Here are some slides from our trip on the Ruta Maya

Dear Brian--

(or anyone else, for that matter)

Edna, my Mexican gal, is terrified of going deep into Mexico. She's afraid los banditos will kill us for our watches!

Clearly, they haven't kilt yous yet.

Any words of encouragement you might offer would be much appreciated; I'd love to drive with Edna down Mexico way!

Mark (& Edna?)

Hi Mark, I don't know what area you intend to travel, but I went a few years ago on a round trip through the Yucatan Peninsula, into the mountains and Chiapas area. We went camping with our 6 year old daughter and the dog and never had any problems. The conflict in Chiapas was still hot and we saw many soldiers on the road, but thats something between the Chiapas Indians and the government. All the people we met were very respectfull and educated, and we did the same with them. Speaking Spanish might have also helped a bit.
I traveled with my back pack for about 5 months through Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, Cuba and Dominican Republic. DR is where my actual job got a hold of me and I stopped traveling worry free (and family free). I used every type of transportation you can imagine, and a few more. Got to villages in the middle of the Jungle where the only comunication to the outside world was a morse code thing, was searched for weapons in the middle of the night by some "soldiers" on a public bus, got right into a guerrilla attack between soldiers and "guerrilleros" with bullets flying left and right (it didn't help much to stand on the roof of the bus), and a few more incidents. At the end it's an adventure, and nothing personal. The sun will rise the next morning, with or without you. My experience is that most people in poor countries are much better than we can imagine. They prefer to be respected for what they are, not for what they have. Being "cool" can be interpreted as arrogance, which triggers animosity. The old saying "do as the locals do" goes a long way. If they dress with shirt and shoes, so should you.

I concur with Cab. Speaking spanish is a plus and has helped us in some uncomfortable but not dangerous situations. Pam grew up in Mexico and its her first language. I would also urge you not to drive at night. As much for animals on the roads as for things that go bump. It isnt the US but the streets arent always safe here either. We are flying to Panama in December but I cant wait for our road trip to the Yucatan next year.

Just for your general info, we are operating a few water sports centers in Playa del Carmen and Cancun. My operations manager down there reports only little damage from the wind and rain. The waves were amazing and did their thing to the beaches. But in general no real damage from the hurricane, except for the gone tourists. That's what hurts more than the storm. Many businesses are still struggling from last year, and now their high season was cut short again.

Let's pray they come back and bring their friends, now that the danger has passed!

Mark and all,
I totally agree with what Jay and Cabezon say. It is easy to feel afraid of the big world when you watch the news on TV here. In my opinion, we live in one of, if not the most, violent countries in the world barring actual warfare on the streets or revolution. Our culture is steeped in violence and aggressiveness. If you don't believe that go to the local video store or look at the tv selection and what do you find as the primary fare.

My point is, if you take part in everyday life, of course you are scared. The goal for me is to transcend that fear and see what the truth is....so far the fear has just been a phantom in my head. I have never had an unpleasant problem in a developing nation. I know people who have had problems. Usually they are people who flaunt their wealth by taking a $300K plus motorhome to Latin America and walk around in groups looking like they are on a golf course in the US. Do the folks there want what they have...you bet and there are those who will take it. If you treat people right and come to them as an equal and friend, chances are they will give you the respect you want. If you are one of the folks on this forum, chances are you will do just fine. The better you speak Spanish, the better you will do in my view. I am not one who says you don't need to speak Spanish to travel there....you can do it but how do you feel when someone comes to this country and refuses to try to speak English? You will find walls if you don't try to speak their language.

My experience in Guatemala was that the people are suffering Post Traumatic Stress disorder in a huge way from years of strife. There are very few young to middle age men in the villages due to the war and the women are not very trusting on the surface. If you do go, stay away from the children....they are experiencing very lax adoption laws there and they may be afraid the children will be kidnapped for sale or adoption. At least that is what I just heard on NPR .

Just go and have fun....now is the time. Mexico is becoming more and more like the US. It is getting quite expensive and if you go to the usual tourist routes you will conflict with the RV caravans that flood the country during the winter. They use up everything wherever they go and there are times you can't find a space to camp in an RV park. In the little town of Alamos we were unable to buy bread at the bakery due to a crowd of caravaners cleaning them out just before we got there. Try to make your own route and stay away from the highly traveled areas. I find the best time is before the new year and even before Christmas. Do avoid Semana Santos though , around Easter weekend..hunker down if you are there since that is their holiday to party and camp, etc.

There are literally tens of thousands of Canadians and US citizens living in those countries, especially Mexico and they don't have problems like you fear. My 85 year old Step-mom has wintered in Mexico and travels by bus by herself for 30 years. No one ever bothers her and while she speaks French, Russian and Polish she refuses to learn Spanish. Go figure!

Anyway, make your first trip Baja or just down to Bahia Kino or Puerto Penasco, or San Carlos. Baja has so many gringos there that it should be another state....extremely easy traveling and really set up for gringos. I found it perfect for our first driving trip to Mexico. They really make it easy...no paperwork, no hassles...lots of federale presence to show you how your taxes are being spent on the "drug war"....filtered water depots everywhere and it still manages to be beautiful with somewhat isolated beaches as folks can attest to, and fairly cheap food and fish.....there is even a pickup that comes around at various camp spots and campgrounds to sell you fresh food. Idylic. I could spend forever in my two favorite places on Bahia de Concepcion. One was free and the other was $4 a night for a palapa. This was back in 1999/2000, don't know how it is now.

Go lightly and easily,
Brian

Amen to that brother Brian.

Unfortunatly Puerto Penasco now looks like Cancun. Its still growing. When Pam and I first whent there It was a pretty sleepy villiage with a few homes being built by Zonis.

Bahia Concepcion is still gorgeous. Santispac, Cocos or Coyotes are place you could just pop the top and stay for ever. Even Gonzaga has grown but it still offers a wonderful place to camp. I love Baja and cant ever get enough time there.

Jay,
What have you heard about your bar in Cozumel? I see that Dean came in at Chetumal and doinked them pretty good.
Our cousin who has the place in Belize came out ok although we only got a quick, short message from her saying "they were wet, no power, they were not hurt...more later". Still waiting to hear the total effect.
Best wishes,
Brian

Brian,
Cozumel was not hit this time. Our property didnt have any damage. Our friends in Merida said not too much there either. The bulk of the damage was done to Mayan villages further south. The government pledges quick repairs....yeah right. Well I'll bet they get help faster than Katrina victims.

Great Jay. Good to hear you weren't hit. I hear you about the response there...but you are probably right about it being quicker than for the Katrina folks.
Brian