We were so lucky to visit Uncle Sam on Valentine's Day. It was his last day on his mission and instead of driving 12 hours to the homecoming (although we really really want to do that) we drove 2 1/2 hours to Tijuana! Let me first say that I did not take many pictures. It was better to keep the camera in the bag as we walked around (the least amount of tourist looking the better, not like our white skin didn't give us away). Plus I kinda like the camera and I knew Jed would be quite upset if someone stole it (although he'd be more glad that we were okay). But Sam took some, I already stole some from him and will hopefully get more.
Jed's dad drove down just in case Jed wasn't able to come. We planned on renting a van so that all of us can ride together and Jed would be able to study as much as he could (he had a test the next day). I had done my research and knew that we would need to purchase Mexican insurance in order to drive the van in Mexico. So we went to pick up the van Sunday evening around 7:30 and it turns out that we can't purchase that kind of insurance at the Ontario center (even though when I called customer service they didn't say anything about only purchasing it in L.A. and they knew that we were in Ontario). We ended up ended up not getting the van and Jed ended up not being able to come.
So at 4:00 AM, Nelson and I loaded the kiddos in the truck (yes, the big, black truck that fits 6-Sam had to straddle the gear shift, but at least we all were able to fit)! After a stop for breakfast, we crossed the Mexican border (we just drove on through, I thought we'd have to stop or something but nope, nothing at all).
Nancy (Jed's mom) had printed out maps from google (that I swear was completely wrong even though she typed in the right address). I now know that I am a horrible navigator when driving through Tijuana...we missed our first street and were completely lost. I thought I could find it using the maps Nancy had printed out but it led us somewhere completely different (but the streets where we were matched the streets on the map exactly). We had no idea what to do...so we prayed. We prayed that we would safely be able to find the way to Uncle Sam. Nelson suggested we ask the taxi driver for directions. We ended up following him (we had to pay him for it) but he insured us that he was Christian (he showed us his Bible) and that he was not leading us on in order to get more money (we went the back way so there were a lot of turns). We finally made it to the mission office where Sam was waiting outside.
Nelson and Sam
Nelson hugged him first, then Reid climbed to the front from the back to see him. He then came around to me and said with a big smile on his face "My Dad is soooo skinny!" For those who don't know, Nelson has lost about 70 pounds and Sam had no idea, so it was a nice surprise.
I am so glad that Nelson drove and that we took the black truck. There are no traffic laws in Tijuana, you'll get arrested for stepping on the grass before getting pulled over for running an 'alto' sign or passing a car in the opposite direction's lane. There are so many mangy-looking dogs...and just so many dogs all over the place. Sam told us that we didn't need to worry too much about people bothering us while we were in the truck, because we looked like a vehicle the cartels would drive...so I felt a little safe.
Sam getting arrested because he stepped on the grass.
The boys in Sam's apartment
Outside the apartment
He first took us to his apartment then we went on a little hike behind his place. Took some cool pictures and saw Tujuana from a safe, less hectic view. Sam showed the boys a cool slide and then introduced us to a couple he knew.
A good view of Tijuana, from a safe distance. It was much bigger than we expected it to be.
This is 'la fresa' part of town (richer). That orange house is supposed to be a boat, based off of the Titanic or something (what Sam said)
Aren't they so cute!
Posing for pictures!
There was a base of a basketball hoop that the little kids would use as a slide, so Sam took the boys on a ride...they loved it and wanted to go on it more, but it was time to go.
By the time we headed back to the truck the boys were tired, luckily Grandpa and Sam were nice enough to carry them.
We then parked at a members home and walked to visit with some converts so that Sam could say goodbye and get some pictures. They had a baby girl who was born the day before Adaire was but was twice her size (Adaire is quite small for her age). My high school spanish classes kicked in and I was able to follow some of the conversation and answer the mom's questions in Spanish. She asked about the kids, their age, when Adaire was born. They had a little dog that Adaire loved watching.
Afterwards we walked back to the members house and the hermana taught us how to make flour tortillas (this was mostly for Jed because he told Sam that he needs to learn how so that he can teach him) but I took video and Sam got the recipe so hopefully he'll be able to teach Jed. The food was delicious (nothing too authentic-breakfast burrito and quesadillas). The whole time the hermano held Adaire and the boys explored the house. They gave Lliam and Reid a truck as we were leaving as well as some yummy leftover chocolate cake (can't remember the name of it).
We picked up another convert who took us to get some tacos. All three kids fell asleep so I stayed in the truck while the guys got the food (a little nervous, yes...but they were pretty fast). We then went to a swap meet where I got some shoes for the boys (2 for $16, Sam was shooting for $11, but the guy spoke English so he couldn't go less-apparently you can get more if they only speak Spanish). Alex (Sam's friend) bought this dish that had pig's skin (not crispy so Dad didn't like it) but I thought it tasted pretty good, I was just too full to eat a lot of it.
After the swap meet Alex had to go to work and we went to one of Sam's favorite families. They lived in a different area but Sam said the streets and homes there were typical Tijuana. Thank goodness he only took us there once. The homes were built on a hill, usually a steep one, which meant the streets were steep also. Plus they were only wide enough for 1 car to fit and the street we had to go on had a car parked on it, plus no barrier. So it was a straight shot down if anything happened. I couldn't look out the window as we drove on it. I just looked down inside the truck until we got to the top (or the bottom, whichever way we were driving).
Sam decided to not make us drive any farther, so we parked and hoped the truck would be safe (he said that was the only place he got mugged). We walked down a bunch of stairs and enjoyed a visit with the family. After this family it was time for Sam to get back to the mission home. After a few more pictures and getting directions to the border we said our goodbyes and took off.
I would like to say that the directions we were given were very clear and easy, however, our first turn was confusing and we missed it...again. Thankfully with Nelson's sense of direction (and no help from my navigation sense) we made it to the border and prepared ourselves for a long wait. While doing our best to avoid all the vendors and kids doing tricks for money (just don't look at them and they will go away, unless they are kids and won't stop knocking on your window until you look at them), we made it to the border. With papers in hand and expecting to have to stop for an inspection of some sort (we had Sam's luggage in the bed of the truck), we passed through quite smoothly. All in all, from the time we got to the line to the time we got to 'the other side' (that's what they call U.S. in Tujuana) it only took us 1 hour (I was expecting 4-5 hours from what I read).
This was definitely an interesting experience, one that I do not plan on taking again anytime soon.
