As you may have heard, there is a gasoline strike in Mexico. And based on some media reports, it has gotten quite dodgy in places. Yesterday, after ten wonderful days at our place in Playa de Estero, Baja Norte, my wife (Tammy) and I headed home to Lake Arrowhead, SoCal.
On our journey North, we found gas readily available in Ensenada, but all the stations and petrol terminals were closed the rest of the way up to Otay border crossing. The strikers we encountered were respectful, reasonable and peaceful.
Upon hearing of my plan to return to Baja this Friday, a friend asked me to share the “rules” I follow when traveling in third world countries. I don’t really have any “rules” per se. Here is what’s worked for me for over 60 years; that, and probably some luck. 🙂
Respect the culture and the people you’re visiting, remember you’re a guest, leave entitlement at home, listen more than speak, show admiration, gratitude and humility to your hosts, smile and greet people with kindness, no matter the situation remain calm and act with confidence and assurance, always move slowly and with purpose, be aware of your surroundings, think before you speak, and most importantly, smile. Actually, those “rules” have worked to keep me safe everywhere in the world, including here at home.