Ciudad Juarez

[QUOTE=My Freedom]Ilovechicas, I have enjoyed reading your posts. I think, though, we are talking about different Jessicas. The Jessica I have seen at the Panama is not a large girl with bleached blond hair. The one I saw there, and I'm talking about several months ago, like last winter-early spring, is a slender, dark haired gal and was the best dancer in the Panama that I saw. I believe her pictures may be posted in the Photo Gallery. I do not know her sister, but I also do not stay in this area after 10 P. M. Too many things can happen, mainly policia problems.

I have always wanted to check out the area around the Cathedral, I believe a key street is La Paz, right? My basic fear is that I am a Gringo, but do understand Spanish well enough to have traveled alone in South America with no problems. Again, policia would be my key worry, not to mention the blue collar trade that one would likely have to deal with. Perhaps best to go with a buddy, but, I do know a Gringo loner who has gone into the area and he has gotten along OK. I think he walks fast as well.[/QUOTE]--------------------------

Hey My Freedom,

Ah, it sounds like we are talking about a different Jessica then. I didn't see any problems near Panama but you always have to consider the possibility.

Yes the key street is La Paz - I had forgotten it but you are quite correct. It obviously changes from time to time but for what it's worth, there seemed to be almost no cops around.

[QUOTE=Meat Loaf]"I Love Chicas," I only speak what I've learned and endured. La Avenida is the exact same thing as behind the Cathedral with one difference- you're in Cd. Juarez and not the tourist area. I've had problems in both areas.

If you show that you're not scared to experience Cd. Juarez beyond "the strip," you'll receive the same response as you do on the strip. Cd. Juarez mentality is to chase you back across the bridge after (1) violence, (2) financial gain or extortion, or (3) jealousy. Spending time on "the strip" subtly shows that one is scared to enter the city beyond that 6 block area. The deeper you go into Cd. Juarez the more glory, fame, fun, excitement, and overall curiosity you will receive. You'll meet a lot of diverse people who will take you under their wing. Cd. Juarez residents don't frequent the strip, only USA tourists. Get the real Cd. Juarez experience!

When people see that you're able to "get on their level" and live like they do and relate to their experiences nobody will challenge you 'cause you've put in time and held it down, without a support system.

Explore Cd. Juarez beyond the 6 blocks and you'll find more of what you're looking for "I Love Chicas."[/QUOTE]Thanks for the feedback. I have found that the further off the beaten track and the more time I spend with folks, the more interesting it has become. I have found this to be true in other countries I have traveled in as well.

There is risk, but there is risk everywhere including within our own country right? For what it's worth, I think the exploring is compelling enough to go for it even when taking risks into account.

[quote=ilovechicas] yes the key street is la paz - i had forgotten it but you are quite correct. it obviously changes from time to time but for what it's worth, there seemed to be almost no cops around.[/quote]

have they finished repaving/bricking the bigger streets in that area? last time i was back there was when they had about 2 or 3 blocks half done and a couple more trenched and ready. didn't seem to slow any locals down any - they would just drive over or down that 10" drop like it was normal.

i almost got "lost" the last time. i usually used a few of the street vendor booths for landmarks and with them run out, it was different. i used to enjoy wandering thru there.

that last time it seemed like policia was on every corner leading to the area - but like i said, they were still a little fresh from running out the vendors and trying to fill the reforma.

myself, i enjoyed it better when they had all the vendors. friendly people, music everywhere - it was fun. i shot a couple hours of video, walking around there once. tons of smiles and waves from people. except the door chicas - they rep001tered like cucurachas.

[QUOTE=Meat Loaf] One may change the name of a cantina, but the game has not changed. Many writers of posts find pride in specific location names, but not the mentality that drives such activity. I knew you were a hater when you tried to claim Cd. Juarez has changed that much in 1-year. Get Real.[/QUOTE]Not to p!ss on anyone's BBQ but I think you may be misdirecting this aspect of your post, as it was I who detailed some of the changes over the last year. Mugroso (and Bbond) merely echoed my statement that it has changed greatly in the last year or less.

My mentions were mainly on Mariscal being turned to rubble and the La Paz street vendors being removed by the city.

Half of what your "Mariscal tour" details is rubble. The two pics I attached show this. One, I'm sure you'll recogonize to be Irma's and the other pile of rubble that is flanked by Cuco's Snacks and Club Delicias (whose rafters show thru what's left of that side) used to be Dia y Noche. Delicias might be gone by now as well - I didn't notice and don't seem to remember seeing it last week but I wasn't looking for it.

The hotel that you mention to be across the street from that would be the Hotel Mariscal. That, too, is rubble. In fact that whole side of the street is gone - from the Plaza to the Burrito Alley corner where the pool hall across from Irma's was. Many buildings in El Centro from Fran. Villa over to Degollado are being razed.

It might be a typo but Club Panama isn't on Mariscal but on Degollado (one main block west).

The hotels on Ave Juarez - what I'm determining to be "hotel see" which was across the street from two others, I believe was closed. Was it the one right next to Valentino's restaurant? If it is, and those are the three you mention, again - I don't recall a gaggle of hookers in front of them on any visit in the last 5 years. I've picked up non-pros (as in no charge) at the juice stand a door or two north, tho'.

If you check back thru the posts or check the local papers, you'll find much info on the "beautification plan" for El Centro and even some mentions of legalized gaming and casinos.

[QUOTE=Cienega32]Not to p!ss on anyone's BBQ but I think you may be misdirecting this aspect of your post, as it was I who detailed some of the changes over the last year. Mugroso (and Bbond) merely echoed my statement that it has changed greatly in the last year or less.[/QUOTE]I stand corrected Cienega. Mariscal has changed dramatically in 1-year. Nonetheless, I glad "I Love Chicas" found some usefulness in my "Behind the Cathedral," "Ladies Bars of Cd. Juarez," and Massage Parlors.

Thanks for the clarification Cienega 32 as you have presented solid evidence via your pictures. What are they going to do to the famous Mariscal area?

My statement about Mugroso's proof still stands!

[quote=cienega32]have they finished repaving/bricking the bigger streets in that area? last time i was back there was when they had about 2 or 3 blocks half done and a couple more trenched and ready. didn't seem to slow any locals down any - they would just drive over or down that 10" drop like it was normal.

i almost got "lost" the last time. i usually used a few of the street vendor booths for landmarks and with them run out, it was different. i used to enjoy wandering thru there.

that last time it seemed like policia was on every corner leading to the area - but like i said, they were still a little fresh from running out the vendors and trying to fill the reforma.

myself, i enjoyed it better when they had all the vendors. friendly people, music everywhere - it was fun. i shot a couple hours of video, walking around there once. tons of smiles and waves from people. except the door chicas - they rep001tered like cucurachas.[/quote]hey cienega,

as best i can recall it's a mix - there are still the big "steps" down la paz but they're paved steps. crazy thought about driving a vehicle down any of those though. it sounds like it's a bit more finished as well. i don't recall tons of current construction. the vendors you mention must be gone as everything seemed to be back into shop stalls, stands or small stores - not on the sidewalk type thing. so, it may have lost some of the charm of your trips through there. i don't think i saw a single cop for what it's worth.

it sounds also, from your post, that in mariscal's days gone by, there were some serious blocks with quite a range of entertainment. i'm not familiar with the old layout but can imagine from the remaining rubble how much was there. one example, as you mention is the block across from the burrito stands. i think that was all rubble as best i can remember.

[QUOTE=Meat Loaf]I stand corrected Cienega. Mariscal has changed dramatically in 1-year. Nonetheless, I glad "I Love Chicas" found some usefulness in my "Behind the Cathedral," "Ladies Bars of Cd. Juarez," and Massage Parlors.

Thanks for the clarification Cienega 32 as you have presented solid evidence via your pictures. What are they going to do to the famous Mariscal area?
[/QUOTE]
No doubt 'Ilovechicas' found good times in your post. After reading his adventure, I think I'll re-wander the La Paz area again on my next walk over

As far as I recall, the image presented was walking parks, parking lots, type of stuff. I somehow think I read that they're using the excuse of needing more areas for parking for bullthe bullfights as well. They're back on Franco Villa since the other ring is gone..

And, like I said, there's some rumbles about casinos. I haven't followed it any deeper than trying to keep up with the demo (for my before/after photos).

[QUOTE=Ilovechicas]Hey Cienega,

As best I can recall it's a mix - there are still the big "steps" down La Paz but they're paved steps. Crazy thought about driving a vehicle down any of those though. It sounds like it's a bit more finished as well. I don't recall tons of current construction. The vendors you mention must be gone as everything seemed to be back into shop stalls, stands or small stores - not on the sidewalk type thing. So, it may have lost some of the charm of your trips through there. I don't think I saw a single cop for what it's worth.[/QUOTE]
These 'steps' were where they were excavating for new pavements to meet existing ones. And it was pretty insane watching some of the smaller cars trying to scale them.

It was a fun street market (some really good deals and snacks too) with all the stands set up between the existing, "real" store-fronts on either side of the streets. It almost had a canopy feel to it all - like an open-air farmer's market, in most parts and my only landmarks were certain vendor stands. I was sad to learn that they were all run off by the badges, as I felt it had a nice 'old world' charm to it all.

IIRC, they didn't all go qiuetly.

The guys in this forum are full of good info and there are some great tales from them in the archives as well. Many of those tales from these guys were a major catalyst for my moving out here to NM 2 years ago. Of course, reducing the drive from 720 miles to 50 miles was another...

[QUOTE=Bbond]I stay there often, never had a problem just showing up. They seldom, if ever, will be full.[/QUOTE]
Has there been any significant changes since 'we' lost Efrain?

[QUOTE=Cienega32]Has there been any significant changes since 'we' lost Efrain?[/QUOTE]

Not really, pretty much the same. Just no Efrain.

Hi,

This will be my first trip to Juarez. I tried searching all posts on this board bit could not find all the info in one place. I need some basic info, so please help.

1. Which hotel is better-Manport or Villa manport? Which is closer to all the massage parlours? Where do I make a reservation? Do the hotels have any website? Can I take a cab or can I walk to them?

2. The main massage parlours are.LUXXOR, SIRENAS, GENESIS. Where can I get all their addresses? Which is the closest to the hotels or to the border? And what do I tell the cab drivers if I want to go these places to avoid being ripped off?

3. LUXXOR owners say they will pick you up at the border if you call them in advance. How reliable is this? They said they will also help with hotel accomodations? Should you go with this?

4. The main strip clubs are- PINK LADY, CEASAR'S PLACE. Are there any other worth visiting strip clubs or massage parlours?

5. Is it easy using bus services in Juarez? What is the Elpaso bus trolley service. It starts off in elpaso every one hour. Is it a good way to reach Juarez?

6. If there any trip reports with info, please post it. I tried looking under reports of distinction under Juarez, but it is not as comprehensive as that of other mexican cities like Nogales.

Thanks for the help. I will post a detailed trip report after I come back.

I can partially answer some of your questions.

[QUOTE=RajTheKing]Hi,

This will be my first trip to Juarez. I tried searching all posts on this board bit could not find all the info in one place. I need some basic info, so please help.

1. Which hotel is better-Manport or Villa manport? Which is closer to all the massage parlours? Where do I make a reservation? Do the hotels have any website? Can I take a cab or can I walk to them?
[/quote]
Villa Manport doesn't need a reservation. It's about a 40 minute walk from either bridge.
[quote]

2. The main massage parlours are.LUXXOR, SIRENAS, GENESIS. Where can I get all their addresses? Which is the closest to the hotels or to the border? And what do I tell the cab drivers if I want to go these places to avoid being ripped off?
[/quote]
If I was from out-of-town I'd stay at the Holiday Inn in downtown El Paso. . .cabs cost too much crossing the border--walk accross, then tell the Juarez cabbie to go to a stop near the MP. Sirenas is near Villa Manport, and Genesis is near Hospital General.

I don't know of any MP address listing. You can try Mug's site, Ladies of Juarez, or search the forum for cross streets.

Myself I bought a Mapsoco Street Guide to Juarez at Walgreens.
[quote]
3. LUXXOR owners say they will pick you up at the border if you call them in advance. How reliable is this? They said they will also help with hotel accomodations? Should you go with this?

4. The main strip clubs are- PINK LADY, CEASAR'S PLACE. Are there any other worth visiting strip clubs or massage parlours?

5. Is it easy using bus services in Juarez? What is the Elpaso bus trolley service. It starts off in elpaso every one hour. Is it a good way to reach Juarez?
[/quote]
I don't use the bus service in Juarez. They don't even have a schedule. But other mongers love it. The "trolley" is slow and doesn't run very often.
[quote]

6. If there any trip reports with info, please post it. I tried looking under reports of distinction under Juarez, but it is not as comprehensive as that of other mexican cities like Nogales.

Thanks for the help. I will post a detailed trip report after I come back.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=RajTheKing]5. Is it easy using bus services in Juarez? What is the Elpaso bus trolley service. It starts off in elpaso every one hour. Is it a good way to reach Juarez? [/QUOTE]
I took the trolley thru Juarez once. Bear in mind that they give you a wrist band when you board. To me that would imply that the head count is important at the end of the day. While you can get off one and on another hours later, I don't know how not coming back by the last run would play out. It's an interesting run, from a tourist perspective, but it can also put you in the general area of some things. Like Coyote79 said - it can be a slow trek.

It took me awhile before I tried the bus system but after reading here how painless it was, I gave it a shot. It is painless and pretty cool, if you want a taste of the city and its people.

The one that I've taken to Villa Manport on Escobar is 'Ruta Circunvalacion'. You can ask to be let out anywhere so no worries if you see the hotel pass by. Sirena's, El Encanto and another one that I forget are in the area as wel as a great steak house. 8 blocks or so down Escobar are more things.

This is a good map/reference link:

[url]http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=31.74388&lon=-106.460674&z=17&l=0&m=a&v=2[/url]

Hi,

I am planning at one of these hotels- villa manport / hotel impala /manport.
Which is the best choice? I heard Villa Manport is not maintined properly nowadays. I have seen no reviews of Hotel Impala.

Also where are Pink Lady and Ceasar' place -close to what cross streets?

Thanx.

I have no idea how true this is, but, one of my co-workers said that he visited a post office the other day and was told that unofficially, this requirement for a passport by Jan. 30, 2008, to cross back into the U.S. from Mexico has been moved up to September, 2008. Again, amigos, I cannot verify this, but this co-worker of mine is normally pretty reliable. We'll see.