re: Mexican border towns

Did you expect anything other than comically dire reactions from a board that is largely scared of anything not white?

In December 2014 I took a bus from Laredo to Monterrey (and back), which included a transfer in the station in Nuevo Laredo. Spent four days in the Monterrey area. No signs of violence or any kind of threat at all. That was nearer to the height of the cartel violence, too.

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Yeah, and the guy with the bateau that ferries you across charges a dollar going in and two dollars to come back. Cool place to have a cold cerveza or two, though.

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I've done this! Twice actually. It has been several years but I remember being a little nervous the first time. Me and my brother had no idea what to expect. Like you said, we had a few cold beers, walked around, then went back across. My brother had to take a shite in that little bar and the lock on the bathroom door was a little hook/eyelet and there was about a 1" gap around the whole thing

I guess the US government has a comically dire reaction in regards to border town travel and is scared of anything not white..

Any food documentaries on any of these border towns and their downfall? Obviously I know of the general cartel issues going on in Mexico, but being in Ohio it's not really a priority of conversation here. I find all of this pretty interesting and sad.

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Any of the border towns around McAllen/Brownsville better/safer than others? Will we need a passport?

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I've been to Nuevo Laredo, Juarez and Matamoras, of the three, Matmoras felt the safest, that was crossing from Brownsville. Though last time was 2003.


edit I'm sure there are still safe touristy areas within walking distance of the crossing. Just don't stray too far from the touristas.

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Can anyone on the OT speak to how stupid of an idea it would be for a honkey arse anglo to cross over for a couple hours to see the sights?

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Are you going by yourself? Do you speak or read Spanish? I would advise against it if it's your first time or if the answers to the previous two questions are "no."

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Any of the border towns around McAllen/Brownsville better/safer than others?

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Hidalgo has been relatively safe since Heriberto Lazcano Lazcano was taken out by the Mexican Marines. All of the main leaders of Los Zetas were from Hidalgo, including the maternal and paternal family of Heriberto Lazcano Lazcano. Just do not go outside the town for any reason whatsoever, and especially do not go at night. I wouldn't do too much driving around while you are over there either. Your car insurance is not valid in Mexico so if you get in a wreck, you will either be going to jail or making a very generous donation to the responding officers' daughter's Quinceanera.

I have never been to Matamoros so I couldn't tell you.

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Will we need a passport?

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Used to be you could go back and forth with just a valid driver's license. Now you have to have a passport.

Yes in Alpine.

I live in South Texas, and I really dont think there is a solid reason to cross. I mean yea, just to say you went. I'm not saying you are gunna get sold into sex slavery or anything, but the chances of bad stuff are there. Robbed, extorted from police, fights, etc. Can find the same attractions, minus the risks, anywhere in San Antonio and south.

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Yes in Alpine.

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I'm gonna have to say I'm a little jealous. We used to go out there about once a year on Jeep trips and stuff. I've stayed in Alpine a few times as well and I've always like that little town.