The Antidote for Civilization
The U.S. State Department is warning college students across the country not to spend spring break in certain parts of Mexico, where rampant crime has made travel dangerous for Americans.
(Fox News) The warning comes as students are finishing up midterm exams and heading out in search of warmer climes, salty margaritas and wild parties. But Mexico, once among the most popular spring break destinations, is plagued with endemic levels of violence, according to the government.
“U.S. citizens have been the victims of violent crimes, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking and robbery in various Mexican States,” the State department travel warning stated.
“The state of Guerrero was the most violent state in Mexico in 2015 for the third year in a row, and self-defense groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero,” the warning says of the state that is home to the popular beachside city of Acapulco. “Armed members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and, although not considered hostile to foreigners or tourists, are suspicious of outsiders and should be considered volatile and unpredictable.”
The Fox article continues:
Acapulco has taken over from the northern border city of Ciudad Juárez to become one of the centers of Mexico’s bloody drug war. It is also unfortunate to be the largest city in Guerrero state, Mexico’s prime location for opium production and one of the most violent regions in the country, notorious for the disappearance of 43 students in 2014 and a seemingly incessant wave of violence and social unrest.
Commentary:
Most of the opium poppies are grown in Guatemala and Honduras these days but they are also grown in Southern Mexican states such as Guerrero, Oxaca, and Chiapas. Thus if you or your loved ones want to visit, it’s best to remain in well traveled tourist (traps) destinations where the Mexican Army and Navy can protect you after a fashion. Touring the countryside on a lark is a bad idea. Halcones (Falcons), or lookouts, watch the cars traveling country roads and it’s not uncommon for unfamiliar vehicles to be stopped by narcos.
Not a documentary, but close enough – the film is highly recommended:
Another exceptional film:
There are other and better places for your youngsters to go, drink, fornicate and swap STD’s during spring break. Make safer suggestions. Supply standard and oral condoms.
There are US based people (mostly former special forces types) who rescue captive party teens. It’s a very expensive thing (the value of your house if you’ve live in an expensive area and own it outright), there is no guarantee of your loved one coming back in one piece (physically or emotionally), but it’s a living for people like the narcos and for the people who pull children back from hell. If you don’t have the money to pay for the service, throw yourselves on the mercy of the Mexican police, who specialize in pay-to-play…or don’t send your children in the first place.
What about us oldsters, LL? I like the Caribbean as much as the next guy, and cruise ships stop at Cancun and Cozumel regularly. Are these places safe? My wife and I rented a car once about 10 years ago and drove to the Tulum ruins, and the route was pretty scary, we didn't stop anywhere since it looked like it had recently been bombed.
Is Puerta Vallarta safe? I used to love Mexico, now I am not so sure.
PS: what about Cabo San Lucas? Never been there, always had a hankerin' to go. Bad idea?
Everyone has different opinions – I can only give mine. Puerta Vallarta isn't safe. Neither is Acapulco. Cozumel is an island and is traditionally a safe option. Cancun (if you stay in the tourist region) is generally safe. Going from the Airport at Cancun, down the strand to a hotel where you booze and eat an an all-inclusive joint and lay on the sand outside the hotel isn't going to get you shot.
I don't think that Cabo is particularly safe. It's right across the Sea of Cortez from Sinaloa (remember those photos I showed on my blog last month – right across the way from Cabo).
I would advise caution and circumspection if you go to Mexico. Kids are less likely to engage their brains. If you're going to go, take my phone number with you and call me if you get into a jam.
See above.
I've been meaning to watch Sicario, thanks for the reminder.
'Man on Fire' is one of my favorite Denzel movies, as well as Tony Scott, the Director, bless his soul. A backstory on the filming of that movie involves a Real life Mexican standoff with local gang thugs on a filming location (where Denzels' character moves everyone out of a dance rave and sets the place on fire). Thankfully it worked out OK. In one of the final scenes, where the kidnapped subject (trying to avoid spoilers) was released, I had noticed what looked like an occasional snowflake falling in the scene. Turns out it was filmed near an local active volcano, 'Popo', (can't spell the Mexican name) and this was ash produced by same. Great retribution plot movie.
I try to keep my millenials in the USA. Somewhere safe… like Chicago 😉
When did all this spring break crap start anyway? We never did anything like that when I was in college. Actually, I don't remember even having a spring break. It seemed like I went to school 24/7 while also working almost full time. I always carried 18 hours, attended all summer, and finished in a hair under 3 years.
I have lots of friends who love to go to Cabo and they do it every dang year. Why? I have no idea. We live next to a number of gorgeous lakes and a lovely river, have awesome summer weather. and lovely beaches. I have no desire to spend thousands of dollars to plunk my bod on a beach when I can do it for free right here.
My two week Mexico tour when I was in my twenties was wonderful, but I spent more time on historical sites and local ambiance. The only place I didn't like was Puerta Vallarta and couldn't wait to get out of there. Pink jeeps? Are you kidding me. Ugh.
I think you'll like it.
The book that the film is based on was set in Crete and Italy. The main character "Creasy" wasn't black – and the plot was precisely the same. The book was good but the movie was a masterpiece. Excellent acting, directing and cinematography.
Yeah, about that. The body count in Chicago far exceeds both Tijuana and Juarez. But the corrupt, elite, smug, lying, nasty mainstream media wouldn't ever make that comparison because it's run by Democrats. Barack could have done something about it during his presidency but chose not to. Very sad.
I grew up poor, so spring break was spent working at a local ranch to make extra money that I saved for college. In college same drill for two years, then I went in the Navy and life was a beach.
None of my kids have any interest and the grandkids are too young. The only place in Mexico I care to visit is Copper Canyon.
Copper Canyon is literally in the heart of darkness these days. Go after you've settled your affairs as the last great act of defiance. If you make it back home, so much the better.
I have NEVER wanted to visit Mexico.
EVER….
When my wife and her friend took a cruise down there last year, I prayed every night for their safe return.
Thanks, I'll pass.
I'm not interested, there are enough great places to see here without all the hassle or danger.
But I will pass on your warning.
Both GREAT films, Larry.
Nope, not going back down there. And thankfully grandson is working, not partying!
I just go there for work.
Or don't and make sure they have enough money to pay ransom.
Good choice.
I went to Mexico City once in junior high (and other places within driving distance of there) with the GIRL SCOUTS for crying out loud, and even WE got in a bad pickle. Never cared to go back…
You could go to could cross at McAllen, TX and spend the day there if you wanted a little more culture – or journey to Juarez if you want to experience a war zone. What it makes you do is kiss the ground when you cross back into the USA.
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