We can't stay away from Mexico !!

Imagine being able to sleep with the windows open in December.

It is one of life's little pleasures.

This morning, Teresa and I were looking forward to another great day with Ed and Marilyn.

Our friends wanted to share some of their favourite spots in Nuevo Progreso, that we had not been to yet.

I don't think I have explained the process of getting to and from our Mexican town.  The drive to the border crossing is less than fifteen minutes away.  You can park for the whole day, for only two dollars, while still on the American side. 

The covered bridge on the way to Progreso

From here you pay 25 cents to walk through a turnstile.  After a short walk over a covered bridge, you are in Mexico.

Half way over the bridge, you enter Mexico

This monument is located shortly
after getting off the bridge

To return back to the US side, you once again put in your quarter to get past the turnstile, and walk over a covered bridge, on the other side of the road.

This time the bridge leads to the US customs office, where an official will ask to see your ID
( preferably a passport ), and will ask what your purchases are.

I am not sure what the exemptions are, but we have never had to pay any additional duties, except for when we purchase alcohol.

If we have bought a bottle of spirits, we stop at the next building, and pay $3.75 Texas state tax at the wicket.

It is very simple, and very efficient.  We have never had to wait more than a few minutes.

Okay, back to today.

We browsed the vendors wares, while making our way to our first stop ...  Rene's Bakery.

The 3 person Mariachi band

Now, this is one popular spot.  We each picked out our favorite pastry and coffee and found a seat where we could enjoy the lively Mariachi band.

Ed and I enjoying breakfast

Marilyn was swaying to the music

Once we were done, we headed over to Dania's Beauty Salon.

The girls were excited to spend time there, but I was a little apprehensive about the whole thing.

See, Ed has been encouraging all the guys that go into Mexico, to try a pedicure.  And the story is the same each time.  After the initial " No Way ",  each guy confesses that is feels great !

I wasn't sure what to expect, and kept asking Teresa what I should be doing.  My esthetician was very professional and kind, and I think she saw my uneasiness.

Hmmm ... this feels kind of good

The best part of the whole deal, was when she massaged my feet and calves at the very end.  I stood up, and my feet were tingling, and full of energy.  All that for less than $10.00 before tip !!

Teresa and I getting our pedi's, while Marilyn gets her mani

Teresa opted for a pedi with a beautiful polish and design.  I believe hers was only about $12.00, but at that low price, she simply handed her attendant twenty dollars.  Gracias !!

Marilyn recently had her pedi, but look how great her manicure turned out today.

After our pampering, we enjoyed another fabulous meal at the Red Snapper.

Ed and Marilyn both enjoyed the garlic shrimp, Teresa had a beef burrito, and I had stuffed shrimp, with mozzarella cheese and bacon.  Hmmm, it was so good.

Plus, it is happy hour all the time there, so for two bucks, we were each given two drinks !!

After lunch, Ed dropped us off, and we all parted with big smiles on our faces, and more memories made.