Date: 16/11/2012 à 16/11/2012

Path: Tomamos a rodovia I-5 S.

Magdalene gives us guidance toward the border between U.S. and Mexico

We headed south to San Diego in search of a cape for the new cell Gustavo. Two days ago he had bought the newly launched model of Nokia to replace your old appliance. Few shops in the world would have that cape, but, sure, ali nos EUA nós encontraríamos.

That was how we left behind the beauty of the rivers, vouchers, mountains and lakes U.S.. Where animals roam freely in parks very well organized in a wild nature still remaining. We left behind the comforts and conveniences of a country very well structured. Organized, but, maybe too much.

The country serves as a model for many coisas, as the excellent educational system or the richness of their musical styles, seems to be lacking a historical legacy alive in their urban centers. After all, unless a district or other, was, some of us, the impression that many of American cities seem prefabricated. As if they could be sold on the shelves of a Tok Stok or any IKEA and kit containing a fastfood chains within; como num 'Lego', only ready to be fitted. So simple to set up as it is today to find a motel, a Wal-mart or a McDonald's along one of its vast highways.

We continued further south by Interstate 5 and the Magdalene not only show us the missing 17 minutes to arrive to Tijuana, we would never imagine that lend estávamos cross country. Signs pointed exits and returns to neighborhoods still only within the U.S.. Strange, it gradually changed the visual horizon. It was as if they wanted to hide this vast hill, with thousands of houses stuck together, that every moment seemed closer. But it was impossible to hide, because we were about to cross nothing less than the world's busiest border!!! It was only near the border that a big sign announcing: were entering Mexican territory!

A large sign near the Mexican flag

We walked a few hundred meters after the board and soon entered a strange walled and short road that separated the two countries. This way we played in a huge barrier over 8 watchtowers that resembled the toll highway Immigrants (which connects the city of São Paulo Santos). Ali was the Mexican customs, where well-armed guards randomly chose some vehicles for review prior to entry into Mexico. And of course our "discreet" friend was picked Tanajura. Some questions were asked and, soon discovered that we were Brazilians, the smile sprouted on their faces. Easily liberados, we go forward another few meters and, To our surprise, já conduzíamos quietly peel ruas Tijuana. But wait! Something was wrong, not?! You must remember that, at each border, low we gave in our documents we left the country, carimbávamos and passports in the country of entry. And still had permission to ride the Tanajura… aquilo ali tinha sido muito fácil e estávamos sem nenhum carimbo ou autorização.

The confusing and busy border between San Diego (USA) and Tijuana (Mexico)

But that was it, both had been easy pass to the Mexican side, as we, Fate of, have made the processes of exit and entry in each country. We explain:

As mentioned, that border is super busy in both directions: Mexico no sense –> USA, There is the case with many Mexican workers who come early in the morning to work in San Diego, as the case of more affluent Mexicans who enjoy the rich neighbor to make purchases of clothing and electronics (more or less as many of us, Brazilian, usually do); already, meaning no U.S. –> Mexico, gringos crossing to Tijuana, in the Mexican state of Baja California called, looking for its beautiful beaches and its lively night parties. All, clear, a um preço muito acessível.

Thus, covenants and restrictions that we do not understand very well, permitem that residents of Tijuana(Mexico) and Southern California(USA) can stay in the neighboring country, up to 72 hours. It happens that, by our own ignorance or the lack of a more appropriate signaling by both countries, framed in the same right to cross freely. But as we would not be in Mexico for a few days only, precisávamos voltar – para um lugar que ainda não sabíamos onde – e fazer toda a documentação.

We had to return, but we were still "enjoying" those first few minutes again in Latin lands. A tasty seasoning of smoke emanated from a typical food being made here in the crowded, narrow streets of Tijuana. Signs advertising in Spanish gave us welcome, above all small and colorful brick houses – built next to each other. And a dance music emanating from bars and vehicles mingling with the voices of agitated hawkers dark skin… A scene that resembled a very difficult neighborhood of a large Brazilian metropolis. But after so many months in 2 do only rich continent, was good to be back to reality to which we have been accustomed to live! E Aquela Tijuana, who would know better after, was far from exaggerated description of some Americans and their media. A crass example of this exaggeration had last night right there in San Diego. A waitress at the restaurant where we had dinner, reached in recommending leave the car on the U.S. side and take a taxi to visit Tijuana. She said that our car would be stolen quickly by foreign board, and even that could even be stolen by Mexican police themselves! Tadinha, mal sabia ela da Expedição e que não haveria a menor chance da Tanajura não cruzar o México conosco.

The simplest roadside houses of Baja California Norte, few dozen miles south of Tijuana – Mexico

The ecstasy of being in Mexican lands, entanto not, lasted little. We took the first return toward the border in an attempt to find a customs that could guide us. It, suddenly, the surprise: there was a kilometric queue of cars to enter the U.S.! We, literally, blind. And amid the exhaustive queue, We were costumeiramente addressed by vendors, just because there are so numerous in number, we prenunciavam: a espera serial long. E faith! But 1 hour and 45 min then finally we reached the evil guards housed the U.S. Customs. After explaining our history (A summarized version of what is shipping and which internally nicknamed "the chat road"- The latter a pronounced finest portunhol! ) and about why we were reentering the U.S. mood improved. After a good many questions and weariness of 35 minutes guards gave low in U.S. system and released to move back to Mexico. We took a shortcut procedure at the border and we were soon back in watchtowers Mexican. Again welcome, explain the mistake this time and a friendly guard accompanied us for federal payments of fees Mexican tourism ($24,50 U.S. dollars per person) and the procedures for entering the country. Soon, in less than half an hour we were finally released! Just go missing in Mexican national bank branch, a few miles away, to do the procedures of Tanajura (for which we also had to pay $50 USD). We were hungry and friendly attendant showed us a local restaurant for supper. With plastic chairs and tables, a large flat bids passing football and friendliness of the waiters (especially when they discovered we were Brazilians) it's very tasty Chewin reminded us the typical simple restaurants in northeastern Brazil. As the waiter's suggestion we risk what would become one of the favorite dishes of the Expedition in Mexico: Quesadillas as Marlin (Blue Marlin Fish), delicacy very common here in Baja California. The warm and pleasant atmosphere of a Friday night called for a beer to accompany and celebrate the long-awaited entry into Mexican land!

Numerous vendors are the harbinger of that entering the U.S. is a very time consuming!

The wall that separates the modern San Diego's "underdeveloped" Tijuana is the perfect symbolism of separation between two realities physically so close, but as socially antagonistic. The large and constant flow of people through that border reveals the profound yet interdependent relationship that exists between these two nations. Whether through the daily migration of Mexican workers and students to the U.S. or goods and American tourists to Mexico. Be scared of living the bold 'coyotes'To carry people illegally in search of'American Way of Life'Or the voluptuousness of young Americans - in their 18 the 21 anos – que lotam a vida noturna mexicana em busca do ritmo latino e da liberdade de poderem beber antes da maioridade de seu país.

As for nós, we were sooo happy! Especially the receptivity of Mexicans over there.

We were back to the Latin America 'Open Veins’, as defined by Eduardo Galeano. Yes but still expresses joy, humility and spontaneity so peculiar to our people!

Elements and Hispanic Catholics (legacy of the colonial period) marcam a arquitetura das cidades mexicanas.

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