Reality versus perception

I have written about this before, the reality of life in most parts of Mexico versus the perception that this is a war torn drug infested country. The issue came to the forefront again the past several days as several major cruise lines, including Carnival and Royal Caribbean, announced they are curtailing their west coast Mexican Riviera cruises.

While the threats of drug violence were listed as one of the reasons for cruise lines' departure from Mexico, other sources say that the itineraries had run their course over the years. Most cruisers had sailed on the Mexico run at least once, if not several times. And they had already experienced the shore excursions, which are a major revenue source for the cruise lines. As a result, a friend of mine who works for the cruise lines told me that passengers on the Mexican cruises simply weren't spending as much money once on board as they used to.

Nonetheless, the recent cruise ship announcements to leave Mexico simply bolster the belief that setting foot on Mexican soil is tantamount to a death wish. Yet, those of us who live in Puerto Vallarta, and those who have visited here on vacation, know that is simply not the case.

My good friend, George Warren, who is an Emmy Award winning TV reporter with more than 30 years experience covering major stories around the world was visiting us here in Puerto Vallarta this past weekend when the cruise lines made their announcement. Seeing first hand the reality versus perception, he went into reporter mode during his vacation and shot a story which aired this week on ABC in Northern California. HERE is the link to his story. Click on the "Play Video" link on the right side of the page to see the broadcast report.

http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=118151

George is a straight shooter, and he admitted before he came down here he had a few reservations. After his four day stay, he said he can't wait to come back, and next time will come with his wife and 9 year old daughter.

We continue to enjoy a peaceful, happy, and exciting life here. But remain frustrated with the persistent question, "How could you stand living in such a dangerous place." As I wrote in the comments section of George's story, responding to one such ill-informed reader, "Saying you don't want to visit a predominantly safe resort town because of violence 1500 miles away is like saying you'd never go to Yosemite because a gunman killed a bunch of people at a Safeway in Tucson."