Driving across the international border from San Ysidro into Tijuana...

So now you ask, what is it like to drive across the border into Mexico, under that big arch that spells out M-E-X-I-C-O in Mexico's national colors of red, white and green? In one little word, easy, but I have a method that few others follow.

I do not drive in Tijuana, period, end of sentence. But, if I plan to drive to points south, such as Ensenada, I have to cross "la linea" and drive the fast road around Tijuana, which for several miles closely parallels the U.S. border. So what are my techniques?

* Cross the border really early, like at 0600 on a Sunday morning

* Get into the mindset of SUPER DEFENSIVE driving techniques

* Make sure you have purchased Mexican auto insurance before crossing the border

Photo: Looking to the north on Interstate 5, traffice will back up, as the interstate narrows as it crosses into Mexico. The far left-hand lane is your final chance for a u-turn back into the states. Photo taken from the walkway over the interstate.

Photo: Here's where it starts at Mexican customs. The motorcyclist in the lower left-hand corner is sitting right on the border, as marked by the diagonal lines painted on the pavement. This is a classic view, as the green-white-red sign was removed in 2007.

Left: Heading south on Interstate 5, and I've just passed the last U.S.A. exit. Right: With the border in sight, Interstate 5 channels itself into single lanes, separated by concrete blocks to separate the lanes. Sadly, I suppose that's a result stemming from the tragic events of 9-1-1.

The Mexican government doesn't require that you purchase auto insurance, but you would be beyond foolish to drive in Mexico without insurance. Mexican laws differ from the laws of the U.S., as in Mexico, there is no trial by jury and you have to prove your innocence. If you get into an auto accident in Mexico, you have to prove that you have the assets to "take care of the situation," otherwise, you will be held in custody until the authorities can determine which party is at fault. Without rambling on further, spend the $10.00 a day and purchase Mexican auto insurance.

I like to time out my border crossings to an early Sunday morning. I get up early, mentally prepare myself that I'll be driving in a foreign country, and get into the mindset of ultimate, defensive driving. I get up early to avoid the traffic, and to make ultimate defensive driving an easier task. At 0700 on a Sunday morning, crossing the border is an easy task, as there are few tourists, and Mexican customs agents are few and far between.

Left: Mexico is in my sight. Right: One past Mexican customs, you will be directed by large green signs towards your destination. If many of these photos appear blurry, it's because they were taken out of the windshield of my car as I was driving.

About 1/4 north of the border, I-5 has a sign that advertises "Camino de La Plaza - Last U.S.A. Exit." If you're carrying Mexican contraband, you'd better pull off there, otherwise if you cross into Mexico, you're in a world of hurt. I-5 is 6-lanes wide, but as you approach the border, you'll see the huge M-E-X-I-C-O arch over the freeway, and notice the concrete barriers that channel you into specific lanes. If you're heading south, you want to keep to your right; get into the far right hand lane and stay there.

The actual border is marked by a faded yellow line that runs diagonally across the freeway, which by now isn't a freeway, as the concrete barriers and all of the excitement have reduced you speed to a mere crawl. As you pass under the large M-E-X-I-C-O arch, there are traffic lights. If it's green, you go. Red, you move to your right and you get to spend some quality time with a Mexican customs agent. If you take my suggestion and drive across the border early on a Sunday morning, you'll always get green and the few Mexican customs agents that you'll see will just give you a smile and a friendly wave. Yes, it's that easy.

Left: This a turn that you don't want to miss, if your headed south towards Ensenada. Just keep to the right and you'll be ok. Right: Heading west of the "fast road" toward the Playas de Tijuana.

Photo: The new MEXICO arch. The diagonal line acorss the pavement marks the actual border. The pedestrian walkway is to the right of the photo, and Mexican customs are immediately to the left, after crossing under the green-white-red MEXICO sign. Photo taken Friday, March 13, 2009.

So now that big M-E-X-I-C-O arch in your rearview mirror and you want to head south, toward Ensenada. KEEP TO THE FAR RIGHT LANE and watch for the highway signs labeled "Rosarito Ensenada" and "Ensenada Cuota." You will find yourself looping around counter-clockwise, crossing the Tijuana River, and then heading west with the city of Tijuana to your left, and the U.S. border to your right. All of the aforementioned activity happens fast, so follow "preflight" procedures, have an idea of what is to come, brief your navigator, watch the signs, and above all, drive defensively.

Photo: The stark border, as Mexico is to the left, and the quite-green U.S. is to the right, as I take the photo from the Mexican side of the border. Clearly, I differ with official U.S.-Mexico border policies, although I tend to keep my personal, political views from this website.

So now you're driving along Tijuana's "Fast Road," actually Mexico Highway 1 which parallels the U.S. border fence by mere feet, yet you're miles away from the U.S., as you're now in a different country and almost everything is different. Isn't that the reason why you crossed the border in the first place? As you're driving along the "Fast Road," you'll climb up and over the first big hill, and you'll descend into a canyon and take the exit at the bottom of the hill, marked "Rosarito Ensenada Scenic Road," which means you'll want to take a quick right-hand turn. If you keep to the left, you'll find yourself stuck in Tijuana traffic misery, on the camino libre. Shortly after this intersection is passed, another sign will point you to the right, announcing "Playas de Tijuana," which if you want to go to the bullring by the sea, or Tijuana's beaches, this is the way to go. If you're heading south in the direction of Ensenada, stay on the main road, which has suddenly become a very well-maintained four-lane toll road. Shortly after the "Playas de Tijuana" exit, you'll encounter your first toll booth. They except either dollars of pesos, but not a mixture. Pay your toll, and you're on your way to Ensenada.

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