Excellent, thanks. I heard him something about a tunnel in El Paso, but I wasn't sure what he said about it.
Ironically enough El Paso is the only place I've ever crossed the border into Mexico. A friend of mine and I were touring the West many moons ago, and we stopped in El Paso to get an oil change on my car. I suggested, "Hey, let's walk across the bridge to Mexico." I was too young and stupid to realize what a bad idea that was. We walked around Ciudad Juarez for about an hour, and felt very uncomfortable. We were very relieved to get back to the USA.
Funny story: the Mexicans kept offering us things to buy, but we politely refused. One guy asked me if I wanted to buy first one item, then another, and then another. I politely refused. He responded "My sister?" I declined. I still don't know if he was serious, or just yanking my chain. And I've never been back. Of course I realize that the border towns are the worst, so perhaps someday I'll visit a better area of Mexico.
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jasonbourne (1027)
6 years ago
Ha ha. I got some college stories into Tijuana. If you're going there or any border town, then it's best to go in a group and have an idea of what you want to do. We went to get out hot rods' interiors done. They do good work for cheap, but you have to watch them and know ahead of time what you want and have an idea of what the materials and labor cost. We decided to take turns watching their work. First, it's crazy driving in Mexico border area. We heard about buying one-day car insurance, but passed. It was too hard for us to make a left turn, so we had someone get out and walk across the street in order for our cars to get a chance. This made us realize one-day insurance could be a good idea if planning to drive extensively in the area. Afterward, we shopped around the auto upholstery shops, but realized they were related and passing along what they quoted for five autos. Finally, we made a deal with someone who reminds me of Nacho's father. He seemed to be the most honest, and spoke pretty good English, but we still took turns watching. The work included the front and rear seats, headliner and package dash. It wasn't leather but naugahyde and 1/2" foam padding and turned out well. It was too risky to have them do the front dash with its electrics. The reason one has to watch their work is they'll put horseshit instead of foam liner if you're not there. This is horrible if you drive back and suddenly it's a hot day. We walked around town and got offered everything. They sold horseshit cigarettes and bad tequila. I got a suede jacket for cheap. Everything was pretty cheap. I was careful to eat only the corner tacos stand and drink canned soda or packaged food and stuff I brought. Passed on going to a restaurant for lunch. A couple guys ate the lettuce and tomato on the hamburger and got Montezuma's revenge for a week because the vegetables were washed with local water. Many people go for cheap prescription medicine. Worth it if they know.
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MovieManCin2 (26342)
6 years ago
Sounds like quite an adventure. As they say "Bad decisions make great stories." So have you ever been back to a border town?
Ironically, the only places I've gotten Montezuma's Revenge was in Kathmandu, Nepal and Nairobi, Kenya. It was worth it though, since they were both fascinating trips.
PS I like your movies.
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jasonbourne (1027)
6 years ago
Thanks for liking my movies. I try to stick to Mexico City and the tourist resorts and areas. Knew a guy at work who made regular trips to buy gold and turquoise in Mexico City. Gold prices are pretty much the same the world over now, so don't think you'll get much of a price advantage. Will have to explore Baja again and Belize when i get a chance. I'll go to the border towns again. Since I still buy used cars, I wouldn't mind going to get auto upholstery in a group ha ha. I suppose the same if you want to re-upholster any vintage or solid wood furniture (not antique). However, if it's an expensive furniture or car, then it's better to shell out the money and get it done in the US. You get what you pay for. I am scared of the border town drug gangs, pickpockets and crime, so probably wouldn't drive further in past Ensenada or a better border town.
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MovieManCin2 (26342)
6 years ago
You're welcome, and I agree on your ideas on Mexico. I might go there again some day, but it will be to Mexico City and/or a resort area.
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