Mexico is Dangerous - True or False?

The answer to the title is information learned through a process. My first trip to Mexico was MANY years ago when I was only 12. We were visiting family in California and decided to cross the border into Tijuana. During that day trip - I left with the sense of Mexico being... well, dirty, creepy (it seemed as if some hombres were scanning me- eeww!) and not a place I really wanted to return too. Definitely not somewhere I would want to be alone during the day, forget at night. I suspect there are others out there with the same opinion for the same reason. I have not been back - and Tijuana my now be a much nicer place - I hope so.

On my second trip I went to Veracruz for a short 4 day weekend for business. There was one point in that trip where I was visiting a friend at her store and needed to walk back to my hotel. It was only a couple of blocks, but it was now dark. She re-assured me it was perfectly safe, so I set out timidly. I remember my heart beating quickly and watching everyone around me wondering if anyone had any less honorable intentions. I did get a couple of looks, but more likely because I was in a small town, where white people are rare. I made it just fine back to the hotel.

I have now been living in Veracruz for nearly 5 months. I would walk that same walk now with no concern or worry. Why? I am by far safer here than anywhere I lived in Canada, or in any US city I visited when I traveled extensively. Of course, no matter where you go, you must be aware of your surroundings - unfortunately there are bad people everywhere, but there are many more good people. I do have to be fair here, I moved from a large city (by Canadian standards, over 1 million people) to a more rural environment. That alone in any country would reduce the crime element. The difference is in the attitude. Crime in Canada, and in the US is much more aggressive. What I mean is that if you are unfortunate enough to become a victim of a crime - it is more and more likely to include a weapon, and you are more likely to be injured or killed.

Does crime exist in the same sized city in Mexico? Of course. The difference is this - in Mexico, they don't have drive-by shootings in neighborhoods where innocent bystanders and children are caught in the cross-fire. The crimes are still personal or petty. Pickpocket instead of mugging for example. Murders are either between criminals (usually drug related), or love triangle type tragedies for the most part.People in Mexico still say 'Hola' to a perfect stranger - even when they are not peddling something. I have gone to a complete stranger's home and they readily welcome me into their home and kitchen. The atmosphere here is happier, less angry. Tijuana is a world away and different than Veracruz.

If only you could have walked with me last night through the central park in Cardel, Veracruz. I was alone, after dark at about 8:00pm. The park was busy, several stands were selling either food or novelties. There were other vendors demonstrating a glowing toy to entice the parents into buying the latest and greatest for their child. There is a playground in the park that has a gated enclosure around it - for safety of course. In the center of the park is a beautiful gazebo that I have a daylight picture of. There are many park benches that were mostly filled with lovers, families, young, old, male, female and all enjoying the beautiful night. I wandered through the park relaxed, enjoying the tropical birds chattering in the trees and the latin music in the background. Fear just did not fit in here.

IMO, Tijuana and other border towns seem to have a higher percentage of criminals and their associates either escaping the laws in the US or trying to profit from traffic to and from the US. Once you get a few hours south of the border, an entirely different world opens up to you. Those of you who have stayed at the canned touristy resorts for 'safety' or have avoided Mexico all-together due to safety issues are missing a tremendously rich and enlightening experience.

Don't Drink the Water - True or False?

Upon arriving to Veracruz, Mexico for the first time, we met a professor who was waiting to pass through customs along with my husband and myself. As we chatted briefly, I asked the pointed question that occupied my mind, "Do you have any advise on what we should be cautious of?". His main piece of advice was, "Don't drink the water, even ice cubes in your drinks. Ask only for bottled water."

I took that advice to heart and through that first 4 day trip, I was terrified of the sight of ice in my drink. We were meeting a friend we knew from Canada who was from a city called Cardel, just 30 km north of the city of Veracruz. When I mentioned this conversation, he scoffed and said we had nothing to worry about. I trusted my friend, but also knew he grew up here, so probably wouldn't have the same problems. When we ate at restaurants, they only offered bottled water -no problem.

The internal conflict arose when eating with friends. Our friend graciously introduced us to many of his friends and family, most of whom generously fed us. I did not want to insult them in any way, yet at each family meal, they served me a drink on ice. I would look at my drink, being very thirsty as the weather was beautiful and hot. I would see those ice cubes as potential enemies and wonder what I should do. Not only was I thirsty, but if I did not drink the juice, water or soda, then I would appear rude. How do I say, "I know the ice cubes and water are ok for you to drink, but I won't drink it, do you have anything bottled?

To add to my conundrum, some of these family members were living in humble surroundings. I didn't know to what extent they were giving just to feed us. So now I continue to get more and more thirsty just looking at the delicious drink before me. My husband, always more adventurous than I, goes ahead and partakes. Ok, now I will definitely look snobbish by refusing. I sip tentatively, to both just keep my thirst at bay and to appear to be a gracious guest.

I did not get sick that weekend, nor have I in the 4 months of living here. Why? I have come to learn a couple of reasons why. First, most native people in Mexico themselves drink bottled water. They use commercial ice cubes that have been filtered. Second, water quality can vary greatly from place to place. Most problems tourists and locals alike have with getting sick has to do with unwashed hands more so than the water or food itself.

So, finally, in answer to the question, "Should I drink the water?" I continue to follow the advice of the kind professor to drink bottled water. I am not however petrified by the site of ice in a beverage placed before me by some generous host. If you are visiting any area of Mexico as a tourist, any restaurant will serve you bottled water, "agua en una botella". You may get the question, "con gas?". They are actually referring to soda water. If you want regular bottled water, just respond,"sin gas". Most hotels provide bottled water in the room for your use.Our family does not use the tap water to drink or cook with, unless the water will be boiled extensively during the process. It is a precaution we use to ensure the health of our family.