Across the border to Mexico . . .

Bev went with Ed & Trudy to Algodones, Mexico which is only a fifteen minute drive. You cross over into California briefly then into Algodones (one of the safer borders). Just prior to the crossing are 'boon dockers' (dry camping is allowed for just a small fee of approximately $25.00 a month and they have a company come by to empties the tanks for a small fee).

HUGE line ups at the pharmacies ... . . . people buying medications. The border now checks and will only allow you to buy a certain amount as people used to be able to buy as much as they wanted & then resell when they got back home or stock pile. Prescriptions are not necessary but people are limited now. IF they have a prescription, everything is fine.

Victor at THE MINE jewellry store..... AMAZING stuff all made by the two brothers that own the shop. THey are SUPER knowledgable and make everything there (Trudy has been a regular shopper so I can trust her judgement). Silver is genuine and no nickel .... every item is signed and authentic. Pricing is based on weight. Gems included every kind of turquoise imagineable (didn't know it comes in light green, dark grey and of course shades of blue), onxy, opal, coral, topaz, amethyst ... and so many more I can't remember the names. Oaxaca (pronounced wah-HAH-kah) blankets. The method of weaving from Oaxaca is over 2000 years old and the dyeing methods have gone back to the old methods, after trying chemicals. Cochineal insects are used to produce deep red and sea snails for purple. They use two types of looms ... backstrap or belt looms. They make wall hanging sized blankets, blankets and purses from wool and/or cotton. They do not use them as 'rugs' like we do at home & sell them for tourists. By far, the most beautiful I saw but also, can tell they put a TON of work into making these products. A $60 cdn bottle of tequilla. The liquor stores have AMAZING bottles ... you wouldn't want to drink any of it. Samples are in every aisle.... "creme de Tequila" which we bought for $12.00 a bottle is sooooooooooo smooth. We are not Bailey fans but this stuff is like that but not nearly as sweet!