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.

Lo Nuevo, Nuevo @Downtown Jett Sales

There is a store in downtown Laredo that has some pretty cool, old stuff but at some pretty high retail prices. Most of the items sold here were top of the line in 1990. However, it is a new millennium but this store is adamant at selling their wares at top dollar, no matter if they are no longer in high demand.

Need a VHS rewinder? They can hook you up with for a mere 35 dollars! Gotta have a Cassette Walkman to rock out some Anthrax on your way to 4th period Algebra class? A mere $60 can get you a yellow Sports player.

If this VHS rewinder is on special at $35, they I shudder to think what they everyday normal price might be.

As a big fan of the 80s and 90s, and as someone that pines for the past century, you would think I'd be all over this store. But, it just seems like this place is out of touch, a time capsule that needs to be shaken awake.

An Afternoon in downtown Laredo

My job has been keeping me busier than usual. I'm not making excuses, I love my day jobs, but  they do drain the life out of me. Not that I'm complaining, for my jobs pay the mortgage, keep the Schlitz flowing freely and make the wife/s happy. Still, it leaves zero-free time to myself.

That is why when I finally had an afternoon off from work, several weeks ago, I jumped at the chance to once again cruise the crazy streets of Downtown Laredo, where drug deals, rancherismo-dancing, prostitution, panhandlers and cheap, electronic knockoffs keep my blogging back for more. 

Perfect afternoons away from the work are a rarity for me, so I decided to unwind by sipping on a Ziggy-sixer and stumbling down the streets of my beloved hometown. Below you will find of few of the things I encountered on this particular occasion. 

Who says we have no culture in Laredo? Modern art is everywhere.

Downtown, they take their patriotic duties very seriously. Shops get closed for God and Country.

I was surprised at the amount of shops closed on this particular day. Is it El Guapo's birthday or something?

You can stand in the middle of the street on Salinas Ave at 4:30pm and not worry about a thing.
(except maybe the meter maids) #LackOfParking

Wow! Downtown landlords don't mess around. If you dont pay your rent you get shut down
and go the way of Munden's or the Playmore. #GoneButNotForgotten

So my day off was not a total waste. I was able to get my cheap electronics fix, buy an elote, gaze at the lovely Senoritas before calling it a day by wandering into one of several downtown cantinas. All in days blog. You see how I sacrifice myself for you readers. Keep blogging back for more Laredo downtown afternoon delights. 

Closede for lack off Bussines

In these tough economic times, many downtown stores are opting to close down due to sluggish sales. After shuttering their doors, some stores place a sign out front to let the customer know that they have gone out of business. Here is one such example below, that I found downtown. 

Of course, since this is Laredo, we go bilingual on everything, and pos, here is the gringo English version for you pochos que no hacen espeak Espanish.

A few errors in spelling and grammar

Good thing Mami Chulas is still in bussines and not closede.

A day in Downtown Laredo

Going downtown can be fun. One never knows what kind of fun sights can bee seen. I recently had some days off from work, so I ventured to the downtown area in search of things that put a smile on my face. My associate, Mr. Ed, accompanied me on this quest. This is what we found.



Downtown, you have to be careful not to be caught with your pants down. Apparently, these mannequins here are showcasing some 'San Francisco' style clothing, not too often seen here in Laredo, and for good reason. I'm not too sure just what was going on here, but some store downtown, must have a sense of humor. Rule #1, never be caught with your pants down, downtown. Big no, no.


Doors, they can be tricky. One false step and 'POW', right in the kisser. Notice the door in the picture above. A random door above a storefront, no staircase required. You gotta love downtown.

Times are bad! Stores are closing down left and right and downtown Laredo is being affected as well. Flexible entrepreneurs have been forced to showcase their wares on the sidewalks. These shoes look great. Too bad they didn't have my size.

Laredenses overact. We are just not ac costumed to a little cold weather. As soon as the temperatures dip beneath the 70 degrees F, people bust out the parkas. Se salen!

Gotta love downtown. So much energy, so much vibrant hustle, so many things to laugh at.
(Email me if you wanna head out with us downtown next time. )

Shopping Downtown (en el centro)

Its been a while since I have gone shopping downtown. I'm not too sure why I haven't gone either. When I was in my teens, I used to enjoy going to the downtown shops and browsing around, or just hanging out and enjoying the sights and sounds. At the time, I used to ride the Metro. Now that I drive, it's harder to go downtown. Parking sucks. Nonetheless, I made it a point to go downtown this Saturday afternoon and take some snapshots. I'll catch the locals in all their glory. Come back on Sunday for some good pictures of downtown Laredo.

(note: the picture above was found on Flickr)

Dowtown Laredo, Three Sisters

Downtown Laredo in better days. Anyone have any idea of the time period this picture was taken. I'd say 1974. What you think? The store Three Sisters was still around.

Laredo Downtown 1940-50s

Cool picture I came across of downtown back in the late 1940s, maybe early 50s. This town must have been cool back then.

Streets of Laredo are safe again

No need to worry downtown residents, for the police are closely patrolling the streets. There is no crime that they can't solve, no thief that shall escape their grip. Beware all downtown criminals, for the cops are on segways and they will catch you! There, I feel safer already. In any case, it sure does look fun.

Volver Bar

Well, nice, I spotted something on Vidaurri St. in downtown Laredo. I'm not sure if the place is still in business, but the name of the local watering hole caught my attention, Volver Bar. Volver means "return", as in you will return again and again to this place to drink more Schlitz or Old Milwaukee. It looks like a great bar to go in and have a cold beer. Anyone know what type of bar this is, or anyone actually frequent this dive? In any case, love the name, I sure will return here again soon.

Plaza Theater

At night, one of the more visually appealing scenes downtown is the neon green lights of the old Plaza Theater that sits across from the Laredo Center for the Arts. Unfortunetly, this local landmark has been closed since at least the mid 90's, yet it still sits there with all the integrity of a building with a rich history. There has been plenty of talk of re-opening it, but nothing much has been made of it. Still, it sits there at night, glowing with a large grin of stately pride as the building remembers how grand and great it once was.