Tijuana is essentially a border town. As the world's most visited city, it receives thousands of Californians and other visitors who cross the border every day, either to do some shopping, have fun or 'have a taste of Mexico'. At the same time, thousands of Mexicans from all over the country arrive daily to Tijuana as a transit stop on their way to the US, with or without proper documents, and for purposes that range from a short day- visit, to a new life in 'Golden California'. In Tijuana one can find some of the best and some of the worst of Mexico. Full of dynamism, it is a distorted version of Mexico, kitsch and sometimes dramatic.
Food is another misconception about Mexico.
Along with French, Chinese and Turkish, Mexican food is one of the greatest cuisines of the world. The border state of Texas, formerly part of Mexico, has long been subjected to a Hispanic influence, first from Spain and then Mexican. Tex-Mex food is a natural result of this bicultural process. Sweeter and milder than the original, this ethnic food has became a favourite in the US and has been successfully introduced in overseas markets.