A Mexican Lunch Break

Normally on the road, I just eat in the vehicle and didn't take a lunch break since it just wastes time in my schedule that I could be moving. This time, I decided to pop over the border to buy a few things, since I knew Progreso is very safe. I had read in the news that you could import Cuban products so I was going to get me some Cuban rum and cigars. Luckily I asked the customs agent before crossing because he told me that that doesn't take effect for another 90 days. He did tell me I could smoke one over there and to go and "smoke one for him." I guess it was a bit of a change of plan and I decided to get some cheap tequila instead.

After getting the work I needed to get done at the Progreso POE, I headed over to the pedestrian bridge.

Green pedestrian safety sign reading ATTN: PEDESTRIANS PLEASE REMAIN ON SIDEWALK FOR YOUR SAFETY and a warning sign at a border crossing area with palm trees

I paid my toll at the toll booth.

Covered pedestrian walkway at international border crossing with Practice random acts of kindness banner overhead, ATM signs visible, and people walking through

I made my way over to the bridge. The sign thanking Winter Texas (aka Snowbirds) was there like the first time I went to Progreso .

Decorative sign with American flag design reading Thank God for America & For our Winter Texans Welcome Home mounted on fence Bronze dedication plaque for Progreso-Nuevo Progreso (Las Flores) International Bridge, dedicated July 2003, listing officials including President George W. Bush and Mexican President Long covered pedestrian bridge walkway with metal fencing on both sides and overhead lighting

I looked across the river and realized that invisible line was right down the middle.

Aerial view of Rio Grande river with green vegetation along muddy banks under blue sky

I finally made it to that invisible line.

Bilingual boundary marker sign reading LIMITE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS / BOUNDARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with International Boundary and Water Commission seal

I was finally in Mexico!

Mexican customs area with blue directional signs in Spanish for vehicle declarations and import permits, customs patrol vehicle visible Large Mexican government monument with national seal featuring eagle and snake emblem, flanked by colors of Mexican flag

The sidewalks were packed with activity.

Street scene in Mexican border town with crowds of people, businesses including pharmacy advertisements and restaurants Yellow sign advertising ALMOST FREE PHARMACY ASK FOR One SPECIAL

I decided to hit up the first store in search of my cheap liquor. There was some Mexican Music playing overhead

Interior of Mexican retail store with colorful decorative papel picado banners, merchandise displays, and shoppers Store shelves stocked with various liquor bottles including whiskey, tequila, and other spirits Shelves displaying Mexican tequila brands including bottles with agave plant designs and various mezcal products

They didn't have the cheap stuff I was looking for, so I continued my search. Across the road I saw Jr. Boots, the place where I bought my boots .

Storefront buildings including Jr. Boots with large boot sign and dental office in Mexican border town at dusk

As I walked, vendors were trying to get me to buy their stuff. I finally made it to Uncle Sam's liquor.

UNCLE SAM CURIOUS & PHARMACY store sign with patriotic red, white and blue design Retail shelves fully stocked with tequila bottles, Don Julio boxes, and various liquor products

They didn't have exactly what I was looking for but they did have cheap tequila, so I bought the 4 liter max you could take back. I then started walking back through the packed streets back to the border. I was tempted to get something to eat, but it was so hot that I lost my appetite.

Main street in Mexican border town showing businesses, parked vehicles, pedestrians, and commercial buildings under clear sky US-Mexico international bridge crossing point with Puente Internacional Las Flores sign, vehicles in inspection lanes, and pedestrian walkway

There was a Mexican soldier guarding the border.

Armed Mexican military personnel in camouflage uniform standing guard at border crossing checkpoint with vehicles passing through

This was a super easy border crossing. I think it took longer for me to bring out my passport card than actually talking to the border guard. Basically, I just said I was buying cheap liquor and he saw my bags and let me through. I paid my taxes and I was good to go. It was crazy because this whole trip took half an hour. Granted I didn't eat, but it was a good way to spend a lunch break and kind of crazy how I could easily pop in and out of the country over a half hour "lunch" break.

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