Yesterday as Marc and I were getting ready to step out and explore our new neighborhood here in Acapulco Mexico, we happened to tune into a video by @JeffBerwick
He was making fun about people saying that Mexico especially Acapulco is one of the most dangerous places to go. I had to laugh because my partner and I do the same thing all the time.
When we left Canada over three months ago we wouldn't hear the end of it by family members on the dangers and that we shouldn't go.
The thing they were the <i>most </i> concerned with was the earthquake as if the instant you land on Mexican soil you will be destroyed by buildings toppling over, which unfortunately did happen to some by Mexico City.
We were not the least bit worried about being in the middle of earthquake disaster and also we were going to the Yucatan for a month, away from the danger zone.
We did some research about current state of crime, and found that there had been a series of gang violence, extortion, and murder in various parts of the country, Acapulco being one of them.
We were told and read that you just have take precautions as you would anywhere and not to stray too often off the beaten path. The warning from some was to stay away from the hills in Acapulco to avoid danger.
So we now find ourselves renting a nice apartment in the hills, though not at the very top but a ways up.
The area we are living in is very quiet and peaceful from what we can see, except for those roosters that never shut up. I can deal with it though.
We are not more than ten minutes walk to the lower part of Acapulco that is by the bay. It is perfectly safe and every corner has a group of military men guarding the tourist district.
I was disappointed this year to see that there were barely any Canadians, Americans and Europeans that used to flock here years ago when I came down here.
https://steemitimages.com/DQmPtLikRJ4M2H7hMdLGfh6ki1ZvTyZtJARcJH3KRaDLYCn/hill17.jpg
It is a shame that more and more people no longer hear about Acapulco and I will assume that it is not promoted much, anymore because of the false image of a constant war torn city.
It would be like preventing people from going to New York, L.A, Florida and many other cities, states and also Canadian cities, because there is crime there as well.
It is unfortunate when anyone anywhere is hurt or violated in anyway but I myself know that being in Acapulco, one of the most unique cities in Mexico with so much to offer a visitor, is as safe as any place in general.
As we roamed around the neighborhood farther upward than usual, we ran into a young man who spoke English very well and he had a brief chat with us. We asked him if it was dangerous up in the hills and he said that it can be but you just have to take precautions.
He told us that a few years ago it was much worse and that the people on the hill were afraid. They are still leery about strangers now. One woman asked us what was going on and I told her we were walking. She said we shouldn't take any pictures.
The young man told us that a few years ago it was forbidden for any man to go to certain parts of the hill, and that only women were allowed. Apparently everyone was afraid.
When I asked him if he would advise us to not go up there to walk around, he said it is okay as long as we just take precautions as expected and perhaps don't take photos.
I am really interested in exploring more and from what I have experienced so far in the upper regions of the city, people will easily be disarmed with a good old fashion smile which will be gladly reciprocated.
I can't ever take for granted the beauty of the tropical flora and the innocence in the atmosphere.
I wouldn't hesitate to invite anyone of any type to come to Acapulco. It has something for everyone and can offer peace, tranquility or if preferred action and lots of fun.
