Los Algodones, Mexico

On Tuesday we made the 30 minute trip to cross the border into Los Algodones, Mexico.  Kevin and I have only been to Mexico a few times.  We spent a few hours in Tijuana on our honeymoon over 33 years ago, and we’ve been to the Cozumel area twice while on cruises.

The main purpose for the trip was for me to have my teeth cleaned.  So many people we’ve met have praised the dentists in Mexico, so I was willing to give it a try.  Kevin wouldn’t do it.  He’ll stick with our dentist in Wisconsin. 

Joan and Al had forgotten their passports in Wisconsin so we drove in separate vehicles.  Their plan was to ask if they could get back in with just their licenses.  Joan spoke to a US Customs official at the border, and he told her it would be fine so the 4 of us crossed over.  We parked in this parking lot on the US side and walked across.  Do you see the two flags?

Los Algodones is probably about 4 or 5 square blocks, not very big at all.  I’ve never seen so many dentists, pharmacies, and eye clinics in one spot.  A young man outside of Mary’s Dental Clinic asked if he could help me.  I told him I wanted my teeth cleaned.  He said it would be $25.  The guy across the street was motioning to me that it would be only $10 at his place.  My guy said that was for an “express clean”.  I had to laugh.  Mary’s looked like a decent and clean place, so I signed up. 

Main Street Los Algodones

After waiting about 20 minutes, Dr. Liliana called me in.  That’s right, the dentist did the cleaning.  She did everything they do at home, including telling me about my receding gum lines.  It took about 20 minutes, and I felt she did a good job.  She maybe didn’t scrape quite as long with the pick, but it’s hard to say.  It was a good job for less than 1/4 the cost of our dentist in Wisconsin.  I would do it again in a heartbeat.

We found these awesome painted rocks at a street stand.  Since the Packers are going to the Super Bowl, there was not much bargaining.  The cost was $10, but the best we could do was 3 for $25.  We got these two and Joan and Al got a Packer rock.

It was getting to be lunch time so we stopped at an outdoor restaurant for nachos and margaritas.  These jumbo drinks were $4 each.  We each had a drink and shared a large plate of nachos.  Total bill, $23.

Next, we stopped at a pharmacy.  I got a Z pack of antibiotics for $4 and picked up glucosamine/chondroitin tablets for my arthritis at less than half the cost of Wal-Mart for the same amount of milligrams.

We found some inexpensive tequila and vanilla at the liquor store.  Joan and I also bought some cute light jackets for $15 each.  I’d say it was a successful shopping venture.

The town was quite clean and I felt very safe.  We saw several groups of policemen standing around and 2 soldiers with machine guns.  The line to get through customs was quite long, and it took us about an hour to get to the front.  I was amazed at the amount of people. 

Yesterday we found these cute plastic margarita glasses.  Perfect to sample the tequila we bought.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There has been a great deal of weather news all over the country including Yuma.  We’ve had 2 nights of hard freeze warnings which is almost unheard of in this area.  It was in the low 30s both nights and yesterday’s high was 48 and very windy.  The winds died down today and the high was 50.  Don’t worry.  It’s supposed to be 79 on Sunday.  Sure beats the 2 feet of snow they got in Wisconsin.  Can’t say that I miss it :)

I had a few questions about my Blogvertise entry.  After signing up and being approved, they send you emails with links to internet sites they want you to review.  You write the review, publish it, submit it to them, and wait to see if it was approved.  I’m still waiting to see if they approved my entry.  I already have 2 more emails for more reviews, but I’m waiting to see if they approve me first entry before I do anymore. 

As a reviewer, you can be positive or negative depending on what you think of the site.   I appreciate the opportunity to earn some money through my blog.  I also like that each ad is a separate entry, and the entire blog is not full of ads I haven’t approved.  That’s just my opinion, and we’ll see how it goes.

Don’t wish upon a star – Reach for one!

Making Money on the Road

Last week I discovered a blog called Live and Travel on Minimum Wage.  Craig and Karin started this blog to share information they have about making money while living the full time lifestyle.

One way many bloggers make a little money is to have Google ads on their blogs.  So far, I’ve chosen not to put ads in my blog.  However, Craig and Karin mentioned an advertiser in their blog that intrigued me.  I signed up for Blogsvertise and was accepted.  Once accepted, they send you information about sites that might appeal to your readers. 

You review the site.  If your review is accepted, you get paid.  It’s pretty easy.  So, here’s my first attempt.

Today’s site is called RepairPal.  It’s a free site.  You can enter your zip code and find auto repair facilities in your area.  One of the best features of the site is that you can get estimates for what different types of repairs should cost. 

You can also enter a make and model of car and find out what kinds of experiences others have had with that type of car.  For example, here’s what owners of a 2004 Ford Expedition have to say.

There is also an auto repair encyclopedia where you can get definitions of different types of repairs such as a timing belt replacement or a water pump replacement.

I think this is a pretty useful site.  At the very least, you should be able to keep from being charged too much for specific repairs.

Like I said, this is my first attempt at this type of advertising.  Hopefully, they’ll accept my review.  I’ll let you know what happens.

Let me know what you think.  I’ll post later today about our trip to Mexico.