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Forum
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RE: Family Reunion 2022
Chicken livers breaded and wrapped in bacon.
Dates wrapped in bacon.
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qtla9111
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05/19/22 12:00pm |
Camp Cooks and Connoisseurs
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Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge Into Mexico
No trip is ever long enough. We returned to Monterrey today from West Texas. It has been over three years since we went to the U.S. via Laredo. Reynosa became our favorite for many reasons.
Having Mexican plates the routine is quite different. We don't go to immigration which is to your right and under the bridge. We were guided to the right above the bridge where our SUV and trailer had the registration checked and the permanent importation papers checked. It used to be done outside by handheld but we were escorted inside. Took all of about two minutes and then an inspection of the trailer and declaring what we brought back to Mexico with us.
The agent then guided us around and down to the TIP area where we were instructed to wait for the state police to guide us in a caravan to the autopista. We've heard about it but had never used it. It's a good thing. One leads with lights going and the group follows. At the intersection of Donaldo Colosio and Hwy 85 another police patrol whips around lights going and close off the intersection for us to pass and then brings up the rear.
At the first toll booth, Km26 they leave us to enter the autopista. New to us, the autopista now starts at the Km26 point. Now there are two toll booths to Monterrey. For the first time ever, we were asked at the small INM kiosks to show our passports.
The only downer is that the police have a short script that they recite to each vehicle: "You are being escorted by Tamaulipas State Police. Due to the increase and high rate of abductions, disappearances, and kidnappings, this is for your security". I guess that's how we live these days.
We drove through Monterrey on the truck route which goes right through the city. If anyone is interested we have the map. Works great and no transito to hassle you. Took no time at all. We may do this again on future trips back and forth.
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qtla9111
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04/21/22 04:09pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Cassette toilet/shower
For those with cassette toilets, is finding a place to empty the cassette ever a problem? After 22 years of rving I'm tired of dumping, leaking valves, and a leaking toilet.
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qtla9111
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04/19/22 08:27am |
Truck Campers
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RE: State Hwy 1 Monterrey to Colombia
How about 85 Libre, then NW 2 to Columbia Crossing.
Been a couple of years, but that worked for us.
Yes, longer, but completely avoided downtown Nuevo Laredo and Laredo.
That's probably the best way but since I was much younger it always seemed kind of spooky along that route. I got a ticket there once and the transito followed me to the OXXO to pay the fine.
It's kind of a mixed bag but we are taking Hwy 85 back be it the libre or toll.
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qtla9111
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04/12/22 05:01am |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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State Hwy 1 Monterrey to Colombia
Well that was a disappointment. We drove through Monterrey following the truck route that we obtained from a visit to transito last week. Not an issue at all.
Headed on Hwy 85 libre and exited from Sabinas Hidalgo to Hwy 1 via Villaldama. We wanted to avoid the drive through Nuevo Laredo and it was a mess. Hwy 1 has deteriorated to the point that I won't be driving it again. There are the usually supposed plans by the new governor to turn it into a toll road direct to Colombia.
Salinas Gotari created Colombia but the toll highway never materialized, that was over 30 years ago. There was no wait at the bridge and no trailer inspection. Travel permits for Mexicans now are done online and you still have to enter immigration and wait in line. Wasted energy and the idea is that there is no exchange of papers because of Covid.
That was funny because they still man-handle your passport, laser visa, and then exchange money (cash only) and give you a receipt :)
But we're in Texas and headed to Fort Davis Mountains.
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qtla9111
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04/11/22 08:21am |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Diesel shortages??
After the last two years, I guess we just try to work around it! Funny!
;)
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qtla9111
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04/05/22 06:10pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Diesel shortages??
Confirmed. Gas lines at the border stations have disappeared. The stimulus or subsidy was removed over the weekend. Fuel prices are now 22 to 24 pesos per liter along the border.
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qtla9111
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04/04/22 07:55am |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Diesel shortages??
Funny how we do things. Mexico imports 70% of its gasoline and it's now cheaper than in the U.S.
The word from multi-chain franchises is that PEMEX is suffering from logistical issues and not shortages. Now, the government is eliminating border station subsidies and increasing prices.
We are traveling to Texas in the RV for Semana Santa. We will need to fill up before the border or keep it topped off along the way. Wish us luck!
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qtla9111
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04/03/22 05:27pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: one more thing to worry about
Reminds me of an rv couple who would spend winters parked next to our house in Mexico. One day they went to the city to do some shopping. They called frantically saying their pickup was stolen.
I arrived only to find out that the owner had been leaving the key in the ignition while keeping the key fob on his person. The worst part was that the generator was sitting in the bed of the truck as well. Complete chaos however their Mexican travel insurance paid the bill in two weeks.
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qtla9111
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04/02/22 08:44am |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Diesel shortages??
https://www.elimparcial.com/sonora/sonora/SonoraReportan-escasez-de-gasolina-en-SLRC-Penasco-y-Sonoyta-20220329-0027.html
Sonora: Reportan escasez de gasolina en SLRC, Peñasco y Sonoyt
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qtla9111
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03/30/22 06:13pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Bahia Kino?
Sounds fantastic! Maybe you could post a picture or two!
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qtla9111
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01/29/22 05:37pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Where are the RV's?
We had a change of plan when we arrived in SMA. We got an even better deal for storage at the Hotel San Ramon and Rv Park. The charge was less than 100 pesos per night on a concrete pad. We stayed in the RV the last night at 360 pesos so we could hook up and take off early a.m.
The Hotel had many guests but the concrete rv pads had only two rvs. A fifth wheel in storage and a woman who comes yearly in a small Casita. The grassy rv park portion had five rvs and three were in storage and one was actually a very nice office-type trailer with a huge awning.
Again, coming home we stopped in Matehuala at the Hotel Oasis. Over at the Las Palmas, the RV park was again empty.
The highway and trip were very comfortable. We hit some construction on Hwy 85 north of Linares, Nuevo Leon.
Nice to have the RV behind us and we are ready now to take some more trips. Have a good year!
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qtla9111
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01/04/22 05:33pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Pandemic in Mexico V USA
The psychology is quite interesting. Here in San Miguel de Allende with very few exceptions, all Mexicans are wearing masks in public, on the streets, on buses, and even in their cars. OTOH, the majority of gringos are unmasked.
Ah yes, human beings at their best. As written by Martin Luther in 1527 during a pandemic:
"I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine, and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence."
Five hundred years later, explain this one to me.
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qtla9111
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12/29/21 06:14pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Where are the RV's?
We arrived in Matehuala yesterday afternoon. The mountain pass was wet with heavy fog and at about 1500 meters the sun broke through. Good highway all the way down Hwy 57.
We parked at the Hotel Oasis across from Las Palmas. Oasis has one site with electric-only 200 pesos. We walked over to Las Palmas for dinner and the RV park was empty.
We continue on to San Miguel de Allende and will store the RV at Glamping San Miguel de Allende for a week and then on to Peña de Bernal.
I hope we see some rvers at San Ramon and Glamping and along the rest of the trip.
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qtla9111
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12/21/21 06:00am |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Immigration crack down
For me, this is reason enough. Promoting illegal plates via a stay of temporary protection, and selling these plates that were originally for poor farmers to bring a pickup for work purposes. Instead, they are selling the plates to anyone including foreigners who own luxury cars.
In many cases, to cross the border into Mexico, a fee of $450 USD goes to the cartels who manage different border crossings. In the states of Guanajuato, SLP, Tamaulipas, Coahuila, and more it is becoming more common. They have found a way to avoid paying for legal importation, legal plates, and tags. To see gringos with Mercedes who buy into this is truly disgusting. Why would you do something illegal that you wouldn't even consider doing in your own country if it were possible?
"Organizations like the Union Campesina Deomcratica (UCD) issue invalid" plates", identifying their members before the authorities, but the only plates that are valid are those issued by federal entities and then accredit the legal stay in the country through a permanent import permit (pedimento) or an invoice issued by a vehicle agency "
"Organizaciones como la Union Campesina Deomcratica (UCD) expiden "placas" no validas, de identificacion de sus agremiados ante las autoridades, per las unicas placas que tienen valicez son las emitidas por las entidades federativeas y para ello tienen que acreditar la legal estancia en el pais a traves de un pedimento de importacion o una factura emitida por una agencia vehicular"
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qtla9111
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12/16/21 06:34pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Immigration crack down
Big C. Although Sonia has a lot of knowledge about Mexico I lost all faith in her when she was processing vehicle imports not according to the rules. She certainly is proud of herself. It is on her best interest to scare people into getting a permanent or temporary visa.
Expats in SMA flock to her. Not sure why when all the immigration paperwork can be done on your own. So many fearful people who don't want to learn the language. Everything is online and in English or can easily be translated. What they charge is outrageous.
And I agree, the vehicle import process, well I've said enough.
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qtla9111
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12/15/21 05:53pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Immigration crack down
They have Tim Hortons in Mexico? Texas needs a Timmie'sI never thought it would happen, Tim Horton is coming to Texas this summer. I'm starting my diet now to make room
There are almost 50 Tim Horton's in the Monterrey metro area.
https://i.imgur.com/l1L6TQml.jpg
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qtla9111
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12/15/21 06:46am |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Crossing Back Into The U.S.
Which crossing did you use? Where were the inspections.
Have a safe trip home.
Thanks, Playaboy. We crossed both ways at the Hidalgo bridge. Coming home today, the military inspection heading north was over 4km long. Something is going down, not for me to say, but we have never seen it that long.
Crossing the bridge into Mexico we had a green light. We know many people in Reynosa. It has its good points and is much better than Nuevo Laredo as a city. Many Mexicans have homes in McAllen as well.
Nothing exciting to tell other than the fact (I have to check my dashcam) a pickup truck either blew a tire or just lost control and flew, literally, across the median and onto the other side of the autopista. We pulled over, and he got out of the pickup and did a walk around. So, he survived! But, man, those things really give you a wake-up call to pay attention to the road.
Overall, a good trip. Our infamous president has now said he is authorizing a booster shot as Omicron has shown its ugly face in Mexico. This will be long term and we are ready to participate in the process.
I have to say, as much as I love Texas, it is in a constant state of highway construction. Hwy 83 has been under construction since I first visited in the early 80s.
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qtla9111
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12/03/21 05:49pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Inflation in Mexico
Contracted employees, self-employed, are not eligible for aguinaldos by law. The years I worked as an independent consultant, via honorarios, was never included. When a person, such as a maid works for more than one person, they aren't eligible either as you have to be fully employed by one employer. Similar to a person who works less than 40 hour weeks in the U.S. is generally not eligible for any company benefits.
BTW, an employee of OXXO (where I worked in corporate for a year) posted the truth about his pay at the store he worked at. His salary was so good, and his benefits, that many people posted, "I have a degree and work in a large corporation. I would be better off working in an OXXO". Of course, the guy who posted on TikTok is a store leader.
His salary is 20,000 pesos a month, IMSS, INFONAVIT, aguinaldo, and 750 pesos additional in despensa or food coupons.
The years I worked in the U.S., employees received a turkey. Big deal.
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qtla9111
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12/03/21 06:35am |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Inflation in Mexico
It became a mandatory monetary benefit in 1970, with an amendment to the Federal Labor Law, which stipulated that the bonus should be equivalent to at least 15 days of salary and must be delivered before December 20. In the constitutional article, it is referred to as a bonus although mandatory.
Full-time teachers in the state of Nuevo Leon receive an average of 50,000 pesos, current and retired. Keep in mind the 2 weeks is a minimum and many company employees receive much more.
If you read the link below the history goes back hundreds of years and for different reasons including the influence of the church.
https://www.milenio.com/negocios/breve-historia-de-cual-es-el-origen-del-aguinaldo
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qtla9111
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12/03/21 06:10am |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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