MUScoop
MUScoop => The Superbar => Topic started by: mu_hilltopper on March 24, 2018, 08:18:49 AM
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I suppose if you're not from the MKE are you might have missed the MJS' reporting on the dozens of US tourists who report being assaulted, blacking out, etc, etc.
https://www.jsonline.com/topic/41b67c47-15c8-43ee-97f8-600306dc19bc/
But now there's this news.. family of 4 from Iowa, dies in their condo. No trauma to their bodies, just .. never woke up, dead.
http://www.kcci.com/article/mexican-news-source-4-americans-found-dead-in-tourist-complex/19576621
Admittedly, we've hit Mexico the past 3 Spring breaks .. but this is it, we're done. Plenty of other places to go.
I gotta figure .. Mexico's days as a tourist destination are numbered.
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No chance I'd hit the mainland these days. And it's sad because the vast majority of the Mexican people are so very nice. But there's a corruption that simply can't be ignored.
Head to the islands instead. And, in the aftermath of the hurricanes, they need your dollars more than ever.
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Scheduled to head to Cabo in a couple weeks. Anyone have familiarity with the area in terms of current safety, etc?
This is in anticipation of getting married there next spring.
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That's the one place I haven't heard about problems jesmu. Can't give you much though as we've only been there once.
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Scheduled to head to Cabo in a couple weeks. Anyone have familiarity with the area in terms of current safety, etc?
This is in anticipation of getting married there next spring.
You’re good. Cabo isn’t one of the areas of concern. Lots of friends’ bachelor parties have been there and even with us doing dumb shiza, we never felt like things got sketchy. Stick to nice properties and don’t walk around drunk and alone.
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From the US State Dept:
There are no U.S. government restrictions for travel in Baja California Sur, which includes the tourist areas of Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html
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Congrats on getting married, Jesmu. Even though Cabo is safe now, it may not be safe one month from now, one year from now, etc. With so many other tropical destinations available, e.g., Punta Cana (DR), Roatan (Honduras), Bocas (Panama), Belize, etc., I would skip Mexico altogether.
That's solely based on my opinion. But, then again, I don't work for a medical journal publisher or anything, so take it with a grain of salt.
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That's the problem, though .. the dozens of stories from the JS series .. people aren't saying "Yeah, we booked this really sketchy hotel and drank some booze that looked a little cloudy."
Generally, we're talking Apple Vacations type stuff.
And yeah, 99.99% of Mexico's citizenry are fine people. It just takes a few bad dudes to eff it all up, especially with tourism.
I can go to Florida or Hawaii and the State Department doesn't have a 20 page warning note about the area.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html
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From the US State Dept:
There are no U.S. government restrictions for travel in Baja California Sur, which includes the tourist areas of Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html
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Congrats on getting married, Jesmu. Even though Cabo is safe now, it may not be safe one month from now, one year from now, etc. With so many other tropical destinations available, e.g., Punta Cana (DR), Roatan (Honduras), Bocas (Panama), Belize, etc., I would skip Mexico altogether.
That's solely based on my opinion. But, then again, I don't work for a medical journal publisher or anything, so take it with a grain of salt.
Nice.
Thanks for the info, all.
This is an example of one of the nicetites of the scoop community
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One of the original stories that came out in the JS was about a friend of a friend. No way am I going to Mexico these days.
Glow and I honeymooned in Cancun back in the days when it was still new and exotic. It's a little sad to think that I will likely never be back.
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Agree with what everyone has said. The last couple years, kept thinking about booking a Cabo family vacation, but felt like a story like Hilltopper found would pop up and turn me off. It is a shame because Mexico has 99% friendly people, great weather, incredible places to see, reasonably priced, and relatively easy flight no matter where you live.
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I know someone who was a victim of the tainted alcohol, luckily she passed out in public and received medical attention. I also know someone who died after being electrocuted in a resort swimming pool while on his honeymoon. Anecdotal for sure but no thank you on Mexico.
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That's the problem, though .. the dozens of stories from the JS series .. people aren't saying "Yeah, we booked this really sketchy hotel and drank some booze that looked a little cloudy."
Generally, we're talking Apple Vacations type stuff.
And yeah, 99.99% of Mexico's citizenry are fine people. It just takes a few bad dudes to eff it all up, especially with tourism.
I can go to Florida or Hawaii and the State Department doesn't have a 20 page warning note about the area.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html
That IS the issue isn't it? Way too much smoke these days with countless other places to go.
Chick and I are pretty well traveled in the Caribbean. We like a few places better than others but have found most places and peoples to be wonderful and stunningly beautiful. I urge all to get out of their American comfort zone and explore. And for God's sake, don't seek out an Arby's when you're down island.
Let me add that if anyone wants Caribbean guidance chick and I are happy to share our experiences. Each island is a bit different in part driven by their colonial heritage and geography. PM if you like.
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Whats the word on Cozumel? Had a good time there about five years ago, was thinking about making another trip.
I always have Colombia to fall back on though.
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Whats the word on Cozumel? Had a good time there about five years ago, was thinking about making another trip.
I'd say our ship stops there on Wednesday and I'll report back, but I don't want to be robbed while we're gone. Hey, can anyone feed my pit bull while we're gone? He'll be home all alone and hungry.
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Whats the word on Cozumel? Had a good time there about five years ago, was thinking about making another trip.
I always have Colombia to fall back on though.
Cozumel's fine Chitown. They had cancelled some mainland shore excursions several weeks ago but they're back on now. So many ships stop there that they get a very steady flow of dollars without seemingly having the problems associated with the mainland.
I see Honduras much the same way. Crime on the mainland is a significant problem but the lovely island of Roatan is much safer. Not perfect mind you but with a standard of living significantly higher than onshore that the locals are fixated on protecting.
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Appreciate all the input. I guess you just never know for sure.
We've already booked and paid for everything for our trip in 2 weeks. Both resorts we're staying at (both in Cabo, higher end - sandos and Hyatt) know we're coming to evaluate for hosting our wedding there. I'd sure hope those resorts and staff would go out of their way to host a wedding that would bring in good cash for them.
We'll re-evaluate the destination when we return.
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Let me add this jesmu. While it's clearly a problem, it's not like everyone is being impacted. Think of it a little like walking alone late at night drunk and with your earbuds in at MU. Stupid leads to risk. Just remain vigilant and you'll be fine.
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I suppose if you're not from the MKE are you might have missed the MJS' reporting on the dozens of US tourists who report being assaulted, blacking out, etc, etc.
https://www.jsonline.com/topic/41b67c47-15c8-43ee-97f8-600306dc19bc/
But now there's this news.. family of 4 from Iowa, dies in their condo. No trauma to their bodies, just .. never woke up, dead.
http://www.kcci.com/article/mexican-news-source-4-americans-found-dead-in-tourist-complex/19576621
Admittedly, we've hit Mexico the past 3 Spring breaks .. but this is it, we're done. Plenty of other places to go.
I gotta figure .. Mexico's days as a tourist destination are numbered.
We continue to go, be smart about it. Went last Summer to Mexico. This family of four that passed away I will bet was a carbon monoxide situation.
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This family of four that passed away I will bet was a carbon monoxide situation.
Which is still cautionary, while not criminal.
Every place we go in Mexico, stuff is broken. It might be a nice resort or condo or whatever, but .. look around. If you can't find something in disrepair in 90 seconds, you've been drinking too much.
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We had a group of 9 that was in Puerto Aventuras (just south of Playa del Carmen) early this month. It was an awesome gated community that had everything you needed within the confines of the community.
Stayed at this house, and I can guarantee you nothing was in disrepair. I think house rentals are really the way to go in Mexico. You really have much greater control over alcohol and food.
https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p4055269
Highly recommend Aventuras if people are still looking to go to Mexico.
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We had a group of 9 that was in Puerto Aventuras (just south of Playa del Carmen) early this month. It was an awesome gated community that had everything you needed within the confines of the community.
https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p4055269
Highly recommend Aventuras if people are still looking to go to Mexico.
We went to Puerto Aventuras two years ago. Indeed, I highly recommend that area.
Stayed in an enormous condo that, agree, it was in good repair, big pool, on the ocean. -- The best part of that area is that being a few minutes walk to the lagoon and a dozen restaurants and bars.
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jesmu:
Will be interested in hearing about your experience.
My daughter is getting married in Cabo in May and the whole family will be going. My wife and I actually are going to Cancun for 4 nights (Westin resort in hotel zone) first to enjoy a little serenity before the zaniness starts, then we're flying across the country to Cabo. Staying there for a week at a very nice-looking all-inclusive (Pueblo Bonito Rose). Capping it all off with 2 nights in San Antonio. So a 2-week holiday for the 82s!
We have been to Cancun - stayed in this exact resort - and loved it. Very relaxing, lots to do if we wanted but chilling at the beach/pool was also fun. There is a swim-up bar in the pool - gotta love that.
We did a cruise to the Mexican Riviera a few years back - stopped at Cabo, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. Didn't spend all that much time in any of the spots. In Cabo, we decided to take a walk away from the cruise landing area and it was quite slummy. Never felt in danger, but it reminded me of the run-down part of any U.S. city. Maybe we were in danger and didn't even know it. My wife had to go tinkles and we went into a Burger King, but the employee wouldn't let her use the ladies room unless we bought something, so we bought a water. How 'bout that for wonderful vacation memories?
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Is Mexico worse than some places in Chicago?
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been to mexico, cacun(married-1984, 10 year anniversary, took the kids about 15 years ago) no problemas, cabo twice but not in 10 years. cozumel 15 years ago-guy tried picking up my wife. i objected and almost got "stuck". loved all of them at one time...not anymore. last thing i want to worry about going for a little R & R is safety. bigger concern for me is the drives from the airports-lots can happen in between-once again-R & R baby.
hate to rain on your vacation/wedding plans, but...this ain't exactly a welcoming party-
https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/bodies-of-six-found-hanging-from-bridges/
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That IS the issue isn't it? Way too much smoke these days with countless other places to go.
Chick and I are pretty well traveled in the Caribbean. We like a few places better than others but have found most places and peoples to be wonderful and stunningly beautiful. I urge all to get out of their American comfort zone and explore. And for God's sake, don't seek out an Arby's when you're down island.
Let me add that if anyone wants Caribbean guidance chick and I are happy to share our experiences. Each island is a bit different in part driven by their colonial heritage and geography. PM if you like.
I hear this Newsie fellow might have some inside scoop on the islands.
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Is Mexico worse than some places in Chicago?
i think the beaches in chicago may not be as good, but otherwise...? ;D
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I hear this Newsie fellow might have some inside scoop on the islands.
You know newsy has a new bbq grill, right? ::)
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We continue to go, be smart about it. Went last Summer to Mexico. This family of four that passed away I will bet was a carbon monoxide situation.
"Toxic Gasses" .. whatever that is.
I wonder .. in the US, they add Mercaptan (w/Sulfur) to make natural gas smell like eggs when leaking. Maybe they don't do that in Mexico.
http://www.kcci.com/article/iowa-family-found-dead-in-mexico-died-from-inhalation-of-toxic-gases-authorities-say/19585044
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You know newsy has a new bbq grill, right? ::)
Custom made for tomahawk ribeyes.
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Mexico is fine. Nothing beats ORD to CUN. Have your private transfer waiting and you're in resort within four house from wheels up drinking a fantastic rum runner.
Those saying 'we won't be back' are sensationalizing.
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Cozumel's fine Chitown. They had cancelled some mainland shore excursions several weeks ago but they're back on now. So many ships stop there that they get a very steady flow of dollars without seemingly having the problems associated with the mainland.
Ehhhhhhh..... I wouldn't exactly call it "fine."
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2018/03/02/apparent-explosive-device-found-on-mexican-ferry-off-cozumel.html
Here's the bottom line on Mexico... not from an actual dollar (peso) amount, but for lack of a better term, from a "priority" standpoint, tourism is their #3 industry behind manufacturing and the drug trade. Go to just about any Caribbean country where tourism is #1, and you'll find that law enforcement has zero tolerance for any situation where tourists are being put into danger, whether targeted or simply in the "cross-fire." Because tourism is where their bread is buttered, and even an impoverished, crime-ridden country like Jamaica knows that one bad incident could decimate (at least temporarily) their economy.
In Mexico... quite simply, local law enforcement doesn't share the concern for tourists that their counterparts do in other countries; most are more worried about the cartels, i.e. whether they're going to live long enough to see their daughter's quince. Nevertheless, the resort owners are absolutely concerned about publicity, but since they are not always assured of universal cooperation from law enforcement, their PR campaigns end up being reactive rather than proactive, which basically means that instead of keeping the story from happening, their strategy is to keep the story from getting out -- whether it's paying off the local police to do a half-burro investigation or paying off the local hospital to not test for the two most common date rape drugs or paying off the travel websites to censor any bad reviews, there's a lot of colluding going on within the Mexican tourism industry, which doesn't necessarily make things dangerous, but if something does happen to you, it renders any chance of recourse or closure virtually impossible. Yes, there is corruption and collusion in Jamaica, DR, Aruba, etc... the difference there is that said corruption/collusion typically errs on the side of maintaining tourists' safety; in other words, parts of Jamaica may not be safer than parts of Mexico, but if a local murders a tourist in Jamaica, that person - if he ever sees due process - is going to rot in jail while the local who murders a tourist in Mexico stands a much better, if not inevitable, chance of never being charged.
Of course, there's also this idea among the travel companies that there are enough tourists in the US (like a few in this thread) who will continue to visit Mexico short of an outright travel ban, and if a few tourists die under "mysterious circumstances," so be it... just drop your rates or advertise a special, and there will be plenty of new demand. Until people actually stop going to Mexico, don't expect anything to change. In other words, this family from Iowa... the smart money is on the world being fed a cover story without ever knowing exactly what happened, but the smarter money is on the people planning Mexican vacations being gullible enough to believe the cover story.
tl;dr: Mexico is no more dangerous today than it was 20 years ago... the only thing that's changed is that the stories are now starting to leak out. If you're smart about it, that's one thing, but if you become a victim, get comfortable with knowing there is nothing you can do about it.
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Somethings I don't do. Get on a motorcycle, fly in small prop planes and go to Mexico.
Watch the movie Sicario........
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While I don't disagree with you Benny, the ferry issue is exactly why they shut down the mainland excursions.
Look, there are places I absolutely would not go to in Mexico. Acapulco and Mazatlan come to mind. But Cozumel is at or near the bottom of the 'risky' list.
I wholeheartedly agree that the Caribbean is superior in almost every way. Even the impoverished islands. Whether Mexico ever gets a handle on this is unknowable at this time. Let's hope so but it won't be soon.
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I wholeheartedly agree that the Caribbean is superior in almost every way. Even the impoverished islands. Whether Mexico ever gets a handle on this is unknowable at this time. Let's hope so but it won't be soon.
What I think it comes down to is this... everyone knows where their bread is buttered. In the Caribbean countries, even where tourists aren't necessarily revered guests, their importance is recognized if for no other reason their impact on the local economy.
In Mexico... well, let's just say there's nowhere near the level of respect for foreigners, let alone tourists; everyone here knows what a gringo or a yankee is, as well as the context in which it is oft-used. There's a certain entrenchment of these perceptions against the foreigners, even if there appears to be tolerance publicly. So even though tourism makes up a material portion of Mexico's GDP (~16%), in Jamaica it's 30%, 60% in Anguilla, and almost 90% in Aruba, the latter of which actually brings up a great example of the contrast in these countries...
SCENARIO A: Despite whether or not you think Van der Sloot was involved in the Holloway death or whether you feel the investigation was doomed from the beginning, consider that with barely even any circumstantial evidence Aruban authorities pursued the case against Van der Sloot for nearly five years, and if not for Van der Sloot being found guilty in another death in Peru, the investigation might still be going strong today.
SCENARIO B: Kirsty MacColl. If you don't know who she was, do yourself a favor and look it up. Died in 2000 saving her son from being struck by a boat passing at high-speed through a dive site (where boats are prohibited). The boat was owned by grocery magnate Guillermo González Nova who was on board but later blamed an employee who was at the controls (despite eyewitnesses saying the employee was not driving the boat). Here's the kicker... the employee was convicted and sentenced to under 3 years, but was able to pay a fine in lieu of prison time. How much was the fine? $90. [Of course, everyone knows damn well who actually paid the employee's fine (hint: it was probably the same person who was driving the boat).] I suppose to Mexico's credit, they reopened the case in 2004 and later promised action after Bono spoke out about the incident in 2007... the employee has since "disappeared" and Nova is still a free man these days. Shocker.
Nevertheless, find me an example of someone who killed a tourist in another country somewhere who, despite being convicted, paid a $90 fine in order to avoid serving any time, and I'll happily apologize to Mexico and everyone who likes to take vacations in places where being a victim of a crime entails little justice and a lot of pillow-biting.
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Obviously Benny is never going to Mexico ever again. We get it.
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While I don't disagree with you Benny, the ferry issue is exactly why they shut down the mainland excursions.
Look, there are places I absolutely would not go to in Mexico. Acapulco and Mazatlan come to mind. But Cozumel is at or near the bottom of the 'risky' list.
I wholeheartedly agree that the Caribbean is superior in almost every way. Even the impoverished islands. Whether Mexico ever gets a handle on this is unknowable at this time. Let's hope so but it won't be soon.
+1
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Scheduled to head to Cabo in a couple weeks. Anyone have familiarity with the area in terms of current safety, etc?
This is in anticipation of getting married there next spring.
Love it. Used to go there every spring before my wife and I bought a place in Florida. Beaches are great. People are nice. Probably will see more Americans than Mexicans there. No rain and just a great place.
Wonderful restaurants too.
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What I think it comes down to is this... everyone knows where their bread is buttered. In the Caribbean countries, even where tourists aren't necessarily revered guests, their importance is recognized if for no other reason their impact on the local economy.
In Mexico... well, let's just say there's nowhere near the level of respect for foreigners, let alone tourists; everyone here knows what a gringo or a yankee is, as well as the context in which it is oft-used. There's a certain entrenchment of these perceptions against the foreigners, even if there appears to be tolerance publicly. So even though tourism makes up a material portion of Mexico's GDP (~16%), in Jamaica it's 30%, 60% in Anguilla, and almost 90% in Aruba, the latter of which actually brings up a great example of the contrast in these countries...
SCENARIO A: Despite whether or not you think Van der Sloot was involved in the Holloway death or whether you feel the investigation was doomed from the beginning, consider that with barely even any circumstantial evidence Aruban authorities pursued the case against Van der Sloot for nearly five years, and if not for Van der Sloot being found guilty in another death in Peru, the investigation might still be going strong today.
SCENARIO B: Kirsty MacColl. If you don't know who she was, do yourself a favor and look it up. Died in 2000 saving her son from being struck by a boat passing at high-speed through a dive site (where boats are prohibited). The boat was owned by grocery magnate Guillermo González Nova who was on board but later blamed an employee who was at the controls (despite eyewitnesses saying the employee was not driving the boat). Here's the kicker... the employee was convicted and sentenced to under 3 years, but was able to pay a fine in lieu of prison time. How much was the fine? $90. [Of course, everyone knows damn well who actually paid the employee's fine (hint: it was probably the same person who was driving the boat).] I suppose to Mexico's credit, they reopened the case in 2004 and later promised action after Bono spoke out about the incident in 2007... the employee has since "disappeared" and Nova is still a free man these days. Shocker.
Nevertheless, find me an example of someone who killed a tourist in another country somewhere who, despite being convicted, paid a $90 fine in order to avoid serving any time, and I'll happily apologize to Mexico and everyone who likes to take vacations in places where being a victim of a crime entails little justice and a lot of pillow-biting.
Wait ... I thought Mexico sent all their "bad hombres" to the U.S.?
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Wait ... I thought Mexico sent all their "bad hombres" to the U.S.?
That's just the overflow. ;)
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SCENARIO B: Kirsty MacColl. If you don't know who she was, do yourself a favor and look it up. Died in 2000 saving her son from being struck by a boat passing at high-speed through a dive site (where boats are prohibited). The boat was owned by grocery magnate Guillermo González Nova who was on board but later blamed an employee who was at the controls (despite eyewitnesses saying the employee was not driving the boat). Here's the kicker... the employee was convicted and sentenced to under 3 years, but was able to pay a fine in lieu of prison time. How much was the fine? $90. [Of course, everyone knows damn well who actually paid the employee's fine (hint: it was probably the same person who was driving the boat).] I suppose to Mexico's credit, they reopened the case in 2004 and later promised action after Bono spoke out about the incident in 2007... the employee has since "disappeared" and Nova is still a free man these days.
Even crazier is that she was a semi-successful singer, but her ex-husband and the father of the aforementioned kids was Steve Lillywhite, the mega producer who produced most of U2 and Dave Matthews Band’s catalog, among many other big names. So not just a tourist, but a fairy notable and connected tourist, and still it was a joke of a proceeding.
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Peru! Forget Mexico.
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That's the problem, though .. the dozens of stories from the JS series .. people aren't saying "Yeah, we booked this really sketchy hotel and drank some booze that looked a little cloudy."
Generally, we're talking Apple Vacations type stuff.
And yeah, 99.99% of Mexico's citizenry are fine people. It just takes a few bad dudes to eff it all up, especially with tourism.
I can go to Florida or Hawaii and the State Department doesn't have a 20 page warning note about the area.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html
Hawaii is cool, but forever away. I like a nonstop from O'Hare 6 hours or less, and staying in the same time zone. Jet lag sucks when you're trying to relax. Hard pass on Florida.
I'd echo others that there are plenty of other destinations worth considering. I have been to Belize, the Bahamas, and Costa Rica and loved all of them for different reasons. I have been to Mexico twice and been underwhelmed. Even if Mexico was perfectly safe, which it isn't, there are better places to go.
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Obviously Benny is never going to Mexico ever again. We get it.
Not "ever again." Never. As in never been, never will. Because this:
I wholeheartedly agree that the Caribbean is superior in almost every way. Even the impoverished islands.
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Hawaii is cool, but forever away. I like a nonstop from O'Hare 6 hours or less, and staying in the same time zone. Jet lag sucks when you're trying to relax. Hard pass on Florida.
I'd echo others that there are plenty of other destinations worth considering. I have been to Belize, the Bahamas, and Costa Rica and loved all of them for different reasons. I have been to Mexico twice and been underwhelmed. Even if Mexico was perfectly safe, which it isn't, there are better places to go.
Respectfully coleman, setting your criterion so very tight (especially non-stop flights) is really going to limit your experiences. At one end of the scale is that person who takes every vacation moment they ever have and commits themselves to Disney's Magic Kingdom over and over and over. At the other end of the scale is that guy that puts himself in harms way by solo hiking across Patagonia or summiting Everest. Somewhere in the middle lies a sweet spot for each of us. Challenge yourself to go just past your personal edge.
There's lots of new places we still want to see. Time and money will of course prevent seeing them all. But if we can knock off one or two a year we're richer for the experience.
Even domestically. I'm up to 47 states and landing at airports doesn't count. 3 to go. Be a damn shame not to finish. So I will.
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Well, my daughter is getting married in Cabo. So even if I believed 5 or 10 or 20 years ago that I'd never go there ... I can't miss my daughter's wedding.
Thoughts and prayers to me, the wedding party and all the guests, I guess.
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Well, my daughter is getting married in Cabo. So even if I believed 5 or 10 or 20 years ago that I'd never go there ... I can't miss my daughter's wedding.
Thoughts and prayers to me, the wedding party and all the guests, I guess.
#thoughtsandprayers
Y'all gonna die.
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#thoughtsandprayers
Y'all gonna die.
Well, it's been a good run.
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Well, it's been a good run.
Before you leave, get yourself the Triple Thick Bacon Half Pound Club Sandwich from Arby's. After that it'll be a gentle ride into the sunset of life.
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Nads, kan ya will them Panther ornaments ta BeeJay befour ya go, hey?
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Respectfully coleman, setting your criterion so very tight (especially non-stop flights) is really going to limit your experiences. At one end of the scale is that person who takes every vacation moment they ever have and commits themselves to Disney's Magic Kingdom over and over and over. At the other end of the scale is that guy that puts himself in harms way by solo hiking across Patagonia or summiting Everest. Somewhere in the middle lies a sweet spot for each of us. Challenge yourself to go just past your personal edge.
There's lots of new places we still want to see. Time and money will of course prevent seeing them all. But if we can knock off one or two a year we're richer for the experience.
Even domestically. I'm up to 47 states and landing at airports doesn't count. 3 to go. Be a damn shame not to finish. So I will.
I can fly basically anywhere I want nonstop from O'Hare. It isn't limiting at all. I am 32, and I have been to Belize, Costa Rica (twice), Mexico (twice), Canada, Bahamas, Italy, Germany (twice), Ireland, UK, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic (twice), and Poland - and almost all of them on my dime, not my parents as a kid. I never studied abroad or my list would be way higher, and that is my one regret from MU. I will travel anywhere, anytime. Iceland will be happening by the end of 2018. I drive a 2010 Corolla with 150,000 miles on it because priorities like travel are way more important than stuff.
Before I was married I would mostly travel alone and meet people at hostels. Made some great friends from all over the world that way. Now we stay at hotels.
But I will spend my precious time at my destinations, not on 4 hour layovers or nights at the hotel airport because of missed connections. I will pay the extra dollar for nonstop. A couple of my trips have been 1 stop, but very few, and only if absolutely necessary.
If anything, I need to be more adventurous domestically. I just did a states visited count and I am at 35/50. I am hitting up Glacier National Park in June. Looking forward to that. Montana will be state #36. Nonstop flights from O'Hare to Missoula and back ;-)
My comments on Mexico stand though. I would gladly go back in time and take a re-do on at least one, if not both, of those trips.
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You're doing extremely well for 32 coleman! Congrats.
And you'll love Glacier.
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Even domestically. I'm up to 47 states and landing at airports doesn't count. 3 to go. Be a damn shame not to finish. So I will.
Out of curiosity, which 3 do you have left? I have 4 left (Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Idaho). I don't count airport landings either, I had to have feet on the ground, breathe the air, and be there at least 15 minutes for me to count it.
I turn 40 in October, and my goal has always been 50 x 40, so I should hopefully get that done in the next few months.
I've also had a life goal to go to all 7 continents. 4 down, 3 to go.
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dish,
alaska, hawaii and delaware
Utah has to be on your very short list dish. Stunning. I've explored it extensively. It's a top 3 state to visit for incredible natural beauty.
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dish,
alaska, hawaii and delaware
Wilmington has a nice river walk, beer garden, dinner on a riverboat, and Frank Lloyd Wright birdhouses.
Plus, Wilmington is only 30 miles from downtown Philly. Delaware has some beaches in the southern portion of the state as well.
It's worth a day trip if youre ever in Baltimore or Philly for an extended period
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Wilmington has a nice river walk, beer garden, dinner on a riverboat, and Frank Lloyd Wright birdhouses.
Plus, Wilmington is only 30 miles from downtown Philly. Delaware has some beaches in the southern portion of the state as well.
It's worth a day trip if youre ever in Baltimore or Philly for an extended period
Agreed. I'll get there.
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Ooh, now I get to tell my Delaware story, and there is even a Marquette connection.
As many of you know, I was a transfer student at Marquette. I spent my freshman year at St. Joe's in Rensselaer, Indiana. I had a friend there named Nancy who was a senior from Delaware.
I transferred to Marquette and the year after that, I became an orientation leader. At orientation training, I met a girl named Michelle who told me she was from Delaware. I said, "In my entire life, I have only met one other person from Delaware, my friend Nancy from my old school, St. Joseph's College".
She looked me with a shocked look on her face and said, "That's my sister."
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dish,
alaska, hawaii and delaware
Utah has to be on your very short list dish. Stunning. I've explored it extensively. It's a top 3 state to visit for incredible natural beauty.
Glow, curious how you escaped not hitting Delaware. I used to have to make a work trip from Philly to Herndon, VA once a month, and always ended up having to hit Delaware.
Will that be an easy hit for you? I'd assume so at some point, especially if you're in DC/Baltimore/Northern VA.
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Been to DC numerous times but somehow have never ventured over there. It's a small hole in my coverage.
It was only a few years ago when I hit #47. And then I was in Louisiana twice in one year including my first trip to New Orleans.
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Out of curiosity, which 3 do you have left? I have 4 left (Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Idaho). I don't count airport landings either, I had to have feet on the ground, breathe the air, and be there at least 15 minutes for me to count it.
I turn 40 in October, and my goal has always been 50 x 40, so I should hopefully get that done in the next few months.
I've also had a life goal to go to all 7 continents. 4 down, 3 to go.
Ha, I’ve done the 4 your missing.
Pro tips....in Idaho, learn to pronounce Boise. In Wyoming, don’t wear a PETA T-shirt.
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Nads, kan ya will them Panther ornaments ta BeeJay befour ya go, hey?
Well, they ain't my ornaments, they're my neighbor's. And besides, Benny already called dibs.
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Iceland will be happening by the end of 2018.
[/quote}
Iceland Tip: When driving through the countryside, DO NOT pull off the side of the road to go look at something that caught your eye. We did that. Car sunk into about a foot of volcanic ash. Thankfully some nice Icelanders came along and helped us push the car back on to the road.
It was the Icelandic equivalent of getting stuck in a snow drift in Wisconsin.
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Well, they ain't my ornaments, they're my neighbor's. And besides, Benny already called dibs.
No worries, I’ll be bringing my own.
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Iceland will be happening by the end of 2018.
[/quote}
Iceland Tip: When driving through the countryside, DO NOT pull off the side of the road to go look at something that caught your eye. We did that. Car sunk into about a foot of volcanic ash. Thankfully some nice Icelanders came along and helped us push the car back on to the road.
It was the Icelandic equivalent of getting stuck in a snow drift in Wisconsin.
In Iceland, they eat all the organs of an animal. Eyeballs are fair game. You'll need a lot of Sonoran Salsa to help choke that down.
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You're doing extremely well for 32 coleman! Congrats.
And you'll love Glacier.
Thanks. Any tips? Staying in Kalispell for the majority of the trip.
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Ha, I’ve done the 4 your missing.
Pro tips....in Idaho, learn to pronounce Boise. In Wyoming, don’t wear a PETA T-shirt.
Never done Boise but Coeur d'Alene is amazing.
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In Iceland, they eat all the organs of an animal. Eyeballs are fair game. You'll need a lot of Sonoran Salsa to help choke that down.
I'm really looking forward to it. My only fear is that it has become overrun with tourists like myself.
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Never done Boise but Coeur d'Alene is amazing.
Sun Valley is awesome. There is a nice gun club to go trap shooting as well. Remarkable scenery.
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Thanks. Any tips? Staying in Kalispell for the majority of the trip.
Obviously you'll do Sun Road. Not sure when in June you are going but you can follow the plowing page on the NPS website. Lots of great hiking but there will be massive snow up high. June is early for Glacier.
Not sure how long you have. We organized a 3 day raft trip with these guys, but they do day trips too. We were stunned when we showed up on departure day. Unbeknownst to us, that particular adventure was fully private for the 4 of us with a pax raft, a provision raft, and two guides. I guess nobody else was prepared to brave 37 degree water! Same exact stretch of river Meryl Streep and Kevin Bacon filmed on. So if you want a taste, it's all there on Netflix. Our kids were about 14 and 12. Very early June. Big water, especially last day.
https://www.riverwild.com/
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Obviously you'll do Sun Road. Not sure when in June you are going but you can follow the plowing page on the NPS website. Lots of great hiking but there will be massive snow up high. June is early for Glacier.
Not sure how long you have. We organized a 3 day raft trip with these guys, but they do day trips too. We were stunned when we showed up on departure day. Unbeknownst to us, that particular adventure was fully private for the 4 of us with a pax raft, a provision raft, and two guides. I guess nobody else was prepared to brave 37 degree water! Same exact stretch of river Meryl Streep and Kevin Bacon filmed on. So if you want a taste, it's all there on Netflix. Our kids were about 14 and 12. Very early June. Big water, especially last day.
https://www.riverwild.com/
Thanks a bunch. Will be there 6 days, middle of June. Will check out a rafting day trip with these guys.
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Thanks a bunch. Will be there 6 days, middle of June. Will check out a rafting day trip with these guys.
Check out the lodges too. IF you can get to the other side, Many Glacier Hotel is incredible. We did our horseback riding in that area.
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I'm really looking forward to it. My only fear is that it has become overrun with tourists like myself.
Spent a day there in December for an Icelandair stopover. A night in Reykjavik then hit up the Blue Lagoon before heading back to the airport. Overall saw about as many Americans as Icelanders, so you're on to something there. Also, don't be the idiot American I saw in the airport getting angry at a cashier because he didn't know how expensive the country was.
If I have my way, we'll be going back for real sometime when it's summer. So much to do and see around the country. Skip the Blue Lagoon and find another geothermal spring that's less touristy. Reyjkavik was well worth the time we spent, though. Had a fantastic dinner at Islenski Barinn. http://islenskibarinn.is/net/en/ Get the puffin.
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I'm 61 years of age ;D and am only missing New Hampshire, Utah, Alaska and Rhode Island.
Other than Alaska and Utah, not sure I missed anything.
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New Hampshire and Rhode Island are both cool.
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Lived in Minnesota for 9 1/2 years and somehow managed to never set foot in North Dakota.
My only two other never-beens are Arkansas and Idaho.
Idaho, I technically was in because I had a trip in which the plane had to make an emergency landing there. But we never got off the plane and were on the ground for about 2 hours. I don't want a sham "visit" to count. We'll get to Coeur d'Alene one day.
Arkansas, I was right across the river in Memphis. Could have walked across ... and would have if I realized I'd still "need" the state decades later. Then again, that would have been a sham visit, too. I'll get there one day ... maybe.
North Dakota? I'll really have to make an effort to get there.
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Lived in Minnesota for 9 1/2 years and somehow managed to never set foot in North Dakota.
Idaho, I technically was in because I had a trip in which the plane had to make an emergency landing there. But we never got off the plane and were on the ground for about 2 hours. I don't want a sham "visit" to count. We'll get to Coeur d'Alene one day.
North Dakota? I'll really have to make an effort to get there.
Glow and I have been through Idaho a couple of times with the family during family driving trips. On one trip we took a slight detour to visit Preston, Idaho, home of Napoleon Dynamite. With no map and without much effort, we found the high school, the Pop n Pins bowling alley, Rex Kwan Do (yes, it's a real place), Summer Wheatley's house, and to top things off, we discovered Uncle Rico's van parked in the driveway of a random house. We got out of the car to take a closer look, and on the dashboard was a small sign that said, "Yes, this is Uncle Rico's van."
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Glow and I have been through Idaho a couple of times with the family during family driving trips. On one trip we took a slight detour to visit Preston, Idaho, home of Napoleon Dynamite. With no map and without much effort, we found the high school, the Pop n Pins bowling alley, Rex Kwan Do (yes, it's a real place), Summer Wheatley's house, and to top things off, we discovered Uncle Rico's van parked in the driveway of a random house. We got out of the car to take a closer look, and on the dashboard was a small sign that said, "Yes, this is Uncle Rico's van."
Great stuff!
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Glow and I have been through Idaho a couple of times with the family during family driving trips. On one trip we took a slight detour to visit Preston, Idaho, home of Napoleon Dynamite. With no map and without much effort, we found the high school, the Pop n Pins bowling alley, Rex Kwan Do (yes, it's a real place), Summer Wheatley's house, and to top things off, we discovered Uncle Rico's van parked in the driveway of a random house. We got out of the car to take a closer look, and on the dashboard was a small sign that said, "Yes, this is Uncle Rico's van."
My least favorite movie of all time.
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My least favorite movie of all time.
+1
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Ha, I’ve done the 4 your missing.
Pro tips....in Idaho, learn to pronounce Boise. In Wyoming, don’t wear a PETA T-shirt.
boise is like boyseeeee eyn'a? ok, wyomin likes their meat, but what about glooootin-free-that's the ticket right there
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My least favorite movie of all time.
Regardless, it's still a helluva story Chitown.
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I'm surprised at all the folks who have made it to North Dakota. Few ever get there. My one visit was as a youth when my parents had done a Pacific NW trip that included the beautiful Lake Louise. We came back home through the state.
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Speaking of 'sham' visits, that kinda how my first Louisiana trip happened only 2-3 years ago. Was driving across eastern Texas and decided to hit the corner near Shreveport rather than head straight toward Texarkana. Funny that not 6 months later Chick and I decided on a Big Easy long weekend.
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Glow and I have been through Idaho a couple of times with the family during family driving trips. On one trip we took a slight detour to visit Preston, Idaho, home of Napoleon Dynamite. With no map and without much effort, we found the high school, the Pop n Pins bowling alley, Rex Kwan Do (yes, it's a real place), Summer Wheatley's house, and to top things off, we discovered Uncle Rico's van parked in the driveway of a random house. We got out of the car to take a closer look, and on the dashboard was a small sign that said, "Yes, this is Uncle Rico's van."
Holy crap....... Road trip! JB, Chili..... Game watching party!
http://unclericovan.com/
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Holy crap....... Road trip! JB, Chili..... Game watching party!
http://unclericovan.com/
Kin, you're welcome any time.
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Also, don't be the idiot American I saw in the airport getting angry at a cashier because he didn't know how expensive the country was.
In Norway I saw an idiot American get pissed because the guy with the ice cream cart didn't take U.S. dollars. I asked him (the American) if he accepted knoner when back home. He just looked confused.
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In Norway I saw an idiot American get pissed because the guy with the ice cream cart didn't take U.S. dollars. I asked him (the American) if he accepted knoner when back home. He just looked confused.
I've seen Americans get pissed because some random person they stopped on the street in Germany or Italy didn't speak English. No wonder everyone hates us.
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this just in USA today, today-
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/03/31/mexico-tourist-fears-violence-cancun-los-cabos/471115002/
easy for us to make judgments about the relative safety of mexico from here. i can't imagine this paper has an agenda against mexico. over 29,000(THOUSAND with a T???) homicides in 2017 and so far they are up 21%-sorry, but they better get this schmit taken care of. i had to read that twice thinking it was a typo, but... i can think of many other places to go for a little R & R
good thing they ain't mass shootings with assault rifles though, i don't think anyway
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this just in USA today, today-
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/03/31/mexico-tourist-fears-violence-cancun-los-cabos/471115002/
easy for us to make judgments about the relative safety of mexico from here. i can't imagine this paper has an agenda against mexico. over 29,000(THOUSAND with a T???) homicides in 2017 and so far they are up 21%-sorry, but they better get this schmit taken care of. i had to read that twice thinking it was a typo, but... i can think of many other places to go for a little R & R
good thing they ain't mass shootings with assault rifles though, i don't think anyway
Oh great ... we're going to both Cancun AND Cabo!
rocket, being of so-so mind and slightly doughy body, I hereby bequeath to you and chicos my Yogi and Boo Boo DVD collection.
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Oh great ... we're going to both Cancun AND Cabo!
rocket, being of so-so mind and slightly doughy body, I hereby bequeath to you and chicos my Yogi and Boo Boo DVD collection.
I must be missing something but rest assured, the yogi and boo collection stands to make bank on eBay eyna? “Doughy body”?? I’m chiseled slightly better than one Davonte Gardner at his best ;)
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this just in USA today, today-
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/03/31/mexico-tourist-fears-violence-cancun-los-cabos/471115002/
easy for us to make judgments about the relative safety of mexico from here. i can't imagine this paper has an agenda against mexico. over 29,000(THOUSAND with a T???) homicides in 2017 and so far they are up 21%-sorry, but they better get this schmit taken care of. i had to read that twice thinking it was a typo, but... i can think of many other places to go for a little R & R
good thing they ain't mass shootings with assault rifles though, i don't think anyway
Looks like Mexico is catching up to Chicago.
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I've seen Americans get pissed because some random person they stopped on the street in Germany or Italy didn't speak English. No wonder everyone hates us.
The Brits and the Chinese have replaced us as the most hated travelers.
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I must be missing something but rest assured, the yogi and boo collection stands to make bank on eBay eyna? “Doughy body”?? I’m chiseled slightly better than one Davonte Gardner at his best ;)
Read it again, rocket. I am the one with the slightly doughy body. I am working out to get in shape for our Mexico trip, though. Based on everything I'm reading here, it will be my last days on earth, so I might as well go out looking fine.
You and Yogi will have to get together over a lovely cabernet to decide what to do with the DVDs.
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Read it again, rocket. I am the one with the slightly doughy body. I am working out to get in shape for our Mexico trip, though. Based on everything I'm reading here, it will be my last days on earth, so I might as well go out looking fine.
You and Yogi will have to get together over a lovely cabernet to decide what to do with the DVDs.
ohhhh, i get it. well either go out looking good or save yourself some time and sweat and have another piece of pizza. have fun, enjoy-i'm sure you'll be just fine. they are beautiful places!
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Read it again, rocket. I am the one with the slightly doughy body. I am working out to get in shape for our Mexico trip, though. Based on everything I'm reading here, it will be my last days on earth, so I might as well go out looking fine.
You and Yogi will have to get together over a lovely cabernet to decide what to do with the DVDs.
Pix?
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Pix?
https://www.colourbox.com/image/fat-man-drinking-a-jar-of-beer-image-8533066
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F*ckin' said he wuz on Spring break. Didn't reely tink he'd post a selfie, doe, hey?
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https://www.colourbox.com/image/fat-man-drinking-a-jar-of-beer-image-8533066
Mike, why the political crap in your signature???
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Day 2 in Cabo so far.
Fiancee and I have neither been drugged nor murdered. Smooth sailing. Lots of sun, pool and booze.
Of course, we haven't left the resort either.
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Travel warning issued to Americans.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/03/31/mexico-tourist-fears-violence-cancun-los-cabos/471115002/
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Mike, why the political crap in your signature???
A quote from a hero of the right? How is this a problem?
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Mike, why the political crap in your signature???
It's not political, and it certainly is not crap.
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Travel warning issued to Americans.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/03/31/mexico-tourist-fears-violence-cancun-los-cabos/471115002/
I would say WTF, but this does not surprise me. What’s surprising is how I look smarter everyday without learning a damn thing.
Listen, I know how difficult - not to mention how ridiculous it must feel - to cancel pre-existing arrangements, but if you have children under 18, booking a new trip to Quintana Roo before this Shiite settles down (and I’m really talking some metaphorical Shiite Sunni crap, too), whether you take them or not, geez.... go to PR instead and at least help out the economy or do some good for people who will actually stop shooting at each other to let you pass.
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A quote from a hero of the right? How is this a problem?
he didn't say problem ts. once again, some are more equal than others
btw, london overtook ny city in murders and it wasn't due to those scary metal things that emit projectiles at a high rate of speed
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he didn't say problem ts. once again, some are more equal than others
btw, london overtook ny city in murders and it wasn't due to those scary metal things that emit projectiles at a high rate of speed
Picking and choosing facts. Thats just a one month sample. New York still has more murders since January than London, and had more murders in 2017. Let's at least wait for a year of data before making such sweeping judgments.
Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled the murder rate in New York has dropped drastically in recent years, especially in such a large city. Which by the way, take a look at all of the gun control legislation passed by New York after 1990.
Anyways, getting off topic. Mexico seems to really be struggling as of late, but if Colombia can turn it around then so can Mexico.
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A quote from a hero of the right? How is this a problem?
More politics. That's all.
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Picking and choosing facts. Thats just a one month sample. New York still has more murders since January than London, and had more murders in 2017. Let's at least wait for a year of data before making such sweeping judgments.
Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled the murder rate in New York has dropped drastically in recent years, especially in such a large city. Which by the way, take a look at all of the gun control legislation passed by New York after 1990.
Anyways, getting off topic. Mexico seems to really be struggling as of late, but if Colombia can turn it around then so can Mexico.
True dat. 20 years ago one would never consider visiting Colombia. Now it's on my bucket list.
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Day 2 in Cabo so far.
Fiancee and I have neither been drugged nor murdered. Smooth sailing. Lots of sun, pool and booze.
Of course, we haven't left the resort either.
That’s sounds suspiciously like what a prisoner would say. Blink three times if you’re being held against your will.
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I know the discussion appears to have been about coastal Mexico, but I would highly recommend visiting Mexico City to anyone.
I spent 8 months there for work a couple of years ago and never felt unsafe. Its just like any other large city in that you identify the areas that you shouldn't go to, and don't go to them. The other issue it did have was with taking taxis in which they could end up extorting money out of you, but with uber now, that isn't as prevalent, and most nice hotels have legitimate taxi services.
But again, there is a ton to do in Mexico City. Lots of culture, great food, museums, one of my favorite cities. There are also lots of great close trips to do (Cholula, Puebla, Cuernavaca, Tepotzotlan).
I went back last year for close to a week and had a wedding to go to in Queretaro which was also a wonderful city to visit.
Most of the news you read about this stuff happens around the coastal cities. I wouldn't let that deter you from visiting other parts of Mexico however.
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he didn't say problem ts. once again, some are more equal than others
btw, london overtook ny city in murders and it wasn't due to those scary metal things that emit projectiles at a high rate of speed
How are people dying in London then if not by gun? Beaten to death? Stabbed?
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How are people dying in London then if not by gun? Beaten to death? Stabbed?
chicos was big on the "knives are as dangerous as guns" thing.
I'm so confused. Warrior Dad or Billy Hoyle?
rocketman - aka Boo Boo, aka "chicos whisperer" - please help us!
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Looks like Mexico is catching up to Chicago.
::)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-weekend-shootings-violence-20180305-story.html
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chicos was big on the "knives are as dangerous as guns" thing.
I'm so confused. Warrior Dad or Billy Hoyle?
rocketman - aka Boo Boo, aka "chicos whisperer" - please help us!
Times like these, I find it's best to consult Occam's razor.
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Times like these, I find it's best to consult Occam's razor.
Which is just as dangerous, but much simpler, than Occam's gun.
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I'm so confused. Warrior Dad or Billy Hoyle?
Unless I got completely conned, Billy Hoyle isn't Chicos. On a thread a couple years ago when Chicos was being his Chicos-est, Billy jumped in and took the opposite (and correct) position and repeatedly called Chicos out for being wrong. I know Chicos in real life, and have PM'd Billy on a number of occasions. If they're the same dude, I got totally played.
Edited to add: Chicos even accused him of creating a bogus new account since he had the temerity to tell Chicos he was wrong. (https://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=51609.msg833428#msg833428) If they're the same person, that's some next level psychosis going on there.
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Which is just as dangerous, but much simpler, than Occam's gun.
(http://i.imgur.com/lNEg8.gif)
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Unless I got completely conned, Billy Hoyle isn't Chicos. On a thread a couple years ago when Chicos was being his Chicos-est, Billy jumped in and took the opposite (and correct) position and repeatedly called Chicos out for being wrong. I know Chicos in real life, and have PM'd Billy on a number of occasions. If they're the same dude, I got totally played.
Edited to add: Chicos even accused him of creating a bogus new account since he had the temerity to tell Chicos he was wrong. (https://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=51609.msg833428#msg833428) If they're the same person, that's some next level psychosis going on there.
Thanks, SAW.
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More politics. That's all.
Congrats, real. Just got my wrist slapped for using a ruling by a SCOTUS justice as my signature.
So I went with another highly intelligent observer of the human condition, John Lennon.
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True dat. 20 years ago one would never consider visiting Colombia. Now it's on my bucket list.
Last went in 2014, will be going back this summer.
Cheap as all hell and made even cheaper by the fact that I have quite a bit of family out there.
Stayed in Bogota and visited Armenia (coffee growing area) last time, hoping to get out to Tolu and other coastal areas this summer.
Also the best food I've ever had.
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I know the discussion appears to have been about coastal Mexico, but I would highly recommend visiting Mexico City to anyone.
I spent 8 months there for work a couple of years ago and never felt unsafe. Its just like any other large city in that you identify the areas that you shouldn't go to, and don't go to them. The other issue it did have was with taking taxis in which they could end up extorting money out of you, but with uber now, that isn't as prevalent, and most nice hotels have legitimate taxi services.
But again, there is a ton to do in Mexico City. Lots of culture, great food, museums, one of my favorite cities. There are also lots of great close trips to do (Cholula, Puebla, Cuernavaca, Tepotzotlan).
I went back last year for close to a week and had a wedding to go to in Queretaro which was also a wonderful city to visit.
Most of the news you read about this stuff happens around the coastal cities. I wouldn't let that deter you from visiting other parts of Mexico however.
I did not spend as much time as you in Mexico City but I was surprised by how much I loved it also after visiting multiple times. I always stayed in the Polanco or on Avienda Reforma and went for morning runs outside. For such an incredibly large city there is no one on the street at 6:00am other than cops and taxi drivers.
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I know the discussion appears to have been about coastal Mexico, but I would highly recommend visiting Mexico City to anyone.
I spent 8 months there for work a couple of years ago and never felt unsafe. Its just like any other large city in that you identify the areas that you shouldn't go to, and don't go to them. The other issue it did have was with taking taxis in which they could end up extorting money out of you, but with uber now, that isn't as prevalent, and most nice hotels have legitimate taxi services.
But again, there is a ton to do in Mexico City. Lots of culture, great food, museums, one of my favorite cities. There are also lots of great close trips to do (Cholula, Puebla, Cuernavaca, Tepotzotlan).
I went back last year for close to a week and had a wedding to go to in Queretaro which was also a wonderful city to visit.
Most of the news you read about this stuff happens around the coastal cities. I wouldn't let that deter you from visiting other parts of Mexico however.
good input/perspective-
one thing stood out however-uber-cuidado por favor
just a warning as we need to be careful about many things-good friend of my nephew was on spring break in fort lauderdale last month. a good time was being had by all. they called uber to pick them up. yes, they were probably drinking, but uber comes, they get in, as they were moving about, the uber driver pulls out a knife-yes, a knife and tries to rob them. one of the guys, who played football for his school tried to bail out while moving...he's in a medically induced coma fighting for his life
just saying-know your surroundings and be careful anywhere you may be
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How are people dying in London then if not by gun? Beaten to death? Stabbed?
guns were banned in 1997-knives, wait...people with knives kill people just as dead
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That’s sounds suspiciously like what a prisoner would say. Blink three times if you’re being held against your will.
Day 3 and we're still smooth sailing. Add sunburn to the list.
We depart resort #1 and head to resort #2 for our potential wedding inspection
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guns were banned in 1997-knives, wait...people with knives kill people just as dead
Are you being serious or joking? Do you have a link?
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True dat. 20 years ago one would never consider visiting Colombia. Now it's on my bucket list.
Cartagena and Santa Marta are all you need to see. Both are great, especially the old city in Cartagena.
Bogota is counter-intuitively cold (high altitude), plus there's always overcast. Barranquilla is Colombia's Detroit. Cali is still very dangerous.
Medellin is pretty cool, but it's landlocked. About 1/3 of it is still dangerous. Regarding the other two-thirds, I wouldn't recommend Medellin for a family simply because there's not much there family-wise. However, I will say that it does have a fantastic night life.
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Cartagena and Santa Marta are all you need to see. Both are great, especially the old city in Cartagena.
Bogota is counter-intuitively cold (high altitude), plus there's always overcast. Barranquilla is Colombia's Detroit. Cali is still very dangerous.
Medellin is pretty cool, but it's landlocked. About 1/3 of it is still dangerous. Regarding the other two-thirds, I wouldn't recommend Medellin for a family simply because there's not much there family-wise. However, I will say that it does have a fantastic night life.
I recommend Armenia if you ever go back, or anywhere in coffee country. Spot on about the Bogota weather, if you drive two hours straight west from Bogota to Melgar, it goes from the mid-60s to the 90s, altitude plays havoc with the weather.
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guns were banned in 1997-knives, wait...people with knives kill people just as dead
Are you being serious or joking? Do you have a link?
OK ... it took me awhile, but this clinches it about who chicos is.
Yogi (chicos) and Boo Boo (rocket) doing their schtick about knives.
A belated welcome back, Banny McBannerson!
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Are you being serious or joking? Do you have a link?
Take a look at the guns you can legally buy in the UK. The UK banned handguns in 1997, but citizens are still able to own and shoot some shotguns and rifles with a license. ... For firearms other than a shotgun, applicants must give police a "good reason" for wanting to own one.
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Take a look at the guns you can legally buy in the UK. The UK banned handguns in 1997, but citizens are still able to own and shoot some shotguns and rifles with a license. ... For firearms other than a shotgun, applicants must give police a "good reason" for wanting to own one.
That seems like an entirely reasonable policy.
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Take a look at the guns you can legally buy in the UK. The UK banned handguns in 1997, but citizens are still able to own and shoot some shotguns and rifles with a license. ... For firearms other than a shotgun, applicants must give police a "good reason" for wanting to own one.
That's an enviable policy, one our country should consider.
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That's an enviable policy, one our country should consider.
well find someone who will run on that and put 'er to the people. that's usually how things are done here, unless ya have a phone and a pen, eyn'a?
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well find someone who will run on that and put 'er to the people. that's usually how things are done here, unless ya have a phone and a pen, eyn'a?
You're right about that, rocket.
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Are you being serious or joking? Do you have a link?
Keep your guns and your knives at White Lives Matter Ranch, Chicos.
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Keep your guns and your knives at White Lives Matter Ranch, Chicos.
Thank goodness the Vegas killer was a shooter instead of a stabber. He could have done some serious damage if he had a few knives!
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Take a look at the guns you can legally buy in the UK. The UK banned handguns in 1997, but citizens are still able to own and shoot some shotguns and rifles with a license. ... For firearms other than a shotgun, applicants must give police a "good reason" for wanting to own one.
I think you are jumping to conclusions in the hope of winning a political argument. Two months is not a trend, especially with one of those months having only one murder difference. There are still some killings that remain unsolved and are not classified as murders yet. Yes, it is somewhat eye opening historically to even have this discussion, but wait for more data.
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43628494
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Another good thread ruined.
In before the lock.
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Another good thread ruined.
In before the lock.
a usual suspect, not surprising.
And Chicos.
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We traveled to a different resort (scheduled). Still no robbery, assault, murder or drugging.
I must be doing Mexico wrong
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We traveled to a different resort (scheduled). Still no robbery, assault, murder or drugging.
I must be doing Mexico wrong
i understand why people will make light of the tragedies that have occurred, but in order for the state department to issue warnings (and i'm not criticizing you jesmu for your comment specifically) but this is one of those if a tree falls in the woods kind of things. until it happens to someone you know or hits closer to home, is it really a bunch of over-hyped gak? in other words, we must admit that these incidents are occurring at a rate a little more than one's chances of winning a lottery.
just be careful out there and be safe, that's all
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We traveled to a different resort (scheduled). Still no robbery, assault, murder or drugging.
I must be doing Mexico wrong
This reminds me of the time 4-year-old chick jr. let go of my hand in a Target parking lot, ran to the middle of a driving lane and said, "Look! No cars are hitting me!"
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We got back from a cruise on Sunday .. stopped in two Mexican ports; survived.
I did have an interesting conversation with a native Texan who opened a bar/restaurant on the beach in Costa Maya for the past 10 years.
He spoke of very strict regs, like if he wanted to add a few more beach loungers, he'd have to give up some tables/chairs. Why? Environmental impact. Beach loungers have sunscreen on, and they swim in the ocean, polluting it. He said there'd be a Mexican official who'd stroll by every so often, making sure you didn't exceed your chair limit.
Or that if you wanted to build a house, you'd better get a $15k analysis on where it could be built due to environmental regs. If you didn't .. or the local official improperly signed off, but it was later checked .. you'd be in big trouble.
Meanwhile, officials can absolutely be bribed, and liquor is being tainted and distributed.
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a usual suspect, not surprising.
And Chicos.
Both sides of the aisle ruin it.
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Or that if you wanted to build a house, you'd better get a $15k analysis on where it could be built due to environmental regs. If you didn't .. or the local official improperly signed off, but it was later checked .. you'd be in big trouble.
If you're thinking of building a house in Mexico, think long and hard about that decision. My parents did it in about 1995 or so. They had some good times there, but overall, it's been a total cluster f*$%. When it's all said and done, they basically threw their money away.
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If you're thinking of building a house in Mexico, thing long and hard about that decision. My parents did it in about 1995 or so. They had some good times there, but overall, it's been a total cluster f*$%. When it's all said and done, they basically threw their money away.
Interesting. Is this because of political unrest or other factors?
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Interesting. Is this because of political unrest or other factors?
Both "political unrest" (i.e., crime) and other factors. Lots of other factors. First of all, whenever they were away from the house for extended periods of time (which was often...it was a second home, after all), everything that wasn't bolted down got stolen. And even some of the stuff that was bolted down. They had one small strong room in the house (think pantry size) where they put anything valuable that had to stay. I don't think that was ever actually breached. But everything else they either had to be resigned to it being stolen or haul it back and forth. Eventually, they had a big trailer that they had to take every time they went there so they could haul their stuff. Major pain in the ass. They just had to come to terms with the fact that people would be in their house while they were away (using stove, eating any food they found, leaving a mess). For anyone who has been robbed, you probably recall the feeling of being violated. That became their "normal."
There was also the little issue about 10-15 years ago when they were told that the guy who sold them the property that they built on didn't actually own it. So, by extension, they didn't own it. Hmmmm...that's a problem. Now, one could question whether they did proper due diligence at the time of purchase. I honestly don't know. One could also question whether the guy did, actually, own it (as he claims), but now someone else it trying to defraud him and all the home owners in the neighborhood. Presumably, those questions should be asked in the litigation that has now been ongoing for many, many years with no discernible progress. Justice isn't swift in Mexico...at least not in such cases. And, most people they've talked to have explained that "justice" will be largely influenced by connections, influence and bribes. And it has made it pretty much impossible for them to sell the house.
Then, there was the time within the last year or so when the guy who built the house was squatting in it, claiming that my parents had abandoned it so he now owned it. My dad had to make an emergency trip down with my nephew and have the police remove him.
All in all, despite some good times, it's been a pain in the ass. My parents are too old now, so they will probably never go back. Unfortunately, for the last 10 years they have been reluctant to go often because the 60 mile drive across NW Mexico wasn't particularly safe. Some of my siblings have gone from time to time, but not often. When they first built it, it was fantastic (notwithstanding the theft issues). They had a really cool house on an amazing beach that was within easy driving distance from their home in Phoenix. But overall, it's been a bit of a disaster. For what they spent, they could have had some pretty awesome vacations without all the headaches.
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So much for all the House Hunters International that looks great on TV.
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i understand why people will make light of the tragedies that have occurred, but in order for the state department to issue warnings (and i'm not criticizing you jesmu for your comment specifically) but this is one of those if a tree falls in the woods kind of things. until it happens to someone you know or hits closer to home, is it really a bunch of over-hyped gak? in other words, we must admit that these incidents are occurring at a rate a little more than one's chances of winning a lottery.
just be careful out there and be safe, that's all
A lot of people know the Connor/McGowan family from Pewaukee, the 20 yr old girl that died from tainted alcohol. They have multiple MU connections. J/S investigation became a national story.
I'm glad Jesmu and 82 can make light of the fact that they are unharmed, but many other families are not so lucky.
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A lot of people know the Connor/McGowan family from Pewaukee, the 20 yr old girl that died from tainted alcohol. They have multiple MU connections. J/S investigation became a national story.
I'm glad Jesmu and 82 can make light of the fact that they are unharmed, but many other families are not so lucky.
I haven't even gone yet.
It's my daughter's wedding. It's soon. I can't say, "You know, I'm hearing more about crime so I'm not going. But I love you, honey." And yes, I encouraged them to pick the Caribbean because I knew there was more crime in Mexico. But they picked Cabo. It's my daughter. I'm going.
The rest is gallows humor. I joke about plane crashes when I fly, too. I admit it's twisted, but it's a defense mechanism.
I am not making fun of anybody who actually dies or gets hurt in Mexico or anywhere else on the face of the earth.
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Both "political unrest" (i.e., crime) and other factors. Lots of other factors. First of all, whenever they were away from the house for extended periods of time (which was often...it was a second home, after all), everything that wasn't bolted down got stolen. And even some of the stuff that was bolted down. They had one small strong room in the house (think pantry size) where they put anything valuable that had to stay. I don't think that was ever actually breached. But everything else they either had to be resigned to it being stolen or haul it back and forth. Eventually, they had a big trailer that they had to take every time they went there so they could haul their stuff back and forth. Major pain in the ass. They just had to come to terms with the fact that people would be in their house while they were away (using stove, eating any food they found, leaving a mess). For anyone who has been robbed, you probably recall the feeling of being violated. That became their "normal."
There was also the little issue that about 10-15 years ago when they were told that the guy who sold them the property that they built on didn't actually own it. So, by extension, they didn't own it. Hmmmm...that's a problem. Now, one could question whether they did proper due diligence at the time of purchase. I honestly don't know. One could also question whether the guy did, actually own it (as he claims), but now someone else it trying to defraud him and all the home owners in the neighborhood. Presumably, those questions should be asked in the litigation that has now been ongoing for many, many years with no discernible progress. Justice isn't swift in Mexico...at least not in such cases. And, most people they've talked to have explained that "justice" will be largely influenced by connections, influence and bribes. And it has made it pretty much impossible for them to sell the house.
Then, there was the time within the last year or so when the guy who built the house was squatting in it, claiming that my parents had abandoned it so he now owned it. My dad had to make an emergency trip down with my nephew and have the police remove him.
All in all, despite some good times, it's been a pain in the ass. My parents are too old now, so they will probably never go back. Unfortunately, for the last 10 years they have been reluctant to go often because the 60 mile drive across NW Mexico wasn't particularly safe. Some of my siblings have gone from time to time, but not often. When they first built it, it was fantastic (notwithstanding the theft issues). They had a really cool house on an amazing beach that was within easy driving distance from their home in Phoenix. But overall, it's been a bit of a disaster. For what they spent, they could have had some pretty awesome vacations without all the headaches.
Thanks for sharing, I certainly feel for your parents/family. Really interesting read here, and the great depth and details you provided. Appreciate the perspective here.
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That's a terrible story StillA.
One of the reasons we chose Vegas for our second home was the stability of the area and especially our neighborhood. The last thing we ever wanted was to worry when we are away. We have friends that used to watch hurricane season closely before they moved to FLA full time. The worst thing that happens to us is that the toilet traps can dry out if we're gone too long. :o
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That's a terrible story StillA.
One of the reasons we chose Vegas for our second home was the stability of the area and especially our neighborhood. The last thing we ever wanted was to worry when we are away. We have friends that used to watch hurricane season closely before they moved to FLA full time. The worst thing that happens to us is that the toilet traps can dry out if we're gone too long. :o
Mexico is basically stuck where Nevada was in the 50's... corruption, cronyism, lawlessness, a lot of sand, and if you don't know the right people, you're excrement/out of luck. Sure, some of that stuff still exists in Nevada in a much lesser form, but the big difference is that today, everyone - even Steve Wynn - is scared of running into law enforcement in Nevada, be it the gaming board, police or DOJ... in Mexico, law enforcement is the one running scared.
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Mexico is basically stuck where Nevada was in the 50's... corruption, cronyism, lawlessness, a lot of sand, and if you don't know the right people, you're excrement/out of luck. Sure, some of that stuff still exists in Nevada in a much lesser form, but the big difference is that today, everyone - even Steve Wynn - is scared of running into law enforcement in Nevada, be it the gaming board, police or DOJ... in Mexico, law enforcement is the one running scared.
It wasn't particularly murder-y though, unless you were directly involved in the corruption and lawlessness.
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A lot of people know the Connor/McGowan family from Pewaukee, the 20 yr old girl that died from tainted alcohol. They have multiple MU connections. J/S investigation became a national story.
I'm glad Jesmu and 82 can make light of the fact that they are unharmed, but many other families are not so lucky.
Currently sitting in the Houston airport on the way back home. We had a great time. I meant nothing by my humor. Certainly nothing but sadness for anyone who loses their life. We all take risks. Some more than others. At this point in our wedding search, my fiancee and I are more or less stuck with searching in Cabo. Unfortunately, part of that is due to where our friends/family can reasonably and cheaply travel to. Part of it is wedding cost.
I appreciate all the suggestions of carribean locations, but those are going to be more expensive for us and our guests.
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Currently sitting in the Houston airport on the way back home. We had a great time. I meant nothing by my humor. Certainly nothing but sadness for anyone who loses their life. We all take risks. Some more than others. At this point in our wedding search, my fiancee and I are more or less stuck with searching in Cabo. Unfortunately, part of that is due to where our friends/family can reasonably and cheaply travel to. Part of it is wedding cost.
I appreciate all the suggestions of carribean locations, but those are going to be more expensive for us and our guests.
Honest question, and I swear I am not being snarky: Why are you forcing your guests to spend so much money to attend your wedding? Even if it is one of the "cheap" places, my guess is you are talking close to 4 figures per person, not including spent vacation time. Is holding it in one of the nicer places in your hometown that unacceptable to you and your fiancee? Maybe I am just behind the times, but I would rather that more of the important people in my life be able to attend without a significant financial commitment.
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Honest question, and I swear I am not being snarky: Why are you forcing your guests to spend so much money to attend your wedding? Even if it is one of the "cheap" places, my guess is you are talking close to 4 figures per person, not including spent vacation time. Is holding it in one of the nicer places in your hometown that unacceptable to you and your fiancee? Maybe I am just behind the times, but I would rather that more of the important people in my life be able to attend without a significant financial commitment.
We're not forcing anyone to do anything.
Having said that, we are trying to make our decision while taking into account the costs and travel times for our invited guests. We are aware some or most will not make the trip.
The wedding we want for ourselves is much cheaper as a destination wedding. We wouldn't be able to afford it locally. I agree with your overall point that it's a trade-off.
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We did a destination wedding for my son in ponta Cana a few years ago. We had the participation of pretty much everyone we WANTED. The guests just plan forward as if they are taking a vacation. Not only is it cheaper, but less,stressful. No worries about limos, flowers, getting to and from church to photo location to reception. No worries about THE WEATHER!! No worries about who to invite...you know certain people you HAVE to invite in order to avoid family squabbles later, but really don’t want them-they usually don’t come=winning! No,worries,about guests over drinking and driving...over drinking and falling asleep/passing out in the hedges or some other Kodak moment place maybe
Golf golf and more golf.
I just wouldn’t do it in Mexico right now. Just my comfort zone. The grand caymans would be great. Turks and caicos would be fine...st. John, Martin or Thomas...maybe even Jamaica but I’ve heard they’ve had a few issues but not like our friends to the immediate south
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Interesting. I trust one gets comfortable with a polite 'Sorry, can't make it' response.
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Interesting. I trust one gets comfortable with a polite 'Sorry, can't make it' response.
Wouldn't someone be comfortable with this response despite the location of the wedding?
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Of course Frenns. But the 'polite decline' percentage is going to be much, much higher.
Folks should do whatever they want. It's THEIR wedding. I'm simply saying that every action has a reaction that one needs to reflect on and consider. And one of those things is that a destination wedding will certainly increase the 'polite decline' rate. If the bride/groom are cool, all good. jesmu has acknowledged that by saying 'some or most won't make the trip'.
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Honest question, and I swear I am not being snarky: Why are you forcing your guests to spend so much money to attend your wedding? Even if it is one of the "cheap" places, my guess is you are talking close to 4 figures per person, not including spent vacation time. Is holding it in one of the nicer places in your hometown that unacceptable to you and your fiancee? Maybe I am just behind the times, but I would rather that more of the important people in my life be able to attend without a significant financial commitment.
Worse choice for guests: destination wedding or wedding on a holiday weekend?
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Worse choice for guests: destination wedding or wedding on a holiday weekend?
I like them on holiday weekends. We have one on Labor Day Saturday this year. Always nice to have an extra recovery day.
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We're not forcing anyone to do anything.
Having said that, we are trying to make our decision while taking into account the costs and travel times for our invited guests. We are aware some or most will not make the trip.
The wedding we want for ourselves is much cheaper as a destination wedding. We wouldn't be able to afford it locally. I agree with your overall point that it's a trade-off.
I honestly feel bad for engaged couples today given what weddings have become and certainly cannot fault you for going destination. My wife and I got married in Milwaukee ten years ago... we had a guest list of 190 and my cousins and friends still remind to this day me how much fun and memorable it was. I would be surprised if anyone could throw a "traditional" wedding today in any major city for anything less than 250% what we paid for ours.
That said, be mindful the relationship you have with your family and friends... for anyone who's more than an acquaintance or co-worker to you, by inviting them - or even by simply telling them when/where (with no formal invite) - you could essentially be guilt-tripping them into attending.
Example: my sister got married in Maui a few years back... she knew that many of our family and her friends could not afford a trip to Hawaii yet she also knew that those closest to her would feel horrible if they couldn't make it. So she and her husband invited no one, period. Not even a BM or MOH. The only guests there were his two daughters from a previous relationship and the two "witnesses" they recruited in Ka'anapali. In fact, she went so far to forbid anyone else from attending (she didn't even tell me where in Hawaii, just Hawaii). All this because it was more important to her and her husband - like yourselves - have the wedding they wanted at a price they could afford, while not passing the buck to others since the people who would have shown up in Maui would have mostly been the people who could have least afforded it.
A wedding is not the time to be testing the (negative) correlation between loyalty and wealth, because that's what many destination weddings are becoming these days: a shifting of burden from the couple to the guests. I'm not criticizing your decision because after all, it is your wedding and please do whatever will make you and your bride happiest. I'm simply recommending to be very mindful and conscious of the decision you're making, specifically from your guests' perspective.
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We did a destination wedding for my son in ponta Cana a few years ago. We had the participation of pretty much everyone we WANTED. The guests just plan forward as if they are taking a vacation. Not only is it cheaper, but less,stressful. No worries about limos, flowers, getting to and from church to photo location to reception. No worries about THE WEATHER!! No worries about who to invite...you know certain people you HAVE to invite in order to avoid family squabbles later, but really don’t want them-they usually don’t come=winning! No,worries,about guests over drinking and driving...over drinking and falling asleep/passing out in the hedges or some other Kodak moment place maybe
Golf golf and more golf.
I just wouldn’t do it in Mexico right now. Just my comfort zone. The grand caymans would be great. Turks and caicos would be fine...st. John, Martin or Thomas...maybe even Jamaica but I’ve heard they’ve had a few issues but not like our friends to the immediate south
This is exactly right.
Destination weddings allow you to invite thrice-removed cousins who you don't really want to be there. At the same time, the distance gives these thrice-removed cousins license to politely decline since they don't really want to be there either.
It's a win-win.
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I like them on holiday weekends. We have one on Labor Day Saturday this year. Always nice to have an extra recovery day.
Again, trying really hard not to say what OTHERS should do. I'm with Sultan here. There's lots of holiday weekends. So I miss some BBQ. In fact if the wedding involves out of town travel, I'm probably more likely to go over a holiday.
I'm pretty sure my last attended wedding was my sis-in-law out in Boulder. We worked hard to make sure all 4 in our family could attend. It was a little challenging because our son had a late midterm exam that necessitated Friday evening travel for our kids. I had to excuse myself from the rehearsal dinner to drive to the Denver airport (in Nebraska) to get them. All cool. Sis was honored they worked hard to get there.
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I honestly feel bad for engaged couples today given what weddings have become and certainly cannot fault you for going destination. My wife and I got married in Milwaukee ten years ago... we had a guest list of 190 and my cousins and friends still remind to this day me how much fun and memorable it was. I would be surprised if anyone could throw a "traditional" wedding today in any major city for anything less than 250% what we paid for ours.
That said, be mindful the relationship you have with your family and friends... for anyone who's more than an acquaintance or co-worker to you, by inviting them - or even by simply telling them when/where (with no formal invite) - you could essentially be guilt-tripping them into attending.
Example: my sister got married in Maui a few years back... she knew that many of our family and her friends could not afford a trip to Hawaii yet she also knew that those closest to her would feel horrible if they couldn't make it. So she and her husband invited no one, period. Not even a BM or MOH. The only guests there were his two daughters from a previous relationship and the two "witnesses" they recruited in Ka'anapali. In fact, she went so far to forbid anyone else from attending (she didn't even tell me where in Hawaii, just Hawaii). All this because it was more important to her and her husband - like yourselves - have the wedding they wanted at a price they could afford, while not passing the buck to others since the people who would have shown up in Maui would have mostly been the people who could have least afforded it.
A wedding is not the time to be testing the (negative) correlation between loyalty and wealth, because that's what many destination weddings are becoming these days: a shifting of burden from the couple to the guests. I'm not criticizing your decision because after all, it is your wedding and please do whatever will make you and your bride happiest. I'm simply recommending to be very mindful and conscious of the decision you're making, specifically from your guests' perspective.
Extremely well stated benny.
Even if it's not a financial burden.
I was at Delicate Arch a few years back and witnessed a young couple hiking up to wed. Down the trail and following was a fairly long line of attendees, some of whom would have difficulty making the trek up the slickrock. I pondered whether I thought it a good idea or not.
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Again, trying really hard not to say what OTHERS should do. I'm with Sultan here. There's lots of holiday weekends. So I miss some BBQ. In fact if the wedding involves out of town travel, I'm probably more likely to go over a holiday.
I'm pretty sure my last attended wedding was my sis-in-law out in Boulder. We worked hard to make sure all 4 in our family could attend. It was a little challenging because our son had a late midterm exam that necessitated Friday evening travel for our kids. I had to excuse myself from the rehearsal dinner to drive to the Denver airport (in Nebraska) to get them. All cool. Sis was honored they worked hard to get there.
I'm of the mindset that there are plenty of other weekends but many families and people have annual traditions on holiday weekends, and it is asking a lot of someone to give up their long weekend and and long standing plans to go to a wedding.
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I'm of the mindset that there are plenty of other weekends but many families and people have annual traditions on holiday weekends, and it is asking a lot of someone to give up their long weekend and and long standing plans to go to a wedding.
That's cool. I think the lesson for ALL is not to judge others who might not attend based on the choices we made, be it expense, destination, timing or whatever.
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Our wedding fell on the last Saturday of May. I recall two or three people who initially sent regrets only to phone/email us about a month before the wedding to say they could make it because they now realized we weren't getting married on Memorial Day weekend (the weekend prior to our wedding) for which they already had plans.
It didn't bother us whether they were going to or not attend, but in retrospect, we might have had a dozen or two more attend had we put "(NOT MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND)" underneath the date on the invitations.
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My daughter and her husband planned their destination wedding in Cabo specifically because they wanted only close family and very best friends there. They didn't want 200 guests, half or more of whom would have been parents' friends or distant relatives that they barely knew. They wanted it to be a celebration that everybody could enjoy beyond the few hours of the actually wedding/reception.
Every member of both immediate families is going except one of my brothers (who won't fly). The bride and groom's best friends are all going.
As my daughter said, "Who else do we need?"
Just about everybody in this small group of people have the financial means to attend, although my wife and I are helping our newly married son and daughter-in-law pay for their trip. And several have said they are grateful for the "forced vacation." Most take multiple vacations every year.
My daughter and son-in-law simply felt that this would be a better way to use resources than to have some 200-guest wedding in Seattle (where they live); BTW, that wouldn't have been cheap for out-of-towners, either.
My son just had similar in Chicago ... and I'm too embarrassed to say publicly how much it cost - glad I only chipped in a fraction of the amount.
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I can understand the small guest list. For our wedding, my list, the wife's list and my parents' list were combined to be smaller that my MIL's list.
She saw it as a chance to entertain her friends, acquaintances, and the people that their 4th kid played hockey with in 4th grade. I told her that I didn't want to spend my wedding night talking to her friends. We compromised, she cut her guest list down and my wife and I avoided her most of her parents' friends.
Agree with glow, lots of ways to skin a cat, and no matter what you do for a wedding, it's going to be expensive 99% of the time.
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Interesting. I trust one gets comfortable with a polite 'Sorry, can't make it' response.
i think when planning a destination wedding, it's easier to understand those who can't make it so ya offer the consolation prize-backyard bbq to scarf the gifts ya missed out on from those who "can't make it, eyna? just tell em you're cookin johnsonville brats :D
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Worse choice for guests: destination wedding or wedding on a holiday weekend?
Nothin' beets havin' ta skip the MU vs UW basketball game four a fookin' family weddin', aina?
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Nothin' beets havin' ta skip the MU vs UW basketball game four a fookin' family weddin', aina?
you keep saying this, but I have no frickin idea of what it means. aina.
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Now hoos gettin' old? Dude, you bitched 'bout 10-12 years ago about havin' ta skip a Saturday afternoon game vs UW at da BC 'cuz one of yo wife's kinfolk wuz gettin' hitched dat dey, hey?
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Now hoos gettin' old? Dude, you bitched 'bout 10-12 years ago about havin' ta skip a Saturday afternoon game vs UW at da BC 'cuz one of yo wife's kinfolk wuz gettin' hitched dat dey, hey?
no kinfolk married time o year, doc. December is for baby Jesus.
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this can't be good for business-14 murders in 36 hours in cancun-
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/6024568/cancun-murders-mexico-drug-gang/
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this can't be good for business-14 murders in 36 hours in cancun-
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/6024568/cancun-murders-mexico-drug-gang/
Thanks for that. We'll be there soon. I bequeath all of my Hanna-Barbera DVDs to you.
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Thanks for that. We'll be there soon. I bequeath all of my Hanna-Barbera DVDs to you.
just do like all the hollywood big shots do and hire some heavies with the heat
now what would i do with another set of HB DVDs ;)
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Another front page story from the Milwaukee JS ..
https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/mexico-blackouts/2018/04/11/travel-companies-fail-warn-tourists-risks-mexico/495145002/
And a nice TLDR page of ~50 tourists, nicely tagged, "blackout", "assault" .. "Hospital" .. "Extortion" .. "drugging" ..
https://projects.jsonline.com/topics/mexico-blackouts-investigation/#stories-anchor
In conclusion, Arby's.
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Another front page story from the Milwaukee JS ..
https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/mexico-blackouts/2018/04/11/travel-companies-fail-warn-tourists-risks-mexico/495145002/
And a nice TLDR page of ~50 tourists, nicely tagged, "blackout", "assault" .. "Hospital" .. "Extortion" .. "drugging" ..
https://projects.jsonline.com/topics/mexico-blackouts-investigation/#stories-anchor
In conclusion, Arby's.
I have many issues with the Journal and their sloppy and biased work over the years but their excellent reporting on this important story has been at the forefront of what is still an underreported subject nationwide.
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OK ... so what should Mrs. 82 and I do?
Should we cancel our 4-night vacation to Cancun that precedes our daughter's wedding in Cabo? Doing this would cost us some money but it wouldn't be too bad; maybe we could even claim that the airlines and the resort weren't forthcoming with the problems in Cancun and get our money back (but surely not without a fight).
But what about the wedding in Cabo, which takes place in only about a month? My daughter has been planning it for a year and she just called us last night to tell us how excited she is. Should we tell her to cancel it, something that would be at considerable expense and inconvenience to her and to all the guests who already have booked travel?
Or do we look at all this as "caveat emptor," be as careful as we all can and hope that everything turns out not just OK but wonderfully?
These stories are alarming, and Mexico certainly wouldn't have been my first choice. But for every person who is hurt in some way, aren't there literally thousands - maybe tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands - of tourists who have a great time on their vacations?
Is it more like cruising, where risk of norovirus is on every boat but the vast, vast, vast majority of vacationers have a fantastic time? We have cruised 10 times. A week before one of them, there was a huge norovirus breakout on two different ships on the cruise line we were about to take. It was very tempting to cancel, but we were glad we didn't.
Very curious what folks would do in our shoes.
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It's a dice roll. I'm guessing 5000 people arrive in Cancun each day .. only a handful have issues. Do you roll quadruple snake-eyes? Maybe. Good odds not, though.
The end is .. there are safer places to spend your dough.
(BTW, as a cruiser, we got back from one over Easter. The amount of hand-sanitizer stations on the ship was unreal. We used them 20x a day, easily. Going to eat? There's a gal you need to get by who is going to squirt your hands.)
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This is just an assumption but those murders likely are crook-on-crook killings.
If MU82 can avoid the heroin trade while in Cancun he should be fine.
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It's a dice roll. I'm guessing 5000 people arrive in Cancun each day .. only a handful have issues. Do you roll quadruple snake-eyes? Maybe. Good odds not, though.
The end is .. there are safer places to spend your dough.
I agree there are safer places to spend our dough. If you were me, would you call your daughter, tell her to postpone her wedding that's one month out, and suggest rescheduling it at time when a different, safer location could be arranged?
I am being 100% serious here. I am not looking for an argument.
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82. I think you're okay, especially at it pertains to Cabo. Just be smart and careful, just like they tell the Frosh up at Marquette.
Would I make new plans to go? No. But would I follow through on existing. Probably.
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I was Mr. Jokester earlier in this thread, but I have to admit that I am becoming legitimately concerned. A pretty large portion of my family will be in Cabo, though only my wife and I are going to Cancun.
I am going to talk about all of this with my wife over the next couple of days.
One of my problems now is that I am an infamous second-guesser. Should anything bad happen, I probably would never forgive myself.
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I was Mr. Jokester earlier in this thread, but I have to admit that I am becoming legitimately concerned. A pretty large portion of my family will be in Cabo, though only my wife and I are going to Cancun.
I am going to talk about all of this with my wife over the next couple of days.
One of my problems now is that I am an infamous second-guesser. Should anything bad happen, I probably would never forgive myself.
As you know, we are planning a Cabo vacation. We are going through with it. Spring of 2019.
We just got back from a week in Cabo at 2 different resorts. Never felt the least bit uncomfortable in Cabo. We didn't leave the resorts.
I honestly think you're fine in Cabo. Maybe move your Cancun trip to Cabo as well as I think there's more shenanigans in the central/eastern portion
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I was Mr. Jokester earlier in this thread, but I have to admit that I am becoming legitimately concerned. A pretty large portion of my family will be in Cabo, though only my wife and I are going to Cancun.
I am going to talk about all of this with my wife over the next couple of days.
One of my problems now is that I am an infamous second-guesser. Should anything bad happen, I probably would never forgive myself.
if i had to choose between cancun-cabo, cabo would win hands down every time. not only is is a little prettier, but i believe the violence has been among warring cartels, snitches(get stitches) and people who generally fack up. i used to be a big fan of cancun-been there 4-5 times, including honeymoon, kids vacay, couples, stops on cruises(cozumel). but now, when i go on a vacation, i want it to be as stress-free as possible. the part about cancun that makes me weary is the drive from the airport to the resorts...unless i could bring my "little friend" :D
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OK ... so what should Mrs. 82 and I do?
Should we cancel our 4-night vacation to Cancun that precedes our daughter's wedding in Cabo? Doing this would cost us some money but it wouldn't be too bad; maybe we could even claim that the airlines and the resort weren't forthcoming with the problems in Cancun and get our money back (but surely not without a fight).
But what about the wedding in Cabo, which takes place in only about a month? My daughter has been planning it for a year and she just called us last night to tell us how excited she is. Should we tell her to cancel it, something that would be at considerable expense and inconvenience to her and to all the guests who already have booked travel?
Or do we look at all this as "caveat emptor," be as careful as we all can and hope that everything turns out not just OK but wonderfully?
These stories are alarming, and Mexico certainly wouldn't have been my first choice. But for every person who is hurt in some way, aren't there literally thousands - maybe tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands - of tourists who have a great time on their vacations?
Is it more like cruising, where risk of norovirus is on every boat but the vast, vast, vast majority of vacationers have a fantastic time? We have cruised 10 times. A week before one of them, there was a huge norovirus breakout on two different ships on the cruise line we were about to take. It was very tempting to cancel, but we were glad we didn't.
Very curious what folks would do in our shoes.
Go on both trips and don't think twice. Be smart. Have fun. I'll be in Cabo in early May and can't wait. (Then again I've chosen to travel to some dangerous places so perhaps take it with a grain of margarita salt.)
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This is just an assumption but those murders likely are crook-on-crook killings.
If MU82 can avoid the heroin trade while in Cancun he should be fine.
At least one of the most recent 14 murder victims in 36 hours was a Canadian woman. So not all crooks.
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I just spent 9 days in Playa del Carmen in March and if I hadn't known about the trouble going in, I would never have known anything was off. We were super vigilant, but there really wasn't anything going on that even raised our defenses. The hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, beaches, and tourist attractions were all full of vacationers. It all felt 100% normal. Considering that this is a family wedding, I say go, keep your eyes open, have fun, and hope for the best.
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MU82, I'd go on the trips, but get a commitment from the group that if anyone dies, they will haunt your daughter forever.
Not Casper stuff .. real Poltergeist kind of haunting.
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Helpful (mostly) responses.
I am leaning toward not only going but keeping all of this to myself, as I don't want to breed panic. Trying to decide if I even want to discuss it with my wife.
If this were 6 months before the event, it would be a lot easier to decide!
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Look at it dis wey, Nads. Ya had a good run, hey?
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Look at it dis wey, Nads. Ya had a good run, hey?
I actually said that earlier in the thread.
But yes, my run has improved even since then.
Give me another 60 years or so, and my run will be perfect.
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Cancel Cancun. Why waste the money, you gonna just stay in the room with an occasional elevator trip down to the pool? No outside dining, sight seeing, etc., because you are afraid to get assaulted, robbed, continually getting asked by strangers if you want to buy drugs, and the likes.
Place is just not safe, period.
Cabo, per others, is safe for now, but I assume in years to come that will change. Like I said before, Mexico just a terrible country to be in.
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Cancel Cancun. Why waste the money, you gonna just stay in the room with an occasional elevator trip down to the pool? No outside dining, sight seeing, etc., because you are afraid to get assaulted, robbed, continually getting asked by strangers if you want to buy drugs, and the likes.
Place is just not safe, period.
Cabo, per others, is safe for now, but I assume in years to come that will change. Like I said before, Mexico just a terrible country to be in.
I appreciate you being brutally honest in your viewpoint.
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I appreciate you being brutally honest in your viewpoint.
Appreciate it, if your not sarcastic, just my opinion/thoughts on welfare of family.
I guess on a vacation, you would want to venture and visit the town for dining, shops, etc. Well, its obvious something is going on in Cancun right now. Lets say you go into town and want to have a dinner, believing its safe and nothing going to happen to us. What you don't know is that some drug gang leader is having dinner at the same place and here comes the rival gang. I know, just a scenario, but do you really want to be thinking about such things when the city is in complete turmoil. Best of luck with your decision.
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MU82-
Do you have any travel insurance? I always buy when going international. I prefer TI that has liberal cancellation and refund policies. If you did buy TI, I'd suggest looking at your options.
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Save your money on travel insurance. Rent some body guards!
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Appreciate it, if your not sarcastic, just my opinion/thoughts on welfare of family.
I guess on a vacation, you would want to venture and visit the town for dining, shops, etc. Well, its obvious something is going on in Cancun right now. Lets say you go into town and want to have a dinner, believing its safe and nothing going to happen to us. What you don't know is that some drug gang leader is having dinner at the same place and here comes the rival gang. I know, just a scenario, but do you really want to be thinking about such things when the city is in complete turmoil. Best of luck with your decision.
I don't think folks actually go 'to town' in Cancun for dinner. The city itself is a bit of a distance from the hotel zone. Now admittedly it has been years.
MU82-
Do you have any travel insurance? I always buy when going international. I prefer TI that has liberal cancellation and refund policies. If you did buy TI, I'd suggest looking at your options.
Travel insurance anytime you leave the USA? We haven't routinely done that. (Have once or twice.)
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Travel insurance anytime you leave the USA? We haven't routinely done that. (Have once or twice.)
I know people who swear by it. Neighbor broke ankle in Mexico. Had to pay cash but got reimbursed for all. Insurance paid for extra days at hotel and new plane ticket, first class.
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I think 82 should whack a few drug lords in Cancun and take over the H trade in the city.
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I've done a fair amount of traveling over the years and have never once bought travel insurance.
Anyhoo ...
My wife and I had a good discussion tonight about the trip. We have decided to go to Cancun as planned and will just enjoy all the amenities the resort has. We will eat most of our meals there, hang out there. There are multiple restaurants, including a sports bar, there is a swim-up bar in the pool, the beach is beautiful, the pool is excellent, we will use the fitness room daily, there are multiple activities at the resort every day, etc.
There is a little mall across the street with shops and restaurants; once we get the pulse of everything happening, maybe we'll venture over there during the daytime. Maybe we won't if we don't like the vibe we are getting.
We will look at the resort as kind of a mini-cruise ship, and our 4 days there as being "at sea," when you can't do shore excursions because you're not on shore. Given the family craziness that we will go to in Cabo, it will be very relaxing. Unlike some people, who have to be go-go-go all the time and always have to be doing something, I'm very good at chilling.
We also will go to Cabo and will enjoy ourselves with the rest of the family, and obviously will have fun at our daughter's wedding.
This has been a good discussion and it's been important think about these things. But hey, you can't control everything in life.
There were two shootings in downtown Charlotte last month, including one just outside a restaurant we like. We went to our son's wedding in Chicago in March and there were multiple incidents in town, including one on the north side. When we went to Brooklyn to watch MU win that event in Hank's year, we walked all over the place in Brooklyn.
We don't wear body armor when we go to New York or Washington. I have walked around Paris and London and many other cities where terrorist attacks are become more common.
I try to be smart and safe, but we all have to live our lives.
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Smart decision I think. Go and enjoy yourselves. Just be smart and aware and you'll be fine.
My wife and I have gotten into some potentially tricky situations-- getting lost wandering the streets on foot in the wrong part of Cairo not long after the German tour bus had been attacked comes to mind--but as long as you don't act like a clueless target you'll almost certainly be safe.
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I know people who swear by it. Neighbor broke ankle in Mexico. Had to pay cash but got reimbursed for all. Insurance paid for extra days at hotel and new plane ticket, first class.
People are routinely surprised to find out that their health insurance doesn’t cover them when they travel internationally. Sure, if you’re going to Iran or Myanmar, I don’t think anyone expects them to take Blue Cross there, but even many high-end PPO plans exclude coverage in the UK, Germany, Japan, France and Ireland, if not at least increase the co-pay and/or lift the OOP maximum for int’l coverage. I was actually discussing the topic of insurance with an ER nurse about a year ago, and she said that if no one in your company travels internationally on business, more often or not, your health coverage is going to have some serious gaps internationally, if it even exists at all (an unintended side effect of insurers and employers cutting costs post-ACA).
For that reason alone, travel insurance is nearly a must if leaving the U.S., and I haven’t yet opined on the value of evacuation if you’re caught in a third-world country or someplace where you can’t trust the medical staff (e.g. Mexico).... the cancellation/interruption benefits are merely gravy.
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My wife and I had a good discussion tonight about the trip. We have decided to go to Cancun as planned and will just enjoy all the amenities the resort has.
Sounds like a good idea. Important tip: when you buy heroin, make sure you're working with a reputable dealer.
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Sounds like a good idea. Important tip: when you buy heroin, make sure you're working with a reputable dealer.
My rule of thumb for Mexico vacation is always by my heroin, meth and/or cocaine from the hotel lobby bartender. Never, ever the pool bartender.
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Here comes another song about Mexico
I just can't help myself
I lost my old lady
Got my lures
Got my bobbers
Now I'm gonna go
Got off in the wrong direction
Found a hooker and lost my erection
So I had to lie
In the letter to the boys back home
Now the good guys and the bad guys
Never work past noon around here
They sit side to side in cantinas
Talk to senoritas
And drink warm beer
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My wife and I had a good discussion tonight.....
Any time you start a sentence with those nine words, certain doom is impending.
Anyhoo, Just don't wear one of these in order to maximize your chances of remaining in one piece.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51W5pmgx5DL._SY355_.jpg)
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Any time you start a sentence with those nine words, certain doom is impending.
Yeah, I started something like: "I wasn't going to even mention this, but I think we have something to talk about ... "
Her response: "Uh-oh."
But it turned out well. I told her what I knew for certain as well as some of the speculative stuff, and I then let her give her opinion before I gave mine.
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Yeah, I started something like: "I wasn't going to even mention this, but I think we have something to talk about ... "
Her response: "Uh-oh."
I would give $10 to know exactly what your wife was thinking - at that very moment - what was going to be coming out of your mouth next.
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I would give $10 to know exactly what your wife was thinking - at that very moment - what was going to be coming out of your mouth next.
I'm sure she was thinking, "pee-pee and hookers."
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People are routinely surprised to find out that their health insurance doesn’t cover them when they travel internationally. Sure, if you’re going to Iran or Myanmar, I don’t think anyone expects them to take Blue Cross there, but even many high-end PPO plans exclude coverage in the UK, Germany, Japan, France and Ireland, if not at least increase the co-pay and/or lift the OOP maximum for int’l coverage. I was actually discussing the topic of insurance with an ER nurse about a year ago, and she said that if no one in your company travels internationally on business, more often or not, your health coverage is going to have some serious gaps internationally, if it even exists at all (an unintended side effect of insurers and employers cutting costs post-ACA).
For that reason alone, travel insurance is nearly a must if leaving the U.S., and I haven’t yet opined on the value of evacuation if you’re caught in a third-world country or someplace where you can’t trust the medical staff (e.g. Mexico).... the cancellation/interruption benefits are merely gravy.
Yep, I always get World Nomads' insurance when I travel. Mostly because they cover mountaineering and motorbiking, which many travel insurers don't cover. The one time I had a claim, they reimbursed without any problem. Plus, death benefits for your kin, 82, after you get swiss-cheesed by a hail of gunfire.
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Ever since my B-i-L broke his back on a climbing vacation I have always bought travel insurance for foreign vacations, cheap insurance just in case.
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All right ... now y'all might be talking me into travel insurance.
Preliminary checking shows it would be about $100 for both of us for the 12 days we'll be gone. Seems almost too cheap, but just read all the coverages and went to Consumer Reports and seems legit.
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Ya kan probably get it four half dat from a dude on Craiglist, hey?
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All right ... now y'all might be talking me into travel insurance.
Preliminary checking shows it would be about $100 for both of us for the 12 days we'll be gone. Seems almost too cheap, but just read all the coverages and went to Consumer Reports and seems legit.
Talk to a travel agent.
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(https://media.giphy.com/media/pkZT2thRx6LKw/giphy.gif)
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I've done a fair amount of traveling over the years and have never once bought travel insurance.
Anyhoo ...
My wife and I had a good discussion tonight about the trip. We have decided to go to Cancun as planned and will just enjoy all the amenities the resort has. We will eat most of our meals there, hang out there. There are multiple restaurants, including a sports bar, there is a swim-up bar in the pool, the beach is beautiful, the pool is excellent, we will use the fitness room daily, there are multiple activities at the resort every day, etc.
There is a little mall across the street with shops and restaurants; once we get the pulse of everything happening, maybe we'll venture over there during the daytime. Maybe we won't if we don't like the vibe we are getting.
We will look at the resort as kind of a mini-cruise ship, and our 4 days there as being "at sea," when you can't do shore excursions because you're not on shore. Given the family craziness that we will go to in Cabo, it will be very relaxing. Unlike some people, who have to be go-go-go all the time and always have to be doing something, I'm very good at chilling.
We also will go to Cabo and will enjoy ourselves with the rest of the family, and obviously will have fun at our daughter's wedding.
This has been a good discussion and it's been important think about these things. But hey, you can't control everything in life.
There were two shootings in downtown Charlotte last month, including one just outside a restaurant we like. We went to our son's wedding in Chicago in March and there were multiple incidents in town, including one on the north side. When we went to Brooklyn to watch MU win that event in Hank's year, we walked all over the place in Brooklyn.
We don't wear body armor when we go to New York or Washington. I have walked around Paris and London and many other cities where terrorist attacks are become more common.
I try to be smart and safe, but we all have to live our lives.
I didn't need body armor when we walked from that beer hall to Barclay's a few years back. Your physical stature was enough to ward off any potential predators!
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I didn't need body armor when we walked from that beer hall to Barclay's a few years back. Your physical stature was enough to ward off any potential predators!
True, I am quite a physical specimen.
I umpired today and got hit in the thigh by a fastball when the catcher completely whiffed on it. I took a second to gather myself and one of the coaches asked, "You OK, Blue?"
I said, "Of course. I have the strength of 10 men."
That line always gets a laugh. (I stole it from Letterman, who must have said it 35 years ago.)
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I think most of y'all will be happy to know that Mrs. 82 and I somehow survived our 4 days on the mean streets of Cancun.
Actually, we only spent a total of about 20-30 minutes on the streets of Cancun. On both Tuesday and Wednesday early evenings, we walked to and from a restaurant we liked that was about 4 blocks from our resort. We were back at the resort by 7 p.m. both evenings, and it was still light out. The restaurant, which was excellent, was located across the street from a police station. We also walked through the mall that was across the street from our resort.
Otherwise, we enjoyed our resort, the Westin Lagunamar, and the great weather we had.
Read the 2-4 Cancun-related pages that were part of the USA Today we received each day. Not one report of any violence.
I know the violence there is a real thing, and I'm glad to say we didn't witness any of it.
We are now in Cabo, where our daughter will be getting married on Sunday. Our resort there is also nice, the weather is even better, family and friends are everywhere, and much eating, drinking and merriment has ensued.
Here's to life! Adios, amigos!!
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Don't drink da water, Nads. Ya woodant wanna get a case of the chits and brown out yo tux pants, aina?
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I think most of y'all will be happy to know that Mrs. 82 and I somehow survived our 4 days on the mean streets of Cancun.
Actually, we only spent a total of about 20-30 minutes on the streets of Cancun. On both Tuesday and Wednesday early evenings, we walked to and from a restaurant we liked that was about 4 blocks from our resort. We were back at the resort by 7 p.m. both evenings, and it was still light out. The restaurant, which was excellent, was located across the street from a police station. We also walked through the mall that was across the street from our resort.
Otherwise, we enjoyed our resort, the Westin Lagunamar, and the great weather we had.
Read the 2-4 Cancun-related pages that were part of the USA Today we received each day. Not one report of any violence.
I know the violence there is a real thing, and I'm glad to say we didn't witness any of it.
We are now in Cabo, where our daughter will be getting married on Sunday. Our resort there is also nice, the weather is even better, family and friends are everywhere, and much eating, drinking and merriment has ensued.
Here's to life! Adios, amigos!!
cabo is a beautiful place as you are finding out. congratulations dad! have a great time and heed the warrior so you may last well in to the night to fully enjoy the occasion.
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Don't drink da water, Nads. Ya woodant wanna get a case of the chits and brown out yo tux pants, aina?
Only bottled water for us.
No tux, though. Wedding's on the beach. My daughter bought me a Tommy Bahama floral shirt for the occasion - an early Father's Day gift.
As for safety, the only thing getting killed here are brain cells. Too damn many tequila shots already!!!! I ain't used to partyin' with the young'uns!
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Back in the U.S.A.!!
Had a great time in both Cancun and Cabo ... though I had a few too many tequila shots in the latter. Damn all-inclusives!
Now that I survived on the other side of the wall, I'll probably get killed by a toddler with a gun.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2017/09/29/american-toddlers-are-still-shooting-people-on-a-weekly-basis-this-year/?utm_term=.b019c35e6764
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Back in the U.S.A.!!
MU82 - What resort were you at in Cancun? I was there about the same time and met some Marquette grads one morning who noticed my Marquette shorts at breakfast. Would be a small world if that were you.
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MU82 - What resort were you at in Cancun? I was there about the same time and met some Marquette grads one morning who noticed my Marquette shorts at breakfast. Would be a small world if that were you.
Ziggy, it was me and my wife who introduced ourselves at the Westin Lagunamar. I didn't even think to ask you if you were a fellow Scooper!
We were just starting our stay and you were wrapping yours up. You recommended La Distilleria for dinner. We went there and it was our best meal on the entire trip. We liked it so much we went back a second time!!!
I also ran into a couple of Marquetters in Cabo. Small world!
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We need a way for everyone to know who Scoops.
Like a Beef n Cheddar/Warrior logo pin.
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Ziggy, it was me and my wife who introduced ourselves at the Westin Lagunamar. I didn't even think to ask you if you were a fellow Scooper!
We were just starting our stay and you were wrapping yours up. You recommended La Distilleria for dinner. We went there and it was our best meal on the entire trip. We liked it so much we went back a second time!!!
I also ran into a couple of Marquetters in Cabo. Small world!
This sounds like Scoop Missed Connections.
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Obviously you'll do Sun Road. Not sure when in June you are going but you can follow the plowing page on the NPS website. Lots of great hiking but there will be massive snow up high. June is early for Glacier.
Not sure how long you have. We organized a 3 day raft trip with these guys, but they do day trips too. We were stunned when we showed up on departure day. Unbeknownst to us, that particular adventure was fully private for the 4 of us with a pax raft, a provision raft, and two guides. I guess nobody else was prepared to brave 37 degree water! Same exact stretch of river Meryl Streep and Kevin Bacon filmed on. So if you want a taste, it's all there on Netflix. Our kids were about 14 and 12. Very early June. Big water, especially last day.
https://www.riverwild.com/
Hi Glow, I'm back just thought I'd give you a report on Glacier. Sun Road wasn't all the way open but we were able to get through a decent chunk on both the east and west sides before turning back near the middle. We spent one day in West Glacier and one day in East Glacier. Primarily biked but also drove and stopped where we could. Didn't get to rafting due to small children being with us. Still was beautiful. Saw lots of wildlife including a bald eagle nest about 100 yards from where we were staying. We flew into Spokane and the drive from eastern Washington was truly spectacular. It might have been the most fun I have ever had while driving. Kalispell is a great town and we spent a full day checking out Missoula, which is a fun little college town.
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That's fantastic. Getting up in the alpine zone is really special. Glad you had a fantastic time. Cherish the moments.
Sometimes life moves too fast. In 1968 when I was quite young I had a chance to visit a particular geothermal feature in Yellowstone called Artists' paint pots. Even though I've been back in Yellowstone since then, it's not one of the 'feature' attractions. But I had long recalled that my mom had remembered it fondly and I was finally able to visit in late October last year, mere days before the park roads close for the season. And in the stillness of a quiet early morning, I was the only visitor on the trail. Almost 50 years. Got to think about mom. Again, cherish the moments. :)
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That's fantastic. Getting up in the alpine zone is really special. Glad you had a fantastic time. Cherish the moments.
Sometimes life moves too fast. In 1968 when I was quite young I had a chance to visit a particular geothermal feature in Yellowstone called Artists' paint pots. Even though I've been back in Yellowstone since then, it's not one of the 'feature' attractions. But I had long recalled that my mom had remembered it fondly and I was finally able to visit in late October last year, mere days before the park roads close for the season. And in the stillness of a quite early morning, I was the only visitor on the trail. Almost 50 years. Got to think about mom. Again, cherish the moments. :)
That's awesome.
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That's fantastic. Getting up in the alpine zone is really special. Glad you had a fantastic time. Cherish the moments.
Sometimes life moves too fast. In 1968 when I was quite young I had a chance to visit a particular geothermal feature in Yellowstone called Artists' paint pots. Even though I've been back in Yellowstone since then, it's not one of the 'feature' attractions. But I had long recalled that my mom had remembered it fondly and I was finally able to visit in late October last year, mere days before the park roads close for the season. And in the stillness of a quiet early morning, I was the only visitor on the trail. Almost 50 years. Got to think about mom. Again, cherish the moments. :)
Very cool! I love it when you find moments of silence and being alone in nature.
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Very cool! I love it when you find moments of silence and being alone in nature.
The Canadians are laughing at you right now.
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Very cool! I love it when you find moments of silence and being alone in nature.
Might actually be my very favorite thing.
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Fresh article. We ain't going anytime soon.
https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/mexico-blackouts/2018/08/08/mexico-blackouts-family-woman-who-drowned-observe-what-would-have-been-her-22nd-birthday/924010002/
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Fresh article. We ain't going anytime soon.
https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/mexico-blackouts/2018/08/08/mexico-blackouts-family-woman-who-drowned-observe-what-would-have-been-her-22nd-birthday/924010002/
Still have my wedding planned for next May in Puerto Vallarta. Wish me luck
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We need a way for everyone to know who Scoops.
Like a Beef n Cheddar/Warrior logo pin.
I think we're due for a new #mubb tshirt fundraiser to replace "your team is evil and must be destroyed".
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Still have my wedding planned for next May in Puerto Vallarta. Wish me luck
Be careful. I heard from a source who would never lie that they are all rapists.
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I think we're due for a new #mubb tshirt fundraiser to replace "your team is evil and must be destroyed".
I'm in.
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Fresh article. We ain't going anytime soon.
https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/mexico-blackouts/2018/08/08/mexico-blackouts-family-woman-who-drowned-observe-what-would-have-been-her-22nd-birthday/924010002/
That article is pretty bad.
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Which is tougher. Chicago or Mexico?
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Still have my wedding planned for next May in Puerto Vallarta. Wish me luck
Hopefully all goes well for you and your bride and your friends, but I hope there is a possibility for you to change the venue to some place with less risk. We take about 200 of our employees and customers on a fancy first class all expense paid trip every year and this past year we cancelled Mexico from the rotation as we could not reliably guarantee our people their security. If something untoward happened I did not want that on my conscious.
I know I am not a one of your favorite people on this site, but take my comments as coming from someone who always hopes for the best for MU alumni.
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I had a blast (and not a gun blast) in Mexico for 12 days this past spring. My daughter got married in Cabo (we spent a week there) and my wife and I preceded that madness with 5 days in Cabo.
I actually had considered canceling the Cancun part of our trip based on what I read here. My wife and I seriously discussed it. We decided to go. It was a great decision.
Enjoy, jesmu!
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Be careful. I heard from a source who would never lie that they are all rapists.
The man is deplorable and said awful things, but let's not lie and suggest he said all which he didn't. He does enough bad things to let him hang on his words without attaching falsehoods. No need to do it, his words are bad enough.
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Hopefully all goes well for you and your bride and your friends, but I hope there is a possibility for you to change the venue to some place with less risk. We take about 200 of our employees and customers on a fancy first class all expense paid trip every year and this past year we cancelled Mexico from the rotation as we could not reliably guarantee our people their security. If something untoward happened I did not want that on my conscious.
I know I am not a one of your favorite people on this site, but take my comments as coming from someone who always hopes for the best for MU alumni.
With your propensity for getting young girls intentionally drunk so that you can have unprotected sex with them, I figured you'd be all about Mexico.
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That is downright mean and unchristian of you jesmu. The man wished you well.
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That is downright mean and unchristian of you jesmu. The man wished you well.
You're not wrong. But thanks for calling me out as "unchristian" amongst all those here.
Regardless, one "well wish" doesn't endear me to someone or make up for horrific acts committed.
I suppose I should have just not said anything.
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You're not wrong. But thanks for calling me out as "unchristian" amongst all those here.
Regardless, one "well wish" doesn't endear me to someone or make up for horrific acts committed.
I suppose I should have just not said anything.
The escalation was unnecessary. Accusing someone of sexual assault or rape is not something one should throw around irreverently.
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The escalation was unnecessary. Accusing someone of sexual assault or rape is not something one should throw around irreverently.
I didn't throw anything around irreverently. He self-admitted to it. Absolutely one of the most disgusting and despicable things I've ever read here.
But at least he didn't escalate anything
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I didn't throw anything around irreverently. He self-admitted to it. Absolutely one of the most disgusting and despicable things I've ever read here.
But at least he didn't escalate anything
Apparently you feel the same way about Cain as I do about chicos. 8-)
If Glow wants to comment about me defending you, I will accept it as he is consistently one of the classier posters here. If Benny deems it necessary to comment, I will just consider the source.[/size]
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What's a chicos? :o
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I didn't throw anything around irreverently. He self-admitted to it. Absolutely one of the most disgusting and despicable things I've ever read here.
But at least he didn't escalate anything
Granted, this is a (mostly) anonymous internet message board where who-knows-what anything anyone says is actually true or not, but if someone openly admitted to being a predator or rapist, I'm not sure anything could ever be said that would be worthy of a response.
That being said - true or not, anonymous or otherwise - anyone openly admitting to SA or rape should be banned from Scoop for life.
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Granted, this is a (mostly) anonymous internet message board where who-knows-what anything anyone says is actually true or not, but if someone openly admitted to being a predator or rapist, I'm not sure anything could ever be said that would be worthy of a response.
That being said - true or not, anonymous or otherwise - anyone openly admitting to SA or rape should be banned from Scoop for life.
Well, he did.
I'm not one of the Scoopers who can instantly locate everything that every poster has said, but 9-9-9 openly bragged about doing the Cosby thing.
I don't get too wrapped up in it, though, because I don't think he's a real person. I think it's like when chicos pretended to be black.