General Reports

[Efjayel]

I would be more than willing to bet that it was the seafood! I wont touch the seafood in mx unless it is deep fried!

Yeah I think so too. It wasn't that bad though. If anything, with how good that seafod is, it's worth it.

[Country John]

Sorry CJ but I’ll have to disagree with you here on this one. People absolutely do get sick from contact with contaminated water, especially in Mexico. To clean your hands well with contaminated water you must have strong soap and very hot water. How many of us wash our hands with water almost too hot to the touch?
Granted you have a point about windy days due to the general pollution of the streets, but the groundwater around the Tijuana area is extremely contaminated due to a poor sewage system. The water treatment system in TJ is no more efficient than anywhere else in Mexico, and the news of safe tap water in TJ would have made national headlines here. It is that unbelievable. Contaminated tap water in TJ can be in ice, it is used to rinse vegetables and dishes. Improper food storage and preparation is the next culprit of Montezuma’s Revenge.
You live there and your body has had time to build up its defenses, most mongers don’t put in the hours required to develop a dependable immune system. There are countless varieties of pathogens. Some hit one person hard, while the next person will hardly be affected. Pathogens are very small and it only takes a few to get things started. What puts a small squirt in your dump can put a gringo in bed for days with stomach cramps.
A lot of you will probably roll your eyes when I say this again but I’ll do it anyways; take a Peptol Bismol tablet before you eat (but not before your ED helpers).and you won’t have problem with your meal, and DON’T DRINK THE WATER!

You are probably correct, I don't have the balls to verify the story. It was posted on one of the boards by a monger who decided to test the sample to see how bad it actually is. I have no first hand experience myself and, like I said I don't have the balls to try!

When I eat at my favorite taco stand on normal days I have no difficulties; every time I ate on or just after a windy spell, I got sick. Lessons learned.

[Surfnk9]

I avoid the taco stands and carts on windy days. You are more likely to get sick from airborne shit and boogers than on calm days.

If I violate the above rule, I spend a day or two on the toilet...

I read somewhere recently that an analysis of TJ tap water came out cleaner than San Diego water...

My point is that you shouldn't get sick from washing your hands and then sucking your thumb.

Country John

Sorry CJ but I’ll have to disagree with you here on this one. People absolutely do get sick from contact with contaminated water, especially in Mexico. To clean your hands well with contaminated water you must have strong soap and very hot water. How many of us wash our hands with water almost too hot to the touch?
Granted you have a point about windy days due to the general pollution of the streets, but the groundwater around the Tijuana area is extremely contaminated due to a poor sewage system. The water treatment system in TJ is no more efficient than anywhere else in Mexico, and the news of safe tap water in TJ would have made national headlines here. It is that unbelievable. Contaminated tap water in TJ can be in ice, it is used to rinse vegetables and dishes. Improper food storage and preparation is the next culprit of Montezuma’s Revenge.
You live there and your body has had time to build up its defenses, most mongers don’t put in the hours required to develop a dependable immune system. There are countless varieties of pathogens. Some hit one person hard, while the next person will hardly be affected. Pathogens are very small and it only takes a few to get things started. What puts a small squirt in your dump can put a gringo in bed for days with stomach cramps.
A lot of you will probably roll your eyes when I say this again but I’ll do it anyways; take a Peptol Bismol tablet before you eat (but not before your ED helpers).and you won’t have problem with your meal, and DON’T DRINK THE WATER!

[Belldude2]

I went a few days ago(report to come soon) and ate some of the tacos at the stand next to the seafood stand obviously also had some of the seafood. On my way out, I also got a burger at the McDonalds that is stateside. Then when I got home I ate a huge burrito from this place near my house. The next day my stomach started grumbling so I went to the restroom and had a bad case of diarrhea. Came out black and very watery, in short bursts, "BLAM, BLAM, BLAM!" Was actually kind of fun. lol

Then I felt better.
I didn't get sick or anything I just had to use the restroom. Now I wonder if it was the tacos, the seafood, the burrito or the burger that caused this. First time that eating at Tj caused me any problems. I have a strong stomach anyways, I can eat a lot of crap and not be affected by it.

I would be more than willing to bet that it was the seafood! I wont touch the seafood in mx unless it is deep fried!

[Country John]

Is it safe to eat and drink in Mexico? I've heard some horror stories. I did visit Tijuana once before but stayed north of the border mainly because of the fear of the food. A man has to eat. I'm a guysy guy except when it comes to food in Mexico.

Opinions please.

Thanks in advance and enjoy!

I avoid the taco stands and carts on windy days. You are more likely to get sick from airborne shit and boogers than on calm days. When the wind is blowing and all that stuff is in the air, it lands on uncooked meat, the cooking surface, the guys hands, the cooked food, the condiments, your tongue and everything else.

If I violate the above rule, I spend a day or two on the toilet, so I learned to behave and eat only in enclosed spaces like reputable restaurants etc. I know it's not always easy to do, but given the alternative it's an easy choice for me.

I read somewhere recently that an analysis of TJ tap water came out cleaner than San Diego water. I'll try to find the reference for you all. It was legit. But buy natural bottled water anyway. My point is that you shouldn't get sick from washing your hands and then sucking your thumb.

You need to have alcohol wipes with you anyway, so wash your hands often and stay away from open air food sources on windy days.

Country John

[Jackie888]

This report includes visits on Thursday 4/16/2009.

PARKING. I parked in the $8 lot rather than the Jack in the Box because it appears to me that it offered better security. So I was willing to pay the $3 premium.

TRAVEL. The border was patroled by Mexican Marines + Mexican border police. Upon crossing the border, I paid $3 to Taxi Libre for the trasportation. I always pick an older driver even when stuck with the yellow cab cartel, which I despise. They drive more cautiously, keep the seatbelts in their car in working order and not badger you for tips. I'd rather not start out my vacation with by fighting with an asshole taxi-driver.

ADELITAS. I think it's because of Easter, but this place was sparse. The ladies tend to be older than in the past. So they looked to be in the 24-34 range. However, they don't blast the music as loud as they used to, which is a nice retreat if you get burned out later. Price was 50-70 USD, or 600-800 Pesos. They will take pesos for drinks. The waiters are less pushy than other clubs. This place has melowed out since I've last visited. One big bonus about Adelitas is that the ladies generally speak English.

Hong Kong. Here, the ladies are younger but are not as pretty as Adelitas. But there are more! There are two types, one group wearing slutty clothes and the second group wearing conservative black dresses & miniskirts. I was first under the impression that the conservatives don't do the nasty thing. This is wrong. They do everything the other group does. The only difference is that they don't do the go-go dancing and strip show. Upstairs, private dances, etc. Everyone does it. Price was 50-70 USD, or 600-800 pesos. One thing I dislike about HK is that the ladies generally don't speak English, and that they blast their music. So you end up yelling a lot and you can't tell whether the ladies can't hear you or can't understand you. The best thing about this club is that you can practically get any lady to sit and play with your piece for a price of a drink. Personally, I like the lap dance. Yes you can bone them for $72 (60+12) and the dance is $20. But I see it as sampling. Maybe I'm picky, but I don't want to waste my 1/2 hour boning a real ***** of a woman. My time and energy there is as precious as my dollar.

MINOR CLUBS. Didn't get to flavor them this trip. But I did poke my head inside. Other than the one right next to Hong Kong, they were insufficient ladies. What I don't like is they like to turn the lights down. So you can't see whether the ladies are less attractive or not.

DRINKS. They still cost around $3 each. I tend to get a beer upon first arrival. But then I purchase a water bottle afterwards. You can take it to other clubs (provided you hide them upon entering), wrap a napking around it and walk around without being harrassed for drinks.

EAT. I've the world's weakest stomach. So I stay with the restaurant next to Adelitas or the Chicago club. I'm workign my way down their menu. I suppose I'll venture out to other places after I finish the menu.

PESOS. I tried using pesos to save money. However, my inabilty to speak Spanish and the inability of the ladies to do simple math, it's been a real pain. From my experience, the ladies think in USDollars. Then the convert it back to pesos. What ever romance or heat you have with a lady before you negotiate evaporates by the time you lock down a price. So unless you can speak Spanish, stick to USDollars for the ladies.

SANITARY. I try to wash my hands a lot, particularly BEFORE using the restroom. If you're like me, you like to touch as you go through a club (hey I'm a prevert, my hands go everywhere). So I do advise my fellow man to wash their hands clean of bacteria prior to handling their piece in the bathroom. It's a shame to pick up a STD but it's outrageous to pick it up without engaging in actual sex.

OUTLETS. BTW, if anyone wants to do some shopping, there is a minimall with outlet stores about 1/4 mile from the border. Turn right when you get off the final exit. Much of them are for guys. Nike, Adidas etc.come to think of it, the marjority of them are for guys unlike other outlet malls.

Hmmm. Maybe they know something.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here for more information.

[Sdguy777]

There is so much written about border crossing, I thought I would skip the process but may be add a few pointers.

I used to Park my car for $8 overnight, next to the UETA duty free store. When the store is open, you could even walk through the store. On the way back though, it is a long walk back. Usually I am quite tired on the way back.

I found that if you take a left before you go into the UETA parking lot, cross the bridge and turn right you could park a lot closer to the border. There are two small parking lots but I found spaces even on busy weekends. It is $10 though. If you park here you do have to walk a bit farther (use the pedestrian bridge over the control offices) going into Tijuana.

If my explanation is not clear, feel free to PM me.

$5 behind Jack In The Box. Even on the busiest Fri&Sat nights I have found space. 5 north/ 805 north entrance right there!

[Firedsup]

Efjael,

Dude I do enjoy your reports and the maps are great, holy shit, that last report way to much info man a little funny, but hold the taquitos and pass the ice cream.

happy hunting

[Efjayel]

I went a few days ago(report to come soon) and ate some of the tacos at the stand next to the seafood stand obviously also had some of the seafood. On my way out, I also got a burger at the McDonalds that is stateside. Then when I got home I ate a huge burrito from this place near my house. The next day my stomach started grumbling so I went to the restroom and had a bad case of diarrhea. Came out black and very watery, in short bursts, "BLAM, BLAM, BLAM!" Was actually kind of fun. lol

Then I felt better.
I didn't get sick or anything I just had to use the restroom. Now I wonder if it was the tacos, the seafood, the burrito or the burger that caused this. First time that eating at Tj caused me any problems. I have a strong stomach anyways, I can eat a lot of crap and not be affected by it.

[Cloude]

When I was in TJ with my buddy, we both were so worried about getting sick that we monitored our bathroom habits closely. The funny thing was that we got heartburn on the trolley going back to downtown San Diego when we got some kind of snack when crossing the border back into the US. We didn't get anything at all, but we had pepto and other stomach medicine ready just in case. We ate at a nice restaurant across from Hotel Espana and the rest of the time was at the street food. Definately go the the stands that are the busiest like the one on the corner near Adelitas. There's always a crowd around it at all times. But you never know when you might get sick. Always be prepared, you can get sick at McDonalds or Burger King just as easily. Only drink bottled water and no ice. Good luck, I can't wait to return.

[Vitrea]

There is so much written about border crossing, I thought I would skip the process but may be add a few pointers.

I used to Park my car for $8 overnight, next to the UETA duty free store. When the store is open, you could even walk through the store. On the way back though, it is a long walk back. Usually I am quite tired on the way back.

I found that if you take a left before you go into the UETA parking lot, cross the bridge and turn right you could park a lot closer to the border. There are two small parking lots but I found spaces even on busy weekends. It is $10 though. If you park here you do have to walk a bit farther (use the pedestrian bridge over the control offices) going into Tijuana.

If my explanation is not clear, feel free to PM me.

[Pablito Diablito]

Eat at busy restaurants and stands. Where there's a crowd, the food is fresher.

I also try to avoid the ceviche stand that is on the street during the summer months. 90 degree temperatures and ceviche = blah

Also, long time vegetarians are best to not give up vegetarianism for the first time with a street side chorizo taco. TRUST ME! That sh*t will run right through you.

In all honesty though, you could get sick at a Sanborns if you are ordering something that is a rarity in Tijuana. Like Surfnk9 says, look for the crowd, not only does the turnover mean the food is fresher, but they have their system down. (ie the person making your food is not the one taking the money)

[Surfnk9]

Those were great reports Cloude I agree. But I do have a question. Is it safe to eat and drink in Mexico? I've heard some horror stories. I did visit Tijuana once before but stayed north of the border mainly because of the fear of the food. A man has to eat. I'm a guysy guy except when it comes to food in Mexico.

Opinions please.

Thanks in advance and enjoy!

Good question Joe. It's been discussed here before but you would have to go back a ways to get it.
Montezumas Revenge mainly comes from dirty water. So that means tap water, ice cubes from tap ater, vegetables rinsed in tap water, hands washed in tap water without soap or heat, and dishes not properly washed. Also meat not heated enough.
There are several ways to avoid stomach proplems.
Eat at busy restaurants and stands. Where there's a crowd, the food is fresher.
Don't use tap water for brushing your teeth.
Drink bottled water and avoid ice unless you know it comes from a safe source.i.e. bagged.
I take a Peptol Bismol tablet before I eat a meal. It is a technique I have used all over the world and it has never failed. If you plan to use Levitra or Viagra, take the ED pill 45 minutes before taking Peptol Bismol.
All in all I feel it's safe, but you do need to take precautions.

[Joehart1]

Those were great reports Cloude I agree. But I do have a question. Is it safe to eat and drink in Mexico? I've heard some horror stories. I did visit Tijuana once before but stayed north of the border mainly because of the fear of the food. A man has to eat. I'm a guysy guy except when it comes to food in Mexico.

Opinions please.

Thanks in advance and enjoy!

Awesome, nice TR's Cloude!

I know exactly what you mean about the Seafood and Taco stands. The seafood stand is there 24 hours a day. The taco stand isn't always there and they are not ran by the same people as the seafood stand. Those tacos are okay. The better tacos are the Awesome Fish tacos on Ave. Negrete and Felipe Carrilo Puerto also pointed out on my map. But that seafood stand, oh my god...

Everytime I'm there I ALWAYS order the "campechana." That's their oyster cocktail. That is so freaking good! I've never tasted one like those anywhere else. And trust me I've searched! I think their secret is how everything is so fresh. Damn, I need to go back just for that seafood. It doesn't surprise me either cause it's even better than most of the sex I get at TJ. lol.

[JPF]

There was very little to be seen on a Monday night. Went to Hong Kong and Adelitas, but, they are to up market and not to my liking anyway,

Interesting report. HK and AB are not more "up market" in terms of price compared to the "less than $100" that you spent at Playboy. They generally cost about the same (girl: 60 + room: 12) plus drinks which for us are the same price ($4).

But maybe you weren't talking price but "ambience"?