Posted by JOHN on September 21, 2008, 5:24:21, in reply to "Safety?"

As a voracious reader Greg, you might want to purchase a copy of "Stuff White People Like" semi plagerized by Greg Landers and offered by Amazon.Com http://www.amazon.com/Stuff-White-People-Like-Definitive/dp/0812979915 San Pancho has beome sooooooooooooo civilized that it can now be scored, using the test in the back of the book, as the top rated Mexican town for offering "Stuff White People Like." But then, all that "Stuff" was brought by white people. --Previous Message-- : In danger of being called a gringo with : rose-colored glasses, I'll take the chance. : We're hoping to quietly, respectfully spend : 9 days in San Pancho in January as those 40 : something year olds that just like to get : out of winter for a few days and read a book : by the beach, wander the streets, appreciate : the culture. I hate tourist towns like : downtown PV. No, we're not buying dirt or : moving in. ANYWAY, what's the general : feeling of the safety in San Pancho for us : occaisonal tourists stopping through : currently? You read stuff, pay too much : attention to the news, and just want to be : smart. If you say it's no different than : anywhere else, fine. If you say people are : boarding up at night, it's another issue. : Any thoughts? Thank you. :

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Posted by Barbara kirkwood on September 20, 2008, 20:22:40, in reply to "Safety?"

Hi Greg -- you're smart to ask. There's been a lot of press about Mexico recently, so I understand your concern. I live here full time and never feel threatened or worried -- but I also take steps to be safe. Just what I would do if I still lived in California. I secure my valuables, always lock the door of my house and car, don't flash money or jewelrey. So many people come to Mexico, see all the smiling faces and get lured into a sense of false security. The nasty way of saying it is "don't leave your brains at the border". We don't have a crime "problem" here -- the occasional bad thing happens, of course, but it is usually an isolated incident and not part of gang or crime "problem". There are sometimes crimes of opportunity -- people leave their laptop on a kitchen table, leave the door open and go the beach. It happens. A few years ago it never happened -- but with growth comes new people. With new people comes different values, belief systems, etc -- some of them good, some not so good. I walk around town safely, day or night and you will too, most likely. Don't get involved in local's business and you'll be okay. This all sounds like we have a problem -- we do NOT -- I'd just not want you to think it is perfect here -- although it looks like that to most people. The locals are friendly, hardworking and good families. Whenever there is a problem, it is (99 out of 100 times) involving an outsider. Have a wonderful vacation here. Feel safe eating at every restaurant (including the little street stands that pop up at night -- they are fabulous and safe). Ask the people you are renting from if the house is secure (no access without key). If it is not, ask if they have a safe or a lockable area you can use. And, most of all, enjoy our little slice of paradise --Previous Message-- : In danger of being called a gringo with : rose-colored glasses, I'll take the chance. : We're hoping to quietly, respectfully spend : 9 days in San Pancho in January as those 40 : something year olds that just like to get : out of winter for a few days and read a book : by the beach, wander the streets, appreciate : the culture. I hate tourist towns like : downtown PV. No, we're not buying dirt or : moving in. ANYWAY, what's the general : feeling of the safety in San Pancho for us : occaisonal tourists stopping through : currently? You read stuff, pay too much : attention to the news, and just want to be : smart. If you say it's no different than : anywhere else, fine. If you say people are : boarding up at night, it's another issue. : Any thoughts? Thank you. :

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