Enrique 0 #1 September 29, 2006 I am interested in knowing how the skydiving community feels about traveling to, living in, investing in Mexico, specificaly Tijuana or any border town. Do you feel it is safe? Is the violence in Tijuana and other border towns even a subject that you hear/read about in the foreign media? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #2 September 29, 2006 Define safe............It isn't Baghdad but it isn't Xenia, Ohio either. I would say the biggest problem there is that you never know if you can trust the police. An American wandering drunk in TJ is a bit of a target. There's far more dangerous places in the world. Like Detroit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #3 September 29, 2006 QuoteDefine safe............It isn't Baghdad but it isn't Xenia, Ohio either. I would say the biggest problem there is that you never know if you can trust the police. An American wandering drunk in TJ is a bit of a target. There's far more dangerous places in the world. Like Detroit. ___________________________________ Hmmmm... I've been in both, Detroit and Tijuana. I think I prefer... neither! Just too many people! Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Enrique 0 #4 September 29, 2006 QuoteDefine safe............It isn't Baghdad but it isn't Xenia, Ohio either. I would say the biggest problem there is that you never know if you can trust the police. An American wandering drunk in TJ is a bit of a target. There's far more dangerous places in the world. Like Detroit. That is what I would like to know: is it the police that makes you feel unsafe or is it somethin else? BTW, a very good percentage of Tijuana residents do not trust the police (that includes me). Traditionaly, you don't have to be drunk to be a target in TJ. It's all in the license plates! They see US license plates and they immediately see $$$. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #5 September 29, 2006 QuoteBTW, a very good percentage of Tijuana residents do not trust the police (that includes me). Yep......... QuoteTraditionaly, you don't have to be drunk to be a target in TJ. It's all in the license plates! They see US license plates and they immediately see $$$. You mean like tourists in South Florida? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillyVance 34 #6 September 29, 2006 QuoteQuoteBTW, a very good percentage of Tijuana residents do not trust the police (that includes me). Yep......... QuoteTraditionaly, you don't have to be drunk to be a target in TJ. It's all in the license plates! They see US license plates and they immediately see $$$. You mean like tourists in South Florida? Tourists driving rental cars that are marked as such have been targets for carjackings and robberies. I think the most infamous incident happened at a rest area several years ago when a couple of robbers brazenly shot and killed a couple in their car in broad daylight... "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Enrique 0 #7 September 29, 2006 Probably about 1 year ago, I would tell fellow jumpers wanting to visit TJ that it was safe; that only people involved in drug smuggling were in danger (aside from the obvious consequences of being drunk in public and immoral behavior which, of course, skydivers never do...). Now, from my perspective, things have changed dramatically. That is why I would like to know how non-Mexicans see the violence situation in my Country. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #8 September 29, 2006 The last time I was in TJ was 1992. I went there with my rugby team, since we'd just gotten done playing in San Diego. A wild and somewhat scary time, it was. Nothing too aweful happened to me, but there were some close calls. When we got back, we all wondered where Tonka and Matsaki were - a couple of Japanese exchange students who were tough as nails wingers. A couple of months later, they showed up at practice and let us have it. We found out what happened. They'd gotten separated from the group and got mugged. So they lost their passports and were unable to get back into the US. Having raised a stink at the border, they found themselves guests in a Tijuana jail cell for tow or three weeks. Then they were transferred to Mexico City, where they were in jail for another two or three weeks. Then in the Japanese consulate to get the hell out. They had just come by to collect their stuff and were flying out the next day. We wanted to buy them beer, but for some reason they didn't trust us anymore. My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Enrique 0 #9 September 29, 2006 QuoteThe last time I was in TJ was 1992. I went there with my rugby team, since we'd just gotten done playing in San Diego. A wild and somewhat scary time, it was. Nothing too aweful happened to me, but there were some close calls. When we got back, we all wondered where Tonka and Matsaki were - a couple of Japanese exchange students who were tough as nails wingers. A couple of months later, they showed up at practice and let us have it. We found out what happened. They'd gotten separated from the group and got mugged. So they lost their passports and were unable to get back into the US. Having raised a stink at the border, they found themselves guests in a Tijuana jail cell for tow or three weeks. Then they were transferred to Mexico City, where they were in jail for another two or three weeks. Then in the Japanese consulate to get the hell out. They had just come by to collect their stuff and were flying out the next day. We wanted to buy them beer, but for some reason they didn't trust us anymore. Bet I can guess what part of town you were visiting! I recently heard from a guy that got kicked out of a whore house because he was trying to get something he didn't pay for! However, I am not talking about 'regular' run-ins with the police, it is the overall perspective of the recent and ongoing violence in border towns such as TJ. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #10 September 29, 2006 No way in hell I'm going to Nuevo Laredo. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
goofyjumper 0 #11 September 29, 2006 I used to go there lots of times when I was under 21, for the most part it was safe, it was just dirty and alot of beggers. I did have one very bad experience there though and have not gone back since. And really it was all the American border patrolman that contributed to the bad experience. So it wasn't Mexico at all. Just go with lots of friends and it can be very fun.----------------- I love and Miss you so much Honey! Orfun #3 ~ Darla Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillyVance 34 #12 September 29, 2006 The only part of Mexico I will visit is in the Yucatan peninsula, where most of the inhabitants are direct descendents of the Mayans. They are much nicer and mind their own business, but they will help if asked. That is my direct experience..."Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
warpedskydiver 0 #13 September 29, 2006 QuoteNo way in hell I'm going to Nuevo Laredo. You don't need to, with your skills you should be able to hit them easily from your side of the border Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2dogs 0 #14 September 29, 2006 That's where I met my first wife. She was doin this stage act with a donkey, but I figgerd it's just an act, right? We got married but she didn't really want to quit her job, so I bought the donkey from the cantina owner and she rode him up here the next week. To love the game beyond the prize Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #15 September 29, 2006 QuoteNo way in hell I'm going to Nuevo Laredo. _________________________________ I think, TJ would be a 'walk in the park' compared to Nuevo Laredo! I have no idea, how many police chiefs that town has had in the past year. I think, the life expectancy of a police chief there, is about... 30-minutes! Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Enrique 0 #16 September 29, 2006 QuoteQuoteNo way in hell I'm going to Nuevo Laredo. _________________________________ I think, TJ would be a 'walk in the park' compared to Nuevo Laredo! I have no idea, how many police chiefs that town has had in the past year. I think, the life expectancy of a police chief there, is about... 30-minutes! Chuck I haven't been to Nuevo Laredo, but I hear it's not nice. Here in TJ we have had about 270 violent deaths this year. That is 1 daily violent death, including governmental officials, police officers/investigators, D.A.s, criminals, etc. The number of kidnappings is undetermined but the last report I read was that Mexico had surpassed Colombia... and I am not kidding! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
warpedskydiver 0 #17 September 29, 2006 QuoteQuoteQuoteNo way in hell I'm going to Nuevo Laredo. _________________________________ I think, TJ would be a 'walk in the park' compared to Nuevo Laredo! I have no idea, how many police chiefs that town has had in the past year. I think, the life expectancy of a police chief there, is about... 30-minutes! Chuck I haven't been to Nuevo Laredo, but I hear it's not nice. Here in TJ we have had about 270 violent deaths this year. That is 1 daily violent death, including governmental officials, police officers/investigators, D.A.s, criminals, etc. The number of kidnappings is undetermined but the last report I read was that Mexico had surpassed Colombia... and I am not kidding! Well at least they are number one at aomething! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #18 September 29, 2006 QuoteQuoteQuoteNo way in hell I'm going to Nuevo Laredo. _________________________________ I think, TJ would be a 'walk in the park' compared to Nuevo Laredo! I have no idea, how many police chiefs that town has had in the past year. I think, the life expectancy of a police chief there, is about... 30-minutes! Chuck I haven't been to Nuevo Laredo, but I hear it's not nice. Here in TJ we have had about 270 violent deaths this year. That is 1 daily violent death, including governmental officials, police officers/investigators, D.A.s, criminals, etc. The number of kidnappings is undetermined but the last report I read was that Mexico had surpassed Colombia... and I am not kidding! ___________________________________ Oh, I believe you! I think, Nuevo Laredo, has that many killings in a week! Police, newspaper people, anyone involved in drug trafficking... you name it. Newspaper offices have been shot-up as well as a radio station. It's a real mess. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akarunway 1 #19 September 29, 2006 QuoteQuoteDefine safe............It isn't Baghdad but it isn't Xenia, Ohio either. I would say the biggest problem there is that you never know if you can trust the police. An American wandering drunk in TJ is a bit of a target. There's far more dangerous places in the world. Like Detroit. ___________________________________ Hmmmm... I've been in both, Detroit and Tijuana. I think I prefer... neither! Just too many people! Chuck Hey. I like TJ. Where can you get a BJ while eating a taco while getting a massage and your shoes shined and having a drink. ALL at the same time. For cheap too!I hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akarunway 1 #20 September 29, 2006 QuoteQuoteDefine safe............It isn't Baghdad but it isn't Xenia, Ohio either. I would say the biggest problem there is that you never know if you can trust the police. An American wandering drunk in TJ is a bit of a target. There's far more dangerous places in the world. Like Detroit. That is what I would like to know: is it the police that makes you feel unsafe or is it somethin else? BTW, a very good percentage of Tijuana residents do not trust the police (that includes me). Traditionaly, you don't have to be drunk to be a target in TJ. It's all in the license plates! They see US license plates and they immediately see $$$. Take the bus over. Stay away from the cops and most people on the streets. Just nod and walk on. No problemoI hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #21 September 29, 2006 QuoteQuoteQuoteDefine safe............It isn't Baghdad but it isn't Xenia, Ohio either. I would say the biggest problem there is that you never know if you can trust the police. An American wandering drunk in TJ is a bit of a target. There's far more dangerous places in the world. Like Detroit. ___________________________________ Hmmmm... I've been in both, Detroit and Tijuana. I think I prefer... neither! Just too many people! Chuck Hey. I like TJ. Where can you get a BJ while eating a taco while getting a massage and your shoes shined and having a drink. ALL at the same time. For cheap too! ________________________________ Definately, a 'point' in the right direction! Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rainbo 0 #22 September 30, 2006 QuoteQuoteQuoteDefine safe............It isn't Baghdad but it isn't Xenia, Ohio either. I would say the biggest problem there is that you never know if you can trust the police. An American wandering drunk in TJ is a bit of a target. There's far more dangerous places in the world. Like Detroit. ___________________________________ Hmmmm... I've been in both, Detroit and Tijuana. I think I prefer... neither! Just too many people! Chuck Hey. I like TJ. Where can you get a BJ while eating a taco while getting a massage and your shoes shined and having a drink. ALL at the same time. For cheap too! Monterrey, and its a lot safer. But you still got to be careful...Rainbo TheSpeedTriple - Speed is everything "Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freethefly 6 #23 September 30, 2006 Having spent 7 months inspecting the entire railroad system in Mexico and testing up to each border town, I can honestly say that Mexico has the friendliest people I have ever met. The people in the interior are far removed from some in the border towns. The border people (not all) are far too Americanized and view any tourist as a potential target. Of all the border towns - Piedras Negras (across from Eagle Pass) was the worst although, the first thing we saw crossing from Laredo to Nuevo Laredo in the tunnel was a group of guys huffing paint and throwing rocks at our railcar (a 75' long rail inspection car. We were told that we would be welcomed as liberators). Haven't been to TJ since 84 but I never had any trouble there. All in all Mexico is a great place to visit as long as you steer clear of the tourist spots. Copper canyon should not be missed even though the rail line through that region is often hit by banditos, no shit. We had two armed federales with us at all times during the test."...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeyRamone 0 #24 September 30, 2006 You can ask my friend who was with in 200 yards of the usa border when he tried to help some kid getting his ass kicked by some locals, well he got a crow bar into his chest, they tried to kill him, left him for dead. He will never go back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #25 September 30, 2006 Quote so I bought the donkey from the cantina owner and she rode him up here the next week. Over or under? Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
