Guadalajara

The Costco in Guad is almost exactly the same as Costcos in Canada. They don't have the Montreal Smoked Meat on a Bun at the snack counter, but the hot dogs are the same. There are also some nice lunches with a Mexican twist.

The store is rotated 90 degrees sideways so the orientation seems confusing for anyone who is familiar with the standard planogram. Some things are more expensive, mostly foods like US Grade A+ beef, good cheeses and even some seafoods. Vegetables and fruits are almost free. Gringo garden furniture and electronics cost more, appliances and good bathroom fixtures cost less, and someone will wash your car by hand while you are in the store for the equivalent of $3.

The Home Depot experience just down the road felt like, well, home. Checkouts are slower but nobody cares. There are no self-serve check-out aisles like we have in Canada, which I refuse to use in any event. Drivers in Guad are generally civil if you show self-confidence instead of uncertainty. It pays to pretend.

The painters should be finished their final touch-ups tomorrow, after which come the floors. Lynda and Don prepared for us a fabulous dinner of arrachera and fresh greens. We were hungry and craving home cooking, and it did not disappoint. Melanie and I are looking forward to their visit for our wedding at the end of May.

More on that as soon as we figure it out!