Of course you can't deny that there is danger present. But it's like that in a lot of places in Cali where there's a lot of people and maybe some desperate people. Even in lily white Huntington Beach, if you go down to the pier, especially when it's a holiday like the 4th of July or when there's a surfing contest, you could run into trouble without looking for it. You could get hit by a car, hit by a flying bottle, hit by a bicyclist, hit by a whacko on crack. In other words, shit can happen anywhere. You just need to be aware of where you are and be a little more cautious in certain situations. When you see people standing in line in the Alley, don't ask them if they're waiting for the next iphone. They're in line to buy cristal. You also need to know where it's insanely dangerous to go, so you don't go there.
Tijuana Cops busting up a Fruta stand
Jason Vargas & Clifton Collins Jr.
Remember, you're not at a Chamber of Commerce mixer. Not everyone will be polite at all times, although you might be surprised at how friendly everybody is, even in the "Den of Iniquity". The book shows you which areas to avoid and how to maneuver around in the Zona without attracting attention to yourself or pissing people off.
And watch out for those two guys above. They might look like a couple of clowns, but they know how to break up a fruta stand.
Lately, (Dec 2016), the TJ Policia have been engaging in more ripoffs. They've been hitting up Amigos driving into or out of the general Zona area and claiming that you did something illegal and want to get you to pay a bribe in order for them to let you go. Don't drive anywhere near the Zona. I recommend not driving in TJ at all if you can avoid it.
ReplyDeleteThere have also been more reports of Amigos getting jacked up from behind with a chokehold. This kind of activity happened several years ago, but with a change in the local government it seemed to have calmed down. But now it's stepped up. Some Amigos think that things will start to change after the new administration gets in later this month.
I'm thinking I'll just take a break for the winter and then return when the days are longer and a little warmer.
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ReplyDeleteThe policia & ratero situation has NOT improved. I recommend reading the book first and going with a buddy. Don't carry a lot of money with you. Know how much you have on you in case the cops search you and get their hands on your money. Try to hold it in your hand, but don't be foolish about it if they demand that you let go of it. It's not worth getting your head banged. When they eventually let you go they will ask you if you have all your money. The only way you'll know is if you keep some kind of track of it.
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