I posted on Facebook today that I might go to town to ‘hit the bank’ and my friend L replied that I should perhaps rethink my choice of words. I’m still giggling about that. It’s rather like the time I told my boss I was gone such a long time making the daily deposit ‘because there was a hold up at the bank.’ The English language never ceases to amuse me!
I wound up giving my landlady my last 500 peso bill to get gas for my last month here and do an advance payment on the final light bill. I have a pretty light work queue for the next few days, so I decided to run to town today for cash rather than wait. I was due for a break anyway. What with emotions running high in the first part of the week, I didn’t get much work done and really paid for it Wednesday and Thursday. It was really nice to have a slow morning, start on a project, then break for a long while in Maz.
The exchange rate is bad/good, depending on how you look at it and I was FINALLY able to make an 8,000 peso withdrawal! That’s always been just above 700CAD since I’ve been here, my daily withdrawal limit. Today, it was just $687 with the fees!
After months of saying I would do this and not doing it, I finally went into the bank to change my 500s for smaller bills. I had lots of time in a very long line to work out what I would say. This is how I handle new situations, by anticipating potential questions and answers, so that I don’t get to a teller and go ‘Uh…’ The teller was friendly and I told her, “The machine gave me a lot of 500s and my landlady doesn’t like them. Can I change them for smaller? 200s and 100s would be good.”
She understood and said that she could do that. I handed her nine 500s, she counted them, and then asked me to confirm that it was 4,500 pesos. She then counted the money out in 200s and 100s and handed me a big wad without counting it out for me the way a Canadian and US teller does. I wasn’t worried, so I stepped out of line and found a quiet corner in the bank to confirm that I had 15 of each.
Then, I went to Beach Burger for lunch and splurged on not only a limonada mineral (I find it hilarious that beer is cheaper), but also the ‘Wipe Out’ burger with BBQ sauce and avocado. It also had cheese, mustard, ketchup, onions, and pickles, in addition to Montreal steak spice, and was probably the most amazing burger I have ever had. OMG! And I forgot to say no mayo but the server remembered and told the cook for me! That’s amazing considering the fact that the hot dog lady I see every week doesn’t remember that! For some reason, I also got chips and pico de gallo with this meal, so I came out of there stuffed!
The server always insists on speaking English to me and I always insist on speaking Spanish, this way we both practice! We chatted a bit and it came out that I’m renting a house here on Isla. He told me what he pays in Centro histรณrico for a one-bedroom with a bathroom, a mere 2,000 pesos! I was thinking of looking for a deal like that to be in town next year, but am not feeling that adventurous even if I know I am paying a Gringo premium on my place.
I headed to the Mercado next and look what I noticed kitty corner from the cathedral?
Am I blind???!!! How could I have gone by there so many times and only now noticed the post office?!
I then passed Panamรก’s and resisted the call of the pastries, but I happened to notice this:
Before getting veggies at the Mercado, I wanted to price a final (?) dress. I’ve seen it for months, since just after Christmas. It’s of a similar style to my Christmas dresses, but has a bit more embroidery, and it’s that gorgeous orangey pink I have on my dressing room walls at home that made me fall in love with some shades of pink.
The clerk pulled it down for me and I was rather disappointed to find that it looked a little small. Then the clerk said something to me (in English) I have never in my life heard, “I think it might be a bit big on you. Maybe you try it on over your dress and see?”
Um, okay. I tried it on and the fit was good! Woohoo! She wanted 350 or 360 and I got it for 330, which I knew was a very good deal. I wouldn’t have paid more than 350, though, as I’m really starting to stretch my clothes budget! I had planned to come home with a closet full of Mexican dresses, though, so these really are planned purchases. I just think it’s time to say I’ve hit the limit. But they’re so inexpensive and high quality it’s hard to stop!
Then, veggies and a quick Ley stop for yoghurt and ham. I was hoping they’d have some of that granola I found at Mega, but nope. The only ‘no sugar’ granola was three times the cost and sweetened with agave. Sugar is sugar, people. Read the labels!
I then took the shortcut I’ve discovered to reach the panga, where there was just one other passenger besides me. It was a quick ride since we didn’t have to go to the Colonia dock.
Now, I should probably try to get a little work done…
You should have changed one of the other 500’s for 20’s and 50’s. You would be packing a wad of cash though.
An apartment in the Centro Historico! That would be exciting! Noisy but exciting!
The ATM gave me the rest of my cash in 200s, 100s, and 50s, so that was okay and a big enough pile! This is all going to the landlady. I don’t want to be counting out 5,500 in anything smaller than mostly 200s and some 100s for her! ๐
It’s the noisy part that made me realise that wouldn’t be a good idea. I find it hard enough to do transcription on Isla, which is apparently ‘quiet’ for Mexico…
Love the dress. I knew you would end up at the Beach Burger ๐ I weep, no more trips to Mazatlan for us….until November that is.
I felt like a burger and BB was closer than the place in the Golden Zone. ๐
Are you saying you pay 500 pesos a month for gas LP? or is that with the rent?
Chris, the gas thing is a bit complicated. I paid 500 pesos when I got here to fill the big roof tank and ran out a month before I’m due to leave. The company can’t get here for another month to fill it. The landlady and I decided that it would be good if the gas system were compatible with the little BBQ-size tanks that are sold door to door to use as a backup when the big tank is empty. So 450 pesos is my contribution towards the supplies for modifying the gas system and the purchase and filling of the little tank. Whatever I don’t use I’ll have next winter. Not an ideal situation, but a month without a stove and hot water would suck. I’m the first really long-term tenant in this place and we’re still working out all the kinks.
Got it. Makes sense. We still use two 45 kilo cylinders. Not sure why? A larger tank with a gauge would eliminate any worries.
I’ve been thinking of getting one of those bigger tanks at home since I no longer move the motorhome and therefore can’t get the on board tank filled, but I can’t handle them. I’m instead thinking of converting the MH to natural gas (I’m told that’s very doable) and hooking up to the grid.
I love the dress Rae but I can’t believe you didn’t go in and ask about the Crema Canadiensse. Now we will never know.
Colleen, I can’t believe I didn’t go in either! But I contacted Panamรก’s via Facebook. We’ll see if they reply. ๐
The photo of the dress looks to be a deep coral. Very beautiful.
Deep coral is just about right, but it’s definitely more dark rose than orange. It’s very pretty. ๐
I love your new dress color – beautiful. I had a good laugh over rabbit versus cojones ๐ – one of the Spanish words I actually know. I am a huge fan of pico de gallo but have tried to make it several times and it never tastes the same as what you get in Mexico. It might be the type of onion or tomato that is missing.
conejos vs. cojones and jamon vs. jabon are two pairings you learn quickly not to mix up! ๐
Croft commented on the pico de gallo on Facebook yesterday. I bet you don’t know that you need to seed the tomato. Try that and, if you can, use a very meaty tomato like a Roma or plum.
You are learning to live so well there I wonder how much of a shock it will be to go back to Canada?
Linda, the food budget quadrupling in Canada to eat worse is going to make me cry. ๐
Thanks for another great post. I always appreciate the details you give on the price of everything.
I always look forward to eating “real Mexican food” while in Mexico, but your description of that hamburger makes me want to fly in just for that! Also in love with the new dress..just perfect for spring/summer.
Mary Edhaim
My server said that it was funny that I came to Mexico and had enough burgers in town to find a favourite. I said that I’m here for six months. I never eat all of the same cuisine back home, so why would I do that here? He thought that was a good point. ๐
The dress is perfect for winter… in Mexico. ๐
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