Nuevo Progreso, Mexico

The last thing on our list of things to do while in the Rio Grande Valley was a trip to Mexico.  We were somewhat reluctant to venture across this border based on the tall tales we had heard regarding Mexico these days.  However, we wanted to go and didn’t want to be deterred by the unfounded fears of others.  So we asked around.

International Bridge over the Rio Grande

We happened to be at the campground clubhouse one morning when a representative from a local travel agency was promoting her company’s tours to Mexico.  We listened as she explained what to expect when traveling in that country.  She did caution that border towns were a bit risky due to the drug trafficking and high crime problems along the border. We had also heard from the staff in the campground office that there have been riots and demonstrations in some of the border towns.  We talked to several folks in the campground who had been across the border and everyone recommended Nuevo Progreso as a destination.  After talking to these travelers, we were eager to go.

Taking their advice and parking our truck at the large parking area just north of the bridge, we walked across into Mexico with a steady stream of other Americans looking for the bargains to be had in this tourist town.  For the tourist, Nuevo Progreso is essentially one street which extends about 3 blocks.  On either side of the road are shops, dentist offices, and pharmacies.  There is a sidewalk, but street vendors have taken up residence on the street side of the sidewalk creating a “tunnel”.  We crossed the bridge with a throng of people and were swept along through the tunnel.  As we passed along, vendors would shove a sample of their wares in your face to tempt you to buy.  We investigated a couple stores and only found a small green gecko (the shop owner assured me it was handmade from tin) and a bottle of tequila to bring home.

About half way down the street we found our lunch spot for today—Red Snapper Restaurant.  The place was packed (that was a good sign) and we had to wait several minutes to be seated.  We each had the fried shrimp which was excellent.  We couldn’t pass up the $1 margaritas, either.  Back out on the street, we continued in our slow stroll, crossed to the other side and worked our way back to the bridge.  With passports we were able to reenter the USA without even answering a single question.

Tomorrow, Gene is taking the truck for an oil change and I will be spending some time getting my photos of the Rio Grande Valley organized.