ZUMBA Extravaganza In Tijuana, MEXICO

Even at just a little past 8 a.m., crossing the US-Mexican border into Tijuana (San Diego's next-door neighbor) was already a mini-test of patience for our driver, Delfina. It's a three-day weekend... and a special one, for it's Memorial Day weekend... both directions already bumper to bumper -- both peoples wanting to go to the "other side."

i joined four other women from the "this side" to mix with the crowd from "that side" for a two-hour Zumba extravaganza.

Seeing this pink fish sticker warmed my soul -- for i imagined a sister in CHRIST joining us for the Zumba class. And i remembered its miraculous significance: And He (JESUS) took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitude. (Matthew 15:36)

This is the parking structure at Macro Plaza that was readied for the Zumba crowd.

Macro Plaza was the shopping center where this Zumba fiesta was hosted.

From the parking structure's top-most floor, i took in the view across the street... a circus tent decorated the landscape.

Donde esta el bano? En WalMart -- the WalMart on the Mexican side... very up-to-date facilities, gracious cashiers, abundant shopping oppurtunities.

"Eye-candy" for me, this Frutas y Verduras section...

My selection was that pinwheel shaped roll in the middle section, second tray from the right side. We bought six (or seven) different rolls for just a little over US$2. The pan fueled us for the two-hour exercise fest.

After the Zumba class, rather than waiting bumper to bumper for two hours to cross the border by car, Delfina parked her car in a paid lot; and we walked the five-minute distance to the line of other folks crossing the check point by foot. The soda vendor above and the following pictures below are the very interesting sights we encountered on the main street leading to the gate crossing...

Coca Cola...in all the places i've traveled (including Caye Caulker in Belize, Ife in Nigeria, little towns in Cusco, Peru), this soda brand was a favorite.

Singing and playing guitar and harmonica for money... but his donation cup was nowhere to be seen.

People gave this vendor money, even without buying the Chiclets offered for sale -- he had no legs.

Pricey helados de crema at US$1.50 a scoop -- but worth every cent! Delfina treated me to a cone of cold chocolate.

This charming senora (with her fancy sombrero) was cooking up a storm of churros!

Beef? Pork? Cooked to tenderness for fajitas...?

A seller of right-off-the-grill, still-warm gorditas...i guess the big ones are called gordas!

i think i prefer los churros de la senora... That is one grande frying pan!

You know about the "two-fisted eater" -- so what to you call this one-fisted gordita with the chocolate ice-cream cone and the still-warm gordita -- both in the one hand because the other is holding the camera! Or should i just call myself ambidextro?

Many Americans cross the border to buy their medicine(s) from one of these farmacias.

A very typical third-world country image...this could have been taken in Manila, Philippines... but minus the pinatas above.

Another draw for gringos...an alcoholic's "candy" store.

Open-air candy store... una tienda de los pasteles.

Getting closer to the gate... various souvenirs for the turistas.

Garden decor...maybe a colorful tortuga for my backyard?

Almost there... that's the actual gate to cross, though not the passport-required inspection area.

Almost there! (And this is where Delfina warned me, "No more picture taking."

But this young man said, "Hey, if you want to have a good souvenir of your time in Tijuana, take my picture!" So i did...and Victor gave me the thumbs up of approval.

Delfina and Doris...and moi still clicking away...camera-trigger happy!

The Zumba extravaganza was a GODventureZ! But that's another rLn story.

P.S. i am again raising funds for the Naselesele Village school children in Taveuni, Fiji. Your charitable donation of any amount is deeply and heartfully appreciated! GOD bless your loving heart!