Shopping to My Heart’s Content

Because we had driven to Mazatlan, we packed too much. So we really didn’t need to shop for anything. But when we found out that the prices are so much cheaper than in Mesa, Arizona, our last few days became a shopping frenzy. We discovered that there are five main shopping areas: 1) the Zona Dorada all around El Cid, 2) Walmart and Gallerias Mall toward the north, 3) Soriana/Gran Plaza southeast, 4) Juarez Sunday Market further southeast, and 5) the Old Mazatlan Mercado in the Downtown area.

the market in Old Mazatlan, downtown

my US$100 stash

There were so many great value items for swimming, nice local shirts, etc. but Bill didn’t seem to notice any of them. So, after a while, I decided I didn’t have to wait for him and bought what I wanted, just like a normal woman. My final stash included: black classic slacks for US$10, four tops ranging from US$7-20, black socks for US$2, black fashion hat for US5, beaded Mexican necklace and bracelet set for US$10, one gold and one silver shawls each for US5, Aztec earrings for US$20, and two knock-off Dior reflectorized dark glasses for US$10. I got one or more from every single one of the shopping areas. I just couldn’t help myself. ! spent all of US100 for my complete makeover.

When I ran out of eyebrow liners, we drove to the Walmart/Galleria Mall. And because they were much cheaper than in the US even if they were the same brands, I finally got to buy all sorts to try which one best suits what I want to do with my brows. I did the same thing for my lipstick. I also found out that the Grey Away spray I use to hide the white in my hair so I do not have to dye as often was only US$4 when it is US$10 in the US. So I bought a nine months’ supply to last until my next trip in January 2020. We found bargains for hair dye, shampoo, body wash, and mouthwash, too. Bill finally had to stop me. He said there was no more space in the car.

Soriana, the biggest local supermarket chain

By the time we were packing to go home, we panicked because we had not bought any “pasalubongs” (arrival gifts) for friends and family at home. So we rushed to the El Cid Shopping Arcade which had a few souvenir stores. For friends, I bought 11 beaded bracelets and Bill bought El Cid golf towels and ball cap markers. I also found another reflectorized fashion dark glasses like the one I bought for myself. A granddaughter said they were sweet shades. Bill got four zip-up hoodies with Mazatlan logos and designs for each of his grandkids, too. Of course, he didn't forget the tequila!

tequila section

But the prized articles we are bringing home are two. The first is the ceramic tile painting we bought from an El Cid Hotel shop featuring the Malecon with the Valentino, the party place, as its iconic focal point. And the second and high value one is a unique photo collage of 16 Mazatlan doors mounted on two wooden door panels. We found this art piece during one of the First Friday Art Walks in the Centro Hispanico of Old Mazatlan.

our art pieces

Next year, we promised ourselves that we would not bring so much with us in the car, list what we need throughout the year, and buy them in a more organized fashion in Mazatlan. We would not only save millions, but we would also have so much fun right from the very start!

pottery and ceramics by the roadside

PS On the drive home, there were roadside shacks that attractively displayed tons of pottery and ceramic works.  Of course, I begged Bill to stop at one. I bargained myself into a clay pot and mortar and pestle to display on my kitchen counters.

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