Spending the Day in Tijuana (57/73)

Every one of us wanted to go to Mexico. It was a day bus trip to the city of Tijuana to go shopping at the local markets, jewelers, and shops. I had saved $50.00 for Mexico. From what I had heard, I could get a lot for that there. I loved shopping especially when I could get a deal. As we boarded the tour bus I began to feel a little better, the mediation was kicking by now. To be honest I remember feeling like I was floating as we drove our way down the interstate towards the Mexican border.

Our first stop after passing through was to a fancy hotel just as we entered the city line. It was a nice place. The tour bus driver took us in the front door and up to the second floor to the restaurant. They were serving a Mexican and Western themed buffet. The food smelled amazing. I doubted there was much I would be able to eat but hoped there would at least be mashed potatoes. After we found a table, we headed over to the buffet to see what was for lunch. We were pleasantly surprised to see the selection of food that was before us. Everything so delicately prepared with presentation in mind. There was garlic chicken breast that had been slow cooked in leaves. The aroma filled the air the closer you got to it. It looked tender; I thought I would try it and see if I could eat it. I was also able to secure some potatoes and a bun. Therefore, I was pleased. I needed to eat something. The medication was hard on my stomach and made me feel nauseated.

After we ate, we boarded the bus and headed into town. Once we arrived at the market, we all excitedly got off the bus. However before we could the bus driver warned us not to leave the market. He said it was not safe to wander off into unpopulated areas. He also reminded us that we needed to be back on the bus by four-thirty, as we were hitting the highway at four forty-five sharp. Devon set a timer on his watch in order to keep us on schedule. He had it set for fifteen minutes before we were due at the bus so that way we would be early and not late.

The market was full of people, colorful tents and storefronts as far as the eye could see. Everywhere you turned; there were beautiful trinkets and items to be sold. Sliver turquoise jewelry, purses, blankets and sombrero’s hanging in every corner of the market. On every street corner there were children selling hand made flower creations. Reluctantly taking no for an answer as we passed by. We took our time making our way down one side of the market and then back up the other.

All five of us arrived at the meeting spot with many bags in each of our hands from the deals that were too good to pass up. Before we entered the bus, I handed my Mother my bags, turned back around and went to buy some of the paper flowers from the little girl just a couple of feet from where I stood. They we beautifully hand made. You could tell by the way the little girl was dressed that her family did not have very much money. It felt good to help her even if it was just by buying a flower.