Give me the Mexico 101

[TKO]

My buddy has a condo in Puerto Penasco and we go a couple times a year. Those fancy places were built by Sinaloa cartel guys so there is NO safer place in Mexico. They aren't fools and they don't poop where they eat so to speak and they come down like a ton bricks on anyone else who chooses to poop there, including the cops. No bribes, ever. No harrasment, ever. Nothing but gracious hosts in a beautiful place that is a real bargain. And this goes back 15 years.

Lukeville is the crossing you want to use. You must have Mexico travel insurance and a passport card. Have fun!

[seedy]

Thanks all, didn't intend to start anything contentious. TKO it sounds like when I lived in Little Italy in Manhattan years ago, quiet social clubs, the ladies sitting out on the stoops in lawn chairs after dark, last place on earth anyone would get mugged. The other side was buying takeout where someone had been gunned down years ago...

[TKO]

In fact the only drug related violence I know to have happened there was a federale gunship helicopter shooting up a cartel boss in his condo on the beach. We freaked out when we saw the condo just like you would the Italian place where someone got whacked. Funny.

If you go when the kids are there spring breaking it's a little different. Fun to watch them from the balcony. Vicarious, but safe, living.

[tijlover]

Originally Posted by 509

Remember that visiting Mexico your are going to a corrupt third world country. Independent travelers are "special" since they are so easily shaken down.

I just wish the Marines would be dispatched south to give the Mexican people the government they deserve and have never had an opportunity to experience.

I would do anything to trade the more invisible, rampant corruption of the U.S. for the more visible corruption of Mexico. I'd much rather be shaken down by the police in Mexico, and it would be far cheaper, like in getting a speeding ticket! I was told, you only offer them $20! At least, in my car travels in Mexico, that worked well for me! If only it went that easily in the U.S.!!!

And we all know where the Marines should be sent to give a "particular country known for its freedom" a government they deserve!

Yes, enjoy Puerto Penasco and proudly tell everyone where you're from without mentioning the country: Home of the Brave!

[2farsouth]

Originally Posted by tijlover

I would do anything to trade the more invisible, rampant corruption of the U.S. for the more visible corruption of Mexico. I'd much rather be shaken down by the police in Mexico, and it would be far cheaper, like in getting a speeding ticket! I was told, you only offer them $20! At least, in my car travels in Mexico, that worked well for me! If only it went that easily in the U.S.!!!

And we all know where the Marines should be sent to give a "particular country known for its freedom" a government they deserve!

Yes, enjoy Puerto Penasco and proudly tell everyone where you're from without mentioning the country: Home of the Brave!

I lived in Mazatlan and visited for over 20 years, before buying a home there. I was stopped for going down a one way the wrong direction. I realized my mistake immediately and turned into a driveway to turn around. Unfortunately, there happened to be a police car there and I was pulled over. I was told I would be ticketed and at that point I asked what the fine would be. After being told, I asked if I could settle right there. I did and it wasn't a problem. Some call that a bribe (Mordita), but things are different there. The payment on the spot to the Policia isn't considered a bad thing. If I had decided to avoid the "bribe" the general rule is, the Policia would issue me a ticket and remove my license plate until I went down to El Centro and went before a traffic judge. With no plate, every cop who saw me would likely pull me over. Going down to El Centro to a traffic judge, I would have to wait 3-4 hours on average to end up paying the same fine the Policia took and then go to another site to retrieve my license plate. Probably another hour or so, depending on the time of day. Now, I've no idea if my payment to the 1st cop went anywhere, but his pocket. And frankly, I didn't care. That's business in Mexico. I probably wouldn't have been stopped if I was a tourist or fairly new to Mazatlan. Problem was I had lived there long enough and all the Policia especially the Policia Turista in the Golden Zone, knew I lived there and probably spoke Spanish. A newbee could get buy by saying "no intiendo, no habla espanol" and they would decide it was too much hassle to try to get them to understand.

[elisa84]

Originally Posted by seedy

Thanks all, didn't intend to start anything contentious. TKO it sounds like when I lived in Little Italy in Manhattan years ago, quiet social clubs, the ladies sitting out on the stoops in lawn chairs after dark, last place on earth anyone would get mugged. The other side was buying takeout where someone had been gunned down years ago...

So did you make it across? Any news on experiences?

[shpitz]

Well, it's been a year and a half since his last post, I'm sure he's dead by now... LOL

[motormaker]

Originally Posted by shpitz

Well, it's been a year and a half since his last post, I'm sure he's dead by now... LOL

Seedy seems to be alive and well, Has posted in the Tucson forum last month.

[elisa84]

Originally Posted by shpitz

Well, it's been a year and a half since his last post, I'm sure he's dead by now... LOL

I sure hope not...