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complete with prices and an order entry system. If you don't find what you are
looking for, you can send Linda (the owner) a message and she will track it
down for you. This is a great way to save time and money on your trip.

Just like in the U.S., keep a list of all the medications you are currently tak-

ing, notation of allergies or hypersensitivities, and diet restrictions. Your health
insurance card with the name and phone number of your family physician
may be helpful for medical history if needed. Most U.S. health insurance cover
medical needs in Mazatlán, however, prepayment by user is required, and with
sufficient copies of bills, reimbursement will be made when you return home.
Medicare is not good outside the U.S.

If you need eyeglasses or prescription sunglasses, either bring a prescription

or a pair of glasses with you. Eye exams are available by professionals at excel-
lent prices. Optometrists in the resort area sell designer type glasses for less
than $100 U.S. Allow at least two days for delivery.

I always have a pair of good earplugs on the nightstand. Mazatlán is a busy

city, with traffic late at night and early in the morning. You non-party people
don't want to be awakened in the middle of the night by the "fast-lane" people
next door staggering in and arguing. You partiers that blunder into your rooms
late at night don't want to be awakened by the early risers or maids (especial-
ly if you're hung-over).

A good camera and film are a must. You want to capture those "Kodak

moments" so that you can bore or make envious those friends and relatives
who did not make the trip to paradise with you. A couple of places provide
four-hour film developing in the tourist zone:

Benavides Pharmacias: It is located on Camarón Sábalo, just north of

Gaviotas Cinemas. They have one-hour developing service.

Fotografia Sr. Zepeta: At the base of El Cid Mora tower on Camarón Sábalo.

They have two- to three-hour developing service, and can be contacted by call-
ing 913-3333, ext. 3363.

Bring along a small backpack and/or a fanny pack. Wallets or purses are a

nuisance, and you will want to take only what is needed while at the beach.
During your shopping, the fanny pack is safer for your cash or credit card. The
backpack can be used for your ubiquitous bottles of water. This book will fit
nicely in your backpack as a quick reference and for directions.

While most merchants and store clerks in the tourist zone are bilingual,

there may be occasions to use Spanish. If you cannot speak Spanish, I suggest
you bring along a pocket Spanish-English translator or electronic translator.
The dictionaries are available at most bookstores, and Radio Shack has a large
variety of pocket electronic translators. A list of helpful Spanish words and

M a z a t l a n I S P a r a d i s e