TIPS FOR LIVING AND TRAVELING SECURELY IN MEXICO

Since the early 60s, I’ve lived and traveled in a number of countries outside the United States and given my personal security the highest priority.  In fact, it even shares the same level of importance when I visit the U.S. every six months for six weeks.  It seems that one just can’t be too secure nowadays.  However, we shouldn’t become paranoid about it, and that’s why many of us ex-pats have found that you can live, travel, and feel secure in Mexico if you follow some common sense tips:

      1 – Don’t be flashy.  For example don’t wear expensive watches or jewelry.

      2 – When getting money from an ATM, do it during daylight hours and not in isolated places. 

      3 – Stay out of problem areas.  All the world’s towns and cities have them.  Get a guide if you’re a tourist.  Ask hotel managers about the areas not to visit.

      4 – Pay attention to your surroundings, avoid dark areas.

      5 – Have copies made of your important documents.  In fact, scan them and email them to yourself.

      6 – Memorize emergency numbers.  For example, the equivalent of 911 in Mexico is 066.

      7 – Don’t carry more than one credit card at a time in your wallet.

      8 – Carry any bag or purse securely; preferably have a purse or pouch you carry around your waist if you come as a tourist.

      9 - For you guys, change your wallet from the back to the front pocket before you enter a crowded street or market.

      10 – When taking a taxi, especially in Mexico City, make sure it has a license displayed in the backdoor window and that the picture corresponds to the driver’s face.  Make a note of the tag or I.D. number.  Secondly, if there is no taxi meter, get the price of the trip before you get in the taxi.  Best of all, take a taxi from a secure stand (sitio) in Mexico City.

      11 – Write down your bank and credit card companies international phone numbers (800 numbers don’t work in Mexico).

      12 – For women, dress conservatively.  Ignore catcalls and wolf whistles.  Learn a few phrases like, “Estoy esperando por mi esposo.” (I’m waiting for my husband), and “Ayudame por favor.” (Help me, please).

      13 – Learn to speak at least a basic level of fluent Spanish if you plan on living here.

      14 – Never open the door of your home or your hotel room to anyone unless you have found out who they are.

      15 – Don’t take the subway in Mexico City unless it’s absolutely necessary. 

      16 – While waiting for a bus in any bus station, sit with the families and don’t involve yourself in a conversation with anyone who comes and asks you for the time.

      17 -- Pay attention to the travel advisories from the U.S. State Department.  Don't go to Northern Mexico unless you have to do so because of your job.

   
     18 -- If it's possible, practice the "buddy" system as we used to say in the military; that is, travel about in twos or more.

While the foregoing tips are the major rules that we follow here, there are many more; for example, if you plan on driving.  Even though I drive when my wife and I go to the U.S., and I’ve also driven here, Saudi Arabia, Europe, Mexico, and Asia, I don’t drive in Mexico now.  Of course, I’m retired and there is plentiful public transportation, but if I can avoid any interactions with the police, I prefer it. 

However, if I worked here, I would probably have a car.  And I would most certainly follow the guidelines given in the following website:  http://www.wikihow.com/Drive-in-Mexico-Without-Getting-Into-Trouble

I’ve lived in Mexico for almost 20 consecutive years, and I’ve always felt secure.  Of course, I’ve taken the time to follow the tips given above.  My wife and I have numerous friends and acquaintances who have lived and traveled in Mexico without incident for years.  Based on our experience, we know that anyone who chooses to visit or live here can be secure as well.  Just observe the rules of common sense and pay attention to the experience of others.  

YOGA IN PUEBLA, MEXICO

If a person chooses to live in the city of Puebla and wants to stay fit, I’d look up our friend and yoga teacher Juan Carlos Martínez Parra.  He’s the director of a yoga center called Sahasrara Yoga which is located across the street from Plaza Cristal, a well-known shopping center, in a nice area of this major metropolitan environment.

We’ve known Juan Carlos since 1997 when we met him at a meditation retreat in Mexico City.  Through the years we’ve come to recognize that he’s an extremely talented person.  Not only does he teach all levels of yoga, but he also instructs people in meditation, tai chi, and martial arts. Moreover, he’s a contributing writer for Yoghismo, one of the best yoga magazines here in Mexico, and he has a weekly internet radio program called Camino Sin Fronteras (Path Without Borders) (www.sabersinfin.com), where he interviews local people who are involved with various types of spiritual pursuits.

Anyone who comes to Juan Carlos’s classes will find him very personable, quite knowledgeable, and extremely capable.  If there is a need for translation, he always has students who are fluent in English.  For further information, please check his website www.yogapuebla.com.mx

RURAL CENTRAL MEXICO

When we leave our home for Apizaco, a small city in our area, we pass by the panorama you see above.  The large mountain at the rear of the photo is the Malintzi.  Its elevation is around 15,000 feet.  There is an excellent camping area with cabins a little over half way up, which is surrounded by forest.  Our property is about middle upper right on the photo.  

While there are a number of small towns around the Malintzi, there are also quite a number of citizens who love living in the country like we do.  The people here are quite friendly.  Their professions vary from construction workers and small farmers to doctors and engineers.

Now that we are into the rainy season (late May through early November), everything is beautifully green.  People are into growing their crops, going swimming at the nearby vacation area called the Trinidad, and just enjoying the wonderful climate.  What a wonderful time of year to be here!

DHAMMA VIHARA MEXICO

Although there are a number of places to go on meditation retreats in Central Mexico, one of our favorite locations is the monastery operated by Dhamma Vihara near Jilotepec, Veracruz.  Situated in the mountains about 30 minutes by taxi from the city of Jalapa, it’s easily one of the most beautiful places to seek solitude in this country.

The abbot of this monastery is the Venerable Bhikku Nandisena.  He’s not only fluent in Spanish and English but also has a high level of capability in Pali.  As a scholar and practitioner, he’s a truly kind-hearted and wise instructor and counselor, one my wife and I would recommend to anyone who has an interest in the discipline of meditation as a means to improve his or her life.

Here is an excellent view of the monastery where you can see the building that houses the kitchen and dining facilities.  On the right is a view of the porch in front of the meditation hall and the teacher’s quarters.  Practitioners who like walking meditation have ample opportunity to enjoy a space away from the noise of traffic, for there’s only the sound of birds and small animals being filtered through the forested environment.

Here we see a view of the dormitory located in back of the kitchen and dining facilities.  Each student is housed in a small but comfortable room.   Surrounded by nature, it is a wonderfully serene atmosphere in which to enjoy a pleasant night’s sleep.

Here is a side view of the meditation hall, teacher’s quarters, and meeting rooms.  There is sufficient space for around 30 or so practitioners and teachers. 

Please believe me when I say that walking meditation in the misty fog of the early mornings at this monastery is a unique experience, especially when you’re alone.  Even though I prefer sitting meditation, I’ll definitely defer that preference when such weather conditions prevail.

This is a photo of our first time at the monastery several years ago.  Pictured in the center, of course, is the Venerable Bhikku Nandisena.  Rebe and I are located on the lower left hand side.

The people in the Sangha who help manage the retreats are remarkably gracious and of great assistance.  They support us with assigned chores, assist with the cooking and serving, and offer helpful advice regarding practice.  Creating such a wonderful setting, they are largely responsible for why meditators return.  

Rebe and I have been here on retreat twice, and we’re going back again this fall.  We know that our time there will be productive and enjoyable.

The web address for Dhama Vihara Mexico is:  www.dhammavihara.org

A QUIET LUNCH

Last week on Monday, Rebe and I went for a quiet birthday lunch at the “Bistro”, one of our favorite restaurants in Apizaco, a small city about 15 minutes from our home.

We’ve been going to this establishment about once a month for more than six years.  It’s located in an old home about a block off the city square.  Although you can only see a small portion of the restaurant here, it can handle over 150 people for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  The service is excellent, the menu has a good variety, and the prices are in the middle range. 

We particularly like the Bistro because of its beautiful and comfortable environment, one in which we can take our time, bring our guests, and find the owners quite pleasant and responsive.  Also, if one chooses to linger on to read and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea after dining, he or she can feel contented to do so.

I’m sure that we’ll continue to appreciate this wonderful eating place for years to come.  It’s been particularly good for us.  We also go there to take a load off our feet and enjoy a pastry with something to drink during shopping trips in Apizaco.  We’re sure that others will have a pleasant experience there too.

CREATING A SPACE FOR MEDITATION

When we begin to practice meditation, we are often told that it’s important to dedicate an area in our home for that purpose.  The instructions also say it should be quiet and not used for other activities.  At first, the significance of these guidelines may not be readily apparent, but that changes over time, especially with practice.  My wife and I have had that in mind ever since we began to construct our home in the countryside of Santa Cruz Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico eight years ago.

Although we’d always had rooms and spaces for meditation in the homes we rented in this country (San Miguel de Allende, Tacambaro, Puebla, and Santa Cruz Tlaxcala), there’s nothing like having one in your own home.  Ours is especially suited for us, and we’ve been enjoying it for a little over five years now.  Instead of hearing the sound of the traffic in a town or city, we listen to the birds and domestic animals from the upstairs windows of our meditation room.  Also, in the distance we hear the church bells from the small towns around us as well as the train passing by on its way to Veracruz or Puebla.  None of these sounds disrupt our practice nor do any of the aromas of the country air.  Moreover, after living in this community for more than 11 years, we feel very secure and happy. 

LIVING IN CITIES OR SMALL TOWNS IN CENTRAL MEXICO

When our professions have no influence on where we can live, the freedom we feel is quite exhilarating.  It’s an opportunity to let our personal goals and objectives guide us to a place where we can comfortably experience our dreams.  Thousands talk of such a prospect.  And here in Central Mexico, we find that cities and small towns offer a lot to make that a reality.

For example, rentals in many cases are much less expensive than in the U.S.   In our small town of Santa Cruz Tlaxcala, the going monthly rate for a nice one bedroom, unfurnished apartment is from $2,000 to $2,500 pesos.  If it’s furnished, then the price is about 40% to 50% more.  Also, add another $1000 or so monthly for cities like Tlaxcala or Puebla. When you’ve found what you want and are satisfied with the cost, then one month’s rent in advance as well as the first month’s rent is expected.  Certainly, it’s possible to find rentals for less money, but they might not be what you want.  More expensive apartments are available as well.  Make sure the landlord provides you with a written contract and get a receipt each time you pay.  Also, it’s good to know that a landlord cannot evict you as easily as in the U.S.  The rental laws even protect the foreigners living here. 

Security should be one of your highest priorities when finding a rental.  For that reason, as well as negotiating the price, it’s to your benefit if you have a Mexican acquaintance or friend who can accompany you.  He or she will generally know how secure a particular neighborhood is and what a fair price is.  Moreover, your apartment, should have secure locks on the doors and bars over the windows, including the window on the door.  If it’s possible to have a sliding bolt or pin running from the door into the wall, that’s preferable too.

Another thing you should know about Mexican cities and small towns is that they generally have more activity during the day. There are particular sounds for the garbage men, the knife sharpener, tamale salesman, ice cream truck, and other vendors.  Hearing bells ringing from the churches during celebrations and the occasional neighbor having a fiesta are common.  When you become accustomed to these activities, you notice they give the community a personality. 

While I’ve discovered living in Mexican cities and towns to be an interesting change, I’ve also recognized that it’s good to make acquaintances and friends with the local citizens and other international inhabitants.  It you’re outgoing, it’s easier, but even if that’s not the case, in small communities you can start with the people from whom you’ve rented a place to live.  Secondly, those you meet in the shops, restaurants, and market where you get your groceries and other necessities.  Among those workers, owners, and customers, you might find a few with experiences similar to yours.  If you like to attend church, it’s possible to go to the local Catholic mass even if you aren’t Catholic.  It’ll acquaint you with the general population.    Getting to know people in the cities is much the same as in towns, but you might find it preferable to look for some of the groups or associations with whom you can find a professional or non-professional interest.  Many of them are listed in internet. 

The main thing, however, with the people you meet, whether it be individuals or groups, is to be friendly, patient, and curious.  The citizens here watch the foreigners with particular interest, and it’s even more so in small towns.  They want to know what kind of people they are.  Usually, all they know about outsiders is what they’ve read, seen on television, heard about from friends and acquaintances, or have occasioned to meet in the past.  Sometimes the locals are predisposed to believe they can’t understand the way you speak Spanish, but if you take your time and speak as clearly as you can, they’ll appreciate your effort and try harder to understand you.  After you’ve made several acquaintances, they’ll introduce you to others, which makes life much easier.

Once you begin to meet a number of people, you’ll notice the differences in the way they speak.  If it’s a professional conversation, the language will be more formal and spoken more clearly.  If it’s a social get together, they might begin talking somewhat formally with you, but as the dialogue continues, it becomes more informal.  You’ll quickly see there is a way that acquaintances speak with each other as compared to how family members and close friends relate.  Moreover, it’s normal to meet people from all over Mexico in social and professional settings.  The pace at which they speak, their accents, and their regional dialects are often challenging.  It’s your task to accustom yourself to such variations just as it is for them to understand you.  And don’t worry, you’ll find a lot of them are more than willing to help you out.  Frequently, many of the more highly educated Mexicans will speak and understand English quite fluently, whereas in the small towns that won’t be quite so common, but even that is changing.  After all, a lot of people here have worked in the U.S. or Canada or have travelled internationally.

Aside from the above settings, other activities such as shopping can be quite interesting.  In a city such as Puebla, which has a population of more than three million, you’ll find shopping centers similar to what you would expect to see in the U.S., Canada, or Europe.  Besides the shops you find in these malls, there are hundreds scattered throughout the city.  When it comes to buying fruits and vegetables, by far the best place to go is one of the markets.  The prices are better, and the produce is often fresher.  Usually, the prices are posted but if they aren’t, then watch and listen to see what other people are paying if you’re not sure of a reasonable charge for what you want.  In the small towns, such as Santa Cruz Tlaxcala where my wife and I live, there are a number of shops and a market.  Frequently, there’s an open air market during the week called a “Tiangus”.  Wherever you choose to shop, in the beginning it’s preferable to go with a Mexican acquaintance who can orient you to this new experience.

Also, as you go about your shopping, you’ll find a need for public transportation.  There are plenty of taxi cabs where a short ride will cost between 25 and 35 pesos.  You’ll need to know what a reasonable fare is and negotiate it with the driver.  If you’re not sure, then ask your landlord or another acquaintance before you go anywhere.   Most people use the combis (vans) or small city buses unless they’re in a hurry.  They have fixed routes and the tariff is around five or six pesos.  Stopping on corners, they usually pass by every three to five minutes. 

In conclusion, if you have a positive frame of mind, you’ll find a lot to your liking wherever you prefer to live, the small towns or the cities.  While I’ve covered rentals, security, meeting people, shopping, and public transportation, there are numerous other affirmative aspects to living here in Central Mexico.  For example, I particularly like nice restaurants, excellent coffee shops, thermal and steam baths, and weekend breakfasts, brunches, and lunches with friends.  I also enjoy the activity of our little town, where I always see locals who stop to chat.  This country has so much more to offer than people generally realize.