Dear njqt466:

If it's inhalers you need for asthma, the customs agents are VERY understanding about that. Even the steroidal inhalers are way less inexpensive. Regardless what you hear from patriotic Bush-loving 'Mericuhns, the exact same inhalers you need are probably available for at least half the price in TJ than at the Walgreens in San Ysidro across the border. And they are frequently manufactured by the same pharmaceutical company. Roche is a good example. Ace inhibitors for hypertension are a steal and BETTER quality than you'll buy in the USA because each pill (pastilla) is individually blister packed on cards in quantities of 4, or 6, or 10 to keep out the humidity. Thus, their shelf life is much longer. But you usually have to buy 50 or 100 pills. They don't like to break up packages.

Those cautioning that you should stay in a faux version of TJ in Sandy Eggo or El Lay (there's always Olvera Street in downtown dreamland) are people who should stay in Sandy Eggo and El Lay and should NEVER be let out of the USA. Probably the scariest part of going to TJ will be dealing with all of the hicks on Mexicoach who've never been off their front porch. To them California is a wonderland.

TJ is much safer than down town Los Angeles. And you'd be amazed at how many sales clerks actually live in San Ysidro (the US side) of the border and commute to work every morning to sell tchotkas to the tourists.

Trust me on the cocktail dress idea. I took my old (she's the same age as me) girlfriend from university to TJ five years ago for her birthday. They got her zipped up comfortably in a one-piece red leather come-fuck-me dress that she still throws on for occasional events at Lincoln Center. She insists that the dress still "keeps my puppies up and alluring." They're cut so you don't need to wear an under bra.

But, alas, the Tijuana of yesteryear does not exist today. Not many people realize it, but the Ceasar Salad was invented in Tijuana in the 20's during prohibition. Ceasar's restaurant is long gone (he died in 1993) and his obit made the front page of the New York Times. And he really didn't invent the salad. One of his waiters created it impromptu, table side for some hungry gringos and it caught on. Definitely a much tastier meal that Wendy's version with chicken strips. Oy! How to ruin a good thing.