Why didnt we die in Mexico???

Hey guys, My girlfriend and I have been traveling now in our 1987 4Runner for about 4 months headed south to Argentina. We spent a month in Baja in Febuarary and recently another month in Mainland Mexico. I wrote this post on my blog regarding concerns over travel in Mexico. Thought you guys would like it as well.



It seems obligatory for all overlanders to write a “Reflections on Mexico” post after their travels through the country are completed. Not only for collecting their own thoughts but also to share the truth about this “dangerous” country. While Lauren and I were preparing for this trip many people thought we were insane. Oddly, It wasn’t for the fact that we were planning to drive 25,000 miles to the bottom of the world. We were primarily labeled insane for simply wanting to drive into Mexico.



“Cant you just skip Mexico?”

“Have you thought about shipping around Mexico straight to South America?”

“I have heard/read/seen that you are going to be beheaded, raped, robbed, scammed, schemed, murdered, sold into slavery; the instant you step across the border to Mexico.”

Honestly, I cannot really blame them. The media blasts us with reports of daily beheadings, bodies lining the streets, downright bloodbaths. Momentarily while preparing for the trip we would feel a shimmer of trepidation as well. What if our years of research, planning, and reports from people who are actually IN Mexico were wrong and they were all right? Would there be banditos waiting to have their way with our innocent American flesh?




We pushed aside these fears and stood strong, after all… hard facts beat out hearsay everyday.

There is no doubt that there is truly a war going on in Mexico. A bloody drug war, a struggle for power between the all-powerful gangs and the quickly dwindling police and military forces of Mexico. However this war is concentrated primarily to the border areas and rarely involves anyone that is not poking their nose where it shouldn’t belong. I will leave my opinions on America’s drug/immigration policies being a primarily catalyst for this war for another time…

The MAJORITY of Mexico is a beautiful, peaceful, tranquil place. We found plenty of farmers/fisherman/working class people quietly going about their business. We found zero insane banditos hellbent on attacking innocent gringos. We primarily encountered children laughing and playing in the streets, women washing clothes and making fresh tortillas by the roadside, and hombres walking their cows from field to field.





We also found lots of police and military checkpoints searching for drugs and guns along our way. We saw 50-cal machine guns mounted to police truck cabs. It was not rare to be shopping in a supermarket picking up some milk next to a sawed-off shotgun wielding security guard. However after the initial “gun shock” wears off these things start to just be part of the routine.



Never in our entire month journey all throughout the far corners of Mexico did we ever feel remotely in danger. Lost, confused, frustrated, yes. In danger? Never.

Mexico is getting a raw deal. There are tons of RV parks, campgrounds, and other tourist attractions that are drying up and going to waste down here. The media has put a downright HALT to peoples plans to visit this beautiful country. Every single traveler we ran into had the same story to tell, zero problems whatsoever, great people, great food. We are here to tell you, do not be afraid. It is a wonderful place, full of wonderful people, with a rich and vibrant culture.



Fear is a strangle-hold on life, Do not let the fear of the unknown keep you from exploring outside your comfort zone. We have found that good research, a sharp mind, and a easy smile will keep you out of trouble 99% of the time.

Next time you hear someone talking about how dangerous Mexico is, Ask them the last time they were there? And then… point them to our blog.

http://homeonthehighway.com

[Edited on 2-29-2012 by defrag4]

Police Machine Guns????

" Why didnt we die in Mexico???"

Don't give up, go back and try again, don't be discouraged, all those media reports can't be wrong...

Great report defray.

Love the positive spin.

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo Great report defray. Love the positive spin.

X2!!! Checked out your travel blog, amazing!!!!! Good luck on your travels..I truly envy you kids!! ( I'm old-I can say that now).

Love your blog

Would love some hitchhikers, maybe Ill start a new post on the board and updated you guys more frequently, We are currently in San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala taking spanish lessons for 3 weeks. Loving the Guatemalan life as well, aside from gas everything is cheap cheap cheap. $25/week for our caban, $3 for a nice meal in a resturant, 2.50 for a weeks worth of vegetables.

Hey Angel, You might like this post

http://homeonthehighway.com/adventures-in-mexico-city/

Wow!!! Many landmarks I recognized. Thank you for sharing. I see the Angel de La Independencia and glad to know the (few) soccer wins haven't knocked it down yet. You did get to see the Zocalo . Not far from Mexico City is Tepoztlan a very charming and colonial town. You hike the Tepozteco mountain and once you reach the top you can admire the Tepoztlan Temple. It is a majestic view. Safe travels! I'll keep checking your blog.

Great post and blog...... Thanks for the good news as I am planning to retire in a few months and want to do the same trip. I'm planning to criss cross Baja and the mainland for a couple of years then head down to Rio de Janeiro for the World Cup Soccer "party" in 2014 and stay for the Summer Olympics in 2016. Then come back up to Baja to "settle down" ( if I can ). .....
Please keep us posted. You guys are my Heros........

Damn good post! Always nice to see a balanced post about Mexico.

My only complaint is that you didn't spend enough time in Baja. You should have posted more about the out-of-the-way camping spots you visited. Next time - on your return trip north!

Never a kidnapping in the US!!??

Just don't ever answer it when it rings.