| | | Christmas Shopping in Baja |  Beat the Crowds!
By Marlene Dunbar
STAFF WRITER
There is probably no place with as much to offer the holiday shopper as Northern Baja. The cities of Tijuana, Playas Tijuana and Rosarito, all located with in 20 minutes of each other, have an infinite variety of items for sale to delight any shopper. And, with less crowds! (Well maybe some crowds!).
No problem…shoppers can take a break at anyone of the wonderful restaurants, all reasonably priced; using the money they save by shopping south of the border!
The Baja Times as scouted out some of the best places to shop…some of which are not well known to the average visitor.
THE CITY OF TIJUANA
The city of Tijuana comes alive at Christmas. Here, the holiday season isn’t celebrated behind closed doors. It is every where you look. The downtown streets are lined with tables piled high with toys, wallets and leather items, handmade baby clothes, beautiful shawls and purses. Gift wrap and bows, rolls of brilliantly colored garland and tinsel, cover more tables. Food is everywhere. Restaurants offer traditional Mexican meals at very reasonable prices., and of course, there are the endless food carts, serving up fast food, TJ style: the very best tacos, tacos various (tacos with beef and potatoes inside, or chiles rellenos, or chicken and mole, and more!) Carts sell hot fresh corn on the cob and “churros”, a Mexican sugar coated pastry, the downfall of many dieters. Music is in the air, and the hustle and bustle of the city at holiday time is reminiscent of New York. My message to those out there who are nervous about shopping in Tijuana: I have been shopping in Tijuana for almost 20 years and have never had a single problem. I tell other American I see that “I just never got done shopping!” And I’m Jack Benny’s age… plus a few years. The worst thing that could happen is bumping into one of the many, many tourist police who are now stationed on every corner, and in-between ever corner of Tijuana!
THE CELEBRATION OF VIRGEN OF GUADALUPE
Each Christmas, the city of Tijuana reserves and entire city block for the Festival of Guadalupe. The legend of Guadalupe originated in 1531, when a Mexican peasant, St. Juan Diego, carrying flowers to give to the Mother Mary, saw a vision of a woman who was then thought of as a Mexican version of the Mother Mary. The vision appeared on his cloak, which is now on display at the Basilica in Mexico City. The Virgin of Guadalupe is the symbol of the Mexican nation, and her “birthday” Dec 12, is celebrated all over Mexico. In front of the Church of Guadalupe, located on the corner of Second Street and Constitution, is small city of tents is erected. Inside, people are enjoying some of the very best Mexican food you will every taste! Every kind of Mexican food is available, all freshly cooked on the spot. Tables covered with gift items and decorations surround the main dining area. On Dec. 12, children are dressed in native Mexican consumes. This is definitely a must-do for any visitor.
CENTRO DE ARTESIANS OF TIJUANA
This shopping area is one most people pass each time they drive across the border returning to San Diego. However, no one seems to know it is even there. It is located on the right side of Second Street, between the Pemex gas station and Smart and Final. The first thing that you’ll notice is ceramics and cement statues for sale. Just park, go in and discover a wonderland of bargains. I happened across this place by accident, on the other side by the pedestrian bridge. I found vendors selling every single thing that you can find in downtown Tijuana, for 1/3 the price! One vendor told me that I was the first American he had seen in 6 months! Row upon row of little shops featured: handmade jewelry, blankets, stained glass items, exquisite blown glass figurines, such as tiny glass dragons and fairies. I happened across two art shops, where the artists themselves were at work, creating paintings while I watched. One store, tucked in the back, sold all sorts of rocks and gems. The lady proprietor had large crystals and geodes on display. Glass cases held magical wands and pyramids. These shop keepers were delighted to see someone, and I recommend this area as the place to find the very best bargains.
PLAYAS DE TIJUANA SWAP MEET
The Playas Tijuana swap meet started out years ago as just a few tables and vendors. It has now grown into one of the cities biggest and best swap meets. Tables cover 10 city blocks. Name it, and you’ll find it here. This is an especially fun swap meet, with all kinds of foods (including pizza and bowls of fresh papaya) available. One vendor has fine fabrics and bells and incense imported from India. It’s also a great place to find tools and gadgets, such as that cord for your cell phone. Plenty of clothes, Christmas decorations, and small appliances. We saw a nice bright red Cuisinart coffee maker last week, for under $30. The Playas swap meet is easy to find. From the border: take the international road, don’t turn off onto the toll road. Go straight. You’ll see fancy Playas waterfall entrance sign, and in just up ahead, the famous bullring by the sea. Dive straight to the end of the town. Doesn’t matter which road you take,,, they all go to the end of the town. You’ll run right into the swap meet..
ROSARITO
The city of Rosarito, just 15 minutes south on the scenic toll road, if famous for its endless selections of fine art. Whether is sculptures, paintings, rustic furniture or handcrafted jewelry, Rosarito has it all. All of these items are handmade, and most all of them are made right where you purchase them. In the downtown area, the Fausto Polanco shop features incredible handmade furniture. Most of these pieces are giant-sized, and reminiscent of old Mexican hacienda style living. There are also vases, and ornaments, and fabrics for sale. Fausto Polanco’s, on the north end of Blvd, Juarez, is fun place just to walk around and explore. In the center of the city is a bazaar, featuring all kinds of items, including jewelry, blankets, and Mexican crafts items. Shops to the left of the entrance to the Rosarito Beach hotel feature small studios; each owned and operated by some of the cities finest artists. A lovely wine bar, La Vid, is nestled in amongst these shops, featuring wines from the famous Baja Valle de Guadalupe. There is also a pancake house on the corner, and you can smell the aroma of these delicious pancakes from the street. Drive 3 minutes south of the city, and you will be on Popotla Boulevard, the “Boulevard of the Artisans” As you drive south, you will see dozens of metal shops, where metal sculptures and furniture are created. You can’t help but notice the huge metal dinosaurs and other creatures. As you continue along southward, across from Foxploration, you will begin to see Rosarito’s famous art galleries. Inside, you will often see the artists at work. If you are in the mood for a little drive, head south past Puerto Nuevo to Cantamar and the Joanna Jones gallery. This gallery features the work of many local artists, including the famous western artist Bob Kidd. This gallery also features a wine bar and serves delicious home cooked food.
SCAAT TRADING POST
The SCAAT Trading Post thrift store isn’t your ordinary thrift store. Rustic and elegant, this store is just filled with exquisite Christmas decorations and gift items of every imaginable kind. All proceeds go to support the SCAAT-GSL spay & neuter pet clinics. SCAAT President Karen Patonai told the Baja Times that this clinic is just 30 pets short of 2000 pets sterilized in the year 2009! Find the Trading Post by driving south of Rosarito on Popotla Boulevard, thru the stop light, and across the street from the Tapanco steakhouse and OXO store. You’ll see a SCAAT sign, a rustic metal fence and a rustic, odd looking corrugated metal building. They will be open Tue-Sun. right up through Dec. 24.
Shopping in Baja at holiday time is definitely an adventure! You will be able to return home with treasures that cannot be found anywhere else. And, unlike the folks shopping north of the border, you will begin your holiday season refreshed and stress –free!
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