A SIP OF CULTURE

By Roger Esty

The way I write about TJ I've probably given it a lot of bad publicity. Yeh,it's a sin hole and lately a very dangerous place to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I think there's an intrigue in a lot of my stories. A temptation. Maybe a curiosity.For some of you guys out there,and most of the gals,probably disgust. How many times have I been asked,"Hey Rog,can I go with you to Tijuana?" It's been fun. When thinking back,I'm lucky I'm here to write this.

But here's some of the other side of that town. I've written about some of the tragedy,but I'm not going there now. There's a side of Tijuana that's very artsy. Bohemian in a way. Reminds me of the Latin Europe. You've seen my art on the thread. I paint a variety of subjects. But it's faces that I'm into. I paint nudes also so I guess I go below the neckline on occasion.

I've had exhibits in Tijuana. Some big,but mostly little ones. Around town, in various colonias, there are cafes. They're like coffee houses back in the beatnik days. Local artists and musicians gather to express their creativitness. It's not necessarily all Mexican representation. Classical music. Jazz. Some blues. These little bistros are cozy. An intimate atmosphere where everyone is more or less on the same page for expression. There's the Foreign Club,El Nopal,La Casa De Los Artistas. There are a few that receive some government funding,but most are small privately run establishments. Coffee,pastries,and whatever anyone wants to donate at the door keeps the lights on.

If you don't know where these little gems are located ,you'll never find them on your own. They're tucked away in the colonias. Not a lot of foot traffic outside. But I remember many nights bringing a few paintings,some oils on canvas or on tiles,to hang on the walls in those low lit venues. Listen to a singer. A guitarist.Sipping Coffee. Eating a pastry. We all shared what we were capable of. The value and worth was not important. We all were able to express amongst friends without hesitating.