March 2015 trip to Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico - Part II

After I completed my shopping, I got a wild hair and decided I wanted to return to the US via the Amistad Dam Border Station crossing since I was already in the northwest part of the city.  The last time I was there was back on March 13, 2013.  Here is the link if you care to read it http://terlinguadreams.blogspot.com/2013/03/who-says-nobody-goes-to-mexico-anymore.html

I had previously mentioned that the main road to mother's sub-division was closed for a month so I had to head north of the city in order to access the only other entrance and then head back south.  By using the dam crossing I could avoid all that and as an added bonus not have to pay a toll.  Crossing is free.

This side of town is where all the new growth is taking place.  So much so that they moved the city hall from the downtown area to the suburbs.  I have featured the Palacio Municipal on many prior blogs.  It is a huge complex that has other city entities such as the DIF the equivalent of our CPS (Child Protective Services).

They even have a municipal gym free of charge to Ciudad Acuña residents.

It is about 14 miles to the Dam crossing.

Not much traffic and though a little out of the way beats being in line.  In case you have not noticed...I hate long lines and I hate traffic.  Left over issues from an adulthood spent in Houston.

All right clear sailing or so I thought when I came to the barricades.  Stopped and got off when another car heading to Playa Tlaloc came to a stop and the two guys said the bridge was closed for maintenance.

Oh well, at least I was burning the $1.99 per gallon tank that I filled up back in February.

Speaking of gasoline prices I took a picture of a Pemex gasoline station.  It caught my attention as they rarely post prices.  They will also take your dollar at a good exchange rate.

Though I personally would never gas up in Mexico.  Most Mexican citizens with US Visas gas up their vehicles in the United States where it is cheaper and much better quality.

Actually it worked out for the best because I was finally able to take pictures of an iconic place almost everyone has at one time or another heard about, though most do not know it. I will do a special post on it in the near future.

Crossing to the American side was quick as all the traffic was headed to Mexico.

The two cars in front of me took a long time to clear Customs...oh great I thought...probably a woman agent, but no, it was a nice guy who quickly sent me on my way.  While I was waiting I saw an RV being searched in the main inspection area.  It brought to mind a blog entry I had read some time ago about how thoroughly a retired couple had been searched on the way back from Mexico.

Caught up to them at a light and I believe they had Canadian plates but could not tell as their spare tire was blocking my view.

Good night.  May you all have Terlingua Dreams.

Do I have a Betty Boop fetish?

In preparation of my cousin's arrival we decided to go grocery shopping in Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila, Mexico. For those new to my blog it is across the border from Del Rio, Texas where my mother lives.

Wanted to buy some pesos as it is preferable to pay in their currency versus US dollars as each store has a different exchange rate. Cruised down Avenida Madero where a vast majority of the exchange houses are located and where you will find more favorable rates than at the banks.

There are several grocery stores we frequent but today we only went to Aurrera (owned by Wal-Mart) as it was rather chilly.  The store was jammed packed but it was to be expected. Once again my mother bought out their fruit and vegetable section while also making a dent in the cookies and sweet bread department :D

Aurrera is located inside a mall. There is this little kiosk that sells the cutest Betty Boop purses. Maybe Santa will bring me one this year?

There is a beauty shop that I have always wanted to take a picture of but for some reason or another never had a chance to do so until today.

Crossing the international bridge into Mexico was not bad but the line going back to the USA was long, so we decided to cross back at the Amistad Port of Entry.  While it is about a 20 mile round trip, it is well worth it plus they do not charge a toll like they do at the main bridge.

The new crossing facility was not opened until recently due to construction delays and this was our first time crossing it. Wanted to take a picture but since it was only the car in front and us, decided not to as depending on the agent they sometimes tend to get upset if you photograph them or the facilities.

My cousin arrived last night (Friday) and today (Saturday) asked me to drive him to Wal-Mart as he forgot some things.  Asked him if he thought I was crazy?  There was no way in heaven or earth that I was going to go during the day or afternoon for that matter.  We went at 10:00 p.m. and it was tolerable except for the long lines to check out.  I really felt sorry for the poor cashiers...my respects to them for having such a thankless job!

Good night. May you all have Terlingua Dreams.