Received my passport today but now I'm concerned about the violence

[FWLizzie 0]

Good afternoon everyone,

I received my passport today and finally my family has accepted the idea of my surgery. Now, their concern and my as well, I will admit, is the recent violence in Mexico.

For those who've had their surgery recently in Tijuana, can you please give me your opinion or experiences when you went there. I know the clinic is close to the border bridge but just wondering if you experience or observed any kind of violence.

[Can.sleeved 1]

Hello my name is Russell Muray and my wife is Sonia.

We are in here in Mexico now and have both just had the sleeve and are staying in Grand Hotel Tijuana.

You can contact me and ask any questions at this e-mail whsarnia@live.com

[FWLizzie 0]

Thank you Russell and good luck to you and Sonia!

[TiffanyIsMajor 1]

While I am mildly worried, they are lifting the advisory on April 12th ( I have no clue when your surgery is.) I also think they mainly posted it because it is college spring break time, and of course mass amounts of students are fixing to hit MX. I know that doesn't ease your thoughts much, but something to think about.

[FabBy50 0]

I have been to Tijuana twice in 2009, never saw anything other than bad roads!! I have ben to Puerto Vallarta twice and felt it was a lot scarier. They have police officers driving around with machine guns...scary. You will be fine, they drive you straight to where you need to go, and you are never left alone.

Good luck!!!

[FWLizzie 0]

Thank you, makes me feel better. My whole family is worried about it and again trying to talk me out of doing it. I'm going regardless of what they say.

I am soooo excited! and a bit nervous of course.

[FabBy50 0]

Lizzie

I heard so many negative comments before I left. Anything from you are going to die there to someone is going to kill you!!! Now it cracks me up! because I never felt scared at all.

Good luck on your surgery, you will do great!!

[pnw218 14]

I have been to Tijuana a few times and again just four weeks ago. FabBy50 is right. You will always be chaperoned and driven from place to place. I wouldn't wander out at night by yourself but I wouldn't do that in my own town in the US : ) Ok. I would but I am also armed and dangerous, and can take my german shepard with me. lol

Some people had never been to Mexico and couldn't wait to go shopping downtown. I wouldn't even worry about that in the daytime or in a group in the early evening. The only shopping I wanted to do was for a few take home meds from a pharmacy. They have great prices and many don't require an rx : )

Seriously, I doubt you will have any issues there at all. The recovery house sits up on a hill overlooking downtown and it has a gated entrance. It is a beautiful view day or night.

I can think of much scarier places to travel like Cartegena Columbia and Algeria. Been there done that and definitely would not wander around alone in those places!!

[youknowit 11]

If you're not going to Cuidad Juarez or Nogales, you should be fine. Even if you were going to those cities, it's very unlikely you would personally have a problem. I'm a single, 30-something woman, and have been to Tijuana MANY times alone (driving over and walking over), and have been to Mexicali twice alone, as have been to Mazatlan with family. Similar to what Bernadette said, I felt that Mazatlan was far "scarier" and more sketchy than TJ. I will say Mexicali is nicer, cleaner, and more decent than some of the neighborhoods here in Vegas, for sure...

You'll be "escorted" across the border, to and from your locations, so it won't be any problem at all. If you were indeed on your own, didn't speak Spanish, and didn't know the culture... I'd say that might be a problem. AND -- I have witnessed actual violent (shooting, etc) here in the U.S. Never saw that in MX, which doesn't mean it doesn't exist... but I must say I felt safer in Mexico than I do in the neighborhood where I work, many days...

Best to you! :thumbup:

Edited March 22, 2010 by youknowit

[pumpkin07 32]

We just got back from Mexico to Laredo and Monterrey where we traveled by truck. We did get stopped twice in Laredo for a bogus traffic stop (a cop wanting some cash) and a routine check, but I'm sure you will not be in your own car. We saw a lot of army looking guys in camo carrying machine guns. This is normal to us now. I really looked a lot at those guys, and they were not on high alert. They were talking on cell phones, listening to music, and jamming. They are there for the presence of military and it made me feel good to have them there. Just young boys...glad to see they were working and had a job/future.

There are random acts of violence in Mexico, mostly one drug cartel against another which may be the norm thesedays, but rarely do they hurt anyone outside of that circle. You'll see enhanced security but think of it as a good thing.

I would never travel during the night in Mexico b/c there are petty thieves and bad roads. I know it is scarey, but just get your surgery and come home. Plan your flight times where you will not travel at all during the day and you'll feel more comfortable. You will not see as many Americans there, we didn't see any on this trip.

I always plan early morning flights when I'm nervous anywhere cause I figure the bad guys are still asleep from the night before.

If totally uncomfortable with the concept, maybe find a doctor here. We got to Mexico often, but I opted to pay more and get my surgery at home. If it doesn't feel right, just don't do it.