The Rosas-Standring Family

Well, there is no way... unless you live under a rock that you are not aware of this whole swine flu fiasco in Mexico. I must first say how proud I am of the Mexican gov't for taking fast decisive steps to stop the outbreak and control the problem and the hysteria. Now if we could only have gotten the rest of the world to stop reporting that all of Mexico is lethargic and dying in the streets by the thousands then maybe it would not have been so bad. I mean, for the Mexican gov't to make such a drastic decision- shutting down gov't offices for a week, closing major tourism sights, keeping kids out of school for a week forcing parents to adjust work schedules- all in the attempt to curb the outbreak. These were major decision that they knew would drastically effect the people of the nation. And it has had a drastic effect on the people. Especially those of us that live in a tourist based economy. Mexico has easily lost millions and will lose billions of dollars because of this whole thing.

Now, I am not upset about the shut down that gov't did, I am not upset that the world was scared and worried... what i am sick of is fear mongering new media whose only goal is to keep you locked to your television and buying the next paper. Before the swine flu is was all about the cartels and how people are getting gunned down in the middle of the streets all over Mexico.

When I first started this blog I never thought that anyone would read it. I did it for me as an online journal well, people have started to read it and are genuinely interested in what is happening in our lives. and we love it. We have made so many friends from this. But what I love even more is the community of expat bloggers that you end up becoming friends with. We are all sharing a common experience and are coming from similar points of view or lifestyles from north of the boarder. We have all been reporting on this whole thing.

My traffic went from about 25 a day to 80 a day when the reports about how safe it is to travel here and how there is little to no crime or violence in my area to 189 a day with the reports of the swine flu stuff. What I do love is that there are at least so many people who are not going only on the news reports from the states and are getting information from those of us that actually live here. Anyway... that is my 2 cents. :)

There is a glow of light at the end of the tunnel. There is currently a "flu free guarantee" that is being issued by many of the big hotels in the area. The info is below from an article in "Por Esto" I took this post off my friend's blog Life's a Beach in Playa del Carmen. She put it very well so I figured... copy and paste worked best.

Thank you to everyone who has looked for your own information. For those who have researched, emailed those of us down here and have seen that this area is as amazing as it was before this whole thing.


"Whether you already have a trip planned to visit the beautiful Riviera Maya or are considering taking advantage of the fabulous deals now available in the wake of the Swine Flu scare, this article in today's "Por Esto" newspaper will be of great interest to you. A link to the online article is above and I have taken the liberty of utilizing Google Translator for your reading convenience. The translation is not 100% grammatically correct, but it is reasonable enough to follow.

With the emblem "guarantee free of influenza" (Flu Free guarantee), assures the traveler three years travel free if they have symptoms of human influenza eight days after they return from their trip by Olivia Vázquez Hotel chains in the Mexican Caribbean began a more aggressive campaigns that have been internationally to revive international tourism. With the emblem "guarantee free of influenza (Flu Free guarantee) that assures the traveler three years travel free if they have symptoms of human influenza eight days after he returns from his trip, which seeks to demonstrate the confidence that exists by destino.Dentro of health promotion strategies, the hotel sector in coordination with the Resort, this week will be sending a personalized letter to U.S. President Barack Obama or Hilary Clinton Secretary of State, to be published in the U.S. newspaper circulation where it is requested adjournment of the alert (warning) indicates that travel to Mexico only if absolutely necessary because it inhibits the influx of tourism. Zalvidea Fernando Garcia, director of the Grand Resort Hotel and the Best Day tour operator, said that at least five thousand hotel rooms as Secrets, Royal Resort, Charisma and others who joined the campaign, but it is estimated as we go on to join other hotel chains to strengthen advocacy in Mexico. This promotion started yesterday and will run through the main cities of United States and Canada in order to revive the tourist markets, since it is in promoting the confidence of the Mexican Caribbean operates to the highest standards of hygiene and safety and ensures the health of the destination. Additional to this promotion, special packages are added to the hotel is offering value-added as a free night, tickets to recreational parks, archaeological sites, free dinners, spa services, etc. The hotel considered a leader who is now the best time Mexican travel to the Caribbean, and that excellence in service is reflected directly in the personal and the atmosphere of trust that is generated. Hence also be sought this week to lift the warnings issued to the passenger who was referred to visit Mexico, and that still prevails announcement issued two weeks ago, and that conditions be changed. In fact it as well as shipping and airlines already provide for the revitalization and have started to sell the destination. The letter is prepared in the state's Tourism Council is expected to be released this week to further accelerate the process of recovery and moving on reservations, which for now remain at the minimum levels, although it began to flow.
By May 25, with the celebration of Memorial Week which is held in United States, you could earn points in hotel occupancy, which is still at levels 20 to 24% in most developments.

Please contact your local travel agent for more details, restrictions and information from the hotel chains participating in this interesting offer.

Looking for Real Estate in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya?
Visit our website www.BuyPlaya.com."

Well, that is certainly the question for so many people right now. There is so much media reporting on the outbreak (both accurate and some fear mongering) that this is a really hard decision. It really is a personal decision.

Personally for me, I would still travel. Here in Tulum, other then being a little light on people things are running pretty much like normal. Most of the people I know are not concerned with getting sick and are not changing too much in their day.

I know many people who are going to travel here sort of unexpectedly because there are some good deals to be found right now. Airlines, I am sure will be offering some good prices in the near future to help rebound their lost profits and hotels here really want bodies in them.

So for all of the people that are on the fence... I hope that you do decide to come. In my opinion this whole thing is not nearly as scary as it is being made out to be. What is scary is that this is a new illness that no one is vaccinated for. That I understand. I see why that is scary. But the images that people have of thousands of sick and infected people wandering the area like zombies is not the case.

The only part where I would even think of getting nervous is the airplane and I almost always get sick after being in an airplane.

I am really happy about the amount of people that are doing their own research and asking questions in order to make their decision.

This is a great article that I saw linked to from Countdown to Mexico. I thought that it really put some things in perspective and gave a new look at this problem. Check out the article here. Also, Canuck in Cancun is very good at reporting on issues here in the Cancun area.

I just want to make a clarification. When I listen to the news here in Mexico on the American news channel it says that 150 deaths have been caused by swine flu. This is not an accurate statement. There have been over 150 deaths that are being investigated. There are only 8 confirmed deaths in Mexico due to swine flu.

I just want to clarify that. There is a lot of information out there and some of it is not entirely accurate. So that is what I know. As of right now, we are all just staying on our homes.

Okay, we are totally paranoid about the kids getting sick. We flew through Mexico City and were there for several hours on the day the epidemic was announced. The kids both started complaining of a tummy ache the other night and Lena had a small fever. We are taking them to the doctor this morning. I am sure that it is nothing but with all of the things going on right now -- better safe the sorry. I am very sure that it is nothing and just a little bug from the climate change from the states. There are still NO cases of swine flu in the whole state of Quintana Roo.

Another HUGE problem is that occupancy at Ruben's work has dropped off from about 90% to almost 20%. Ruben makes his tips off his tables and off of an every 2 weeks tip out from the hotel based on occupancy. We are already living on as tight of a budget as you could possibly imagine and now this. I am not sure what we are going to do.

Ruben has said that the hotel is going to start laying people off because of the down occupancy and being that Ruben is one of the newer employees he is really nervous.

Currently there are confirmed 8 deaths due to swine flu in Mexico. I am a little confused because there were reports of 149 deaths just 2 days ago. But I am being told that those were deaths and were being investigated for being caused by swine flu. It is also my understanding that there is a vaccine for a similar strain but not this specific strain.

We are all being told to stay in our homes whenever possible. The schools are still closed until the 6th of May. Many of the tourist attractions are open and this is what that Secretary of Tourism had to say in a press release on the 27th.

SEDETUR PUBLIC RELEASE - QUINTANA ROO KEEPS FREE FROM SWINE FLU
2009-04-27.Turismo
Cancún, Quintana Roo.

Cancún, Quintana Roo, April 27, 2009

QUINTANA ROO STATE SECRETARY OF TOURISM

PUBLIC RELEASE

“QUINTANA ROO KEEPS FREE FROM SWINE FLU”


Quintana Roo State Secretary of Tourism informs that the state is free from Swine Flu disease up to now, and that not a single case of the disease, or related cases have been reported at the main tourism destinations.

The detection and prevention plan implemented by Mexico´s Ministry of Health continues, by means of check points placed at airports, cruise and bus terminals, as well as permanent monitoring in the more than 77,000 hotel rooms operating in Quintana Roo.

The government agency also informs that tourism related activities develop normally in Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Riviera Maya, Cozumel and Grand Costa Maya. All destinations remain attentive to the Health Authority´s directions.

Quintana Roo State Government is supportive of other Mexican states where the Swine Flu outbreak has taken place, and will be respectful of precaution measures and recommendations implemented in foreign countries in regard to international travel.

For the State Government the highest priority now is the preservation of health among all the population, including citizens and visitors.

The swine flu epidemic is taking over news stations all over the world. Here is Tulum and the Rivera Maya there are currently no cases. Everyone is taking precautions to make sure that everyone remains healthy.

Currently all of the schools in the entire country are closed until the 6th of May. They are closing the ruins at Tulum, Coba and Chichen Itza on the 29th of April. Xcaret and Xel-Ha will also most likely close.

If you feel sick and think that you might have caught swine flu... go to the hospital or clinic right away. There is a vaccine that can be given but it is most effective in the first 48 hours. It is very important that if you feel ill that you go to the clinic and not to work!!!

For the most accurate and up to date information visit the WHO website. This is the World Health Organization.

Here is their latest update as of 4:00 this agfternoon (4/28/09)

"Swine influenza - update 4
28 April 2009--The situation continues to evolve rapidly. As of 19:15 GMT, 28 April 2009, seven countries have officially reported cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection. The United States Government has reported 64 laboratory confirmed human cases, with no deaths. Mexico has reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection including seven deaths.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Canada (6), New Zealand (3), the United Kingdom (2), Israel (2) and Spain (2).

Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.

WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.

There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness."

There have been countless blogs, articles, forums and talks about if it is safe to travel the Mayan Rivera or safe to visit Mexico or safe to visit Tulum. Almost every article that I have read says the same thing... that at least in most parts of Mexico and especially here in the Yucatan peninsula that it is safe place to travel. It is unlikely that you are going to encounter a drug lord or be kidnapped from your resort.

However, there are many sites claiming that there have been many deaths here in Mexico and I think that these articles have very valid points.

Most of the focus on safety in Mexico has been related to the escalating war on drug trafficking and the cartels. Concern over shooting in the streets and kidnappings have been the thing that most people have been searching for when they landed on my blog. These types of crimes are INCREDABLY rare here in the Mayan Rivera. There are deaths that happen here or crimes that do happen here.

On comment that was left on friends blog referred to a number of deaths that have occurred in Mexico and most of them were related to 2 sorts of instances. 1) when too much alcohol is consumed and accidents take place and 2) and accidents or mishaps cause serious injury or death caused by construction or regulations that would not be allowed in the USA. In both of these cases there have been complaints about reaction and confidence in medical assistance.

Okay... in the first instance--- this is the most common factor in accidental deaths in Mexico and crimes in general. The people who come on vacation here are coming to relax and let loose. The problem is that they forget that this is not Pleasure Island. This is a country and state with laws and rules that all people must abide by. People forget that when they come on vacation and let loose. If you are wasted in a pool- you have a much higher probability in drowning or falling off the balcony. If you are so wasted that you cannot see or walk straight, some one is going to see you as an easy target for theft. And trust me, this is very often NOT someone working at the hotel. Most people I know are not going to sacrifice their job at a resort for some petty theft. Resort jobs are a hot commodity here.

If you are drunk and want to go buy drugs, there is a good chance that you will end up in jail. And especially with the current situation, Mexico is much harder on offenders then the USA. This is not corruption or an attempt to coerce a bribe, but a direct result of how serious Mexico is taking this war on drugs and the need to fix it. Long gone are the days when every single person in the government and police force is on the cartel payroll. Although they still do exist the current and past administrations have been working hard to fix these problems.

The other problem is injury or death caused by accidents. There was a tragic story about a young boy falling down an elevator shaft, another about a child getting caught in the suction of a pool drain and others. These accidents and deaths are very tragic. I think it is important for people to understand that you not in the USA. While I would love it if there were more regulations and safety standards, there are not. That is just the way that it is.

The resorts may have the drains that have large suctions- I always keep my kids hair up when in the pool and no long ties on the suits. Everywhere is mostly tile and seeing as most people are swimming -they are very slippery. On the street, there are large holes random sections of re bar sticking up out of nowhere. This can cause painful and serious injury or death. You have to be aware of this. It took me by surprise when I first got here. But that is just the way that it is. Be careful.

My favorite line in a Frommers book about this area is. I cannot find it s I am paraphrasing here... There is very little law suits in Mexico, but there is a lot of freedom in Mexico. You are free to fall into any hole you want to. Be careful and aware of your surroundings.

Have a safe trip!

With how many people have been searching "Is Tulum Safe? Is it safe to travel in the Mayan Rivera?" There have been some great blogs about it from all over the country. This is one of the greatest ones. It is from Midwesterner in Mexico. I thought that this would would make everyone smile as much as I did.

So... if you are wondering if it is safe to travel in Tulum or if it is safe in the Mayan Rivera? Here is your test.

The Official MidwesternerInMexico.com Quiz for Determining your Risk of Violence in Mexico
(please answer yes or no to the following questions)

1. I am the head of a powerful drug cartel.
2. I am employed by a recent drug cartel start-up, and my title is “Business
3. Development Manager, Mexico”.
4. I cannot leave the house without my 3 diamond rings, diamond stud earrings, and emerald necklace.
5. I only travel by limo.
6. I insist on wearing shorts, sandals with socks pulled up to mid-calf, a Hawaiian shirt, and a floppy hat at all times, while using my obnoxious American “outside voice”.
7. I have a tendency to flash wads of cash while trying to pay for a $10 peso bottle of water with a $1000 peso bill.
8. I travel strictly using libre taxis hailed off the street in Mexico City, like the green VW bugs, because I don’t want to pay the extra $30 (+/-) pesos for a safer sitio taxi.
9. I am a high-level Mexican law enforcement official actively engaged in the fight against drugs and am not on the narco payroll.
10. I prefer to drive long trips between cities in Mexico only at night, and I am too cheap to pay the tolls to drive on the safe, well-maintained cuota highways.
11. I insist on going out drinking by myself, getting loaded, then stumbling around the back alleys of Mexico City singing “You are my sunshine” at the top of my lungs.
12. I sell drugs to a circle of depressed, soccer-moms in a US suburb, and I am traveling to Mexico to take advantage of the crazy dollar/peso exchange rate to find a new dealer for my drug supply.
13. I am visiting Mexico to conduct a major business transaction for which I intend to convert $20,000 USD into $306,000 pesos in public at the airport currency exchange desk.
14. I ask taxi drivers to take me on tours past the homes of local drug lords, where I get out of the taxi and take photos from the middle of the street during broad daylight.
15. I insist on traveling to parts of Mexico City not mentioned in guide books or specifically mentioned as areas full of criminals, like Tepito, a.k.a. the “Thieves’ Market”.


OK, end of quiz! Time to review your score.

If you answered yes to #1, #2, or #8: I strongly recommend you avoid travel into Mexico, leave Mexico if you are already here, or seriously consider a new line of work.

If you answered yes to #3, #4, or #6: perhaps you have forgotten that you are visiting a country where the daily minimum wage for 2009 is $54.80 pesos. That is $3.58 USD PER DAY at the current exchange rate. Please bear this in mind and stop flaunting your money like a fool.

If you answered yes to #7 or #9: have you checked the exchange rate lately?? During the 8 months we have been here, it has gone from 10 pesos / 1 dollar to 15.3 pesos / 1 dollar. Stop being a cheap ass and spend the extra pesos to pick the safe option.

And finally, if you answered yes to #5, #10, #11, #12, #13 or #14: you are simply not very smart and probably shouldn’t be allowed to travel, period.

I hope this insightful quiz has eased your fears about travel to Mexico, as long as you are not an idiot or a criminal.




This should give you a clear idea of whether you should come here on not. I hope that it was helpful.

Tonight Ruben's restaurant was closed so we got to take the kids into town for the festival that is going on. I am not sure what this one is for but... we had a great time. One thing we have learned about Mexico is the understanding of "Mexico time" Now- I knew a lot of this already having a Mexican husband that has not been on time for anything in his life (even an hour late to our wedding- his whole family) But that is just more normal here. You NEVER show up to a wedding on time or you will sit there by your selves for at least an hour or 2.


With all of the fun festivals and carnivals and what not they are a lot of fun to go to but I am more of a at home person at night- when I have the kids. But this night we waited until 7 or 8 and started to head into town.


Now for all of the people that are googling ... Is Tulum safe, Safety in the Mayan Rivera etc. Yes we walked with a 4 year old and 5 year old at night to town (about 20 min walk) on unlit roads and back home without a fear in the world. This town is very safe. I walk all over with the kids and any hour of the day or night and never feel a concern. Just making sure to use common sense.

Anyway... So we walked all over the festival. It is so much fun to see all of the stuff for sale. It is like an entire store unfolds on the streets. This is the place to buy anything and everything that you need for your home or family. Some way cheap and some very nice. There was the household wing, the cloths wing, the toys wing and the food area.

I especially loved the large display of huge knives piled high in brightly colored baskets right at thigh level. Not the smartest idea around a bunch of kids. And these are the places that your kids are running around going crazy- filled with sugar.

We grabbed one of our favorite carnival foods, corn on the cob with mayo and cotija cheese (sort of like a dried Parmesan) We would have put chili on it too but we were sharing with the kids. I am not the biggest fan of mayo but it is a good snack.

the kids played in the courtyard where the band was setting up to play. For a minute I thought that we would be able to see the music but the I remembered... we are in Mexico- the music was not going to start until 11:30. I have kids that are almost catatonic after 9:30. Even that is way late for them. The kids had a great time running around and playing tag.


Akilean and another little boy were playing with cars. Akilean's all time favorite activity. Some day I want to get him a remote control car. he would love that.


After a little while we grabbed the kids and started to head home. We let each of the kids pick out a 20 peso toy. Akilean obviously got a little car and Lena got a hair clip. As is typical with Mexican carnival toys... they both broke by the next morning. Oh well. We had a great time.

I am so happy about the amount of people who have been searching about the safety here in Tulum and The Rivera Maya. I have also received a number of emails with specific questions. Thank you for doing your research and trying to get accurate information. My friend and fellow blogger wrote a great post the other day and she has given me permission to copy it here. Please continue to do your research. You will find that visiting this area is very safe and well worth your while.

Cancun, Mexico is Safe for Tourists
March 2nd, 2009

I want to share the content of an email I got today. I think it offers some words of wisdom and some important facts regarding the safety of travel to tourist areas in Mexico right now.

Travel Still Safe to Major Tourist Hubs in Mexico

On February 20, 2009, the U.S. Department of State issued a travel alert to those visiting Mexico, warning of increased violence and drug-related conflicts in several areas. The alert states, in part, “While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently.”

Travel agents should be aware that the most noteworthy crimes are taking place in border towns including Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez and the city of Chihuahua. The most popular tourist destinations, including Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta, remain safe for visitors.

The following is an abbreviated response from the Mexico Tourism Board:

Mexico remains a safe tourist destination and this is reflected in the 22.6 million international visitors that arrived in 2008, of which 18 million were Americans. This number represents a 5.9 percent increase from the previous year. Tourists who suffered any incidents were minimal. The violence associated with drug trafficking is isolated in cities that are far away from tourism destinations. We suggest using common precautions as when traveling to any foreign country.

Q: Is Mexico an unsafe place to travel?

Mexico ranks tenth as an international travel destination in the world and is the number one international tourism destination for North Americans traveling abroad. Many tourists to the country are repeat visitors, which demonstrates that the vast majority of tourists are satisfied and leave with overwhelmingly positive impressions.

Q: The travel alert issued by the U.S. State Department warns that even travel within the country beyond the border is dangerous. Should I just avoid traveling to Mexico completely?

No. Common sense and proper precautions must be taken when traveling anywhere, and Mexico is no exception. Whether traveling on the border or if you find yourself in another area of the country, stick to legitimate businesses and tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings and your stay should be a memorable and safe experience. Mexico’s frontier, like many other frontiers in other countries, at times experiences certain conflicts and those crossing border states should do so while taking the proper precautions.

Q: Then what do you make of the U.S. State Department warning against travel to the border due to infighting among drug cartels?

In Mexico, the possession and consumption of drugs and narcotics are illegal. The laws governing these offenses are stricter and the resulting fines and prison sentences are often harsher than those provided for in U.S. and Canadian law.

The recent incidents involving drug traffickers have prompted U.S. and Canadian authorities to suggest travelers exercise extra caution when visiting certain border towns.

It is important to note, however, that this temporary announcement does not advise travelers against visiting the many safe tourist destinations. In fact, Leslie Bassett, Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, declared that the intention of the alert is to inform of the violent acts that are taking place in specific states of Mexico as well as in other nations. She clarified that in no way does this alert seek to negatively portray the tourist destinations.

Q: Shouldn’t everyone just avoid going to Mexico, with everything that is going on with the crime and drug dealers?

It’s important to note that hotel occupancy in the popular destinations for tourists within Mexico remains strong. A report from the Secretary of Tourism elaborated this month (February 2009) shows the following: Cancun’s hotel occupancy at 73%, Riviera Maya at 85%, Los Cabos at 69% and Puerto Vallarta at 78%.

As the country’s promotion agency, the Mexico Tourism Board recommends visitors to contact our many offices for more information on the destination they are planning to visit.

Drug dealing and possession are a social problem that every nation faces, and Mexico is no exception. Visitors can be confident that local authorities are working hard to apprehend all those who violate the law to bring them to justice.

Q: What if something does happen? Will emergency services be able to help?

Federal and local governments are constantly working on improving emergency services, not only for tourists but for locals, too. Visitors should take precautions if they have any pre-existing medical needs and speak to their doctors before they travel abroad. We are also working on raising the bar in our standards to that our guests are kept safe, such as de-legalizing open bars in areas known as Spring Break destinations.

Hundreds of thousands of American students travel to resort areas throughout Mexico over Spring Break each year. The best way to enjoy their vacation without incident is to use some common sense to avoid dangerous situations. We encourage students to drink responsibly and be aware of the laws and regulations.

As stated in the U.S. State Dept. website:

“Excessive alcohol consumption and unruly behavior can lead to serious problems with Mexican authorities. Alcohol is involved in the vast majority of arrests, accidents, violent crimes, rapes, and deaths suffered by American students on Spring Break. Disturbing the peace, lewd or indecent behavior, littering, driving under the influence, drinking on the street or on public transportation, using public transportation without payment, or making obscene or insulting remarks are all considered criminal activities by Mexican authorities.

For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at: http://ccs@usembassy.net.mx. The Embassy’s Internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/

Here’s a link to the full text of the U.S. State Department Travel Alert, please read it yourself. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html


It is worth noting that in the past few weeks the Cancun Airport has seen record numbers of international flights arriving, the airport is busier than ever before with tourists arriving for vacation.

I also want to point out that the exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the Mexican Peso is such that Americans traveling to Mexico right now can enjoy real bargains.

Is Tulum, Mexico safe. Is Tulum safe for Children? Is it safe to travel in Mexico? YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES! I have been bombarded with questions, posts, news and people wondering if Mexico especially the Yucatan and the Rivera Maya are safe to travel in. Let me say this... 1) I lived in the tenderloin of San Francisco for 10 years. This is not a good area. it is filled with drugs, shootings, and gangs. However. People NEVER asked me or questioned me about the safety there. But since I have lived here... (a town that is filled with kind caring people) I have gotten many questions about its safety.

Now, if you do not use common sense then yes the world is dangerous. Not Mexico. Not Mexicans. But the world. If you do not use the brain that god/buddha/the higher power/ YOUR MOTHER gave you then yes... the world is a scary place. however, if you use your head you will be fine. and that could not be more true then here in the Rivera Maya.

I understand that Mexico and the USA are involved in a very scary war on the cartels. First of all... this is not a Mexican problem. This is a problem that is as much north of the border as south. I am glad that President Obama has very realistic ideas and goals to this problem. But I can say for sure that I feel so safe here. My children are safe here. The people here want no harm to come to us.

I read a blog entry a while back... (if you read any of the meican bloggers here then you have heard a lot about this subject) Check these 2 out for some great information.
www.hiddencancun.rivergirl/2009/02/09/is-cancun-safe-for-tourists and
www.cancuncanuck.com/2009/02/tourists-safe-in-cancun

But that aside... my family is safe here. We walk all over town at all hours of the night totally safe.

I hope that people do actual research and do not listen to scare provoking propaganda that attempt to strike fear in tourists. If you have any questions about anything here in the Yucatan, Tulum, Cancun or anywhere in the Mayan Riviera, please email me... my address is mindyintulum@yahoo.com. I have many friends all over the Yucatan and Mexico who would be happy to answer ANY question that you have. Or would be happy to give you their input or advice on visiting here. This is a beautiful area, full of amazing people. But there are many that are using false stories or half truths and various manipulations to achieve their own agenda.

I have no agenda. I live in Mexico, with my kids. I want Mexico to be safe. i would not allow my children to be in an unsafe place. But I allow my children more freedom here in Tulum, Mexico then I did in the USA. It is because the people here are all looking out for my kids. Please. if you have concerns about visiting, please contact me. I will get you in touch with someone who lives in that town so that you can get REAL information. Information that you will most likely not be getting in main steam press. again mindyintulum@yahoo.com. also check out ANY of the blogs on my blog role and all of them would be happy to answer any questions that you have.

Get real information about a place. Please do not rely on media stories that are designed to invoke fear in order to sell papers. We live here, we walk the streets (sometimes a little in cohesive - BE SAFE!!!) ask us, we would be happy to tell you anything. The good, the bad the ugly... but usually the amazing.