They Will Kill You For Your Shoes!

“You’re going to Guatemala?!  You need to be careful.  Don’t show anybody your iPhone.  Don’t carry much money.  It’s dangerous there, they will kill you for your shoes!”

My friend Jake was en route to Guatemala to visit us last weekend, and this bit of sensationalist drama was courtesy of the United Airlines employee that he was sitting next to on the first leg of his trip.  It is always nice when you can sit next to a knowledgeable person on your travels.  Clearly he wasn’t in the sales department.

During his layover, Jake texted me to get my view of things.  “Is it dangerous? How has your trip been so far? Should I still come?”

My reply?  “You’re damn right it’s dangerous!  Dangerously awesome!  See you in a few hours”

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But… What about Health Insurance?!?!

Cost of Health Care“We have the results in from the chest X-ray. Please give us a call as soon as possible so we can discuss next steps.”  A call to my doctor informed me that I might have a growth on my heart.  “Or it could be an issue with the film, we can’t be sure.  The best thing to do right now is come in for another X-ray.” (more…)

Mexico is dangerous

Mexico is dangerous

At 6:30 this morning, we were awoken by the sound of gunfire. It sounded as if several rapid-fire weapons were fired in unison, and then continued in bursts over the next hour or so. Over the past few days, we had observed several military vehicles and soldiers patrolling the city, and rumors of an assault by the federal government upon a weakened drug cartel had my half-asleep mind spinning wild images of tourists caught in the crossfire. (more…)

The Illusion of Safety

A dangerous character

A dangerous character

Walking down a dark Mexico City street late at night, I notice some movement out of the corner of my eye.  3 shadows are coming down the street towards us, moving rapidly.  As they approach, their features become more defined…  rough beards, hair a bit disheveled, their clothes a bit dirty.  The one wearing the hoodie appears to be pulling a dark object out of the pocket pouch.  (more…)