Algodones Dentists & Casino Poker

December 27, 2010

Chula Vista KOA campground, San Diego County. I really liked this RV park, a friendly/helpful place to build up my strength from a hospital stay a couple days ago. (You can search out my 'Blood Trip' report for those gruesome details...) But now, I was healing up and getting well..plus...restless. Nomads know this feeling.

Once again, this old adage fits into most of my narratives..."All men's troubles come from the fact that he cannot sit still in a room."

Desparately needing to get some wind in my face, and deciding to kill two birds with one stone, I drove east of San Diego on I-8 for about 170 miles to a Mexican village..near Yuma, Arizona. You guessed it...the second bird was to be a dental visit, To the village of dentists...Algodones.

It was a scenic and pleasant drive along the freeway.. through rolling hillsides and flatlands. Take away the recently rain-frenzied California drivers and it's a very nice road trip. I had my coffee sin French Vanilla creamer...the XM radio playing my favorites (Simply Sinatra, Heart, Loft, 50's, 60's, 70's..FOX NEWS!!)....sunny day...nice breeze....cruising America....Life is Good.

In what seemed a very short time, there I was..at the turnoff to Algodones just a bit west of Yuma..at exit 166, I think.

But WAIT!... hey, what's this big place? The "Quechan"??. Is that by chance a..be still my heart...a Gambling Casino? With maybe a live Texas-Hold-Em poker game? I have GOT to check this out.

Excuse me....I will report back after a close inspection of the premises.


..to be continued..




[Edited on 1-7-2011 by Pompano]

Pomp must be winning big, we still have not heard anything. JH

Now back from the inspection of Quechan casino at I-8 turnoff for Algodones dental town.

Quechan's is an average native American casino...lots and lots of slots..ugh. Plus a dozen blackjack, 3 card poker, etc.

And...a live poker room that I'm told will be very active starting about 9 AM. Also has some tournaments thru-out the week with an Omaha contest on Sunday, I believe.

Another plus...Quechans offer 'almost free' RV camping on a special lot provided for big rigs..security, etc. As close as this place is to Algodones I guess I will stay right here.

blane...I didn't miss that place. I played some poker at the Viejas resort..had a great time..and even managed to win. I will most likely stop there on the return trip to San Diego. They have a very nice RV lot with courtesy vans that take you and your money back and forth from the casino...a loooong walk I don't need right now.

Time for some breakfast right now..then call some dentist referrals..then say a prayer to the Poker Gods. Hmm..does anybody know who what diety that might be?


EDIT TO ADD THIS PHOTO: QUECHAN CASINO AND RV GROUNDS





[Edited on 1-4-2011 by Pompano]

[Edited on 1-5-2011 by BajaNomad]

I live a few miles away from Viejas. Pretty decent poker room. I play 3-6, and tournaments now and then. Sounds like you enjoy Omaha. That is too hard for me. I will play it in home games, but the folks at the casino are way too good.

Poker God:



[Edited on 1-4-2011 by blane] - why isn't the image showing? Is it because it is a .gif?

[Edited on 1-4-2011 by blane]

[Edited on 1-5-2011 by BajaNomad]

At the Dentist's Office...Day 1 - root canal!

After signing up for a couple tournaments and a cash poker game at Quechan’s, I made the short 7 mile drive down to the border town of Algodones.


There is a large parking lot operated by the Quechan nation..very roomy, easy in and out, and only $7 a day for my large motorhome. I believe regular size vehicles are $5. It’s right at the border walkway and very convenient for pedestrians to enter Mexico..and to return.


Below is a typical scene from Algodones downtown district. Lots of dentist and optometrist businesses of course…plus farmacias…and the never-ending tourist items for your next garage sale.

Hawkers for the hundreds of dentists will try to catch your eye and shout out their offerings of ..”Looking for a dentist? Our guy is the best..also the cheapest, senor! Come, take a look inside before it fills up with patients.”

And of course, the ever-present army was around, naturally.







Meet Dr. Edgar, dentist of 11 years in practice at Algodones. One of the many highly-qualified dentists I interviewed. He became my second choice, but was a very close runner-up and I would not hesitate to use him. Qualified in root canals, also.



Checking diplomas is always important.



The dentist in the middle is my root canal specialist and is in partnership with my chosen main dentist on the right. I had a quick root canal done by the specialist, Dr. Manuel Gonzalez. Now, I knew that this was going to be a very deep root canal and I had braced myself for some anticipated discomfort. I did not feel a thing and actually spent the very short time thinking of pleasant Italian things.

Dr. Gonzalez had to tell me twice that he was done and I could sit up now…I might have been smiling.




After the painless root canal, I went into Dr. Luis Medina’s chair for an extraction of an old root canal..in preparation for my coming crowns and a bridge. Again, painless and very professional work by Luis and his assistants. Can’t say enough good about this fine gentleman.

He had mucho honesty and integrity. He knew I was in a hurry to complete all my dental work and fly to Rome, but insisted if he was to do the work that I wait for my crowns, etc. until this coming Friday. He wanted to make sure that I was healing properly from the root canal and extraction before continuing with the crowns and a bridge.

He patiently explained that I could certainly go to a less conscientious dentist somewhere in Algodones, and get the work done in 2 days or less, but he would not take that chance. That further convinced me I had made the right choice.

He made the Friday morning appt. for me and gave me a PX for the pain..which I never experienced..and also some meds for any infection that may be present from my old root canal as a precaution. THESE MEDS WORKED THE WAY THEY SHOULD!!

Also a PX for any swelling or soreness that the the root canal dentist had prescribed…which Dr. Luis explained was plain IB Profen..and he asked me if I have any at home? I told him I did..and he said, ‘Well Rogelio, then just take one of those 3 times a day for 3 days and save some money at the farmacia.”

Pretty nice of him to offer that advice.





Well, that was a quick and successful first visit to Algodones. It was still early afternoon, and I had root canals and the extraction already out of the way. Time to walk back across the border, which is a very easy task from anywhere in downtown Algodones.



The chain link pedestrian walkway channels reminded me of ..cattle chutes.




Well, I was all done for that day.. and I wanted to show off my new root canal and partial dental work..so I saw this pretty gal in the parking lot and asked her what she thought?

I grinned with a big toothy smile for her...forgetting the crowns were not in yet..nor the bridge...sigh.




Hey…come on…it can’t be that bad….? Co-Pilot would show more restraint, I’m sure. Well, maybe a little grin, but that's all.


To Be Continued Friday..





[Edited on 1-5-2011 by BajaNomad]

Sure thing, Ira...be glad to advertise a bit for him.

Sr. Rogelio,
I am glad for you that you found a reputable dentist that you trust

I hope all goes well for you, your teeth, and your poker

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged Sr. Rogelio, I am glad for you that you found a reputable dentist that you trust I hope all goes well for you, your teeth, and your poker

Didn't know there was anything wrong with his "poker"

Roger may not show us pics of his visit to the urologist....some things are best kept private

Hey Meester, my sister is a dentist.

Thanks Vince...I'm feeling 1000% better. Maybe I should have brought my camera into the hospital and let the nurses take a few shots of that little sojourn.

I can't be positive, but I think I called you from GN..or maybe El Rosario (parked next to BajaCactus)..kinda fuzzy to remember. Just glad to be here and planning a trip, thanks to you, amigo.

Thanks for the aspirin/ibuprofen heads-up, oladulce..but I am well aware of the stomach problems these may cause to anemia and peptic ulcer ictims. Plus, the Scripps doctors discussed this with me at length.

Hey...my first two years of college were in pre-med...I could hang out a shingle perhaps? How to doctor a poker hand....

Thanks again, I promise to be diligent.

Quote:

Originally posted by Pompano Thanks for the aspirin/ibuprofen heads-up, oladulce..but I am well aware of the stomach problems these may cause to anemia and peptic ulcer ictims. Plus, the Scripps doctors discussed this with me at length. Hey...my first two years of college were in pre-med...I could hang out a shingle perhaps? How to doctor a poker hand.... Thanks again, I promise to be diligent.

Rogelio,
As you probably know, Tylenol is not a blood thinner like the others mentioned. Also, have a CBC blood panel done to check your blood platelet count.

Life is a gamble. Just be sure that Poker is the most dangerous peril you encounter.

Well...since you're so close to San Luis, you can take care of two of your issues. [sorry..no dandy candy] Have Oso guide you in to "Hot-As-Hell Heaven."

Holy Herefords, Oso...that one's as old as Hugh Heffner...

..and thanks, Oso, for the other casinos..I'll check them out tonight. Don't know about the bawdy house though.

[Edited on 1-5-2011 by Pompano]

Hah...from a dentist/poker trip .....to hookers!

Seriously all, I am NOT interested in the least to waste any time in the Green Door..Blue Door...Pink Door..or any other Door at all.

I'm happy with what I have already. (And probably wouldn't even if I was not.)




Purely here for the teeth and chips.

Quote:

Originally posted by Steve&ebby Pomp,If you don't mind me asking,what was the cost of the dental work? I need to have a tooth pulled and a crown. Thanks,Steve

Hi Steve,

I can guesstimate fairly accurately that an extraction will run from $30 to $50 USD..and crowns are in the neighborhood of $120-140 each. At least those were quotes I got from 4 different dental offices in downtown Algodones.

My work has yet to be completed so I can't tell you yet the total cost. But so far a root canal cost me $250 and a boring of an old root canal (removal) was another $50. Given the quality of work done, an unbelievable bargain.

Best part...no pain and Cindy held my hand.

Here’s an update on my dental work:

My Algodones dentist, Dr. Luis Medina, wanted me back today so he could check to see if I still had any infection going from the botched Baja dentist’s job of mid-December.


The arrival area:



Driving into Algodones is not necessary, so we parked again in this handy lot operated by the industrious Quechan native American tribe. But…an odd thing happened this time.

Just a few days ago I had been asked to pay $8 when exiting thru the pay gate. The regular rate for cars being $5. Only 8 bucks...still a good deal, considering the easy access to Algodones. The native gent in the booth was most pleasant.

This time, however….a not-so-friendly tribal gal in the exit booth said I would have to pay $12 for the motorhome because it was 3 axels. I said my coach was only 2 axels and she could look if she wanted.

She did not look..and then said…."It’s $12 today for large motorhomes."

I then asked why the increase in only a couple days from 8 to 12$..and where is the rate posted?

She stonily stared at me and growled...”12 dollars to exit the lot.”

I don’t think she liked me when I paid her 48 quarters from my laundromat fund.

Some people are not meant to be parking lot exit professionals.


I went into the Algodones walking entry gate again with no mishaps..and quickly found my way to Dr. Medina's office.



I was shown right onto a waiting chair for his check-up on any infection happening. I had been taking the drugs he had prescribed to combat the Baja Sur butcher's mess..it had worked it's magic. He said I looked good to go for next Monday's crowns and a bridge.



There was No Charge for this check-up visit. I asked if I could take a little nap as I was pretty comfortable about then. It was not to be.


I was now a little hungry as I had passed on breakfast earlier..so off I went ...looking for a good sit-down cafe for my usual Huevos Rancheros. Some friendly cops on the sidewalk showed me a good one in a little plaza...just a short walk away. Nice guys.



I choose a second floor seat in the sunshine as it was a little nippy yet. Good coffee and breakfast while overlooking a pleasant scene below. A guitarist was singing for donations..I hoped he woud spend some of the donations on singing lessons.



After breakfast it was time to stroll back to the USA...and get back to my job of professional gamber...ahem. But first...a shoe shine! I love shoe shines by others.





My shoeshine boy was named Chattenooga..or so he said.


Now time to hit the US entry...still easy as pie..no waiting in long lines.



I watched a US customs pooch doing the sniff test. All clear this time.





I did notice another odd thing with our customs agents this time, however. They were stopping southbound vehicles on the US side and checking them out thoroughly. Might be a reciprocal thing going on with US and Mexico?




.
.
To be continued next Monday after the crowns and bridge are in place.

Back to the tables!!



[Edited on 1-10-2011 by BajaNomad]

Thanks for the info Pomp.Keep us posted on the final tally on the cost of the dental work.
Looks like the customs agent on the left is hideing something under his shirt.
Might be a Dunlap!!!

I really don't know for sure..but I imagine it is possible. Next Monday I can ask for you and post the info back here, capito?(gotta keep practicing the Italiano...bene, bella, buongiorno, buonanotte, pasta...)

Richard...I cannot WAIT to see your falsies...will have camera at hand.

Quote:

Originally posted by Pompano Quote: Originally posted by mojo_norte Can you get a tourist card there at the border also? Great post - thanks! I really don't know for sure..but I imagine it is possible. Next Monday I can ask for you and post the info back here, capito?(gotta keep practicing the Italiano...bene, bella, buongiorno, buonanotte, pasta...) Richard...I cannot WAIT to see your falsies...will have camera at hand.

Quote:

Originally posted by Pompano I did notice another odd thing with our customs agents this time, however. They were stopping southbound vehicles on the US side and checking them out thoroughly. Might be a reciprocal thing going on with US and Mexico?

It's a fairly common procedure at San Ysidro. Word is they're checking for stolen cars and I've had them ask me if I carried more than ten thousand dollars, I guess to apprehend drug money going south. I'm sure lots of people answer "yes" to that one. After all, it is a "US Government Honesty Zone."

Final Update - dental visit to Algodones, BCN.

Whoops, sorry folks… I forgot to finish this Algodones dental visit report. I got preoccupied fishing in Panama and kicking back in Italy.

So here’s what finally happened over in Algodones with my dental work…..and also my final days at the poker tables in the Quechan Casino:

Algodones dental report:

I pulled my large RV into the Quechan Indian parking lot again...and noticed that is was almost full this time. Wow…must be a lot of new teeth coming out of Algodones today.



I saw a long, long line of US-bound dental and optometric clients. Did I mention I HATE lines…

I had a long day in the dental village and when I was done it was already dusk..and the parking lot had thinned out quite a bit. Which was okay with me…made my motorhome stand out like a ruby in a goat’s butt.




Our US Border agents were still doing a good job of checking southbound traffic.






A real entrepenuer using his brains…and legs…to take visitors back and forth across the border. Cool.



Hey, maybe next trip I’ll bring a spinning rod to test the waters?….NOT.

And now…the real reason to visit Dr. Medina at Algodones. To have Cindy the assistant take good care of you while you squirm in the dentist’s chair.



Okay, so in addition to being a real nice gal, she is also a great dental technician who did a marvelous job of cleaning my lower set of choppers. Muchas gracias, Cindy.


The rest of the crew at Dr. Luis Medina’s dental office. And the happily-drugged patient.




The job was very well done and I am completely satisfied with the results. Many thanks, amigos…Good to have a full smile working again.

The total costs were as follows:
2 Root canals = $250
Old root canal extraction/bore-out = $50
7 crowns, 1 bridge, cleaning, listening to my Baja stories = $1400
Total of dental expenses = $1700

Incidental expenses:
Parking = 3 times…$25
Prescriptions = $22
Lunch and ice cream = $15
Shoeshine w/tip= $3



And that ends this year’s visit to the dental village of Algodones. Next trip will be for my old lab… who has lost some teeth to really fast car tires this winter.




Now back to the Quechan Casino to recoup some expenses at the poker tables.









Hey, I didn’t do that bad…got 3rd place in a Hold-Em tournament ..almost $400..and made the final table in a Omaha contest….another $180. I did well at some cash games, too….but I better keep that a secret.



And that’s it for the dental and casino report.




Now I can get back to some reel fun…. FISHING……!!



[Edited on 1-20-2011 by Pompano]