Glasses, Dentists and Drugs-Oh My!

While the last few times we went into Mexico were for just plain fun,  NOT this time. We had a few things that had been put off way too long and could no longer be put on hold. There were dentists to visit, opticians to call on and pharmacies to peruse. The number of these types of establishments just across the border in Algodones is mind-boggling. Everywhere you look, one after another, nestled in between the many vendor booths selling something they are hoping you will want to take home.

 It was time to brave the lines, feel the pain and get what needed to be done-DONE. With referrals from friends we headed out to accomplish our mission. First on the agenda, new eye tests and glasses for both of us. He needed progressive, anti-glare, anti-scratch, transitional lens set in a light-weight frame-but durable. She bi-focals, transitional, anti-glare, anti-scratch lens with a fun and colorful frame. Both were found and glasses were in hand by the end of the day. Cost for both pairs was far less than just one pair for either of us when we last purchased glasses in Portland 3 years ago. The great thing about getting glasses in Mexico, the lens are ground that day allowing customer to return back to the US sporting their new peepers.

Medication in Mexico is also sold at pharmacies for a much discounted amount. Generics not so much, but if your prescription is not a generic, than it can be a very good deal. This part was quick and fast—we were in and out in less than 15 minutes.

Next, the dental work, not our favorite past-time. He needed a cleaning and little work. She needed cleaning, a root canal on a back molar and a crown. How fun! Dentists were located and work was started. Cleanings on day 1, 2 days later returned for root canal and 2 days after that the crown was placed on the offending tooth and all was good in her mouth. Truly the easiest dental work ever—no pain, only 1 Novocain injection, numb for barely 2 hours, a perfect fit and the best part is the price, all for $500.

Once all this was completed, the real pain was at hand. To get into Mexico you just park with the sea of cars in the huge parking lot, walk over with the herd of other Americans crossing this very busy border and spend the day doing whatever suits you.  But the lines to return to the  US are longer than long. You must get in line with the hundreds of others waiting to return to the US. The crossing is slow, as each person must present their passport which is examined and scanned, each is questioned on what was purchased and once the officer is satisfied you are allowed to cross back into the US. My oh my, you should see all those seniors laden with purchases, some with canes, walkers, scooters, portable oxygen bottles and all tired from a long day of appointments, shopping or playing. Well for the most part those waiting in line are longer on time than on cash. It becomes a bit of a "party in line" as stories and jokes are exchanged to pass the time and lessen the sting of an unavoidable wait.