Tecate

After rolling in to Tecate in the dark and having a feel of Mos Eisley, i wasn't sure what to expect. Some pigeon Spanish got me two nights in a motel that'd been recommended in a Facebook group. Hiked the bike up the stairs and it was time to sleep.

Following morning, I went out to see what's what. Hungry, I spot a street vendor and ask for one of whatever he is selling. It happens to be Tamales carne, which I had been told to look out for. It was good! And that set the tone for the rest of the day. Eating whatever and wherever possible, fueling for the next day. I also sent some kit back home as it just wasn't needed, and I'm sure I could send more back but have to be mindful of the future, too.

In the evening there is some event and it has the locals captivated. Somehow I manage to spend a 90 minutes in a supermarket, getting food and water for the next two days. I've no idea what I need, so tortillas, refried beans and cheese are the order of the day, with some bananas and dried fruit and trail mix. With that, I'm ready to get my head down, ready for an early rollout in the morning... Ojos Negroes, here I come!

The road to Tecate

It's 07:30 and it's time to hit the road. Satnav prepped and I'm off. It's not until to get to Chula Vista that the journey gets interesting. Firstly because there is a necessity to have a sign saying not to discharge firearms and secondly because it is suburban heaven. If I had to live in SD, this would be it.

Road rights of way baffle me. I thought there was going to be an altercation with a big SUV, so I followed him and we had a great chat. Turns out he was an ex-cop and commended me on my defensive cycling!

The rest of the ride until the last 10km is rather unnoteworthy. The last 10km really kicks in and at 78km for the hot day, you just have a relentless level of up. There is a small shoulder to ride on and traffic is generally considerate. When you finally see Tecate, The effort is worth it. You just roll down hill to the Casa Cambio (money exchange), quickly change some cash and roll on to the border. 

Now, the border is really simple. Just keep walking, through a gate and you're in to Mexico. Except...it shouldn't be that simple but that's what happened, until I realised I'd not got an entry stamp. So, I dashed back and explained to an official what had happened and they pointed me in the right direction. No more than 5 minutes later, a bit of paperwork and £25 lighter and I can enter Mexico officially. Immediately, the guy who's child held the gate open for me wanted to know where I was staying and what cash I had for his daughter's help. Ordinarily, I'd blow that off but this guy was helpful, spoke great English despite looking like an ex-gang member that the media portray. With that, I am in Tecate and off to my hotel

Los Angeles and San Diego

I'm going to skip Los Angeles. I just don't get the hype. But then I didn't get to Hollywood Boulevard, The Hollywood sign or Beverly Hills. I'll try again when I go back for my flight home.

San Diego, however, is a totally different thing altogether. I've often struggled to feel comfortable or at home with places but San Diego instantly got me. Nice chilled out vibe about it, easy to get around. Reminded me a lot of Melbourne, which I have also fallen in love with on the two occasions I've visited.

I managed to finally find a Warmshowers host that would reply. And what a stay it was. Kevin, the host, was massively in to skateboard culture and had a huge archive of printed material that he maintains. I cannot explain how much this sang to me. Kevin was a really cool guy, living the "van life" that I've recently thought of. He's kind enough to cook vegan tacos both evenings and also smoothies for breakfast. He also showed me round the neighborhood and we ended up and a sweet gem of a record store. All of this made for a great stay and positive impression of San Diego. It wasn't until I'd left that I found out one of my oldest school friends brother also lives there. A catch up would have been great. Before I know it, it's time to hit the road and leave for Tecate...

An té a bhíónn siúlach, bíonn scéalach

There is an Irish/Celtic saying:

An té a bhíónn siúlach, bíonn scéalach

Translated: He who travels has stories to tell.

I came across this phrase, recently, whilst doing my final preparation to leave for this adventure. It resonated with me and brings me comfort in the journey. The voice I hear is deep and hushed, like a secret told in the corner of a busy olde Inn, away from civilization, in days gone by. That will carry me forward when simplicity and ease become complex and cautious

And the real forward motion begins today. Sightseeing and bike prep done. Anxiety over bike and pack weight will have to be left behind. It's time to really start to move...