The politics of the Bush administration do not make us all cry out with glee. Still, for the US citizen traveling abroad (in a protected bubble-tour or with walking stick and backpack), the spring breaker/summer vacationer and for the expatriate community, they are the American rock upon which we rely for protection.
I, an expatriate living in southern Mexico, am beginning to write about the expatriate experience. The effort is difficult because it is my life, it is complex, and it is hard to write about oneself without boring even the writer. The series will succeed and last forever or I will abandon it. I don't know. But today, 10 July 2006, I read the "Warden Alert" from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico and that sent me to the search engines and links where I found the State Department and its services waiting on the Internet.
This was not my first time thinking of them. Over the past decade I have had to call, to use their normal consular services, and to turn to them for advice on a few occasions. When we suffered severe injury from anti-American violence I was able to ask their assistance from Washington, and from the consular agent in Merida. They offered help to the extent that they could. Due to many circumstances we could not follow up on it and have had to accept the suffering. But we do know that they are there. Eight years ago when a form that I could not fathom was needed to finish our application for legal residence here, it was the Mexican consul in Merida who (after months of trying to track down the way to obtain the form) said, "Oh, just write the State Department of the state in the US where you lived." He was not only right but provided the phone number for the offices in Albany, New York that could then send out the missing form.
On 7 July, the Embassy sent out this cautionary advice to US citizens:
Warden Notice Regarding Election-Related Demonstrations in Mexico City, Mexico.
The U.S. Embassy advises its citizens in Mexico to avoid demonstrations that may be held in support or protest of the results of the Mexico’s recent Presidential election. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation. Media reports indicate that demonstrations are planned to be held in Mexico City beginning July 8, 2006. U.S. citizens are encouraged to avoid any large crowds, to avoid downtown Mexico City and surrounding areas during active demonstrations.
We wish to remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any protests. Since the timing and routes of marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov.
For any emergencies involving American citizens, please contact the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, Office of Citizens' Consular Services Reforma Ave 305, Col Cuauhtemoc Mexico, D. F., Mexico CP 06500 Tel: (011)(52)(55) 5080-2000 or e-mail: ccs@... . For additional information, please refer to the Embassy website .
Article comments
1 - Dave Nalle
Interesting and useful information here, but the introduction raised for me the somewhat personal question - answer or not as you choose - why have you decided to become an expat living in Mexico of all places?
I have a friend who has done the same thing, and I know his peculiar reasoning, but IMO there are a lot nicer and more convenient places you could move to. What drew you to Mexico?
Dave
2 - Howard Dratch
Dave. I appreciate you reading this long-winded piece. It did come out of an attempt I am making to write about expatriation,being an expatriate and, perhaps, about being an ex-patriot. It is personal and difficult.
I had a massive heart attack, could no longer work nor survive Upstate New York winters. The medics gave me a year, 5 tops. I never wanted a "normal" life and didn't want to end it in boredom so we set out to see the South (from where I came). I bought an '86 Bronco 4x4 and we headed south.
We toured the Mexican Gulf coast and found this little (then) paradise . A gentle, small Mayan village in a quiet area near the Belize border. We are here - 12 years after the M.I.-- Mexico saved my life. Now the area has changed and violence and rapid tourist development bring more changes.
We live well here on pensions and a small income with a big house on the Lagoon and people to do all the things I can no longer do for myself. That was a change over New York taxes and costs.
A favorite uncle is Mexican-American (though he never wants to admit it or speak Spanish) and I grew up in Ybor City, the Cuban barrio of Tampa. The area here reminds me something of my childhood.
Very fine and highly violent things have befallen us as expatriates in Mexico. My dream of America is not the current reality there -- reading BC.
These are not the end of my thoughts about this life and you may hear more -- if I am brave enough to publish them.
Your interest is appreciated.
Howard
3 - Dave Nalle
Thanks for the backstory. It's helpful in putting your writings on Mexico and related issues in context.
Living in Texas my wife and I to a lesser degree have developed a distaste for Mexico and the lifestyle there from trips to various regions. I've been to the Yucatan a couple of times and certainly wouldn't want to live there, and the border areas are even less appealing. Friends tell me the area around Oaxaca is quite nice, but I haven't been there yet.
Dave