3/30 Life in Mexico Update

[jhwalker]

We have never been to a high-end resort. Sounds like you had a good time.

Somewhat insanely, when I see the police/military all armed, the thought goes thru my head to try to disarm one of them

In the 7-8 years down here I have been pretty cautious (meow) -- the one 'break-in' we had, a door was left unlocked. Is that a break-in or a walk-in?
Have been shaken down once (for approx. $20. ) Shook off a couple of other attempts. One time by clucking like a chicken and laughing in response to all questions. The other time Terri started telling the cop that I was an idiot and guilty of speeding and he basically said something like 'you are punished enough' and walked away.

[jhwalker]

We have never been to a high-end resort. Sounds like you had a good time.

Somewhat insanely, when I see the police/military all armed, the thought goes thru my head to try to disarm one of them

In the 7-8 years down here I have been pretty cautious (meow) -- the one 'break-in' we had, a door was left unlocked. Is that a break-in or a walk-in?
Have been shaken down once (for approx. $20. ) Shook off a couple of other attempts. One time by clucking like a chicken and laughing in response to all questions. The other time Terri started telling the cop that I was an idiot and guilty of speeding and he basically said something like 'you are punished enough' and walked away.

a double

[jhwalker]

We have driven down here only one time (when we moved). We just fly back and forth.
We are going to drive up at the end of this year, and give our 2009 Escape (in good shape) to a relative. It never gets much use.

We have friends who drive back and forth often.
We just got a report...
"Jan and Billy were on their way to the border today.  At approximately 3:30 PM, about 20 to 25 miles west of Reynosa, shortly after they passed a Highway 40 toll booth where they had paid a 235 peso toll, they saw a truck across the road ahead of them.  They first thought it was a wreck, then noticed another vehicle stopped at the truck.  Billy realized it was a robbery, threw his vehicle into reverse and sped backward as far and as fast as possible until he reached a place he felt comfortable spinning around to cross the median and head in the oppose direction.  During the time Billy was traveling in reverse, a man on foot came from the shoulder of the road and fired three shots at Billy's truck, one of which hit the side.  During this same time, a car with one or perhaps two passengers chased Billy until he crossed the median and began driving in the opposite direction.  Other vehicles followed Billy's lead and crossed the road to the other side.  Many of them stopped at a nearby market.

Billy continued to travel away from the border for several miles, concerned he still might be chased.  When they did turn around and head  to the border, there was no sign of the truck, the gunman or the chase car.  They cleared the Mexican border.  Upon reaching the US side, they reported the incident and spent several hours with Border Patrol, Homeland Security and Mission police officers.  Among other items, Jan explained that friends will be headed back to the US within the next week and asked what advice she could give us as to any places or times that might be less dangerous than others.  She was told that there are no safe crossings, nor is there advice as to how to protect oneself.  There are too many criminals and too few law enforcement personnel."
I'm proud of Billy, a fellow 70+ year old geezer.
The border is a rough place...

[Tetge]

Statistically, the fact that you know two individuals who have encountered highway robbers speaks a lot for the dangers in Mexico, that some allege are not that big a thing, as crime happens in every country. However, at last count, there were only 8 states, of 31, in Mexico that did not have travel warnings from the State Dept. From my vantage point, it is hard to portray Mexico as a recommended vacation destination, and, in fact, it appears that it was safer 50 years ago, than it is now:


>>>>>>The U.S. State Department has released an updated travel advisory for Mexico, expanding its warnings specifically about the regions that are home to some of the country's most popular tourist destinations.

The agency cautioned U.S. citizens that homicide rates are on the rise in areas such as the states of Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun, and Baja California Sur, which is home to Los Cabos.

Citing Mexican government statistics, the State Department noted Tuesday that, so far, 2017 has seen much higher rates of violence in those regions than during the same period last year.

"While most of these homicides appeared to be targeted criminal organization assassinations, turf battles between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens," the department writes of both states, as well as of Baja California. "Shooting incidents, in which innocent bystanders have been injured or killed, have occurred."

Warnings were added for the states of Chiapas and Veracruz, bringing the number of Mexican states covered under the U.S. government's advisory to 23 of the nation's 31 states.<<<<<<

[SonicVenum]

Wow, if this trend keeps up, it'll have a severe impact on the resort towns. Our driver in Los Cabos said their economy relies on tourism 100%, and 80% of the jobs are directly in tourism. I wonder what it'll take to right the ship. Or, is it a lost cause?

We loved our Cabo trip, and booked it because it was half the price of the Hawaii trip we were originally planning. Our next trip will likely be a cruise, so we have some time to see how things play out. We may or may not do a short trip to Mexico City with my mom early next year, but that would be straight to/from the airport with transportation provided by my uncles.

[jhwalker]

Mexico has such great potential. The historical discrepancy between the wealthy (often politicians) and the not-wealthy is pretty staggering. The ranch of an ex-president is close to our casa, and I watch the village men walk or ride well-worn bicycles by the well-equipped helicopter pad, that has a contingent of heavily-armed guards waiting to load the heli passengers into black limos for the 1/2 mile drive to the hacienda. Which is next to the bull-ring. Which is next to the stables holding beautiful horses.
The local controlling politician's family is very wealthy. The recent former mayor was a thug who forced his way into several businesses. The corruption here is less subtle than in the USA
There seems to be a touch of larceny everywhere -- expected and found. The public workers are underpaid and not unionized.

I make it sound grim, but the 'regular people' are wonderful in this area. Appear to have many moments/events showing happiness. Damn, there are endless celebrations, and all ages are involved. We enjoy living here. (or we would leave)

[SonicVenum]

So, when the crime at the top is so blatant, the crime at the bottom is just as brazen, but the good people in the middle are left holding the bag either way. To quote a vile idiotic orange man, "Sad."

[jhwalker]

"very sad"

[jhwalker]

The beat goes on.
http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/kidnapp ... o-arrested

San Miguel is seen as a soft touch haven for crooks. A bunch of us retired geezers. We have heard that the bad guys know a group of us shoot (and practice ). Local justice is stern. I know 'cleaners' if I ever have to shoot a bad guy.

It is said that some of the abandoned mine shafts are filling up.

[SonicVenum]

Geez, the positives must be really positive to outweigh these negatives.