Back from Mexico

My bride, my daughter, and driver made it back from Mexico late Sunday night. I picked up the bride at the airport late Wed evening and we headed south, made it as far as Robstown, spent the night, and headed further south to Nuevo Progresso, Mexico. It's a little town walking distance across the Progresso International bridge, in between Harlingen and Weslaco. We arrived by 11:30 am or so and didn't sit down until she sat down in the dental chair....impressive.

Nuevo Progresso pretty much exists in my opinion for US citizens to cross over and spend money. Most of them are called "winter Texans," for folks who bring their RV's and spend the winter where its warm. While they spend the winter enjoying the non-winter like climate, looking at birds, and enjoying retired RV living, they also cross the border. There in NP, every third business is a dentist's office, next to it is a pharmacy, next is a salon. Technically, there are lots of curio shops, combo liquor store/pharmacy, the occasional bar and restaurant. It's quite a little place. I read somewhere that there were 200+ dentists but i didn't count.

We went for dental work and had a successful experience as well. My son, who is in dental management says we saved 75-80% on the work my bride had done. Our daughter had two teeth pulled and 4 cavities taken care of for less than $200. I suspect we'll be going back down every 6 months or so to refill meds and do more dental work. My goal is to get rid of all the metal in my mouth and get more natural material. I don't think all that metal is good for you.

Anyway, the dentist was excellent, the work was fast, and quite affordable, especially compared to having it here. We bought 6 months worth of meds for the both of us, some extra antibiotics, some vanilla, (you have to buy vanilla), the odd piece of .925 silver jewelry, along with some south TX grapefruit and oranges and generally enjoyed our visit.

The only downer was the bride falling, twisting her ankle pretty darned good, having to call the Doctor over there, ($20), and her not being able to enjoy walking around after that. Oh well, we still got done what we went to do. I guess I should've waited and got my haircut down there, along with the odd pedicure, manicure, body massage, wax job, botox, and shoeshine. Hey, its another memorable travel experience. Next time we'll know more but there sure were lots of people crossing the border and getting dental work done...and other stuff. Glad to be back in the US as always and enjoying the kids and grandkids at home.

Merry Christmas to all,
de & ke

Christmas Stuff

It's been a busy time since our anniversary trip. We're getting ready to have the kids home, all of them, and the brides parents are coming too...right after we get home from Mexico. Yes, you heard me right Mexico. Several weeks ago the bride needed to see th dentist...which she had neglected to do for some time...she's been busy...anyway their prescription was for $7k worth of dental work. You read right $7000 worth. Our insurance covers some basic stuff and only $1k per year each. I guess if you go every year and keep up then it doesn't hit you like that anyway...I hit the net again...did a lot of research and found out that Mexico via South Texas is a very popular and much less expensive place to have dental work. Who would've thought? Medical tourism I think its called.

Many winter Texans while enjoying the warm winter weather travel over the border to buy medications, have dental work, as well as other stuff at much reduced prices. I also checked with a close friend who lives close enough that he's been going there for the past 3 years and is very happy with the work...and the prices.

So...we're headed south for a few days...and taking our daughter along to get both the gals some much needed tooth fixings...we'll check on our medications to buy...stock up on some antibiotics...watch for some birds...visit the beach at S. Padre island...and be back to host the rest of the family for Christmas.

Yeah...yeah...I know this sounds totally crazy to some of you folks...and if you work for Exxon and your hip resurfacing surgery costs you $75 out of pocket...it is crazy. But for the vast majority of folks...they don't have that kind of insurance...many don't have any insurance...and stuff costs crazy money...and you have to do what you have to do.

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Merry Christmas to all,
de

Trip Pics

In Rome


You know what this is.



Sagra Familia - Barcelona

Notre Dame - Paris

Tribute to Columbus in Barcelona

Here's some pics from our trip. Better late than never.