We made another short trip (by airplane) back to the U.S. this spring. One of our main priorities while back in the U.S. is to collect a few items (see May 2011 list) that we simply can’t find in Mexico, or the cost to purchase them down here is exorbitant. Crate and Barrel for example, now accepts online orders from Mexico, but the shipping and duty fees would make your eyes water.
Along with “our” shopping list, we typically have a few items to bring down for friends (as they do the same for us). On this latest trip, the “friends” list included:
- Sunbrella fabric for repairing boat covers/shades (biminis and dodgers to you yachties)
- Black licorice (red vines type)
- Cotton sports bras
- Water filtering unit (for galley sink)
- Package of mail
- Teriyaki-flavored beef jerky
- Boat canvas hardware/fittings and tools
- White Columbia wide-brimmed hat
- Brass plumbing fittings
- Metal concho ornaments and turquoise-colored beads for one admiral’s curtain-making project
- Scotchbrite sponges
- Miscellaneous office supplies (donated to remote village schools)
- Surfboard shaped bath-mat and coordinated hand towels
- Beads in some beautiful warm, pale colors (rocailles for hand-weaving)
- Digital movie player
- Zincs for rope cutter that keeps nets, etc. from fouling a propeller
- Mixed nuts
Now you have an idea of what many of us either need, want or are craving while away from the U.S.!