There were maybe 250 to 300 people in the plaza, The plaza is across from the church. The castillo (fireworks) were set up on the church parking lot and we going all night the castillo at 10:00 (big display Mexican style)

There was a band, dancing, laughing, talking, eating a very festive occassion.

There were many children running around of all ages unatended by american standards, there was no drinking except a beer here and there maybe 5. There was no smoking. There were many family groups young and old. The only police were the road parols who were stopping at the taco stand for a bag and then off they went to park and eat somewhere, I have been in this town for 2 years and have never seen a fight, yelling yes but fists no.The final fireworks display was at 10:15 and by 11 the crowd started to disperse. A few cars and trucks pulled out and there were a few waiting for the last bus.

I was one of three americans in the plaza who are treated like friends and neighbors

Just wanted you to know that I live 38 miles south of Tijuana and the San Ysidro border crossing.
I am a widow that lives and travels by herself. (back and forth to the States) Mexico is safe, if you “THINK SAFE” and “DO SAFE” I do not travel at night ……anywhere. I only take the toll roads while going to Tijuana to get to the border. I do not go into TJ itself there is nothing I need or want there. I can always get what I need in Rosarito or in the States when I cross. When I see another car with US plates, I try to travel with them…There is safety in numbers.

I never put myself into neighborhoods that I do not know. I am aware of my surroundings, I do not wear flashy jewlery, I keep my cash in my pockets (and not all in the same pocket).

I love my life in Mexico…….I want all people to know what a beautiful country it is. The people here are warm, gracious and extremely talented. I feel that it is a privledge for me to be able to be here.

There is good and bad people on Both sides of the Border…..I perfer to live on this side.

Best wishes, Cathie

Think of you every day!!! just; somehow, can’t get it together to email you everything as I want to!!! Too many things going on this past 11 months that keep me from doing that. But! I will…hang in there!

Your most recent question ‘tho I must respond to! Is it safe to come here?

Yes!!!! There have been mucho problems here in Northern Baja, MX. Have those and are those problems being addressed by the new ‘government’ ? Yes!!!!!!! We feel so blessed by our new government!!!!!!!!!!

Is the U.S., i.e., San Diego Tribune playing all this horrible stuff to the hilt? Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!! They report things…awful things! that happened weeks/months ago!!!!! We are furious by that, Barbie and Dick. What has been and unfortunately continues to be happening in T.J. and this area (Northern Baja) is a direct result of ALL!!!!! the negative from the U.S. hotline. Yes…there continues to be…problems…all associated with the drug cartels. Our new government….local, federal and otherwise are sooooo working on that! Thank God!

Back to your question…is it (MX); are we, safe???? Yes! But, don’t be stupid!!! Don’t drive down here in a new SUV with blacked out windows….don’t drive down here in a new Hummvie, etc., etc.,!!!! Gosh! Above all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don’t read and BELIEVE all the news s____t! that is weeks and months old!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that our ’state of CA’ is publishing! We are so tired of that. The questions is: which State/Country does not want our tourists?????? Hello!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have I/we answered your question? Hope so! We’ll send more positive info/updates later,
Shari & Dan
P.S. Feel free to quote anything in this email!!!

Hi Charlie, So good to hear from you. I really appreciate you helping out the people I send your email address - that is really just going over the top for the call of duty, I think! I know they all appreciate your help soooo much! I am going to add your email response to my blog section - along with my reply. I hope you are having a truly wonderful day, Charlie!
The very best to you,
Barbie

> Hi Barbie
>
> FYI I have answered all of your referrals over this way and have had some real good questions.
>
> Safety In Mx is much like the US. In New York. LA or Chicago you don’t show your cash, You don’t go into bad neighborhoods and you in general you are very careful In the states…you don’t let your kids out after dark.
>
> Thieves don’t target or waste their time out in the country they look for where there is money or where there are gringos… same thing. Children play in the streets here until very late most later than we ever allowed our kids out and they are not touched and crime, as we have known, is almost non-existant. It sounds like the people that are asking are not in the real world.