"On the Trail"

The Journals from the Road

November 13:  PeaceBike is in Mexico - Tijuana, Baja California

What a great day!  I had a fantastic breakfast with Chuck and Gail and Racheal and Leum.  I filled up all my water bottles and my water bag.  After packing it all up and calling home we put my bike in Chuck's truck and headed south.  We drove back to about where I was before and unloaded our bikes.  We headed across the border as my heart began to pound with excitement, anticipation, and some nervousness.  I was so glad to have Chuck with me.  He made the process of crossing the first border much easier.  I went back and forth between a customs official and a bank as I paid for my 6 month visa.  After I got that worked out and Chuck and I took a few pictures and gave each other a few hugs I was on my way. 

I followed directions to the point that I was going to meet someone from this dorm that housed work teams from the US.  I found the correct intersection and sat down at the corner next to my bike.  My heart was still pounding as my eyes took in this new culture.  Memories of living in India flashed through my mind and it was obvious that I wasn't in Kansas anymore.

To quote a philosopher of our age, Forest Gump, "Mexico is whole other country."

I tried to relax as I took out a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  It was nice to have the familiar taste of PB&J as I took it all in. 

I was glad when a young woman jumped out of a suburban and mouthed "Tad" with a question mark on her face. I happily loaded my bike in the truck and we headed back to a Christian dormitory that houses teen groups which build homes in the area.  I got to share in the generous gift of dinner brought to us by Alberto and Isabel and their family.

This dorm was built in 1992 as one of a handful of buildings.  Now we are in the middle of thousands of houses.  I heard that the population on Tijuana is over 3 million people.

I am in Mexico.  I made it!!!! Yahoo!  It is as though one adventure is well on its way and another is just beginning.

I am going to plan my ruta en Mexico.

Please tell your friends and family that PeaceBike has gone international. 
I'd love to get messages but please keep 'em short and sweet.

Everybody who has PeaceBike buttons - it is time to put them on and celebrate!

Hasta luego,

TAD

An 'edu-venture' around the world for peace.

"We seek to connect young people around the world to each other so that their friendships build a peaceful world for us all.

-Tad Beckwith

Hey Mexico! Here comes PeaceBike!