Las Gatas shootings

As long time board followers know, we’ve been coming since the days of “gator in Mexico” and the blue board orange board feud. We are beginning to question whether it is a place for us anymore. With the gentrification, Zihuatanejo has lost some of the attributes that made it more unique. Peaceful dog walkers on the beach, with well behaved, leashed dogs are physically assaulted by the Zihutanejo version of the Keystone Kops. While there has always been some degree of drug cartel action, it was easy to avoid. But now, gun violence is more common and is happening in areas we frequent. Whether or not this increase is true doesn't matter, what matters is my perception of safety. Finally, it is apparent from comments about this episode on Facebook groups that many Zankas would rather we stay home. While native tourists are way more numerous than gringos, this gringo and his wife are beginning to look for safer, more welcoming places to spend our vacation time.

I made that decision a while back and found that Peru is nice but a long ways away, Panama too, Argentina also. In the end my Guatemalan friend proves to be true, in my experiences, “all Latin American countries are corrupt:” and now I am enjoying Belize, which is not perfect but it enjoys the most sense of order that I have found. I just miss the surf.