Algodones Mexico and In-between

Living farther south means more temperate weather during the winter and spring months.  Today it snowed in Denver and it was 70+ degrees here in Prescott.  I wore short and sandles.  I had worked outside in the early morning, chopping out some unwanted Poplar tree starts, washing two vehicles, went grocery shopping and stopped by the bank to cash a much needed check.  Tomorrow I plan to move some more rocks into place for new flower beds and I will move a few wheel barrow loads of  top soil from the back yard to the front, moving as much as my body will allow me to do.

Last month Louise and I experience a little Mexican border town, located just a few miles south and west of Yuma Arizona.  This town may house up to 12,000 residents but is not listed on any map I know of.  Contrary to some other border towns more known for drug dealing and violence, this lazy little border town boast 350 friendly and competent dentists.  We first heard of this town by a coat tail relative.  Louise needed some immediate dental work and when we found out what it would cost us (even with American dental insurance) we headed south.  If you have more time than money Algodones is the place to be.  It runs on Mexican time which can suit retirees possessing more time than money.  We likely spent about 1/3 what we would have had to spend if we chose to do dental north of the border.   The quality of the work is great and Louise is a pleased customer.  A lesser known bargain in Algodones are quality eye glasses, complete with professional eye exams and fittings.  She took advantage of these saving as well.

Although Algodones is four hours' drive from Prescott, the savings are well worth the travel and wait time.  Overnight stays in a clean family-owned motel is $30 a night and the food was good too.

When we were in town during our first trip, we met a friendly jewelry vendor, his wife, his older brother and a cousin.  We had a good chat and I instantly liked the man (here on the left).  Louise is obviously relaxed with her new company of friends.  "Edger" loves his life, is a "happy man" by his own admission, appreciative of being employed and he loves owning his own business with his brother as partner.  With two little kids under three, he says he prays that God will bless him with one more child.  I hope He does.  And, yes, he loves his country, Mexico, and his home town, Algodones.  I understand.

Ever wonder what a street vendor pays (and to whom) for the privilege of selling his wares?  He tells me it costs him $600 per month payable to the building owner and $150 to the town.  It sound steep, but business is good and he says he makes enough for his family.  When it gets too hot in the Spring and Summer and the tourists thin out, he travels south about 3 1/2 hours to the area of Rocky Point on the west coast of mainland Mexico to sell his wares, returning home as it cools off once again.  By the way, Rocky Point is where our next door neighbors regularly visit for the past 22 years and they have mentioned interest having Louise and I go down with them this upcoming Fall season.  I hear the fishing is great too!

The main part of Louise's dental work was perform just before and just after Easter weekend.  While Louise was in the dental chair, I walked the town and experienced the annual reenactment of Christ carrying his cross to Golgotha.  It was Good Friday.  Everyone stopped their street vending and watch the congregation follow the actors, all participants were reciting the Bible story.

Here is a short clip I took of the procession.  The town police closed the main street down for about 15 minutes.

Here are a few other pictures of the town we enjoyed.

 

 

And now for a few random shots north of the border.  This is the most unique water tank decoration I have seen anywhere.  It is located on the south outskirts of Quartzsite Arizona.  It has a twin too.

 

On our final trip back to Prescott we stopped at Harcuvar, hardly a town but it sure has an interesting metal art business.  The lady runs it from October through April and then heads back up to Seattle for a cool and enjoyable summer.   She says she started small eight years ago and she doesn't make much money from the place because she ends of buying more and more inventory -- and what an interesting selection she has!  People travel from far and wide to shop her wares.  All the product comes from Mexico and it comes to her through traveling wholesalers.  They just show up and she buys.

Now which one should be in my front yard?

 

 

 

Perhaps my favorite are these two sitting Mexicans of the Old West.

I hope you enjoy these last three pictures taken while heading back to Prescott.

What a unique cactus with a flair!  Until next time...