June 23, 2009

A Hard Bargain

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I had a little time to kill at Cancun airport last week, so I busied myself browsing the shops in the departure lounge. Unfortunately there wasn’t much to write home about; just the usual suspects, such as those silver jewelry stores you find all over Cancun, a Rogers Boots outlet, and a convenience store.

But what I wasn’t expecting to find was a pharmacy, filled to the rafters with shelves of medication and jam-packed with shoppers. I noticed a huddle of men circling one particular corner of the dispensary and when I managed to jostle my way through the crowd, here’s what I saw:

What men want, apparently

Front-end lifters, no scrip required

Yep, apparently the erectile disfunction drugs Cialis, Viagra and Levitra are available over-the-counter down Mexico way at prices lower than in the U.S.. Evidently, the airport pharmacy does a roaring trade with outbound Casanovas who need a little help “putting the lead in the pencil,” if you know what I mean.

Most readers of this blog are female, but I thought this info was worth passing along, nevertheless. You know … just in case.

 

June 17, 2009

Look What I Bought!

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Cherubs

I’ve been enchanted by these angelic wood carvings ever since I first saw them on a trip to Mexico last year. The hotel I was staying in had huge ones – maybe three feet-high – on the walls and they really made a bold statement.

Fast forward to yesterday, when I snagged one of my own in a tiny Tulum craft store. Full disclosure: the one in the photo isn’t the one I ended up buying but I liked this one so much that the owner let me snap a pic, since I couldn’t swing buying both.

I’ve been trying to find out the story behind these traditional carvings and why the angels are always depicted with their lips pursed as if they’re blowing something. No luck yet, so if you happen to know, please do clue me in. In the meantime, I like to think that they’re sending a warm breath of health and happiness on everyone who sees them, and I can’t wait to get home and find a special place for mine.

If you’re ever in Tulum, be sure to stop by Mixik and browse their colorful and eclectic collection of folk art, craft, jewelry, furniture – and these adorable angels. Sure, you could always pick up one on eBay (search for Mexican angels)  but you’ll have a much more interesting story to tell if you hop south of the border and get yours there.

Mixik

 

June 17, 2009

Hecho En Mexico

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deodorant

Call me crazy but when I travel, I love going to drugstores and supermarkets. Somehow even the most mundane supplies seem more interesting when they’re colorfully labeled in a foreign language, and I find it fascinating to check out unfamiliar local brands and packaging.

Case in point: I was in a supermarket in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico on Monday, hunting for deodorant (there was an unfortunate mishap with the Dove stick I brought with me, but the less said about that, the better) when I spied this adorable Weeble-like purple Garnier roll-on and a petite Dove roll-on, the likes of which I’ve never seen Stateside. Both are made in Mexico and come in carry-on friendly sizes, and the Garnier “Pure Fun” scent is surprisingly – and deliciously – fruity. Needless to say, I bought them both.

Let me tell you: sitting here  in 97-degree Tulum, I’m sure glad I did.

 

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