| Safety |
| |
Will I be safe in Mexico?
Unfortunately, the Hollywood movie renditions of Mexico have created an entire misconception about safety and crime in Mexico. I was appalled at how Mexico and its people were depicted in the recent movie “The Mexican” starring Julia Roberts. It was disgraceful!
Certainly, in major cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara, like all major cities in the world – you should use caution and common sense. And yes, we do have theft, but usually without bodily harm. By nature, Mexicans are not violent people. They are polite, warm hearted and will always offer a helping hand.
We were surprised to learn that in the Western Hemisphere, Mexico is number 52 for violent crime (way down on the list), while Canada is # 2 and the U.S. # 1.
We get asked again and again, “Is it safe to live in Lake Chapala”? And again and again, we answer that we feel safer here than we did back home. Before we came to Mexico ten years ago, we had the same misconceptions. We had heard you shouldn’t drive at night. We had heard we’d be robbed by banditos. We had been told not to bring any valuables. No wonder we were unprepared for the reality of how safe it really is to live here.
We can walk down the streets at night. Many times we have gone to dinner in Guadalajara and driven back that same evening. Other times we have stayed over and enjoyed the night-life.
I have never once, in the 10 1/2 years we have lived here, felt unsafe. The Mexican people have an excellent value system and we have found them to be warm and welcoming, never threatening. |
| |
“We feel safe in Ajijic, and can get along speaking only English. As well, we have the convenience of shopping for anything we want; if not available in the Lake Chapala area, then in Guadalajara – hardly third world living.”
Sam & Eileen Cotter |
| |
“We chose Lake Chapala as it was safe and relatively free of crime.”
Norm and Jessie Dysart |
| |
“Safety and security were a prime concern and this area has proven to be good in that respect. …the Mexican people are very kind and generous and accept the expatriates with no apparent problems.”
Bill & Sue Levy |
| |
| Don’t drive at night |
| |
 |
| Having said that, there are two reasons you shouldn’t drive at night, more so in the country areas than in town. First, it is because you might come round a corner and meet a herd of cattle crossing the road. Mexico is a free range country, and cattle and horses range freely. And if you are unfortunate to hit one of these animals with your car, don’t expect the owner to come running to be upset with you. He is responsible for the damage done to your vehicle. Secondly, many Mexicans drive without lights. Don't ask why. They just do. | | |
| |
And certainly, after 9/11, we feel even more safe living in Mexico. You’ll see children, well past dark, playing openly in the streets. I love to go into the village in the evening as people are everywhere; many sitting on their front steps, the plaza busting with activity and everyone gives you an instant big smile and a lovely “Buenos noches” (Good evening).
On many of the streets in the villages, you'll find families out on the sidewalks with music playing and sitting at makeshift cafes. To many of us, this is not only charming and a real sense of life and living, but also makes one feel very much an intregal part of a safe environment.
Yes, we feel safe living in Lake Chapala, Mexico; very safe indeed. |
| |
 |
| | |
|
