November 2019 trip to Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila - México

The arctic blast that engulfed a large part of the country finally lessened its grip on this part of West Texas. Mind you it was still cold this Friday, I wore a sweater, a jacket, and a coat.  However, I could not put it off much longer as I needed to get my lab work done so I can take them to the doctor.

I forced myself to go to bed early on Thursday but for some reason that is all too common...whenever I have to go somewhere important...I oversleep or do not want to get out of bed.  This morning I remembered that I had my sleeping bag and clothes in the trunk that I need to take to the laundromat whenever I pass by and see a few people...so of course those had to be removed before crossing the border.

To make a long story short I did not leave the house until 9:00 a.m.  I apologize for this blurred picture...I hope to purchase a pocket camera soon...I was so surprised to see that they have not finished demolishing the old toll booths.

As I got closer to the official USA/Mexico line of the International Bridge the line into Mexico slowed downed.

The concrete blocks and barb wire were there last time but not with the barbed wire mounted on them.

Most of the International Bridge is on American soil.  The line painted yellow and with a roof to keep the pedestrians dry is on the Mexican side of the bridge.

I made this short video as across from the picture up top US Customs was stopping some cars mostly cab drivers and while others with US plates totally ignored them...guess it is not important for the American drivers as they still have to show their US passports at the main station.

Finally, I was able to take a picture of the Bienvenidos a México banner.

The last time I was here they were building more booths and that project has been completed but today they only had one lane open.

By that time there were a lot of people at the lab I figured I would have a long wait but they told me they would be ready by noon.

It is difficult finding a parking space in that area because it is next to a private hospital and also a large medical practice.  So I left my car parked there and walked instead to run several of my errands.

I am still having problems with my cellphone ringing to let me know I have a message when I do not and when I do not even have cellphone coverage in Mexico.  So I just turned it off and left it in the car.

I wish I hadn't because there were many photo ops along the way.  I have mentioned my beloved uncle that lives in Mexico City many times.  He is what you would call "thrifty"  he sends letters and small packages to the home of a dear friend in Acuña to avoid international rates...not a criticism...love you Tío :)

I sat in the town square otherwise known as a Plaza and read his letter.  I do not know why so many people that I know and love are having medical issues,  so many have passed away this year.  I was headed back to my car when I passed the main church.  No one that knows me would describe me as "religious"...but for some unexpected reason, I felt compelled to go into that church.

I always stop and talk to my favorite Exchange Rate vendor.  I had noticed as I walked down Exchange Rate Alley that there were signs on many establishments saying they were out of dollars.  He told me that it always happens just before Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Christmas.

While they will sell you dollars in small quantities they cut it off at the $200.00 dollar level or at least he does.  Not a problem, I am not looking to buy dollars but to sell them but I will wait until the dollar ratio is $20.00 Mexican Pesos to one US dollar.

I had not planned on stopping at any grocery stores but got lost due to several detours as they were fixing water or sewer lines and I ended up by Gutierrez.  I needed serranos but ended up buying jalapeños, carrots, calabacitas, cilantro, canned beans, tetra cartons of milk, hot sauce, toilet paper, Clorox, deodorant, and lotion.

Gutierrez is a large store and just like Bodegas Aurrera the last time I was here...there was not a single bottle of Kahlua to be had!  This time I was even willing to pay the $3.75 US liquor tax as I did not feel like driving to the Amistad Dam International crossing.

The line was long and slow.  Stopped and took pictures which made others do the same!

Long line to reach US Customs

Me

Looking back to the end of the line

Here is a better picture of the toll booths that have not been demolished yet.

Just my luck I ended up in the slowest line as there were only three open.

Several cars were switching lanes because of it.  I just knew it had to be a female agent probably the one I went to high school with that hates me.  I was wrong it was an elderly male agent. He looked at my passport then at me several times asked me for another ID...I have never in my life been asked for additional identification. 

I said "You are kidding right?"  he did not reply so I gave him my Texas driver's license.  He kept on looking at it and the passport photo then at me.  He said they don't look like you...I told him "it's called AGING, I am NOT going to look like I did eight years ago"!

He gave me both back and said "have a nice day"...guess he figured he had riled me up enough and did not ask me what I had to declare.

Good night.  May you all have Terlingua Dreams.

Hoping to stay home till after Christmas

The only reason I drove to town Friday was to pick up mom's medication and pay the water bill. Since I was already out and about I decided to go to Walmart.  I must have picked the perfect hour as believe it or not I did not encounter any mob scenes.

Checked out computer prices but I did not see that they have been discounted...at least not the model I have my eyes on.  Oh well, maybe in January or February when the tax stuff goes on sale?

Been asked why I want a big desktop instead of a laptop.  The reason is so I can show Mom the pictures our family sends. That and the fact that neither one of us has good eye sight anymore.  I would like to set it up in a dedicated area and get her more involved in its use.

Mexico turns off its analog signal at the end of the year.  Other cities like Mexico City did so last week. Along the Texas / Coahuila border I am still using my old TV.  Andy, in case you are reading this have a seat...I still use my VCR to tape shows....jajajajaja :D

Needless to say there were a lot of people from Mexico buying up HDTV's at some very reasonable prices even with the high dollar exchange rates.

Mexican news reported that International bridges have long lines both ways.  This particular reporter was in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua across the border from El Paso, Texas.  The lines to cross to the USA were taking up to FOUR hours!  There is nothing I need or want that badly to endure a wait of that magnitude.

Was hoping not to have to go to the store until after Christmas but two light bulbs of the "curly type" that claim to last anywhere from 7 to 9 years...ended lasting a mere two years and 3 months.  What a rip off!  Then again what is a few burnt out light bulbs?

Good night.  May you all have Terlingua Dreams.

Darn...I hate crowds!

I feel so bad I actually tried to get an appointment with my Del Rio doctor...unfortunately he can not see me until mid February!   Many of my long time readers may ask...why don't you just go to Mexico to see a doctor like you have in the past?

Well, that is easily answered...remember I hate crowds?  For those new to my blog or that are not familiar with Mexican holidays...this is the weekend the majority of Mexicans that went to spend their Christmas vacations in Mexico are making their way back to the USA.

In case you forgot...I have no patience and I hate crowds (except for the Chili Cook-off) or standing in line, whether on foot or within the confines of my vehicle.  In Mexico, January 6th officially marks the end of the Christmas holidays when the Three Wise Men bring gifts to the children (kind of like Santa does in the USA).

The lines to cross into the USA are very LONG....as the Three Wise Men are busy making their much discounted toy purchases at the Del Rio Walmart to take back to the children in Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico.

We have long lines going into Mexico and long lines going back to the USA...that means...I am staying home!

The year begins with the following gasoline prices in Del Rio, Texas as of Friday, January 3rd, 2014....click on the picture to enlarge it.

Good night.  May you all have Terlingua Dreams.