Across the border

 Yuma Border Crossing 

We were told to get there ( to the optical shop) when it opened at 8AM, but to come back to the US before noon or else be subject to extra long lines and a possible overnight stay in Mexico because they close the gates back to the US and the wait can be as long as 4 hours.

Others have suggested walking up the river a bit and crossing over that way 

if need be.

We noticed several patches of barbed wire, but not very many.

Who are they trying to keep in ( or keep out?)

Typical border town that has tons of trinkets

along with the bartering ritual.

Some streets you can be attacked with the merchants pestering you to purchase

most anything.

Los Algodones is known for the number of Dentists, Pharmacies and Opticians.

It has more dentists per capita than any other place in the WORLD!!

Every day more than 3000 people cross the Yuma border to get dental treatments.

We happened to stop at one of the dental offices, and definitely would not go there.  They recommend full mouth replacements with ceramic crowns - Yikes!

There are plenty of people that do get good dental work done, but I'm thinking it would be hard to choose a good one amongst the thousands.

We went over for a pair of eyeglasses and had a really good experience.

Exam + tri-focal progressive lenses in basic frames cost $100.00

and-it was done in 3 hours!

(Compare that to the weeks it takes to get the lenses done at home)

We got to the line to cross after 11AM

and the time estimate was about an hour.

Guess we won't have to spend the night!

Always glad to get back to the US!!