MeXscape

So far, these posts have all been from my wife, but now I’m going to jump in occasionally and offer my thoughts. It just amazes me how little accurate information is available. Mexico is so close, but no one really knows anything about it. I keep having the same conversation with people when I tell them I’m going to Mexico. They start with something to the effect of “be careful”, “You’re going to get robbed”, or “Watch out for bandits”. We talk a little more, then they exclaim, “YOU’RE DRIVING!! Its so dangerous, you shouldn’t drive in Mexico”, etc.
Just this afternoon, I ran into someone as I left work. We were talking about getting away from it all, and I said I was going to Mazatlan in a couple months. I got the same story from him. Cautions that I shouldn’t drive, only fly. Don’t carry cash. Only take one credit card. He told me about the gangs of youths that force you to an ATM and make you withdraw all your money.

I couldn’t believe it, this man supposedly has relatives in Mexico. Not to mention I was a little dubious about his advice. I wasn’t sure how only taking one card with me would really help in this situation. It might prevent them from cleaning me out completely, but I would still be stuck in Mexico with no money. I decided not to mention that while this does happen occasionally it is something new in Mexico. Not only does it happen here as well, but it has been happening here since I graduated high school.