Kee Hinckley on Nostr: npub1e4cdf…7ezn7 It depends very much on which crossing you take. We wanted to ...

npub1e4cdfglhdjs40c9twdpn8thht4k6f5ln7qat2dmuh3s48yvgqhksl7ezn7 (npub1e4c…ezn7) It depends very much on which crossing you take. We wanted to cross near Laredo, since it’s a straight shot from there on safe roads. There’s one crossing that they have policed well enough that you’re fine (Eagle Pass I think), but then it’s a long way to get to the toll highway. There’s another that is a truck route and you’re very much on your own for 20 miles of warehouses and not much else. The one we took runs a police escort every half hour. You just get in line and go with a dozen or so cars and a cop at either end.

The toll roads are considered pretty safe, so you’re getting to them. This isn’t a cartel issue, but a gang one. They’ll box you in, guide you off the highway, and demand money, if you don’t have enough, they’ll take one of you to an ATM. Obviously it’s not happening all the time, but it’s often enough that you want to be careful and plan ahead.

I had no idea the situation was that bad until we started researching. I’ve driven in Mexico before, but I always flew in. The border is a bit of a mess. And even elsewhere everyone advises you not drive at night. Where we are right now feels very safe. It’s a capital city, and super well lit. I feel safer at night than in many American cities. And if I want to go somewhere, I’ll just get a taxi. 70 pesos anywhere in town.