by Andy Osuna
The city of Tijuana is often feared by the people living in the other side of the fence. I have been living here for slightly over a year and have not yet been assaulted or something of similar nature. I live very close to Tijuana’s downtown, on the western and oldest part of this fast growing city, most certainly away from the new and troublesome deported migrant’s settlements. With photography being a recent hobby of mine, I have walked or driven around the areas close to where I live, and here I will share my five favorite places to go in my free time.
5. Art Festivals.
Something I learned very quickly is that Tijuana is full of artists. There are art festivals and events at least twice every month. Bigger festivals come about every three months and are great oportunities for meeting new people and boosting the inspiration.
4. CECUT/ICBC.
A place I also get inspiration from going to museums. The CECUT commonly known as “la bola” (the ball) is the best known cultural center. It has simultaeous displays and the best part is it is free on Sundays. The ball is an IMAX for the most part, and it has a different documentary showing almost every month. The ICBC is less prestigious but gives a clearer idea of the local art. The displays are changed as often as it may be required and frequently depends on the popularity. More than going there, I enjoy the walk to get there, on a pedestrian bridge over the river.
3. La Sexta.
I am not sure if I should be glad, but one hardly ever sees “gringos” on the sixth street in downtown. It is the place to go out on weekends. There is a bar for almost every musical taste, as well as some wicked ones with a very random choices of music. In the recent years, the sixth st. has replaced revolucion av. which is mostly visited by tourists during the day. If the music does not please you, one must only walk a few meters to find another good place. Downtown is also a very good place to take walks at during the day if you are interested in urban art because it is amazingly infested by it. Just avoid going to first street with out company, because suspicious looking people tend to be or live around there and the streets are less transited.
2. Plaza Rio.
This is a small shopping center in the commercial area of the river banks, or Zona Rio. I like just walking around and bother passerby with my camera. When I go with family, we go into the movie theater, the super market, or the record store. The area around the shopping center is very safe and it lends itself for some amazing photographs in the morning light. There are roundabouts with monuments every block or so, with a total of six monuments in that side of the river and some other four across the river, where the municipal palace is.
1. Playas de Tijuana.
I have known many people from outside of Tijuana, or from the eastern part, that are not aware of Tijuana having a beach. The Tijuana beach and its area is where I like to spend the most of my free time, especially on sunny days. There is nothing I enjoy most than sitting around my favorite cafe with a good book, or walking around with my guitar, or with my dog, or with my camera, or with the lady. I have tons of photographs of the beach, and I still find new things every time I go. In summer, it is extremely crowded with locals enjoying an evening with their families. In winter you will often find a group of surfers off in the distance. The beach ends where the border fence starts. In the distance one can see the San Diego skyscrapers and the Coronado Bridge.
I have been living in this city not for very long, I admit it is not a pretty city but I have learned to like it nonetheless. With an open mind an enough free time, anything can be beautiful and perfect for a photograph.