[Aztlan] Mexico’s message

[D. M. Urquidi]

Folks:
It was my suggestion to fly into Mexico and rent a Mexican car (with proper tags) That way it works better. I did it a few years ago before the drug stuff started, and it was an easy way to go.
Dea

D. M. Urquidi

P. O. Box 49485

Austin, Texas 78765

http://www.mayalords.org

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ancientamericas/

--- On Mon, 6/22/09, David Hixson <chunchucmil at yahoo.com> wrote:

From: David Hixson <chunchucmil at yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [Aztlan] Mexico’s message
To: "Aztlan" <aztlan at lists.famsi.org>, "Elaine Schele" <elaineschele at gmail.com>
Date: Monday, June 22, 2009, 7:58 AM


Thank you, Elaine, Matt and others who contribute to this thread.  The topic of modern issues surrounding travel in Mesoamerica has always been welcomed on Aztlan.  Our subscription list is filled with knowledgeable individuals who live and travel extensively throughout the region and Aztlan is a great source to tap for those interested in an excursion.

I would like to add my $0.02 to this thread by noting a simple fact: Mexico is very large and has many highly varied regions.  Some have always been quite dangerous, and have become increasingly so in recent years (such as the northern border towns).  Others have historically been the safest regions of Mexico and remain so today (such as Yucatan).

In order to be a smart traveller, you must understand the individual region, state, city or town you will be visiting.  Don't just look at a State Department or University advisory list.  Talk to individuals who truly know the area.  Each region will be different.  For example, a trip to Merida, Yucatan is not the same as a trip to Tijuana, BC.

Having lived, traveled and worked in Yucatan for most of my adult life, I can securely say that the police there are less corrupt (there are always exceptions), the roads are safe to drive on, it is safe to stop in nearly any village or town to ask directions or buy a coke, the people are very friendly, etc., etc.  However there ARE regions of Mexico (and Guatemala, and even the United States) where these items are serious concerns.

In fact, I have lived in U.S. cities where the police were corrupt, certain roads were not safe to drive on (especially at night), and where you should never get out of your car in certain areas to ask directions.  Does that mean tourists should not visit the entire U.S.?

Again, Mexico is a very large and highly varied country.  Get to know the region where you wish to travel -- not only from news agencies and official notices -- but from the people who live and work there.  Tell them your specific plans and ask if there are any concerns you should have.  Most will be happy to answer your questions.  You'll have a smarter, safer and more relaxing trip that way.

A good way to do that is to post a brief question to the Aztlan list, but ask your fellow Listeros to respond to your individual questions off-list.

-Dave
__________________________________________________
David Hixson
Ph.D. Candidate
Tulane Anthropology
chunchucmil at yahoo.com
www.mesoamerican-archives.com

"Nothing more useless than a bored archaeologist"
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