POZ Community Forums

Off Topic Forums => Forums Gatherings => Topic started by: bosco on February 14, 2008, 04:28:41 pm

Title: Fear of Mexico
Post by: bosco on February 14, 2008, 04:28:41 pm
Ok, I admit that my fear of going to Mexico is irrational. Anyone on the forum been their before? Can you tell my anything that might calm my fears? I'd love to go to AMG but might end up on the cruise if I can't come to grips with going to Mexico.

NOTE: Before you start thinking this has something to do with fear of travel, add this to the mix. I lived in the Republic of Ireland three years, in Puerto Rico for almost two years, I've been to Europe several times, as well as South America. I say this because I love to travel...
Title: Re: Fear of Mexico
Post by: fearless on February 14, 2008, 05:07:40 pm
Can you be a little more specific about what you actually fear?

I spent 4 weeks in Mexico in 2004 and could not recommend it more highly. It was fantastic. Wonderful people, and great food. I would say, worry about nothing. Take the usual precautions, but worry about nothing.
I had a vl of about 750,000, cd4's of about 450 and no meds. Upon my return, I was so relaxed and stress free, that I had an undetectable vl and added about 100 cd4's.

Steve
Title: Re: Fear of Mexico
Post by: minismom on February 14, 2008, 05:10:58 pm
Bosco, honestly sweetie, if I can live in Honduras for 9wks with a newborn and my dreaded INLAWS...you can make it in Mexico. 

Mum
Title: Re: Fear of Mexico
Post by: bosco on February 14, 2008, 06:22:09 pm
Can you be a little more specific about what you actually fear?

I spent 4 weeks in Mexico in 2004 and could not recommend it more highly. It was fantastic. Wonderful people, and great food. I would say, worry about nothing. Take the usual precautions, but worry about nothing.
I had a vl of about 750,000, cd4's of about 450 and no meds. Upon my return, I was so relaxed and stress free, that I had an undetectable vl and added about 100 cd4's.

Steve

I'm not even sure I can verbalize it...remember I did say it was irrational. But it doesn't have anything to do with meds, since I'm not currently on any for HIV.
Title: Re: Fear of Mexico
Post by: allanq on February 14, 2008, 06:58:32 pm
Here in the U.S. we get a lot of negative impressions of Mexico. Mexicans are so undesirable that we're even building a wall along the border to keep them out! (Has anyone heard of a single terrorist that has slipped across the Mexican border? I guess terrorists wouldn't ever come through Canada.)

Many Americans think of Mexico as a poor, corrupt, and dangerous country with bad sanitation and food that will make you sick. Americans who have visited unappealing border towns like Tijuana or Juarez think that is what Mexico is really like.

I've visited Mexico several times--Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca, and most recently three beautiful colonial cities northwest of Mexico City. (The cities were San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, and Querétaro.) I have never had any problems during any of my visits. I have always had a wonderful time. The people were courteous and friendly. The food was excellent. I never got sick. I never got robbed.

Mexico is a wonderful mix of native and Latin cultures. There are lots of attractions, and if you go, you'll have a great time! Get a guide book from the library or go on the internet and read up on Mexico and Mexico City, and maybe it will help you get over your fears.

Allan

Title: Re: Fear of Mexico
Post by: anniebc on February 15, 2008, 12:20:01 am
Quote
I'm very interested in going to the AMG 08 where ever it ends up being held...however I'd like to find someone from the forum to room with...since I wouldn't know anyone.

So what has changed since then...what is it you are scared Of?

Hugs
Jan :-*
Title: Re: Fear of Mexico
Post by: mjmel on February 15, 2008, 07:52:44 am
There is crime in Mexico City and there is crime in New York City and there is crime in London and ....well, you get the picture here. It's going to be OK in Mexico City. We will move about in small groups or as a whole group anywhere we go--at least that's how it was in San Francisco last year. There are beaucoup touristy destinations and a country rich in history and culture to explore.
You can hook up with a roommie. As the dates near you'll see inquiries & posts in AM Gathering threads regarding pairing up.
It's your decision in the end, of course. You must be comfortable with whatever you do -- which is what you're determining by presenting this thread. (yes, I get that.  :D)
Tip: If you ask someone for directions in Mexico do confirm that with another opinion as the Mexican people are such a polite people and such an accommodating people, that they would rather guess than not be able to help you out. (Got that bit of insight out a guide book I'm reading. The author is a US citizen who moved to Mexico with his partner and has been living there for 10 years.)
Mike
(who has known one or two tasty hispanic men.  ;))
Title: Re: Fear of Mexico
Post by: mjmel on February 15, 2008, 08:00:40 am
oops. deleted a double post.
Title: Re: Fear of Mexico
Post by: bosco on February 15, 2008, 04:17:21 pm
So what has changed since then...what is it you are scared Of?

Hugs
Jan :-*

Not entirely sure, maybe being there and having some crazy medical problem...remember I did say its irrational.
Title: Re: Fear of Mexico
Post by: Tim Horn on February 15, 2008, 08:22:53 pm
Bosco:

First off, if it's an emergency medical problem you're most afraid of, there is the American British Cowdray Hospital (http://www.abchospital.com/) very near the center of the city. This place is fantastic. About nine months into living in Mexico City, i started experiencing terrible abdominal pains. To make a long story short, a friend took me to ABC, where I was diagnosed with appendicitis and had to undergo emergency surgery. My surgeon was schooled in Mexico and trained in New York -- he couldn't have been nicer and actually performed the surgery laproscopically. I received top-notch surgical -- and HIV -- care at the hospital.

As for Mexico City crime, as others have stressed, this is risk virtually everywhere these days. Common sense is pretty much all you need when traveling to, and within, Mexico City. While there are a few extra precautions -- always have your hotel or restaurant call a sitio taxi, and be sure to use the official airport taxis when arriving at Benito Juarez International -- basic tourist safety measures are all that's needed. Closer to the date of AMG, I'll be more than hapy to spell out things a bit more carefully.

Feel free to PM me with any specific questions or concerns you might have about Mexico City travel. It's a spectacular city.

Tim Horn
Title: Re: Fear of Mexico
Post by: bosco on February 15, 2008, 09:26:00 pm
Thanks Tim! That was very nice of you.