“You want to have a good time, break out the cash and let the good times roll” Louis Jordan There are times when scrimping and saving is a good idea, especially while living in everyday reality. But you’re on vacation! So what if the wolf and the creditors are at the door back home! You’re here in Mazatlán to have as good a time as possible so you will be relaxed and strong when you return to the old grindstone. Every dollar wisely spent down here will pay dividends in stress reduction and longevity, both of which are good for your health. To start with, when you get off the plane, pass customs and arrive at the baggage terminal, before you even look for your luggage, hire one of the courteous porters to do the heavy lifting, dragging and so forth. Not only is it easier on your spinal column, best of all is the uncanny way they always seem to press the SEARCH/ DON’T SEARCH button just right so as to get the green light, thus saving you all kinds of worries that can cause headaches. Call me a high roller, but I throw the guy a five dollar bill, the price of a Budweiser on the plane, just to make his day. Makes me feel good, too. As for transportation into town, don’t listen to anybody, just grab the first taxi you can and pay the fixed rate. If your throat is dry from the sudden loss of altitude, tell the driver to stop at the first little store on the highway and get a cold beverage for the ride in, so you arrive at your lodgings in a state of comfort. Sure you could haul your own baggage, take a shuttle bus, save twenty bucks and arrive late, thirsty and unpampered, but why torture yourself? Just work more overtime when you get back home. Do not try to economize by forgoing sunscreen, ice, aspirin, comfortable sandals, a good book or bottled water. Indulge yourself in all the small ticket items you want. And for all your friends back home, get a dozen or so of those zany three dollar tourist T shirts, so they will be obligated to buy you a gift in return, someday.