January temperatures are so cold Canadians are ignoring the U.S. travel warnings of murder, rape and violence and are instead risking life and limb and heading south of the border, down Mexico way. The off chance of having one’s head sent packing in a hand basket isn’t enough of a deterrent to keep Canadians at home in these sub zero temperatures. And the price is right since the Canadian dollar remains on par with that of the U.S. What could possibly go wrong?
Just recently a Montreal police officer was badly beaten by a suspected biker gang while vacationing in Mexico. A B.C. man was shot in the leg after gunfire broke out in a market he and his wife were visiting in Mexico. A Canadian woman and her fiancé were arrested New Year’s Eve and while in police custody the woman reported she was raped by three police officers and both she and her fiancé allege they were robbed of cash and other valuables. I’m certain none of this was listed in the travel brochure.
The constant news coverage about the drug cartels and violence along the U.S. Mexican border have spooked Americans from even considering Mexico as a vacation destination. Their absence is driving costs down. Their loss is the Canadian sun seekers gain, but at what price?
The thing is when I go on vacation I always like to return home intact, unscathed, refreshed and most importantly, still breathing. I don’t want my vacation memories turned into an in memoriam. Maybe I expect too much.
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