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Crossing the Border

When we decided to cross into Mexico for the winter, we researched the border crossing rules and regulations extensively. We knew exactly what we could and couldn’t take into Mexico. Heading back into the states, we didn’t. Our only thought, as they were talking about closing borders, was to get across. And hey, we are US citizens, they have to take us…right?

Surprise, surprise, the trip back into the states is just as strict, if not stricter than leaving. And since we didn’t do any research, we got our hand slapped…because we had 1 rotten potato at the bottom of our bin!

We tried to keep a straight face as he lectured us about the rules and regulations and how hiding 1 potato could mean we were carrying much worse contraband.

Veterans International Bridge
The no mans land between 2 great countries.
Hurry up and wait.
They say to watch put for illegals crossing the border…this guy is quite brave hitching a ride in plain sight.
They let us back in!!!!!

P.S. The fault was ours, we should have done our due diligence. We have nothing but respect and admiration for the men and women who work the border.

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Big Deal or Good Planning?

Crossing the border into Baja seemed like a big deal. We planned and stressed, and planned some more. We debated about which border crossing would be best. We researched and poured over our maps until our eyes started to cross.

Being from Vermont, we don’t think twice about crossing the Canadian border. We zip up to Quebec or Montreal. We spent 3 weeks in Newfoundland traveling on our motorcycles and camping. We’ve traveled overseas to many countries. Why was this border different? Is the difference the language barrier? The perceived notion that Mexico is dangerous? You wouldn’t believe the number of people who told “Don’t go there! It is dangerous! Those people were just killed!”. Or the fact that so many people want to immigrate to the US…it must not be a great place if everyone wants to leave…can it?

We are now several days into Baja. The border crossing in Algodones was a snap. The border crossing agent, Charlie, was sweet and helpful. There were no lines, no wait, no fuss. We drove in, filled out the paperwork, paid our fees, and voila…Welcome to Mexico!

Was it easy because of our weeks of stressing and planning? Or is it really not that big a deal? Either way, as Puppy would say, lets go!

We are off on our next adventure!! Baja!!!

No frills border crossing. Only two guards that we saw, both bundled up because of the cold 50 degree weather. No other cars in line going south, quite a few coming north from the long weekend.
Algodones is also known as Molar City due to it’s concentration of dentists. There are over 300 in the square mile just over the border. It’s the highest concentration of dentists in the world! Who knew!