Wednesday Miscellany: Health While Traveling & More
We’ve really been enjoying our time in Mexico so far! We’ve had some fantastic meals (look for a recap sometime in the next couple of weeks). The weather has been lovely, and our schedule has been a nice mix of fun activities and “down time.” Above, a walk along the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta at sunset.
You’ve Been Asking…
Some of you have asked about the coronavirus situation. As far as I know, the number of cases in Mexico is minimal. The mood here is what I’d describe is “aware, but not worried.” Almost all of the restaurants and shops we’ve visited (and even booths at the mercados) have a dispenser of hand sanitizer on the counter or at the entrance. According to my SIL, that’s nothing new, and has been a common practice here for some years.
In addition to washing our hands regularly and thoroughly, I keep a package of sanitizing wipes in my bag.
After I mentioned we’d purchased fresh berries at the local farmers’ market, someone wondered if it was safe to eat fresh produce in Mexico. Though that may have been an issue at one time, it’s no longer an automatic no-no. The resort where we’re staying, and most local establishments in this area, now filter their water, so it’s safe to drink (and wash produce with). But it depends on the region, so check before you go, or drink. But we’ve had no issues so far.
From the farmacia…
I’d heard from friends and family that one could often purchase prescription medications over the counter here, and for much less. I didn’t think much about it until I saw a sign at the local farmacia listing Retin-A as one of the medications they offered. I asked, and found that I could get the same strength that I use at home for about 1/6 of what I pay in California! (It’s not covered by my heath insurance.) So I bought two, which is enough for the better part of a year.
France’s pharmacies still reign supreme when it comes to skincare, though. 😉
I’ll have more from the trip (as well as a wardrobe recap) next week. Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for daily updates!
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I’ve only been to Cancun, but didn’t have any tummy troubles. We stuck with cooked food and bottled water and everything was good. One time we stayed at an Airbnb with a Cook, I think she might have gotten a lot of staples from Costco, but it was all delicious!
I would like to go to Mexico City and see what their International/Urban cuisine is like.
México City is wonderful! So much great food!
Enjoy! It looks like a fantastic place. I was recently in a Pharmacy in St. Barth’s and was amazed at the wonderful skin care selections. A candy store for women!
Thanks — and I look forward to your dining recap. Any good beach reads?
In 2000, I organized a family vacation to Italy. My dad told me, “Oh, sweetie, you don’t want to go to Italy [he pronounced it IT-lee). You can’t drink the water there!” I told him it had changed since he was part of the post-WWII occupation forces.
Yes, progress!
Gorgeous street photo. Enjoy your trip!
Love the Retin A prices in Mexico. They don’t sell Trevino in in France however that I have ever found. Spain has Retinides for around 7€ but it is fragranced.
May I ask what items you stock up in when in France?
Please do a post on France’s pharmacies beauty products!
We were just in Mexico City for 10 nights. Dang it, I didn’t even think of getting Retin A!! We ate mostly at the pop up street venders, the food is so delicious. We used bottled water at our Airbnb but I never remembered to brush with bottle water. My husband got The Touristas after a dinner at a nicer sit down restaurant. The people are so sweet, I loved watching them cook, they’re so gentle.
Love the Retin A prices in Mexico. They don’t sell Trevino in in France however that I have ever found. Spain has Retinides for around 7€ but it is fragranced.
May I ask what items you stock up in when in France?
Enjoy yourself–and stay safe. The WHO has just declared a pandemic, to no one’s surprise.