9. Hand Craft Center ("Centro de Artesanías"):

Here you can find hand crafts from different parts of Mexico. Here over 200 people come together to offer products of varying quality and price.

10. Jai Alai Fronton Palace (Basque Ball):

The Jai Alai (high allI) was dedicated in 1947 in the faithful tradition of Spanish Basque Ball form the Basque Region of Spain that Borders France.

Its known as a Palace because of its luxurious appointments for both guests and the "pelotaris" (Ball Players).

Although not practiced anymore here in Tijuana, it’s still a popular sport in many Iberoamerican countries.

11. Chiki Jai Café

This Restaurant and Café was established a year after the Jai Alai first came into operation. It has been serving Spanish food for over fifty years. Once the property of a Spanish diplomat I was a favorite hangout of the Pelotari and Bullfighters. To this day it is still owned and operated by a family of strong Spanish tradition.