[Vicki]

I have never understood why Americans want to visit Mexico. It is just rampant with criminals, that including the police and military.

I had neighbors that went down there. The man had a heart attack and died. You would not believe what the widow went through to get him back here and the money it cost her. Blackmail.

[glock rocks]

It is just rampant with criminals, that including the police and military.

Bribery will take you where you need to go in Mexico. Welcome to our turd wurld neighbors... er, open border trading partners.

[cyncooper]

I have never understood why Americans want to visit Mexico. It is just rampant with criminals, that including the police and military.

I agree with you about those negatives being enough to not want to go. Even though I live close to the border I very rarely cross it. However, the country has gorgeous areas and could be a wonderful place to vacation (and for its citizens, live in) if their society could shape up. It is the attractive scenery and climate and cheap goods that are the attraction.

[Monti Cello]

On my single trip to Mexico I was pulled over without cause and threatened with arrest if I didn't turn over $2000 US cash on the spot. I worked 'em down to $200 and got the hell out of there.

[rodguy911]

We have sportfishermen that go to Mexico by boat to Cancun and Cozumel. It's not too bad over there and you can go across the Gulf in about a day. The sailfishing is second to none from now til' Spring. But they would not go near the mainland such as Mexico City or the Northern border.

[elfman2]

"I have never understood why Americans want to visit Mexico. "

It’s a crap shoot. I took 2 trips deep into Mexico on a motorcycle. The first I was robed, pistol whipped and spent 4 days in the barrios at a cop’s house waiting for money to be wired. The second 10 years later was with my wife. She’d been with me all over the California, the Caribbean and South Pacific, but admitted that motorcycling down Baja was the best vacation of her life (and the one that she was least looking forward to.)

There’s something very rejuvenating about vacationing in such an untamed, often beautiful and sometimes lawless place. It’s not for everyone, which is part of its appeal.

[jocon307]

"It is just rampant with criminals, that including the police and military.

That IS the problem.

[John Lenin]

I have never understood why Americans want to visit Mexico.

I go there because I can get my medicine cheap but now you have to go to a Mexican Dr and get a prescription first. TJ is a crime zone, I'm having second thoughts on visiting Mexico again anytime soon.

[PAR35]

I have never understood why Americans want to visit Mexico.

You don't have to be 21 to get drunk. Historically, the border towns were known for their bordellos. No hassle controlled substances at the local pharmacies.

Any other questions?

[Libertina]

NOt to worry Vicki, now we just have to travel to S CA or Arizona to get the same treatment... /s

[staytrue]

I have never understood why Americans want to visit Mexico.

It is cheap. It is exotic (different from the US). It is warm in winter. It has some nice beaches.

[Veto!]

My last trip to Mexico in '79 was my last. I got sicker than I've ever been at the upscale Acapulco Princess and have never considered returning.

On an earlier trip to Baja, we ended up in the emergency room in the middle of the night thanks to a traffic accident. It was disgustingly feelthy, though the staff was sincere and hardworking. Wounds were washed by women with bare hands from basins filled with tap water! Before they could treat the driver of our car, the police came in and dragged him back to the scene of the "crime" 25 miles away, in spite of the fact that he needed dozens of stitches, which had to wait until they impounded the car.

Having an accident is considered a crime in Mexico. It's a lousy place.

[chronic_loser]

bullhockey. I HITCHIKED through Mexico and spent almost a month on the road. My experiences were wonderful. Kind, warm, friendly people who insisted on GIVING me things (to eat, places to sleep, rides) even though I was carrying in my backpack more money than many of them made in a year.

Last year I took my 74 year old mother on a cruise. We stopped at Cancun, and for a day, I rented a car and took her out in the Yucatan, away from the tourist spots, just tooling around, visiting some places, and eating in some non-tourist restaurants. They were so kind a respectful to her it was amazing (I speak enough spanish to get by, and they seemed to be more friendly to HER because of this). The attitudes of freepers towards mexicans because of the immigration problems we have (legit problems) is disgusting.