17.) A Nice Talk With a Government Official in Basasiachi

There are no pictures in this entry, but it is worthwhile for anyone thinking about a Mexican journey of their own.

At our motel at Basasiachi, we met with a man who works for the state government in some capacity in the education system. We have a good two hour long conversation about all sorts of things. We talk politics, crime, Mexican's perception of America, all sorts of things. Some of the more interesting things he said included:

Regarding Crime - There is much crime in Mexico, but apart from Mexico City, it is almost exclusively one of three types. The most common is petty theft. This is most common in larger cities and is driven by poverty. It is a nuisance, but is not life threatening. The second is drug related violence, which can be very extreme, especially in border towns. Concerning drug related violence, it is wise to stay on well known roads in the north of Mexico, because in the Copper Canyon area, there are numerous Marijuana and Opium farms. One does not need to wander far off established roads to find himself in trouble. Finally, there are definitely bandidos. Bandidos rob people at night, usually by setting roadblocks at bridges. When the prey vehicle stops at the roadblock, they storm the vehicle, often with stunning violence. This man told us that it is a very real danger to travel after 7 PM in any part of Mexico on account of these bandidos. Just do not do it, he said.

Regarding Police Corruption - He tells us that the corruption issues of the past are improving, mostly driven by the war on drugs and additional monetary investments in pay, benefits, and infrastructure for law enforcement. I can vouch that all law enforcement officials and military personnel we encountered while in Mexico exhibited the highest levels of professionalism and conduct. This has not always been my observation in past visits.

Regarding Places To Go - He tells us of some tropical oasis on the Sea of Cortez called San Carlos. He says it is a vacation destination for well heeled Mexicans and has the traditional Mexican culture, but without the Disneyland junk of Cozumel. We decide to make it our next target.

Regarding Food - He tells us of Birra, a soup / stew that is served down south. It turns out to be very good. He also steers us towards the Langustos (kind of like lobsters) in San Carlos. Also very good. This man knew how to eat.

Regarding What Mexicans Think of AMericans - Mexican commoners love Americans. It is the government that postures. It is true that many see America as a land of opportunity. They definitely have an inferiority complex towards Americans, especially when Ugly Americans are involved. There is no militant Anti-American sentiment among the people of Mexico.