April 12, 2019 trip to Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila - Part II

I was enjoying just looking around Soriana without being in a rush.  I started to get hungry as I had not eaten breakfast because my intention was to leave Paquito at the vet and come back home.

I had canceled my dental appointment previously because of the uncertainty of a border closing and getting stuck in México if that took place. I really hate going to the dentist but sometimes one does not have much choice.

The dental office I go to is located at the entrance into Ciudad Acuña. Soriana is in the northern part of the city. Hoping to be seen today if someone canceled drove back to the tourist district.

I was not able to land an appointment but I was put on a waiting list in case there was a cancellation next week.

México is mostly a Roman Catholic nation and they religiously observe Easter. Today was the last day of classes for both public as well as private school students. They are off for two weeks.

I had also canceled my appointment for blood work so I needed to know what days they would be open for business next week. To my delight, they will only be closed Thursday and Friday.

I only plan on making one trip in case I land a dental appointment next week. International bridge crossings are always busy during Easter, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas and New Years.  Now add the current situation we are living at this time with agents being temporarily relocated to other border points to deal with the influx of immigrants and I do not want to imagine the border wait times during Easter. However, my health is more important and I can always cross at the Amistad Dam Port of Entry even if it means driving miles out of my way.

By now I was starving to death so decided to drive back to the north part of town where all the big grocery stores are located. Bodegas Aurrera (owned by Walmart) is located in the only mall in Ciudad Acuña...Plaza Bella...so decided to head to their food court.

Decided to try Taco City's tacos al pastor. They were not what I expected but ate it anyway as I was famished by now. Actually, the only palatable thing was their hot sauce.

I had to wash away the horrible taste of the tacos so wandered down the mall to an ice cream stand and bought me an ice cream cone. Now that tasted good!

By now it was past 2:00 p.m. too late to head home as I was going to pick up Paquito at 4:30 p.m. Headed to Bodegas Aurrera to kill some more time. Was surprised there were so many workers stocking shelves at this time of the day. Wondered if this had anything to do with the long lines to cross products between countries.  I can only imagine how bad it would get if the current administration actually closed the border.

When I got to their liquor aisle it was obvious that it was understocked,  I have never heard of Tequila Campo Azul Clásico Reposado but at a price of $102.00 Mexican Pesos divided by an exchange rate of 17.30, it was only $5.90 USD.

Mexican Egg Nog is sold year around and contains liquor. Rompope Coronado at $98.00 Mexican Pesos is equal to $5.66 USD,

 

Another item that is very affordable in México is make-up.  For the same reason as other beauty products such as shampoo, conditioner, hair dye, face cream, toothpaste, etc. etc. They are manufactured in México.

Pond's make-up products...

Garnier hair products...

To be continued........


Good night.  May you all have Terlingua Dreams.

April 12, 2019 trip to Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila - México - Part I

This past Tuesday (April 8th) when I went to take Nico for his post-surgery check-up I was able to land an appointment for Paquito to have the same operation (neutering).  Though I frown on Friday trips to Ciudad Acuña because so many people head out that way, it usually isn't until the afternoon that they start arriving in masses.

Checked my now favorite link  Border Wait Times and there was a 60-minute delay to cross into Del Rio but since I was headed to México it did not matter.  I have tried to find a link to Mexican Border Crossing Wait Times along the Texas-Mexico border but only found some for Baja California and they only list a telephone number.

Had every intention of just dropping Paquito off and returning to Del Rio but when I crossed into México the lines to cross to the USA spilled back to beyond the Mexican toll booths.  It is a good thing that they built this new Mexican Customs facility because it can absorb the long lines that previously would bring traffic to a halt extending up to five streets deep.

Del Rio has another International Bridge located on the road to Amistad Dam.  Its hours of operation are from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and you do not have to pay a toll either way to cross it.

It was a little after 9:00 a.m. and the wait time had risen to 80 minutes on the main International Bridge.  If you have been reading me for a while you know that I dislike waiting in line for ANYTHING.  Decided to run some errands to kill time until they opened up the Amistad Dam Port of Entry. 

Headed to Soriana a large Mexican department store that I would liken to a Target.  It is large, well stocked, clean, has ample parking space and most importantly no crowds.

Before I post pictures of items I want to first post the Exchange Rates for today that have been holding steady for a few weeks.

Compra = Buy -------> they will buy your American Dollar for $17.30
Venta = Sell ----------> they will sell you an American Dollar for $18.70

I had to smile when I saw this new Coca-Cola with no sugar.  If there is something that Americans like is Mexican Coca-Cola that is made with cane sugar and not high fructose corn syrup like in the USA.  The Mexican government has been making strides to lower childhood obesity rate which depending on the study rates them first or second in the world.

29.15 Mexican Pesos divided by 17.30 exchange rate
 equals $1.69 USD for a 2.5-liter bottle

For the ladies or why not also gentlemen, México has very affordable prices on hair dyes because although they are American brands they are manufactured in México.

$39.00 Mexican Pesos divided by 17.30 exchange rate
equals $2.25 USD

These two single burner cooktops are Mexican made and I do not know about you but I rather buy Mexican than low-quality Chinese products.  I do not mean that in a disrespectful way, just facts.

$20.18 and $14.45 USD

For those who happen to be beer lovers like myself, there are always beer bargains but you have to take into account that you have to pay Texas Liquor Taxes when you bring them back to the states. Except at the Amistad Dam Port of Entry because they do NOT have a liquor tax collection booth...but you MUST declare it or you will be subjected to a steep fine.  I personally buy my beer at Stripes in Del Rio much cheaper than at HEB or Walmart.

 

Tecate Light 12 pack $8.67 USD

Soriana also has a Pemex gasoline station on its premises.  I do not know how much it goes for as I never buy gasoline in México.

Good night.  May you all have Terlingua Dreams.




Spurs Corner

This evening at 9:30 p.m. Central Time our Spurs will play the Denver Nuggets in the first game in the First Round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs. 

I am a little concerned since we do not play well on the road and Denver is a tough city to play at not necessarily because of the opponents but due to its high altitude.

Go Spurs Go!!!