Before we left yesterday, we had to organize our car insurance for Mexico. We contacted a couple of different companies, and ended up going for the one with the lower price. We went through San Xavier Mexican Insurance and we paid $215 for a six month policy that includes collision and comprehensive claims.
Having a picnic lunch at the Laredo Texas info center.
It was a total pain in the butt finding accommodation here in Laredo. The one decent couchsurfer that was listed never got back to us. We stopped at an "America's Best Value Inn" and got a "deal" for $59.95 plus tax. The guy said the room wouldn't be ready for an hour so we went across to an H.E.B. grocery store and picked up some more gluten free stuff for Ruth and just wandered around. Laredo is 90% Hispanic people and wandering around a busy grocery store here almost makes you feel like you're in Mexico already.
Back at the hotel, we got our key and took everything into the room. The room itself wasn't bad, but the wi-fi signal wasn't strong enough to connect in the room. Back to the front desk, where the guy admitted they have problems with the wi-fi. I asked for a refund, and it was issued without a problem. Sure was a pain putting all of our "stuff" back in the car and going searching again.
Then went to a Motel 6, where it was $64.95 plus tax, and the girl said their wi-fi wasn't that good. Strangely enough there was another Motel 6 just down the road. They also wanted $64.95 plus tax, but they charge $3.00 extra for wi-fi. By this point, we just said "whatever", and checked in. The room isn't nearly as nice as the other place, and there are a lot of noisy trucks outside. This place is a prime example of why people don't like staying in Motels! Can't wait to get back to Sherman!
Slept fine last night though, and we're heading out. Going to make a detour to the Walmart Super Center here in Laredo, then heading for the Columbia bridge about 20 miles north of town to avoid the downtown areas on both sides of the border. We'll have to get our tourist permits and car permit, so it will probably take an hour or so, and then we're heading to Monterrey to meet friends Chris and Juan.
Next time you hear from us, we'll be in Mexico!
Have a safe crossing. Was it you guys who posted the update about the changes to the Mexican Visa situation? I don't recall. I guess we'll find out.
ReplyDeleteI don't envy you staying over night in a Motel 6. *shudder*
That was me Bob, but it doesn't happen till the 12th. So I will be the one finding out the new stuff.
Deleted'oh. I'm so easily confused. Besides, it has no bearing on my life whatsoever. Talk about out in left field.
DeleteYeah! Getting closer!! The header pic of the travel center near Laredo looks so pretty. So excited for you - have a great day!
ReplyDeleteIt was a very pretty info center and the girl working inside was very helpful and pleasant.
DeleteHi its Donna...is there any type rules about bring food products across the border?
ReplyDeleteI think there is but it doesn't seem to be well enforced. As long as whatever you take isn't in excess then they generally will let you through. Also, they have a red light, green light system, if you get a green light you go through without inspection and if you get a red light then they will inspect you. They don't have the restrictions that people have when crossing the border into the USA.
DeleteI had my oil changed last year at the Super Walmart in Laredo. We had a hard time communicating since most of the employees didn't seem to speak much English. Yep, hard to tell if you are in the US or Mexico.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a busy area, last time we were there the Walmart parking lot was full all night of shoppers so we had to fins another area to park the RV.
ReplyDeleteApparently they are making it very hard to boondock in Laredo now. The last two times we crossed with the motorhome we just stayed at Lake Casa Blanca State Park, a bit on the expensive side but saves the hassle of trying to find somewhere else that is safe and secure.
DeleteWe spent a night at that rest area using the free wi-fi and with the laptop plugged into the sockets in those pavilions, a great Texas welcome.
ReplyDeleteThat's great. When we were there yesterday we asked about WiFi and she said they didn't it there at the time. It would be a great place to boondock.
DeleteDoes anyone else remember when the Motel 6 was actually $6 a night?
ReplyDeleteIf you use Telcel Banda Ancha in Mexico for your Wi-fi I just wanted to tell you I bought a new stick at Wal Mart here in Chapala for
ReplyDeleteHi Kevin and Ruth
Just a heads up, I bought a Telcel Banda ancha stick at Walmart in Chapala for $89 pesos. It had 1G of time on it when I bought it. I recharged it on line and the cost for 3G that lasts a month was $326 pesos. So Wifi for a month cost me $26 U.S. I had one but it was stolen, I have never gone over the 3G.
Maybe you already use one, but I thought you might like the info.
www.ontheroadwithroyandbelinda.blogspot.com
Thanks for that. Yes, we have a Telel Banda Ancha stick that we bought a couple of years ago and just recharge it as necessary. You got a great deal on yours though!
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