Yesterday we spent a couple of hours in Mexico. We drove about 30 miles to the Progreso International Bridge. Parking on the US side is $2.00 for the day. Texas charges you 50 cents per person to cross the bridge into Mexico and 25 cents to come back.
The above picture was taken on the US side. If you look in the background, you can see that the area above the side walls is open and there are small narrow openings in the lower part of the concrete wall. As you cross the bridge, there is a sign on the bridge where the border is. On the Mexico side of the sign, the upper areas of the bridge are closed off on both sides by wooden shutters. We’re not sure why, but wonder if it had to do with people standing down below begging for money. You could see them through the small slots in the bottom part of the wall. The people we saw were all women, holding out hats and calling out in Spanish. I told Kevin they might have better luck if they learned a few phrases in English. It was kind of disheartening to witness.
Here’s the Rio Grande River as seen from the bridge.
Once you cross the bridge, there is a very nice statue welcoming you to Nuevo Progreso, Mexico.
Two years ago we crossed into Los Algodones, Mexico while staying in Yuma, Arizona. Both cities look pretty much the same. Lots and dentists, pharmacies and stuff for sale. We wandered up and down both sides of the street and checked out prices on a few things we were interested in buying.
Top on the list was alcohol. We knew that Texas charges $3.75 per bottom duty when you cross back over so had to add that to the price of any bottles we saw. Brand name US liquor was not that great of a deal when you add the duty charges. We did find some off brand tequila for $5.25 per bottle. We only use it to make margaritas, so purchased two bottles. We also bought two off brand bottles of Kahlua for $8.20 per bottle. And two large bottles of pure vanilla for my mom for $1.95 per bottle. You can’t beat the prices of vanilla in Mexico!
The other item I was looking for was a painted Mexican clay pot. I’ve seen some really beautiful pots at some of the RV sites in different parks we’ve visited in Mission. Although there were lots of pots for sale, none of them appealed to me. I was also surprised how expensive they were, from $20 to $60 depending on the size.
I did find a nice leather purse at one of the little booths along the sidewalk. I asked the lady if it was real leather. She whipped out a lighter and started holding the flame against the purse. I guess that means its real leather. I’ve never heard of that test before. It seemed to be very well constructed and even has the name Coach stamped into it. I’m sure its authentic!! Regardless, I liked the purse and talked her down from $23 to $20. I real Mexican bargain :)
A few miles back across the US border there was a stand along the side of the road with lots of clay pots and produce. We stopped and found a pot we liked. It’s not the painted style, but I liked this natural look, and it has Mexico etched into the bottom. It’s 8” across the top, so an 8” plastic basket should fit inside just right. I also bought a huge head of cauliflower for $1.50. Another good deal.
Today we visited Susan who writes the blog What’s Up With Susan and Company. She is a fulltime RVer and is currently work camping at Pleasant Valley Resort about 10 minutes from us. We first met Susan last year in Phoenix. She showed us around the clubhouse and we got to see her 5th wheel, a very nice Big Horn. We spent some time catching up, and then it was time to head back home.
We’re taking advantage of the nice weather by spending a little time most afternoons visiting the pool and hot tub. I know its rough, but somebody’s got to do it!
Don’t wish upon a star – Reach for one!
