University of Arizona - Desert Yearbook (Tucson, AZ)

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Mexiccr Every weekend hundreds of students took the advice of Taco Bell and make a run for the border. Nogales, Mexico, lo- cated just 63 miles south of Tucson, was a popular location for students to visit. Students went shopping for items ranging from blankets andj£3ai©kyiTrar!7and practically everything in between. The prices were seldom set in stone and half of the fun for many was hag- gling with a shop- keeper for the best price. Some people put small amounts of money in different pockets so they could pull out only five bucks and say It is all I have . Others would walk away and ti: lopkeeper to stop them and offer a lower price (many shops carry the same stuff and competition is keen). It was a chance for many to see, often for the first time, what life was like out- side of the United States. For others they went to dance or drink at the many dance clubs and bars that dot the city. :mg age in Mexico was 18 and provided many with a chance to do what they couldn ' t do here. There was usually something for all to do and many en- joyed the trip. However, while there was much fun and excitement to be had down south there was some danger also. The laws were differ- ent in Mexico, for ex- am£le,JJ;ie--poitCe ' ' car ried machine guns and many of the civil rights did not necessarily ap- ply. You did not have to be told what you were being charged with. They did not

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per, they are now trying to promote ; responsible image. While they heir jontj much tighter control of underage drinking, which also keeps away outsiders who may get into a party and cause unwanted trouble. For no holds barred fiestas, many off campus students hold parties in their house or apartment. These are often casual gatherings among friends and friends of friends. The one drawback is the cost of providing everything for your guests, often finding that a half-keg of beer would have been sufficient instead of a full one. Then of course there ' s the cost of finding some-

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havfest provide a law- yer for ybu or give you a speedy tnStL It was important to r Hj m- ber that you were n different country and iiuntry ' s rules ap- plied. It was ©aax to have fun and stay safe if a few common sense rules were followed. 1. Travel in groups when possible. The odds of a robbery or any hassle were greatly reduced if you with many people. 2. Always take proof of citizenshi- Your word may not be ood enough. A driver ' s license would not do. However, a birth certificate or a voter ' s registration woH|d suffice. . Avoid taking large mounts of money butsif you did, it was best to weep it out if sight. Besides, the more money a shop- keeper knows you had, the more they would ask for. 4. Make sure you kept track of where you were and always know how to get back to the border crossing. It was easy to look around wide eyed and stop payipg-afEention. If it was your first time there, try to go with someone who had gone before and who knew the ropes. Nogales could provide fun, adve: ture, and an unforg t- tableVxperience as long as ou used your head. story by Bria photos by Olin euerbacher