A big Thank You to all the kind folks here who gave advice. I returned from a little trip to TJ a couple of hours ago and had a great time. FWIW here are my experiences.
First, I went early on a Tuesday evening. As others have said, going during the off-days, rather than thurs through saturday makes for a more relaxed experience. I prepared for the trip by carrying only my US passport, money, and a drivers licence, all in one of those flat pouches one wears as a necklace underneath the shirt.
Also I did not want to drive and deal with traffic etc. So, I took the Blue line Trolley from SD downtown to San Ysidro. The trip took 45 minutes. I had a day pass for $5.00.
After getting off the trolley, on the right side of the tracks when looking towards the end of the line, is a ramp up to a a bridge and then another ramp down. the metal turnstiles make a clanging sound as you enter Mexico. DIrectly in front is a taxi stand filled with Yellow cabs. I did not accept the first few offers for a taxi. I told the one I selected that I wanted to go to Adelita's. I asked him how much and he said 5 bucks.
In about 10 minutes we were at Adelitas. It was now about 6:45 pm. I went inside and there is no cover charge nor does there seem to be a requirement to buy drinks. I looked around and there were about 20 to 30 girls of all shapes, sizes, and age. Many more girls than guys, seemingly.A very well-endowed girl was dancing nude to Led Zep's 'Whole Lotta Love'. After that another very slim girl danced but then no one else danced.
Adelita's looked a little run-down. Some chairs were rickety and a part of the floor was fenced off where it was being redone. But the mens toilet was clean and had modern sensing equipment.
None of the girls approached me. After a while I went and spoke to one called Carina who returned my smiles. But I was more attracted to one called Sara. I asked her how much and she said $50. I agreed and she led me out the door, turned left and then immediately into the entrance to the hotel. I followed her and saw a counter at the landing on top of the stairs. The girls all keep their handbags on a shelf there. The room cost was $12.00. Sara and I went into the room, which was small but clean. She spread a fresh white sheet on the bed. After undressing she made the usual fake noises 'beeg!', put on the condom. She was fairly enthusiastic and cooperative. My only regret is that I climaxed too fast.
I dressed, paid the room cleaner a tip of $1, and left. There was a yellow cab waiting downstairs who asked for $5 and dropped me back at the border in 10 minutes. I walked into the poorly lit and depressing immigration/customs room to the end of a long queue. For some reason the queue didnt move at all for 20 mins and then it went quickly. I showed the official my US passport, walked out into the waiting trolley and went back to my hotel. No hassles from anyone, mexican cops, taxi drivers or anything.
Total cost of an enjoyable and safe trip: $50 + $12 + $1 + $10 (two taxi rides) = $73.00. Ok, $5.00 more for the day pass of the SD Trolley, but I had already used the pass twice that day for other purposes.
So. the experience was very satisying. Although a staunch patriot I have to say that the Mexican attitude towards paid sex between adults is far more realistic and civilized than ours. Is it really legal in Mexico? I have never gone to escorts or other paid offers in any american city because of fear of sting ops and the general feeling that there could be a bust any moment. In the liberal city of san francisco I have been promised much and ripped off often in establishments like the New Century Theater, Crazy Horse, LA club (?) and the market street cinema. In fairness, I have also had great experiences there but it all depends on the girl in question and most are adept at lying, leading you on, and ripping you off.
On the other hand, Sara was beautiful, curvaceous and busty. She did what she said she would, and there was no tension in my mind that she would gyp me and leave me unsatisfied.
One other point. To me the thought that a girl is doing this because she is under duress or under age is a complete turn off. I would probably be the first to report such a thing (anonymously ) to the cops. However, Sara was definitely in her late 20s if not early 30s, an age that I prefer. She mentioned two small children back in Puerto Vallarta and basically she was just someone trying to make a living. In my mind she is a much more honest human being than the various pious Enron-type businessmen and the holier-than-thou politicians that infest the world.
Hmm, this note came out longer than i expected, but I hope it's useful to other newbies. And a huge THANK YOU again to all the good people here!
Tester