Early last week I realized my supply of diabetes meds was running dangerously low - I only had enough to last through Saturday morning. With limited options I decided a trip to TJ was in order.

Calls were made a few days before and I found myself leaving LA county Saturday afternoon headed south on I5 around 3pm. Once parked I crossed the border and wandered into my favorite pharmacy for the required medicine. I bought my meds and walked across the pedestrian bridge heading toward la zona. A friend recommended La Perla (restaurant, not lady) and so I headed there for my first visit.

On the corner near Valentina I spied Progman (good friend from Asia trips). We'd arranged to meet down here and our timing was perfect. We crossed the street and entered the restaurant looking for the others. Sitting in the corner, near the waiters station and kitchen were Daytimer and Altogringo.

Seeing as three of us had been to Asia already it was easy to get the conversation started. We recounted tales involving most of the seven deadly sins and Daytimer told the story of his first interractions with a conniving Filipina. Luckily he found out and while feeling down about it is made of sturdy stuff and has bounced back.

After a GREAT meal we finished our conversation out on the streetcorner. DT and AG headed to La Valentina to enjoy the last half hour of 2 for 1 beers and Prog and I toured the alley, ending up in Hacienda. Prog enjoyed his beers and I gagged on my mineral water while we took in the place. The few good looking women were overshadowed by the larger, porcine variety. Some reminded me of walking roasts and at least one had facial features that must have been shaped by a blacksmith's hammer. There were a few cuties, but when one of the hotter ones danced she had a look on her face like someone just farted. We soon departed.

Out on the street it was obvious Progman was looking to leave. Nothing interested him. As we walked toward the corner of Coahuila and Constitution I felt someone grabbing the bag I was carrying. Knowing what unsavoriness the streets of TJ contain I turned expecting to confront police/druggies/thieves and instead found a spectacled face that was familiar to me - Rosa Maria.

We all three had a wonderful reunion. RM has always been very nice to me and even gave me a taco with a candle in it for my birthday one year (I've still got pics of that ceremony out in front of Hotel Najera). I've recently heard rumors that she's looking bad and not long for this earth, but she appeared quite vital.

Eventually Prog moved on to his taxi and I was at a fork in the road: return to San Ysidro with all vital fluids intact or take a nice trip down memory lane...

I followed RM to a nearby hotel. Night had settled on the city and Chicago Club was painting the street with light. The name of the hotel escapes me, but it lies between CC and the corner. It's a better deal ($5/hour) and they have working showers with hot water. What followed is standard fare, but with a nice massage and bit of a cuddle to round the hour out.

Once we were reassembled and in order RM bid me farewell and resumed her new post while I hunted down one of my usual drivers to the border. I crossed and prepared for a long drive home.

I know that I have changed these last couple of years. The wide eyed young man that found the heaven that is TJ years before has been replaced by someone more seasoned. But am I the only thing that's changed? More police on the beat do not make me feel safer as they're the worst criminals in la zona. They don't shake down the guys on the corner asking me if I wanna by dope but instead will turn MY pockets inside out looking for something - ANYTHING - they can use as leverage to extract bribes. The internet has made la zona so popular that bars are charging you a beer just to walk in the door to talk to overpriced (and overstuffed) hookers...

Yet, there are still gems among the pile of ash (ass) - RM reminded me of that. Do I see myself returning JUST to be with those that I know give me good service? No. However, when people suggest a trip south of the border I no longer cringe. I go for good food, fun with friends and a chance to wander among those enjoying the pleasures provided by female companionship. While I no longer feel as comfortable in this RLD it brings back memories of the others I've visited. Faint echoes of Pattaya, Phnom Pehn, Singapore and Angeles City are there letting me enjoy where I am... and where I've been...

E

Man I know a guy on the board who will remain nameless that used to spend entire nights with RM. She looks like and addict and she looks sick. Just my opinion but its an educated opinion. I wouldnt touch that with a ten foot pole.

Good luck

Ah, the great writing of Epi returns....very much the style of the greatest writer ever to bless these boards....Matiz.

Next time you better let me know you are heading to TJ. I have a few recommendations that will give you Thai service....no bs.

Poignant.
Pithy.
Evocative.

Good to hear your voice again.

Progman? There's a handle we haven't seen in a long time. What is up with him? How did the marriage work out?

nice report. i've always been curious about rm's bj tech, and once upon a time i was willing to give it a test run, but no longer after seeing her really sick multiple times throughout the years.

agreeing that mexico can be alot of fun when mixed with friends, great food and drink, and of course the women....it just takes a little trial and error to pick out the gems.

Nice to hear from you again Epi. I've never been to TJ. I should check it out just for a change of pace since I live so close.

OverPriced/OverStuffed/OverAged/OverDONE!

I wonder how many of us have gone by the wayside and the dilusion of TJ has all but passed us as we go on to different grounds. TJ was my pasture and then BA changed my whole perspective of mongering as some of you have chosen Asia.

Last time I went to TJ I had 2 pretty lousy sessions, got searched by the police on the corner of Coahuila and Constitution, on the west end of the pedestrian bridge over the "river" AND AGAIN in the center of the pedestrian bridge over the border traffic lanes. Yep, that’s right, a new personal record. THREE police searches in one night. No shake down attempts though. And few days later a rather nasty case of NGU popped up. Took 6 days of Doxycyclene to start clear up. TJ's pretty much lost it's luster for me. 20 minutes from my house and it hardly even feels worth going down there.

I hear what you are saying IAS, I would rather save my money and head to Pattaya, Medellin, or Rio. Hell you get better service at a AMP in L.A. than you do in TJ, and the commute from San Diego to L.A. is about the same as going down to TJ and dealing with the nightmare at the border.

RG.

"Man I know a guy on the board who will remain nameless that used to spend entire nights with RM. She looks like and addict and she looks sick. Just my opinion but its an educated opinion. I wouldnt touch that with a ten foot pole.

Good luck"

I wouldn't worry about that, Double-O seven, I've fucked a lot of hideous skanky shit down there in TJ that I know for a fact a lot of guys from the board wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole, and I've lived to tell about it!

Epi, good report. Seems like old times. But don't expect me to ever set foot in TJ again. From now on, I'll continue my mongering here in Indonesia, where the beautiful women are a dime a dozen.

Regards from Jakarta,

Master Bates.

Hi guys:
I am headed to SanDiego in a couple of weeks on business and intend to visit TJ for the first time. I could really use some recommendations for a good BJ & F session. I have already read some of the reports on TJ, but some specific advice will be much appreciated.

Explore724

(Message edited by explore724 on April 16, 2007)