We are in Juarez and all is good

[stfiii 33]

We drove from Hermosillo to Imiris on toll hwy 15 and it's a good road. From Imiris we entered onto federal hwy 2 which is a 2 lane hwy with lots of semi trucks. The road has a lot of construction which created some major delays. There were long sections of really rough road with chewed up black top and huge potholes. It was the worst road I've ever driven on. But with lots of patience we got through all the mountain passes and onto the high desert plains which had more or less acceptable driving conditions.

Enter Juarez. GPS took us to our hotel City Junior. Not great but not bad either. It's comfortable and we have AC.

There is a Starbucks and a mall next to us. You can take the pedestrian bridge from our hotel to the other side of the road that seems to have a perpetual line of cars coming up and down it, and to the Clinica Medica Internacional.

The medical clinic allowed me to accompany my fiancée and her kids from the reception building into the waiting area of the medical building because I told them I would be the person paying at the end. So they gave me a badge to wear around my neck and made me sit in a designated waiting area.

Everything is very official and orderly at this facility. You must not be on your phone, you must stay in your designated area. The staff will guide you whee to go and what to do.

The reception at the Clinica will take your passports and your consular interview letter, but they return everything at the end of the process after you pay.

Lee hot there at the Clinica at 7am, handed the reception our letter and passports and we had to argue with them that the K1 visas do not need to have immunizations. They really wanted to charge us for them. A supervisor set the receptionist straight. Also because we are k1 we did not need to make an appointment. We just showed up.

Safety of Juarez.

My fiancée and I do not feel threatened here at all. After our medical we got on a local bus and went exploring to the museums. There's a big park about a mile away with a giraffe, ostriches, peacocks, and tons of ducks. We walked around the park and took photos and checked out the museum next to the park. It's more for children then adults, I would say it's good for kids under 12.

There are a bunch of small restaurants next to the consulate. Stay away from Buffalo Wild Wings, it's all processed and msg ####### anyway. You're better off going to the local places.

Last night we walked to Del Rio a small grocery store 1 mile away. We purchased rum, soda and juice and had a party in our room. Around 9pm we got hungry and went to the XTRA convenience store across the street. The lady was nice and directed us to a carne asada restaurant 1 mile away, on the main road, and she said it's safe to walk, just don't flash your iPhone she told me.

The name of the taco stand was el mandil sonorense. To get there from the consulate walk north to the quality in, then go left (west) at the light, you'll pass a huge empty field on the left, then you'll see some restraunts after the field. There is a mariscos place that is also good. And after that is the taco place. They share a parking lot. For $65 pesos you get 4 carne asada tacos grilled over charcoal, they have a really great salsa bar and bottled sodas. The place was packed with locals and that's a good sign.

So far, Juarez seems like every town I've been to in Mexico. The locals that we have met are nice. Just don't flash jewelry, phones, money, dress down. I'm wearing jeans, T-shirt and tennis shoes.

One last piece of advice. There is a restaurant here in Juarez called Flor De Nogal. It's just awesome. If you are looking for a 5 star, farm to table dining experience, this is the place to go to. Check them out on Facebook. They have their own farm and raise a lot of their own meat (deer, goat, chickens, rabbits) they make their own bread and butter. How about a steak, aged 45 days in the restraunt prior to being served, and for only $22USD!??! What a deal. the staff are all 5 star professional, top tier, and Chef Oscar is magic in the kitchen. His tattoo says Cook, Bake, Share, Love. Check it out if you have a chance.

Edited March 12, 2016 by stfiii

[TBoneTX 46,284]

This is helpful and informative not only for immigration-related purposes, but for tourism. I've been to Juarez a couple of times and considered it to be a rather grimy city; thanks to you, I now know differently. Thanks for your details.

Your cautionary information (don't be flashy) applies to every Tex-Mex border city, and it's a good reminder.