I’m so looking forward to my mission trip to Mexico in a few days.  I’m going to Casa Hoagr Elim again, and it’s always an amazing experience.  It got me thinking about my no shopping challenge.

When I go shopping in Nuevo Laredo, it’s always for groceries and supplies for CHE.  Although they do have a lot of the major retailers there, we shop at the Soriana.  It’s similar to a Kmart I guess, but the bakery is awesome!  I’ve been to the WalMart and Home Depot down there too, but they’re quite a drive and stuff costs a lot.  The Home Depot does give out free paint brushes when you buy paint and you gotta love that!  All we get here are some free stir sticks.

Retail is very different in Mexico, yet has many similarities.  I thought you might enjoy a photo tour of commerce in Nuevo Laredo.

I didn’t see Mary Kay, but this Avon ad was on the electric meter outside a house.

There’s some interesting products down there that I haven’t seen here.  This is Gorilla Snot hair gel.  Yes, I bought some last year and my kids love it because they can tell other kids they have gorilla snot in their hair.  Holds really well too.  Maybe I’ll use this on my dreads next time.

This is like our 7-11, although my ‘friends’ told me this was the porn place.  Yes, I fell for it momentarily.

This is the side of a store front in the colinas, and area where there’s no electricity or running water.

I haven’t ever stopped here, but I love the roofing material.  Old printed tarps from billboards.  How cool is that?

I love going down to Mexico.  More on this after my trip.  :)