A few days ago, right after our move here, we needed to find a surge protector as there are not many outlets in the house and we have all of our gadgets, computers, etc.
As we were walking back home towards Ancha de San Antonio on Zacateros we found a store that sells just about everything. Low and behold there were 2 new surge protectors in a locked case near the front of the store. Score! It looked like the price was $13USD which we thought was expensive but we needed it, so oh well. Now we just had to buy it. And boy did that start a long, weird, exhausting process.
First we had to find a person to help us. There were several standing off to the side, so we snagged one. No one spoke any English and Glenn’s is rusty, so this took a while. Thank God he knows what he is needing to say for the most part. We then had to go and look at the case where the protector was and he had to determine that it needed a key. So off he went to find the one that fit. There were about 25 on a ring. He came back, unlocked the case and took the protector out. We then went to a desk off to the side and he checked Glenn’s driver’s license and credit card and put the information in the computer. He then gave Glenn’s items back and told us to follow him to the back where we determined we would pay for the protector. There were 4 cashiers in back of the store behind glass and we waited in line to be called to one of them. That happened and we were then asked to give Glenn’s drivers license and credit card again! That took awhile for them to put the information in. Then we had to use the card and it took about 7 attempts for us to figure out that his card wasn’t going through the machine, so we had to try another one. A few more times of trying and that one finally went through. Back to the front where there were 4 others managing the desk and going through the transaction one more time. We eventually got everything done. Yippee!! It only took 45 minutes, 6 people and 4 receipts to buy what we found out when we looked at the receipt was a $3 surge protector. Looking back we should of bought the other one for downstairs too. But we just aren’t into doing the whole experience over so one will have to do for now.
One might think that this is just the Mexican way of doing things. And sometimes it is, and sometimes not, but we wouldn’t trade living here and our move here for all the convenience in the world right now. We have nothing pressing to do and no place we really have to go so we can take our time, we are enjoying that!! And everyone is so friendly so what really is the rush.
P.S. Just a quick update.
Today we went to La Comer, a big store that sells everything very close to our house. And there in front of us was, hold your breath, an entire area dedicated to Surge Protectors!!! At about the same price and all available without a 45 minute escapade. Boy did we feel dumb. But then, think of all the fun we would have missed if we had found them here the other day. We are learning all the time.
5 Comments
I haven’t seen anything like this site before. Did you wrie this wonderful stuff yourself?
Thank you for enjoying our blog. Yes, I write everything myself. Glenn will be getting his feet wet when he writes an upcoming post on the fabulous music scene in SMA. Have you subscribed yet? We have many more posts in the works.
I have been reading out many of your stories and i can state clever stuff. I will definitely bookmark your site.
Next time pay cash for a $3 surge protector 😉
Well, we did think it was $13 dollars originally and had run out of cash. Next time we will suss it out more. I need a Spanish class to understand everything.