Pharmacies in Mexico, like drug stores in the U.S., have come a long way from their original role of dispensing medications. Now it's possible to buy all kinds of things in addition to medical supplies.
I was reminded of this the other day when we stopped in Farmacia San Martin on the Cholla Bay Road. While John was talking to the owner, whose name is also Martin, I wandered around as I love to do, just looking at everything. There was a good selection of watches in a case with sunglasses. I also noticed cigars. Do they sell those in U.S. drugstores? How would I know--I don't smoke.
There was a fair amount of food--not just candies and snacks, but juices, jello, herbal tea, coffee, rice, and dog food. Of course cosmetics were in evidence, but also wallets, balloons, and huge rolls of gift wrapping paper. While this is not the sort of thing I would buy every day, it's good to know where I can get some if I need it.
But this wasn't all--a stairway at the side of the room led upstairs and a sign invited customers to go up. I went up and found a whole wealth of additional items--a lot of household supplies, such as brooms, cleansers, blankets, baskets, plastic ware, and glassware. But also children's clothing, baby supplies, T-shirts, and rubber thongs shared space with decorative items such as wall plaques, clocks, statuary, and jewelry. In the area of recreation I saw a chess set, stuffed animals, back packs, and piñatas.
Having lived in Tucson for over 30 years, I know where to go for most things I need, but in Puerto Peñasco I'm still learning. Visiting Farmacia San Martin was another small piece in my education.
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