Nonetheless, there are some things I have missed. Like brown sugar. The marshmallows here are wierd. I haven't found rice vinegar or sesame oil or Life cereal. And no Crisco. They do have lard, but... the word "lard" just makes me shudder. Luckily, we had to fly back to the States last weekend.
Side note: We'd never gotten our visas stamped when we crossed the border, so we had to fly back out and then fly back in to get it stamped... I know. Ridiculous, right? There's supposed to be an "hombre" hanging out at the border to stamp your visa when you go through, but there was absolutely no one there. So much for border security. Or maybe they're more concerned about the people coming IN to the U.S. In any case, all we saw at the border was a Mexican military tank with a machine gun on top and we weren't going to stop and ask someone where the closest place was for the Americanos to get robbed and shot. We were in Laredo.
Anyway, back to my original story. Food items I have normally used could not be found. But luckily we flew back and I stocked up on brown sugar, Crisco, cornmeal (yes, there is no cornmeal in the land of corn tortillas), etc. I'm also learning that while services here are cheap, goods are twice as expensive. I tried to buy M some simple pajamas at the Sears here and they cost 420 pesos (equal to about $42 in the States). So I also stocked up on clothes while back in the States. For all who want to come visit me, there will be an "entrance fee". I've still got a pretty long list...
They do have great produce here. And stuff lasts longer here with no humidity and such a temperate climate. However, I have to disinfect all of our produce:
Water is also a serious problem. After taking showers at the hotel, I kept noticing my hair smelled a little like urine. Yes, it's true. At first I thought I had accidently rolled into one of L's accidents or fell asleep on a dirty diaper, but oh contraire. I'm fairly certain it was the water. Now that we are in our apartment, I'm not noticing as much of a urine smell, but it is likely I've become (horror of horrors) disensitized to the stench. Although, M's bathroom still smells a little like a skunk died in there and I can't figure out the source. Poor M. Before the option of moving to Mexico came up, Bruce and I had originally discussed China. I was having issues with coming back smelling like fish oil. In hindsight, that would have been better than urine. Luckily, we have a filter for drinking water:
But what can I say. It's all just a part of the adventure, folks.
7 comments:
CRAZY! I will mourn the loss of Target, but to have a Costco is heaven sent!
You really had to fly the entire family back to the states? Again, crazy!
Mmmm, urine hair. If I ever come to visit, I'll let you know if you've lost your sense of smell...or maybe you'll think I smell like cheese. I heard that's what others say American's smell like.
noe
aud, is making me write....not that i dont love you and want to talk to you...but....anyway.... about the expensive goods: If you buy name brands, especially U.S.brands, then yes, they will be even more expensive than they are in the States. Look for the mexican brands, generic stuff; its lower quality, but for certain things it works out, and it is WAY less expensive. you probably already know this, but like i said... she made me write...... Marshmallows are weird down there... must be the beans they use.....andy
Hmmmm, I don't remember the urine smell... but my mom has mentioned how the chips and marshmallows just aren't the same. I doubt we'll be headed down there anytime soon, but if we do I'll be sure to pack some of your much needed goodies.
OH, I'm so sorry. Sometimes I felt like my living conditions in Indiana were unacceptable. Like when the tap water turned BROWN!! And the neighbors smoke came through the air conditioning. I can relate. How long are you there? And what is the bonus too all of this suffering anyway? -Becca
$42 pj's from Sears? I could totally see if they were some designer jammies....but seriously, what a rip-off. I can't wait to come visit you and I'll bring a suitcase full of baby gap apparel...oh, and some marshmallows.
I'm back from the dead and all my vacations. Catching up on the blogs I've missed. I don't know how you're doing it down there...you are a good woman.
The rumors are true about me. I'll post when I find out if it is xx xy. I wish you were here!
At least there is a Costco!!!! Urine smelling hair, what's not to love :) I love hearing about all the adventures, keep them coming.
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