I'm no use, I'm an anglo who visited there as a tourist and read stuff about vecindades. I've a friend from LA who did a tv broadcast with the earthquake, big in LA, and who knows what import her film had re anything...
You want to know about then, look to an acount by fbaezer on a2k.
aidan wrote:
Do you think that depiction (the one in Man on Fire) is in any way accurate?
Didn't see the movie, but just about everyone here who saw it said it was wildly exagerated and lost about Mexico City in more than a sense.
Actually, I'm really happy to hear that. Because though in some ways the city looked beautiful (especially the park scenes) in most other ways it just made it out to look absolutely unlivable.
It's a pretty disturbing movie. Someone gave it to my son and generally I like Denzel Washington as an actor, so I figured I'd give it a look. And I liked the relationship between Denzel's character and the little girl- two people that are so different in every way- race, background, age, but still connect on this really elemental level-but the amount of violence in it is just over the top. I couldn't watch pretty much most of the second half.
Woah! Pantalones informed me about this Tijuana ordeal and I have to say, I'm proud that some person with a strange name as "Ossobuco" wants to visit it. For sure, you'll find it as exciting as strange as interesting as ugly as dangerous... but as Krusty wisely said once: "It's the happiest place in the world". And, I have that written in a poster by Matt Groening himself. Anyways, I'm rambling a bit because... I don't live in Tijuana anymore.
But that doesn't mean that you shouldn't visit Tijuana! Of course, the city now has lost some of its attractiveness but... Pantalones alone should do. I'll post more information and even return to the forums but, for now... I have to go.
I live in Vlissingen, in the Netherlands. And well, if everything turns right, I want to stay around here a loooong time. Woo!
Woo!
Come back when you have time and tell us more, el pohl.
10 to 15 years ago, Tijuana had its charm, was geared towards tourists
and offered some nice bargains. I liked to go there, eat at the Guadalajara Grill or at the Fiesta Towers, buy some nice pottery and enjoy the people.
Then 9/11 had heightened the border crossings and it took several years
for me to go down there again. So last year was my first trip to Tijuana after six years of absence.
It has changed considerably, and I was shocked to see such utter filth
in just about every part of town. The element of drugs, violence, corruption and other crime is all to visible and even the tourist spots have made room
for raunchy bars and stores that sell dubious merchandise. There is no reason why a tourist should visit Tijuana - there is absolutely nothing to
see that's worthwhile.
It used to be a nice town - no longer is!
I haven't been there for much longer than that. That's too bad, for sure.
aidan wrote:
Do you think that depiction (the one in Man on Fire) is in any way accurate?
It didn't resemble Mexico City in any way to me. But it's "gritty" so as a matter of course you'll be sure to find those who laud its realism.
I really like Mexico- the music, the people, the culture, (and the food). I've been to the east and west coasts of Mexico and to the border towns (of Texas), but never to Mexico City. Would you say that it's a trip worth taking- to Mexico City in and of itself?
To clarify what I meant - I'm sorry to hear about negative changes to TJ.
People come as tourists to Tijuana looking for two things: explore the unique social scene or look for a quick fix on drugs, alcohol and sex. I haven't heard of anyone coming for it's beauty.
That's because there's nothing to see, our main tourist attraction is a street with stores that sell "Mexican" curios and by night is filled with sleazy bars and strip clubs. I wouldn't know how to be a tour guide to someone from outside, I would most probably take them to Ensenada or San Diego
So far I've stood out of trouble because only rarely the narcs and gangs mess with people who stay away from them. I feel more comfortable on bars in the red light district than on the most popular clubs or lounges for the same reason.
I used to do everything bad in T.J. and then I would bring a bunch of it back to the states. Some of my friends are still trying to get of some of the drugs we used to bring home from there.
I was arrested their for it. In the morning they through my ass into the street. I had no idea where I was or how I got there or how I was going to get home. I was broke and hungry.
I go there now only in the day time for tacos and beer and the shopping for novelties and I take a roll of nickles for all the kids.
Are there still Chicklets kids? Do Chicklets (small squares of gum kids used to sell) still exist?
ossobuco wrote:Are there still Chicklets kids? Do Chicklets (small squares of gum kids used to sell) still exist?
YES!!!!! The kids are so cute. I am such a sucker because I don't want the chicklets. I ask them to tell me about themself instead and then when I give them $1.00.... .to see their eyes get all round and big and their face light up......it is a good feeling.
Yes they are there. I just can't walk by the kids either.
It is heart breaking, isn't it? We went up the hills to the Casa de los Pobres
(house of the poor) and distributed toys and gave food to the catholic
Sisters as they feed those poor children. The only thing they have plentiful
is kids *sigh*
Well, if you leave the "tourist area" and go out and see where the Mexicans live and what little they have then you (or I) realize just how spoiled we are in the USA. I know there are rich Mexicans but, there are more poor Mexicans. I learned quite a few teenagers don't get the opportunity to attend school. They have to work to support their family.
I know a lot about poverty in Mexico and elsewhere, but I've never lived in a shack from scraps in the lowlands to be flooded and infested, so of course I really don't know anything at all.
Chicklets kids broke my heart, but more kids than them. I have a memory of reading the kids didn't get much of those proceeds, but that was years ago I read that.
Iv'e read the same thing. Also they look more like native indians then mexicans (they have that Myan face). I wonder if they are considered less then.
yes, Chiclets still exist.
yes, most kids report the money to their parents who have kids as an investment since more kids equals more money.
yes, most of these kids look like "indÃgenas", descendants from the preconquest natives.
yes, many young persons quit their studies because they need to support their family.
