Swine Flu and Drug Lords

So Troy and I are three weeks away from our Mexican vacation! And since we've booked our vacation in Cancun, there has been nothing but negative news coming out of Mexico.

First, I was warned that there were travel advisories regarding the drug wars on the streets of Mexico. Well, to hear it makes it sound like the entire country is struggling with this, but in fact most of the violence is taking place near the US/Mexican border. There is a warning about traveling in the evenings and to take precautions in the cities, even in Cancun - but isn't that kind of...obvious? I mean, if you are traveling in a foreign country where it is COMPLETELY clear that you are a tourist, wouldn't you be careful anyway? Troy and I aren't planning any midnight excursions or even going into the city. We plan to hang out on the beach of the Moon Palace in Cancun. Maybe we'll swim with some dolphins and do a tour or this zipline thing in the forest. All the while, we will be careful.

We are flying into Cancun - and then will have a short trip to the resort. We are not hitchhiking on any local buses or anything crazy. I trust that the resort is going to be safe, but we will also take our precautions...just as we did in St. Kitts and again in Puerto Rico.

And now, the Swine Flu. Some airlines are offering to change travel plans without extra cost. I heard on the radio that this disease is spread through contact with an infected swine (and I don't plan on touching random pigs in Mexico) or contact with an infected person (and I don't plan on touching random people...). You do NOT get the Swine Flu from eating pork or breathing in the Mexican air. I'm sure this is a serious disease and I don't mean to make light of it - and I'm glad that people are being warned. But some countries are discouraging travel to Mexico. I heard today Europeans are being advised not to travel to Mexico or the US! Really.

I think this is just one more thing to worry about for people. The odds of getting this are slim - even though the papers make it sound like the bubonic plague. I'm sure it is dangerous and I will be careful, but I will NOT let the Swine Flu and drug lords ruin my vacation! Plus, our trip is still 3 weeks away. By that time, this could completely be contained and not even an issue.

I will be carrying hand sanitizer with me, and will be crazy about using it. But I refuse to be nervous or scared about contracting the disease or about running into any drug lords. I'm not one to be chatty with strangers anyway, and this will only confirm my desire to "keep to myself" while traveling in Mexico.