Well, this is better than most Walmart parking

Some overland travelers in Mexico use Pemex gas stations to park overnight. Walmart is popular in Canada, and especially in the U.S., but for us those two options have always been for emergency use or as a last resort. It usually doesn't take much effort to find something much better.

But here in the city of Xalapa, parking is at a premium, even for regular sized cars. It's a fairly congested city, and there are no RV parks or campgrounds that are suitably close.

But there is a Walmart that is located about a 3 km (1.8 mile) walk from the city center. It's not a typical Walmart parking lot though, and some of the reviews even mentioned a view. It turns out that the store itself is built above the car parking garage, so Igor can't even access that. But there is a delivery section around back that's easy for Igor. And, because it's behind, we don't hear any noise from the busy road out front. And yes... there is a bit of a view!

Photo taken this morning. Looks like its going to be another overcast day.

We got parked up, and threw together our laundry. Another bonus is a big modern laundromat only a ten minute walk away.

Nice laundromat.

So, we got all the laundry done including bedding. Total cost was 126 pesos ($10 CAD, $7.30 USD).

Then we went into Walmart and did some shopping. Got that packed away, and then went for a walk around the neighborhood. We were actually looking for a butcher and a fruits and veggies place. There was a local market, but it was closed on Mondays. 

We did come across a butcher though. It looked like a great shop, and Ruth ordered a half a kilo of ground beef in Spanish. We don't eat very much red meat, but we like the occasional meatloaf or chili con carne! Anyhow, the guy handed her the meat and said "that'll be 106 pesos" in perfect English. It always surprises us when that happens. Anyhow, we got to talking to the guys, and the other one came out and spoke perfect English as well. He was showing us photos on the wall of their ranch located outside of town where they have the cattle and produce the product. All natural.

Juan and Sylvano.

Sylvano used to work in oil and gas and has even worked in Norway. And Juan worked for the power company here in Mexico. Anyhow, now they are in the butcher business! They even gave us a big chunk of their home made smoked chorizo as a gift. Nice guys!

Today, we will do the walk into the center of town.

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12 Pack of Hanes Men's Underwear.

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