Travel Warning for Baja Mexico?

[PCruzer]

Has anyone heard about this. My husband said he saw it on CNN this morning. Said that numerous tourist buses have been held up all over the area. They said that violent crime is prevalent in Baja Mexico. I am getting real nervous about this story because we have a Sea of Cortez cruise scheduled for February. Has anyone been on this cruise lately? Did you feel safe in port? Thanks!

[kwpatel]

Has anyone heard about this. My husband said he saw it on CNN this morning. Said that numerous tourist buses have been held up all over the area. They said that violent crime is prevalent in Baja Mexico. I am getting real nervous about this story because we have a Sea of Cortez cruise scheduled for February. Has anyone been on this cruise lately? Did you feel safe in port? Thanks!

I couldn't find a warning on the State Dept website regarding mexico.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

However they do have a public announcement here:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html

[terrydtx]

Has anyone heard about this. My husband said he saw it on CNN this morning. Said that numerous tourist buses have been held up all over the area. They said that violent crime is prevalent in Baja Mexico. I am getting real nervous about this story because we have a Sea of Cortez cruise scheduled for February. Has anyone been on this cruise lately? Did you feel safe in port? Thanks!

This is nothing new, this type of crime has been going on in Baja for years. Thats one good reason I do not travel to or in Mexico any more. Many of the bus hijackers are members of the Mexican drug cartels.:eek: :eek: :eek:

[mamaofami]

We heard the same thing happens in Jamaica. Heard it from some of the employees who work in the spa. They say armed men board the buses and rob the tourists.

[martinchem]

My wife and I have taken 2 cruises to the Mexican Riviera last year. One on RCL and the other NCL, no problem. Actually my wife is uncomfortable in the caribbean countires of central america like Belize, Honduras and she specifically told me she is ready to go back to the pacific coast. The whales and dolphins were everywhere, we saw them almost dailly. The beaches are nicer, the air and water are warmer and cleaner in the caribbean, the people in Mexico we have found to be very friendly throughout the country, but are a pushy about selling their goods.

[jhannah]

I'm sure you'll be fine, PCruzer. If substantial problems develop, the Department of State will issue a warning, and the cruise lines won't call there.

[SanDiego Single]

Crime is on the rise and especially in tourist areas. I would be very wary. Less and less people from SD are crossing the boarder because of this and it has been big news in the SD area for a very long time. I personally know of 1 person who went to TJ and was kidnapped and held for ransom for several weeks. Also recently because the city of TJ is so corrupt the federal government took all guns away from the police and only allowed them to use sling shots. Because they were killing civilans and each other.

You have very good reason to be worried!!

[casavaha]

Hey folks: I live in Baja California, have for the past 22 years. I have
never had problems. Fortunately, we know that there is no crime in
California, only Mexico.

There have been problems, mostly with surfers, in very unprotected
camp sites. There have been no buses hijacked here in Baja Ca. either
North or South.

The problem with the press, particularly the LA Times is they tend to
blow out of all proportion any crime that occurs in Mexico.

When you think of all the thousands of people that come down here and
never have a problem, the few that do is a small percentage.
Of course if you are the victim, then it is a major problem for you.

Look at all the crime in California, the proportion of crime committed
against tourists in Mexico is very small.

However, like anywhere nowadays, you need to be aware of your
surroundings. Don't flash money and wear expensive jewelry.

Just my opinion of course, but I am very close to the tourist industry.

[SanDiego Single]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/20070104-1921-bn04tjcrime.html

[AWED23]

Hey folks: I live in Baja California, have for the past 22 years. I have
never had problems. Fortunately, we know that there is no crime in
California, only Mexico.

There have been problems, mostly with surfers, in very unprotected
camp sites. There have been no buses hijacked here in Baja Ca. either
North or South.

The problem with the press, particularly the LA Times is they tend to
blow out of all proportion any crime that occurs in Mexico.

When you think of all the thousands of people that come down here and
never have a problem, the few that do is a small percentage.
Of course if you are the victim, then it is a major problem for you.

Look at all the crime in California, the proportion of crime committed
against tourists in Mexico is very small.

However, like anywhere nowadays, you need to be aware of your
surroundings. Don't flash money and wear expensive jewelry.

Just my opinion of course, but I am very close to the tourist industry.:cool: I began fishing on a very regular basis in Cabo San Lucas in 1966...There was a dirt airstrip where the inner harbor is now. Casavaha is giving you a straight story. Tijuana, Matamoros and other "Border towns" are not the Mexico that you will see from a cruise ship...Go and enjoy the hospitality of our neighbors to the South..!:)

[AWED23]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/20070104-1921-bn04tjcrime.html...:confused: Not too many cruise ships call on Tijuana.:)

[SanDiego Single]

...:confused: Not too many cruise ships call on Tijuana.:)


TJ is in the Baja Penisula. All you have to do is google crime in the Baja to see how out of hand it is. And I beleive it is not safe for americans.

[nchank]

We have been to the west coast of Mexico at least 5 times over the past few years. Normally we go on our own getting a cab for 3 or 4 hours. We have never had a problem and hope to never have one. The only p;roblem we have had was in the Dominican Republic where we were surrounded by kids pan handling.

[kwpatel]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/20070104-1921-bn04tjcrime.html

That article is nearly a year old... have you found any followup if things changed after the Feds came in, just wondering if any difference had been made...

[Krazy Kruizers]

Have heard about this in the past several years. Have cruised quite a few times in this area.

In fact we will soon be back in this area.

We are not worried.

[Bfson]

Folks, let's get a grip. Like many areas in the US there are places in Tijuana I wouldn't go without an armed escort. TJ is not the same as Cabo.

The crimes reported recently have been in deserted areas. The cruise ships don't go there. They go to large cities with well established tourist police forces. We just got back from a cruise that went to 5 Mexican seaports. No problems at all. Nor did anyone on the cruise report problems. These towns know how much of their income comes from tourists. They will not tolerate problems. The sky is NOT falling in tourist Baja.

[casavaha]

I go to TJ at least 3 times a week. The restaurants are great, the
hospitals and doctors are terrific.

I really resent it when people make blanket assertions about a city without
ever having been there or really knowing the city.

TJ is a city of over 2 million people. It stretches from the ocean, to the
border and south about 35 miles. It certainly has crime, but the middleclass
areas and much of the tourist area is quite safe.
If you are not involved in some illegal activity you have very little to
worry about.

You need to look at all the kidnappings and killings in Los Angeles, Orange
County and San Diego.

Is there corruption in Mexico, of course. There is a large disparity between
the rich and poor people. So when you are flashing lots of money around
at the gift shop, be aware that the person behind the counter may be
making only about $15 or $20 per day.

Of all the tourists that visit Mexico by cruise ship, how many violent
confrontations are there? Not very many.

If we start looking at violent acts on cruise ships, maybe we should
not cruise. Of course not.

I drive at night alot in TJ and well as between there and my house on
the coast. I certainly keep my eyes open and am aware of my
surroundings, as I am in any country, including the US.

However, if you are afraid, then you should not travel. Stay in your
house and watch television.

I have always had the attitude in Mexico, you either like it or you do not.

If you are afraid ,don't come here. There will be less people, but that
will mean less traffic and better conditions for those of us who live
here.

As far as newspaper articles, "The San Diego Union" is one of the
worst newspapers in the US. I use it to wrap fish.

I would not trust anything they have to say.

[cruisinjudy]

PCruzer. We are on the same cruise in February. Come join us on the roll call!

[billroddy]

The story was about a surfer on a remote Baja beach.
A crew from CNN produced a segment about what the surfer and his girlfriend went through. She was assulted and he lost about $10,000 in items from his motor home.
They were one of at least six armed robberies and carjackings in the past five months that targeted surfers en route to camping spots in northern Baja.
----------------------
But cruise ships don't go on beaches.. .at least they hope not!
I have been on four cruises to Baja including Cabo San Lucas, (with a bus ride to San Jose del Cabo.) Loreto, Santa Rosalia, and La Paz. Walked all over each place with never a problem. And the ships leave the ports by 5pm so you won't be walking at night.
Bill

[Bfson]

Let's apply the same logic to California. Gosh there is lots of crime in Oakland, California. Let's not go to San Francisco since it's in the same region.

None of these reported incidents are near anyplace that cruise ships go. I bet I could find stories about crime that could convince you that it is unsafe to go to Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Los Angeles or any of the other cruise ship departure points.

[Copper10-8]

TJ is in the Baja Penisula. All you have to do is google crime in the Baja to see how out of hand it is. And I beleive it is not safe for americans.

Come on now! If you are in San Diego, you know where Tijuana or "T.J." is. Yes, it's in the Baja peninsula but situated in the extreme north right smack against San Diego and a mere 1,018 miles away from Cabo. Agreed, T.J. is a border town as well a major poop hole. Crime, gangs, drug cartels, crooked cops, you name it, galore. Yet, it draws many U.S. visitors. Cabo San Lucas, and even Ensenada, since we're talking cruise ports of call on the Baja peninsula right? are a whole different story.

If crime was running rampant there and/or if tourists were in constant danger of getting robbed, the you know what would hit the proverbial fan! The cruise lines would not stand for it and those buses supposedly in danger of getting robbed would start getting armed escorts from the Policia Federal Preventiva. You just don't hear that. Quit scaring these poor people here until cruise ships start calling on Tijuana!

[SanDiego Single]

Come on now! If you are in San Diego, you know where Tijuana or "T.J." is. Yes, it's in the Baja peninsula but situated in the extreme north right smack against San Diego and a mere 1,018 miles away from Cabo. Agreed, T.J. is a border town as well a major poop hole. Crime, gangs, drug cartels, crooked cops, you name it, galore. Yet, it draws many U.S. visitors. Cabo San Lucas, and even Ensenada, since we're talking cruise ports of call on the Baja peninsula right? are a whole different story.

If crime was running rampant there and/or if tourists were in constant danger of getting robbed, the you know what would hit the proverbial fan! The cruise lines would not stand for it and those buses supposedly in danger of getting robbed would start getting armed escorts from the Policia Federal Preventiva. You just don't hear that. Quit scaring these poor people here until cruise ships start calling on Tijuana!



Look I offered my opinion. What city or country do you go to that you shouldn't be worried that the police are so corupt they are not allowed to carry guns? If SF did that your right I wouldn't go there again. If you don't like my opinion simply don't read it.

[Ine]

I have been to varous places in Mexico,Oaxaca, Puebla, Merida, Cancun (and a lot more) also Cabo, Acapulco, P. Vallarta, Mazatlan etc. Not only that but also traveled the underground in Mexico City (and walked around, took cabs there) with my daughter (so just 2 ladies) and NEVER had any problem.
I feel safe in Mexico, probably a lot safer then in some places elsewhere in the world.

[k8russ8]

Border towns are notoriously the pits. The best thing to do when there is keep going. Mexico is a lovely country. I have had a home in BAJA for many years. I have often traveled there alone. I have driven many times to CABO from Los Angeles. There are even trucks and people on the road called "Green Angels." They will stop and assist you, at little or even no cost if you have car problems. You must just exercise the same caution that you would in any unfamiliar circumstance. The Mexican peolpe are a kind and helpful group as a whole. I have had more problems in my own back yard than ever in Mexico. I understand your fears. Many people have heard stories. The ships would never place you in a circumstance that would shed a poor light on their itineraries. They have a reputation to uphold; and do it very well.

[Copper10-8]

Look I offered my opinion. What city or country do you go to that you shouldn't be worried that the police are so corupt they are not allowed to carry guns? If SF did that your right I wouldn't go there again. If you don't like my opinion simply don't read it.

Look, you're entitled to your opinion just like all of us here are;)
There is crime in Baja California just like there is in San Diego and L.A. The article you linked deals with Tijuana, a border town and not a cruise port. Yes, they have problems there!

The OP is worried about her ten day cruise to the Mexican Riviera and Seo of Cortez based on a CNN report. Many of us here have been those ports and felt absolutely safe. The OP should too! Happy Thanksgiving!

[PCruzer]

Thanks to everyone for all the replies to my post. We were mostly upset about the CNN report saying that numerous tourist buses had been held up in Baja. We thought about possibly canceling our trip. After reading all your replies, we have definitely decided to go. One question though...Is is relatively safe to walk around in these ports on our own? We will do a few shore excursions, but didn't want to do that in every port. Thanks!

[jhannah]

I believe you'll be safe as most anywhere else if you stay on the main thoroughfares of the tourist areas. I would not decide to hike off into the innards of the city to see what's there.

[lstrong]

The Mexican towns visited by cruise ships are absolutely safe to walk around. I personally no longer visit TJ or any of the border towns, but feel comfortable further south, with one exception. I do not like the pushy vendors in Acalpulco at all so when visiting that port I take a cab to one of the resorts and enjoy their beach and facilities.

[MrsMuir]

We were on the Sea of Cortez cruise 10/31-11/10, and encountered no problems with the beautiful Mexican people. The shopkeepers in PV were a bit pushy but responded to our friendly wave-offs in a friendly manner. Our bus to/from the Copper Canyon train was escorted by a police car, though I don't know if it was just to make us Norte Americanos feel safe, or if it was needed. We didn't wander in industrial/empty-looking areas -- just as we wouldn't do so in Seattle.

Don't foget the old adage of our commerical media: If it bleeds, it leads. Try PBS and NPR, and heed Rick Steves' advice about travel.

Use common sense and keep your eyes -- and your mind -- open, and enjoy your cruise, PCruzer.

Mrs Muir

[CocoKai]

I wouldn't hesitate for a second traveling to Baja or any other regions on the Pacific. Baja has become an extension of California...ocean front property can be had for a fraction of CA costs.

If you don't hang out in dark alley ways at home, don't do it in Tiajuana or Cabo either. Use common sense with safety and you'll be fine.

FYI: I just spent some time in Zihuatanejo and the people we met there were the nicest people I have ever met in any location on the globe.

[CruisinKiki]

My mother who is 62 and her friend 58 go to Mexico by themselves every year. THey take the local busses and frequent restaurants mostly frequented by locals. As long as you are cued in to your surroundings you will be fine. The Mexican people are very warm and welcoming. You can run into pushy vendors, but just give them a "no gracias" and keep walking. It's a beautiful area and would be a shame to miss because of over-hyped stories.

[casavaha]

I was in TJ today having dinner with some friends. I did not get
mugged, beaten or have my car stolen.

The police in TJ do carry guns, when Federal Troops were called into
Tijuana, they took all the guns from the police and ran ballistic checks on
them.

The border was very crowded today, with many Mexicans crossing to
purchase Christmas presents in San Diego (which is also a border town).

I cancelled my trip to San Francisco because I heard someone got
killed in Oakland.

[Copper10-8]

I was in TJ today having dinner with some friends. I did not get
mugged, beaten or have my car stolen.

The police in TJ do carry guns, when Federal Troops were called into
Tijuana, they took all the guns from the police and ran ballistic checks on
them.

The border was very crowded today, with many Mexicans crossing to
purchase Christmas presents in San Diego (which is also a border town).

I cancelled my trip to San Francisco because I heard someone got
killed in Oakland.

Thanks for the update!

[ugminer]

We just got back three days ago. We had no problems but I honestly wouldn't feel very safe wandering around Mazatlan on my own. But I felt OK wandering around Cabo and PV. But my suggestion would be to stay vigilant wherever you go. After all, those armed guards are there for a reason. Use common sense and enjoy your trip. Deb

[Boatdrill]

Crime is on the rise and especially in tourist areas. I would be very wary. Less and less people from SD are crossing the boarder because of this and it has been big news in the SD area for a very long time. I personally know of 1 person who went to TJ and was kidnapped and held for ransom for several weeks. Also recently because the city of TJ is so corrupt the federal government took all guns away from the police and only allowed them to use sling shots. Because they were killing civilans and each other.

You have very good reason to be worried!!

Ditto.

[Boatdrill]

There is crime in Baja California just like there is in San Diego and L.A.

Not so fast.

Crime in Baja California is NOT like the crime in San Diego or Los Angeles, and YOU know it.

[kwpatel]

Not so fast.

Crime in Baja California is NOT like the crime in San Diego or Los Angeles, and YOU know it.

True the crime rate is higher here in the states....:mad:

[AWED23]

:D Not so fast.

Crime in Baja California is NOT like the crime in San Diego or Los Angeles, and YOU know it.Much, much less crime in Baja....:)

[AWED23]

Gee, they took away their guns......just like England/London huh???:)

[kwpatel]

Crime is on the rise and especially in tourist areas. I would be very wary. Less and less people from SD are crossing the boarder because of this and it has been big news in the SD area for a very long time. I personally know of 1 person who went to TJ and was kidnapped and held for ransom for several weeks. Also recently because the city of TJ is so corrupt the federal government took all guns away from the police and only allowed them to use sling shots. Because they were killing civilans and each other.

You have very good reason to be worried!!

Slings shots.... yeah right...

[Copper10-8]

Not so fast.

Crime in Baja California is NOT like the crime in San Diego or Los Angeles, and YOU know it.

Next time you're in the L.A. area, come ride with me for a shift and I'll show you crime in Los Angeles

Happy Thanksgiving!

[SanDiego Single]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/20071122-9999-1m22baja.html


I love th qoute at the end. Sounds like lots of the people in here saying that they don't worry.

[Bfson]

Deserted dirt road in the middle of the night.

Just the place cruise tourists go. Bet you could get the same result going to parts of San Diego

[casavaha]

I took a real chance tonight. I drove to Tijuana to visit friends for
a Thanksgiving dinner.
I was not shot at or kidnapped, so I and the other thousands of people
traveling tonight lucked out.

But seriously, no one is saying that there is not crime in Baja but your
chances of experiencing it, as a tourist, is very slim.
Unfortunately there is crime everywhere, some very violent but Baja
Ca. is no more dangerous than many other areas.

This crime got front page headlines, but I guess they could not find any
other crime in Baja to write about. However, there was lots of other
crime in San Diego, I guess the paper just did not think that was important
enough.

[warren peas]

First post, long time lurker.
I have not cruised for a while, though a Dec13 Ryandam cruise(#7) has brought me to this board for a bit of research..
In the last ten years I have vacationed or visited most of the cruise stops in Mexico via land based vacations. Neither my wife or I have ever felt unsafe. Three years ago we crossed the border and drove from Nogales to Manzanillo and return, a blase adventure adrenaline wise. I would do it again in a heart beat, the Mexican culture is gentle and caring, granted that(culture) is perverted in the border towns, for a variety of reasons desperation, loss of contact with family,demands of northern touristas looking for the dark side.
I likely would decline from overnighting in a border town, daytrip why not? My son-in-law recently travelled from Canada to San Diego. family had a wonderful time and he justified it by the money he saved having a couple of root canals and crowns done in TJ pretty much paid for the winter vacation. He incidentally met many Americans South of the border awaiting dental procedures.
To the original post I felt much safer in Mexico than I felt driving though parts of America. People by nature are good, desperation warps that at times.

[kwpatel]

Next time you're in the L.A. area, come ride with me for a shift and I'll show you crime in Los Angeles

Happy Thanksgiving!

Nah got that beat... come for a ten hour shift in San Bernardino... lot more action here...:cool:

[jimgev]

I've traveled all over the world. Use of common sense will almost always keep you safe. Don't tempt fate by wearing expensive, flashy jewelry in impoverished areas. Don't pull out a fat wad of bills to pay for an item. In any city there are places that should be avoided. Placing yourself there is just asking for trouble.
Be aware of your surroundings and keep alert at all times. Most of all, don't act like a deer in the headlights with fear or anticipation. That will draw attention to yourself. Be friendly to the locals and treat them with respect.
Discovering new places, new cultures is exciting. Enjoy!

[Copper10-8]

Nah got that beat... come for a ten hour shift in San Bernardino... lot more action here...:cool:

OK, it's a toss-up between South-Central and San Berdo!;) (went to SLI with one of your Sgts)

Let's be careful out there!:cool:


Use of common sense will almost always keep you safe.

Excellent advice, Jim!

[prescottbob]

Ahoy!

In the past two decades or so I have driven 'cross the border @Nogales, TJ, Rocky Point, etc. to explore the interior and western coastlines. Never had a problem. Follow the advise of previous posters (which is true anywhere you go). And of course take mi amigo, 'Speedy', with you.

http://t2.images.live.com/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1431065199241&id=32a333a1c86f064d659e9288d80c7d92

Viage Grande!
Roberto:)

[Boatdrill]

on 11/22 (link above) and this one involved a prominent San Diegan, instead of surfers on remote campsites.

So to be fair, I tried to find a smiliar story that took place in Los Angeles or San Diego, but couldn't.

[Bfson]

Because there are so many they don't get reported in the papers. Crime in Baja is a hot topic. It's like after a plane crash every little incident gets front page coverage. In normal times they wouldn't even be mentioned. It's like the year they covered every shark attack in Florida. Made it sound horrible. Turned out that that year there were fewer attacks than average. You wouldn't know if from the press.

[JoKen1]

Yes there is a lot of crime in the USA but the big difference between the USA and Mexico is the laws. You can report the crime to the police without fear in CA. Most of the time the person will get caught and punished but if you go to Mexico and a crime happens then you are pretty much out of luck.

That being said, I was always scared to go to Mexico because a good friend of mine went there a few years back. He was a young strong man and went with with three other guys. They were forced off the road, killed and everything stolen from their dead bodies. Even their clothes. My friends dad had to go down there and drive his son home in his car.

I had another friend who is a girl go there to shop and the clerks at the shop seemed nice. She bought several things and as she was walking out they reported her to the police saying she stole from them. The police threatened to take her to jail and said she wouldn't ever get out if she didn't turn over all her money and leave without saying a word. So of course she did.

So with those two close to home stories I would say it is pretty scary. However, I have been to Mexico on a cruise once and then to drive over to TJ several times. I've never had anything bad happen to me. I do go with people who speak Spanish and know the area well.

I would NOT go alone or with just another girl. I would only go in a group. If I were to go on a cruise I would only get off if I took a cruise sponsored tour.

I think people have a right to worry about what could happen and has happened in other countries. Not to is foolish.

For the people living there I'm sure it is different then when one goes to visit and doesn't know the safe places and the not so safe places.

If I felt to scared I would stay on the ship that day. To be honest I don't think you would miss out on much if you didn't get off there anyway.

[lais]

I have lived in Baja off and on for many years, in Cabo and in another Baja location and the only thing that scares me is some of the crazy drivers with cars that have wheels going in different directions and cracked windshields that the driver can't see through. I am a woman and have driven to Mexico alone many times and with others, the entire Baja peninsula several times without ever having any problems. The Mexican people are good people as a whole and of course there are some not so good just like anywhere else. When I am on vacation in Mexico (hotels or in cruise ports) I do take care to keep my money out of sight and keep passports and credit card ect. in safes or in zippered pockets.

[lais]

Oh, and one more thing, Tijuana scares me and I don't go there. There are corrupt police and being a border town there are all kinds of scarey people out on the take.

[cruznon]

We have cruised the Mexican Riviera several times and never once had a problem or felt uncomfortable. Having said that, I will admit there are probably sections of the towns I would't visit--the same as some towns/cities in the US.
Go enjoy your cruise! If you use common sense (as any traveller should) you'll be safe!

We used to used to go a few times a year to Tijuana--no more. Crossing the border now takes HOURS and not worth it PLUS there has been lots of crime, and I choose not to go there. HAving said that, as has been stated already, TJ is a border town. Border towns aren't like the port towns/cities you'll visit. Cabo, Puerto Vallerta and Mazatlan are very safe ports.

[JoKen1]

Why would a boarder town be worse then one that is not? I don't believe San Diego is a bad town. I don't think the boarder towns in Mexico is a bad town. The only ones I know of is the Mexico boarders.

I live in Orange County in a city that is mostly Mexicans and they are very nice people.

I believe that most Mexicans are wonderful people but that doesn't change the fact that there are those in Mexico that use the laws to their advantage. They take advantage of tourist who do not live there and therefore are not protected as well as the people that do.

I believe the main scary fact in any out of the country place is the laws don't protect us like our owns.

But that doesn't mean we should not travel there. I think in general most people are nice and helpful. But if you ever travel anywhere that you don't feel safe then just get on the ship and enjoy your time there. You don't have to get off at every port. Enjoy the nicer ones. Stay on the ship for the not so nice ones. But by all means don't let them keep you from cruising.

[hammybee]

Next time you're in the L.A. area, come ride with me for a shift and I'll show you crime in Los Angeles

Happy Thanksgiving!

Kind of like a pre-cruise, shore excursion to see a slice of local life.......:)

[hammybee]

[quote=JoKen1;12460213]
That being said, I was always scared to go to Mexico because a good friend of mine went there a few years back. He was a young strong man and went with with three other guys. They were forced off the road, killed and everything stolen from their dead bodies. Even their clothes. My friends dad had to go down there and drive his son home in his car. quote]

I mean no disrespect when I say I am having a challenging time understanding how one transports the remains into the U.S., via personal car.:confused:

[JoKen1]

They were not going to release the body at all to him but he paid a large sum of money and they turned the body over. He wasn't going to risk anything so he put his sons body in his car and drove to the boarder. Once there he met up with the police on the USA side and then the proper people transported the body to the morgue.

Crossing the boarder back into the USA most white people don't get stopped. When asked if he had any of the items they question you about he said no.

There wasn't anything our people here could do to get the body back. He had called the police and they were the ones who advised him what to do to get his son back. They were aware and like I said they met him at the boarder and then properly took his son the rest of the way.

We need to understand that all our laws end at our boarders and we could be faced with laws that do not protect us once we leave USA.

Now of course things like this don't happen all the time. But it does happen enough to make one leery of travel in different places of the world.

It's a risk. Just because some travel places and nothing happens does not mean we should ignore the reports that things are going on to tourists and say there is no problems going there. Everyone needs to be aware and weigh the risks then decide if they should get off the ship.

[hammybee]

Thank you. I am sorry for you loss, Joken1.