What is the current situation for walking into TJ from SD? Is Otay Mesa an option over San Ysidro? I flew out of TIJ a few years ago and noticed that there seemed to be a lot of businesses outside the airport. Is there a practical way to walk across and back at this spot without taking the CBX? Is this a viable or preferable alternative to Zona Norte?

I used to go down to Zona Norte every once in a great while for a few hours 5-10 years ago, but I haven't been back since. I know the area became a bit of a war zone a few years back, and there was no real need for me to return. Now, I have some out of town guests (including two teens) who want to make a quick run for the border, because it is there and this is the closest they will get in the foreseeable future. This will definitely be a walk, not a drive, and I have no desire to deal with taxis or gypsy cabs (Uber/Lyft).

In the past, I would just take visitors to Ave Revolucion for a quick greasy meal or a churro before walking back to the border, but I have not heard what the area is like now as opposed to a decade ago. It always seemed a bit seedy, which was part of the charm. But I know that the tourism died off because of the rampant crime and daytime shootings, so I want to make sure it is still a viable option. I have wandered aimlessly around gritty city centers in 'unsafe' cities like Lima, Mexico City and Johannesburg by myself without any real issues, but my guests have led a much more sheltered life.

I know coming back is going to be a PITA. We will be going on a Saturday early afternoon or Sunday late morning. I would imagine the line would be better on Sunday, unless there is a big post-church exodus.