MEXICO EXPERIENCE by Lauren

My name is Lauren Mitchell and I am American and from Southern California. Mexico has always been a close two hours driving distance from home. I grew up camping and fishing in Baja with my family and friends. In recent years many people I know have stopped traveling to Mexico, all parts of Mexico, for the fear that the media has put into their heads.

The Media, who is the media?

People who control the everyday news, the magazines, radio broadcasts. They have created such a tight grip on society that people are often unable to make up their own mind without the influence of the Media.  Always a focus on the negative with the rare spot of sunshine for the positive, the media thrives on public response, fear and control.

It´s about time people start to see the truth for themselves.

Mexico is not only a country rich in culture and history, but a country thriving in diversity; diversity in climate, landscape, population, cuisine and of course safety. Truth be told, not every day and every place are safe, but it is no different than any major city in the United States or even the World.

Just as any person would not be caught walking alone in the middle of the night in Downtown Los Angeles, the smart traveler would neither put themselves in that situation while traveling. Safety while traveling has a lot more to do with your own personal actions and knowing your comfort levels.

 I love the travels and experiences I have had in Mexico, from childhood to the present moment. I find the people welcoming and friendly; the food spectacular and all aspects of the climate and landscape very inviting. Through sharing my experiences I hope to be able to influence the people, who have known and those who have never known Mexico, to continue traveling South of the Border. Many of the towns in North Baja which were once thriving with tourism and ex-pats are quite and calm, like a surfer sitting on the beach awaiting the next swell.  Yet, the sun continues to shine, the gallos go on singing in the morning and the smell of caldo or asado never ceases to fill the streets.

Since my arrival in Cuernavaca, Morelos one month ago, many Mexican people have asked my why people are afraid to travel to Mexico. The only response I can give them is because they are overly influenced by the negative news in the Media.  I hope that these questions will soon stop and that people will again start to travel to Mexico, think for themselves, and influence people they know to do the same.

My time traveling Mexico over the last six years has ranged from one day to nine months. I have traveled, worked, studied and lived a normal life in many different parts of the country and I will continue to do so regardless of what the ¨Northern Media¨ says. My passion for the language, culture and people has only grown more intense and full and that will not change.

Come and experience it for yourselves!