Given the unrest and drug issues in Mexico I think I would store closer to home.
pete
Pete,
I have been living in San Carlos for 13 years and am a permanent resident there, almost a Mexican citizen. Do you know more American Citizens are killed in a dozen US (D) cities every year than in ALL OF MEXICO? Many multiples more are shot since our inner cities have gotten really good at class-A Trauma and gunshot wound treatment. I am from South Chicago and more Americans" are killed there in just about any Summer if you exclude suicides which are included in FBI/CIA and State Department homicide numbers for Mexico. They call them "
self-inflicted homicides".
Roughly speaking 450-625 Americans are killed in Mexico every year for the last 13 years with about 40-45% of those are really suicides if we use the same metrics of statistical analysis that we use for Americans in the US. Now don't get me wrong, it is not a place to buy, sell, transport drugs or illegal weapons/currencies or participate in the trafficking of people. But that LIFE will get you killed no matter your location. It is part of choosing that "
Life".
There were more cartel killings of Mexicans in San Carlos this past summer than I ever remember, but no increase in real dangers for American citizens. Of the 37-40 million US visitors, 12-17 million bi-nationals and almost 2 million ex-pats to have less than 400 actual homicides is statistically safer than any city with over a million people I can think of in the US. Maybe Plano, TX or Mesa, AZ might beat those numbers but it depends on how you calculate the deaths.
It has always been my experience that the ones warning about the dangers of Mexico are most certainly not folks that have actually spent any time there. I have been to every 31 states including Districto Federales (Mexico City) which is infinitely safer than Washington, DC, our beloved capital.
My correction or difference of opinion is based on respect and facts. Of course I have worked as a warden for the US Consulate in Hermosillo for more than a decade, so what do I know? Just trying to set Truth free. You don't have to defend Truth. It is a lion, set it free and it takes care of itself. I am so sad for those that live in a constant state of fear. Life is too short. Get out and make it an adventure. You are like me Pete, not one of the millionaire cruisers, just a plain honest hard-working man. So please take it with respect.
Hasta luego amigo!
Captain DJ