John and I, unlike a lot of our other RV friends, have never made the crossing into Mexico at Yuma, Arizona, a VERY popular place to do so. This year we decided to go with Andy and Candy. Phil and Sue chose to stay and visit with their friends at a campground in Yuma where they spend their winter months. We parked in the border crossing lot and walked across. It is AMAZING how well the Mexican people, just across the border, speak English. The people at the Burger King we stopped to eat at before crossing into Mexico could barely speak English.
Mostly we were interested in checking out the pharmacy, eye stores and dentists. For pharmacy items, it was off to the Purple Store. Yes, the entire store front is purple and huge. You can’t miss it. As long as you know the name of your medication, and the dosage, you can get just about any medication you want. I got my medication for about the same cost as I could with my insurance and copay here in the States. Amazing!
Candy is interested in checking out the dentists and I want to check out the eye places since I’m soon going to need a new pair of glasses. There are what I am calling scouts or concierge roaming around asking you what you are looking for and then directing or more escorting you to the different locations. They all have stories to tell about which one is too busy, which one is better. I’m sure they are getting some sort of a commission for everyone they bring in that makes a purchase.
After checking out all of that and deciding that yes, Candy will be getting some dental work done and I plan on getting glasses here next year, its off to do some shopping. We aren’t wandering off the main commercial streets but there isn’t really any need to. We bought a rug for next to the bed in the RV, some clothing items, and I got some earrings. Andy and Candy bought a few things as well. Now it’s time for some food.
We found a quaint little spot and enjoyed the atmosphere while clothing and jewelry vendors made their rounds at each of the tables.
They weren’t pushy about it at all, which was nice We bought some earrings off a guy that lives in the States, Minnesota, I think he said, but he comes down to ____ every winter to work. Lots of tourists mean lots of money. Well, we can’t blame him, warm weather and money making opportunity, yeah.
The afternoon is getting on and we still have to make our way back across the border and meet up with Phil and Sue and their friends for dinner. The guy at the dentist place told us it will be about three hours to get back into the U.S. What? That can’t be right. Oh. My. Gracious!!! The line to cross back into the U.S was blocks and blocks long. Check out the razor wire on top of the wall. Seems like this wall is working just fine.
Of course, these guys help to keep things orderly too I would think. I hope they are here to protect us civilians.
There are bathrooms, not Job-Johnnies, setup along the route and benches too. Vendors are walking the line selling merchandise, food and drinks. Oh, this is some serious waiting.
This has certainly been an experience. We’ve learned to cross the border early and head home around noontime to avoid the long lines and to take more money. They love our American dollars.
