We crossed into TJ about six, made two stops at Hong Kong over a couple of hours, mostly Mexicanos, far fewer gringos than usual; Chicago typical in that nothing doing until about 9, and AB was ok, didn't seem as crowed but there were plenty of chicas to satisfy us.

Crossed back at around 11:15, there were four guard stations open at the border and while all four had a person being checked, there were only two of us in line.  TWO!!!

No police at the dropoff, although I guess that has been the case for most of 2008, which suits me fine as that was my biggest peeve, I hated running the shakedown gauntlet.  Anyway, hope TJ is as uneventful for all the rest of you guys heading down anytime soon.

what form of ID did you use to cross back?

If you don't have a passport you can use a DL and a birth certificate.

I hate it when people use the word "gringo".  It's derogatory and tacky.  People even say it to me, and I'm European.  Makes me real upset.  "Gabacho" is just as bad.  I usually respond with "Indio" or "Bracero".  Then they usually see how it feels.

and I imagine it depends on who says it and the inflection in the voice;  I for one do not mind and find it used by many in a context that is not intended to be offensive.  

Like I said, depends on your point of view.....

Gringo (feminine, gringa) is a term in the Spanish and Portuguese languages used in some countries of Latin America to refer to foreigners from different cultures, particularly English-speakers, and especially from the United States, although it can also refer to people from Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries, including in some cases other countries of Latin America itself.[1][2][3]

Some disagreement exists among English speakers regarding whether gringo is a derogatory term. The American Heritage Dictionary and other English dictionaries classify the term as "offensive slang", "usually disparaging" or "often disparaging".[4] The term gringo does lend itself to derogatory, paternalistic or endearing connotations sometimes, depending on the context and the intent of the user.[2][3] However, many native speakers who use it do not do so pejoratively,[2][3] as is also the case with some English speakers.[5][6] The enunciation of the word can often give away whether it was meant in a derogatory manner or not.[1][2][3] There is furthermore some variation in the connotation of this word from country to country within Latin America,[2] and between Latin America and the Anglosphere.

Much like many otherwise derogatory terms, the term has also been embraced. Drummer Randy Ebright has dubbed himself El Gringo Loco, "The Crazy Gringo".[7]

well, i think it's always offensive, and there's absolutely no reason for them to call me that, regardless of what that entry up top says.

i think it goes with any other kind of slang term used for someone.  if you're not sure, then don't use it.  if you don't know them, then don't use it.

i had a waiter refer to me as "el gabacho" one time.  completely inappropriate.  i complained to the manager and i got 2 free 2 person meals.  the waiter was let go for being unprofessional.

it's never appropriate and it's really gross to talk like that.

Hey freefall, thanks for your detailed and informative report. very helpful! i tried to do the same thing, and was taken at task by the same person here trying to antagonize. whatever. it is really helpful for us all to collect as many perspectives on this situation to see if it's worth the trip. yours sounded really positive, and i'm encouraged, mine may have been on a bad day. although we seem to have seen the same thing on the gringo/hispanic whatever terminology that seems to be offensive to some of our friends. but i guess he's right in calling us on our bullshit.