Day trip to Algodones Mexico
On 10/10/10 Tina and I accompanied by Tina's daughter Angela made a day trip to Algodones Mexico. Algodones is located west of Yuma Arizona and just a mile south of I-8 on Andrade Rd Rt 186. As you near the Andrade Rd exit you will notice that you have already crossed into California back when you crossed over the river and passed the 4th ave. exit, even though it appears you are still in Yuma. Fact is, Yuma is south of the highway and California is north including the highway itself. I am always excited for a chance to use my passport. I love going to Algodones, I don't know why, as there is really not much there. You can however find good food, cheap medicine and low cost medical, dental and eye care. These are the reason Algodones is so popular. Cheap prescription medication is why we made the trip. We were able to fill our prescription with name brand drugs for a fraction of the cost charged by local American pharmacies for generic versions. Tina's grandchildren love the Mexican candies, so we hit a couple of candy stores first. Next the pharmacy then lunch. We often visit the same spot for some very good tacos and Margaritas. Tacos and Drinks is the name of the restaurant we frequent located on the corner of CALLE 3 & AV A. It is one block to the right of the first intersection as you enter the small town. Pharmacies, doctors offices and optometrist line the streets of Algodones. Men often stand out front of these establishments and beckon for your attention. It is best to avoid eye contact, but do be polite and simply say no thank you, our not interested. Our visit today was brief. After we filled up on tacos we headed toward the Andrade California boarder crossing and customs. We stopped along the way at Liqui's Pharmacy & Liquor this is the largest such store in Algodones. I recommend that if buying liquor you get it here on you way out of town so you don't have to carry it around with you all day. The liquor prices offer little savings and many popular brands can not be found here in Mexico. The draw here is that you can buy liquor at age 18. We purchased nowhere near the allowed limits for prescription medication, and no liquor at all, so customs was a breeze. I got to flash my passport and felt like an international traveler till I noticed the agent trying to holds back a smirk when I answered with "candy" to his question... "What are you bringing across today?" Do be warned that they have upgraded to xray scanners here, and you must put your bags on the conveyor belt.
Just as we exit the Customs building into the US, we hear agents yelling "hey!, hey!...stop!" We turned to see a man walking up behind us that has apparently tried to skirt customs by walking along the line of cars waiting to exit Mexico. The agents were running from all directions towards the man with weapons drawn, he threw up his arms saying "No problem...no problem" and was apprehended.
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