Diane

My husband and I tried a new restaurant tonight in Rosarito - Eden.  

It's located behind Waldo's, just off of Benito Juarez, 2 doors down.  Hours are short 8 am - 6 pm, but this place is worth stopping by.  There is a beautiful garden with trees and flowers, old tables with bright tablecloths - just great ambiance.  The food is more homestyle, or at least what I remember having in Mexican friends' homes.  Entomatado, enchiladas, etc...  Plus a fantastic fillete de something or other veracruz style that was phenomenal.  And the corn tortillas are handmade & fresh.

Wonderful dinner for 2 and a couple of beers for my hubby - total price less than $200 pesos.  (like $16 USD)

Two days ago my son was driving in Rosarito with his California-plated car. He was followed by friends in another car. My son was stopped by a cop because he didn't have registration on the car. He'd actually bought it a couple of weeks ago in San Diego and so he did have the registration taped on the front window.

Meanwhile his friends had gotten out. My son is fluent in Spanish, by the way. The cop said that he was speeding. His friend asked how fast he was going and cop replied "30 - 40 kph" and his friend pointed to the speed limit sign of 40 kph.

The cop then said that $100 USD would make it go away. The one thing we've heard is if you get that kind of offer, just say you want to go to court.

So my son said that and they all started off to court. They went a few more blocks and the cop stopped him again. He told him $20 USD would make it go away. My son refused and they went into court.

As they walked in, a police captain came out and recognized my son's friend and said something like, "Jose! Sorry I didn't see you last weekend. Why are you here?" He then explained that the cop had tried to shake down my son. Police captain told the cop to apologize and then he took his badge & gun.

I don't know if that was for show or not. I've heard that there is a 3 strike program in Rosarito right now. If there are three complaints against a cop for asking for a bribe (mordita), he will get fired. So if you get stopped, just say you want to go to court & pay the fine there.

Any other similar stories?

My husband now no longer believes anything I tell him about the Baja.  Standard response is "How about if you post it on that expat blog you're always talking about??"

So...  for the sake of marital harmony, I'm asking.  Where is the best place to get your money exchanged?

Thanks!

Just got news that friends of ours are visiting in August. Okay, few months still to plan - but these guys LIVE to fish. They've been all over the world doing that. What would be something fantastic to take them on when they're here? We're based out of Rosarito, so we'd drive from here. (Eliminates Cabo, for example)

Thots anyone?

I went up to San Diego for the day and came back about 4 pm through San Ysidro.

The pase/alto lights were gone. Everything - the equipment just gone... There were no army guys or anyone doing inspection. On the US side, there was no one in line. It was very strange looking.

As we went down the cuota, the road stopped to clear for an accident and the guy selling churros (amazing how those guys can show as soon as traffic stalls) said that the US/Mexico problem was all done and the border was open. My friend and I laughed all the way home. I think news from the churro guy is pretty suspect. But how cool would that have been? Didn't see anything on the Internet about it.

Anyone know what's going on? No more MX border inspections???