2018 in full effect!

If you noticed, I upgrade from 2.0 to 3.0. Why you might ask? Is there better writing? Did the posts become more intriguing and the journalism stepped up a notch? Are the updates finally arriving on a semi-regular basis? I do hope its a small portion of all three and it should reflect in the upcoming weeks.

It is a new year and 2017 was brutal for me with the loss of Mami Chulas and Halloway Bakery hitting especially hard. However, new places are here to replace these cherished institutions.

One place I have quickly learned to love is the Laredo Outlets. I'm not a fan of Mall del Norte, but the outdoor atmosphere and easy parking make the outlets a fun shopping experience for me (not a paid endorsement). I have found myself going back there for several purchases recently and the decent prices make it my worthwhile.

Unfortunately, many of the stores surrounding the outlets are vacant, probably due to risings rent costs. I love going downtown and to stores besides the outlets and slowly I see many locals also giving downtown another look that has long been forgotten.

Edecanes vs. Beer Run Gals

The U.S.-Mexico soccer game was like kissing your sister. It was a draw, 1-1. Boo.

As I drove around the West and South sides of Laredo, I began to wonder, which country is truly better. Well, I know that the ol' U.S. of A. is great in many respects, the money, the jobs, the lack of corruption. OK, not so much in Laredo. But you get the idea.

But Mexico is pretty cool too. Like, for example, check out this video of some edecanes in Nuevo Laredo, shaking their money makers in front of what appears to be La Mina. Ain't that cool?

About a year ago, I posed the same question (click on this link), thinking about all the possibilities of edecanes and the Mami Chula's beer run attendants. I still maintain that it is a solid concept to consider. That is, of course, unless you're a Communist. Or the mayor.

A local beer run in the South Side. No touchy touch.

But, if you would see some lovely ladies dancing to some loud music in Laredo, what would happen? Oh yeah, Mayor Salinas and the City Council would be all over that, crying to the heavens about morality and the children. Yeah, the children.

Whatevers.

But in all seriousness, what is wrong with Laredo Beer Runs. The girls are very nice. They are earning more tips than you would think possible. No, really. Ever talk to a waiter or waitress from any restaurant that you love in Laredo? You know, Olive Garden, Johnny Carinos, Logan's, etc. If you talk to any of them you'll hear the common theme: Laredoans don't tip squat. Nothing in some cases. But these nice ladies working hard in the South and West Side of Laredo are turning the tables. It's . . . it's . . . about empowerment!

So, support feminism and go tip your beer run attendants!

Beer by the pack

At this southside store, don't even think about buying beer by the can. You MUST buy the six pack. Got that?

Mami Chula's Friday Night

I just had to see what all the local ruckus was about concerning Mami Chulas and other similar beer run establishments, so I took a drive to the southside to get an up close and personal view of the place.

Also, I was feeling thirsty, it being a Friday night and all.

Long lines at Mami Chulas to buy a six pack of Bud, for obvious reasons. I guess its not the 90's anymore in Laredo.

FYI, I might have to make another cross-town drive tonight for another twelve pack. Thing is, they have quick fast service at Mami Chulas. I keep telling that to myself. Uhm, yeah.