It just gives you a glimpse of what life is like in Puebla, Mexico!!
I'm here in Puebla now and wanted to take the time to share for those that are in the process of preparing and packing to come. Like me, you are reading the lists of others and wondering what you should really need to take vs what not to take.
Let me begin by saying that I was very surprised by how modern Puebla is. I looked at the little snapshot of restaurants posted by George Goff and for some reason though that maybe there was only 1 Starbucks and how lucky this city was to have something so modern finally come. haha, what a foolish thought to have. Please toss out your expectation of "Mexico".
There are many Starbucks in this city and if that doesn't comfort you, there are also Gloria Jean Coffee Shops along with many cool and interesting coffee shops as you get closer to the clinic. And by cool, I really mean cool. We sat patio side eating french toast and I was drinking Mimosa's watching very classy and sophisticated Mexican locals practically doing the same. If you are a coffee snob, then you will survive in Puebla! Unless you just want to guarantee that you have your special coffee, then don't bother packing it. You will find a good cuppa right here and a nice experience as well. There is a Starbucks in the hospital even. If you are staying in Inspiralta Apartments, then Starbucks is right around the corner as is Gloria Jean Coffee and a fabulous shop, Vainilla Chocolate that sells breakfast, delicious expresso coffees and gluten free, vegan, sugar free and regular delicious desserts and scones. Are we rethinking Mexico yet?
Groceries - what you need to consider bringing from home. Nothing. If you are gluten free, Mega and Walmart have a large supply of gluten free products that I see on the shelves at every grocery store in the States. I was shocked. I even found my favorite crackers and jumped for joy right in the store... so many comforts from home. Both Mega and Walmart carry a large supply of natural and organic products as well. I found GHEE, Coconut Oils a plenty, Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar, Coconut Aminos, Almond milks, Coconut milks, soups, natural juices, and just about everything under the sun to feast on and many of these products are the same from home. They also have Stevia and natural sugar so don't bother packing that. And if you are a tea drinker, they have lots and lots and lots of teas to choose from. Mega even has grass fed organic beef, organic eggs, gluten free bread, cereals, pastas, organic chicken, etc. Costo is good for organic veggies. All of you organic foodies will survive!
If you are a bit more of a snob (I am) and prefer higher end items, then skip across the street or get a ride to the mall. They have Williams Sonoma that sells all sorts of high end spices, flours, oils, a very nice balsamic glaze ;), pastas, etc. The Palace department store in the mall also has an organic market that will excite and delight you as well.
If you are a COSTCO or SAMS Club member, bring your cards. They have both stores not far from all of the apartments. If you are in Inspiralta you can walk to COSTCO easily. I recommend becoming a member if you are not one already as you can buy a lot of bulk items here that will last you throughout the month without having to keep going to the grocery store, unless you just need to get out of the apartment a bit.
If you are like me and you want to organize and set up living for the month, they even have a Home Depot where you can find many of the suction cup shower caddies. I didn't check Walmart until yesterday but I imagine they have everything you need to organize with as well. The bathrooms are small in Inspiralta and if you need more organization, then I recommend shopping at either of those places. Home Depot is right near Walmart and within easy walking distance of Inspiralta. Speaking on bathrooms, if you are not in a wheelchair you may get put at Inspirtalta or Aquaducto as Quadra is the only one with a large wheel-in bathroom. But if you are tall or wide, you may want to consider Quadra as the showers are short and narrow. They can fit a small shower stool but barely and they do have a wand so you can shower sitting. Just something to think about if you are taller or wider and prefer more space in the shower. Otherwise, you will survive!
Walking is SAFE and I recommend it for the caregivers. Puebla has an amazing walking system with bike trails and walking paths that go all over the city. Right behind COSTCO near Inspiralta is the public park which is AMAZING! They have running/walking paths, a running track, soccer field, basketball courts, mini golf (yes, have some fun!), an exercise park with equipment you can use, and an all natural restaurant and cafe. Bring your running/walking clothes and shoes. You wont regret getting out and hitting the trails!
And there is even more enjoyment for the foodies. George Goss was correct in saying that some of the best restaurants are here in Puebla. Sonoro's is a fine dining steak house near the clinic that serves probably the best steak I've ever had. It will set you back about $50-70 US dollars per plate. The wine list is excellent. for my wine snobs, try the Mexican wine at the higher end restaurants. You will greatly enjoy them! I was quite surprised. Restaurant La Noria is a nicer restaurant that serves a good mix of foods and local flavors. It is lovely sitting outside. Its not as expensive as Sonoro's but you can get a good steak there as well if you like. There are so many restaurants for you to enjoy that are not worriesome. The ice is bagged and not contaminated so feel free to get ice at these places. They will serve you bottled water if you also prefer. I personally stayed away from salads just to be on the safe side but have not been sick since coming here and I have a very sensitive stomach. Enjoy all you foodies! If you are not a foodie and want to stick to more common places, IHOP, PF Changs, VIPS, McDonalds, Dominos or Papa Johns Pizza, or the food court in the mall can satisfy your cravings. The food court also has a HOOTERS if you are dying for wings or a sports bar.
Speaking of the mall.... oh my goodness... the shopping is incredible. Prada, Coach, Michael Kors, Burburry, Emilo Zenga, and so many other high end names that I could not count. They also have all of the makeup you ladies have back home in your same deparment stores and even a Bobbie Brown makeup store. There is a botanical store for more products if you prefer more natural items. And if you love to gamble, there is a casino in the mall with all the typical slots and card games you have back home. The mall even has an IMAX theater if you want to catch your favorite movie in spanish.
This is not a mall for the typical Mexican population. What you will find in Puebla is a lot of high end shopping, dining, etc. (even a Jag, Porshe and Audi car dealerships) that cater to the richer population, which you guessed it... are probably cartel Narco related...but don't let that scare you. Word on the street is that Puebla is a safe city and is kept that way for their families to also enjoy freedom of taking advantage of such nicities. Don't let the armed guards at the mall scare you. Their AK47s with laser sights are impressive but they keep petty theives from getting the wrong idea. We have crime at our malls in Atlanta and could use such show of force.
Now that you realized you will survive in this "Mexican" city (I'm still laughing at myself for thinking so poorly about coming to Mexico for treatment), let me share with you what I wish I would have packed and left at home.
- themoeter (don't bring, they loan you one that scans the forehead)
- hand sanitizer (unless you want special sanitizer from Young Living oils or another natural brand, they provide you with some or the grocery stores carry plenty)
- fruit and veggie wash (leave at home, Walmart carries it)
- natural soap (leave at home, buy it from Botanica in the mall!)
- organic gluten free snacks (leave at home, you will be shocked at what they have here so safe the suitcase space for your walking clothes)
- organic shampoos and conditioners (unless you have a special brand you prefer, you can buy this at Botanica in the mall as well)
- essential oils (unless you have a brand you prefer, the mall sells them!)
- peppermint tea (you can buy organic peppermint tea here)
-organic spices (the grocery stores carry them)
What I wish I would have brought as suggested by others that I ignored:
- black out curtains. I have not shopped Walmart enough to say that they cant be bought here but those I wish we would have purchased. Inspirtalta is all windows and the thin (see through so don't change in front of them) curtains do not block out any light. It's just as bright at night as it is in the day, so it seems. I did bring an eye mask but I don't sleep well with something on my face.
- ear plugs. There is a lot of noise living in apartments and with the windows always open (no air conditioner) you hear much of the city sound, your neighbors TV or barking dogs, parties in the distance or the nightclubs, or the constant banging with all of the construction going on.
- fragrance free fabric softner. Yes, I still use fabric softner but due to allergies, I cannot use anything with a heavy scent so I buy all fragrance free back home. Walmart may carry this item but Mega does not. They do have Tide Free laundry wash. Please note that all of the laundry detergents here are obnoxiously scented.
And that is really about it for what I wish I would have brought. The rest of what I had could have been left at home. The nurses do a great job of checking blood pressure and temps and the hospitals nearby should you need to go, are actually very nice. The MRI at the hospital has a 1.5 magnet which is what they use back home for us. I also highly recommend you get your MRIs in Mexico. You will save so much money. They are about $200 US a scan.
The clinic, nurses, drivers, doctors, etc. have all exceeded our expectations.
You are going to be just fine coming to Mexico for your care!
You will love it!!
