And - to cheer you up! (Just kidding) US EMBASSY MESSAGE

[meroberts]

On July 13, a church group of approximately 90 youths was attacked in a popular, though secluded hiking area, on the eastern outskirts of Mexico City. The victims were beaten, robbed, and some female minors were raped during the incident. A similar robbery and rape attack occurred in February 2012 in the same region. Other high profile criminal incidents have occurred in parks and forests near D.F. over the last few years.

In response to last Friday's events, the Mexican Government has increased police vigilance and security measures available to protect parks and camping areas. Seventeen individuals have been arrested in association with the church group attack, with 11 assailants having been fully identified by their victims. The investigation continues.

The Mexican Scouting Association has publically declared the following 11 recreational areas off limits for official scouting activities: La Marquesa, El Ajusco, las faldas del Iztaccihuatl, San Rafael, Nexcoalango, La Joya, el Cerro El Telapon, La Laguna de Salazar, Llano Grande, las lagunas de Zempoala y Rio Frio.

As discussed in the Travel Warning for Mexico (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw..._5665.html) and the Country Specific Information for Mexico (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw...html#crime), crime can occur anywhere in Mexico and can often be violent.

The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at: ACSMexicoCity@state.gov . The Embassy's internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/ .

Area consular agencies include:
Acapulco: Hotel Emporio, Costera Miguel Aleman 121 ? Suite 14; telephone (011)(52)(744) 481-0100 or (011)(52)(744) 484-0300.
Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo: Hotel Fontan, Blvd. Ixtapa; telephone (011)(52)(755) 553-2100.
Oaxaca: Macedonio Alcala No. 407, Interior 20; telephone (011)(52)(951)514-3054 or (011)(52)(951) 516-2853.
San Miguel de Allende: Centro Comercial La Luciernaga, Libramiento Manuel Zavala (Pepe KBZON), telephone (011)(52)(415) 152-2357.
U.S. citizens in other areas of Mexico should seek the assistance of the U.S. Consulates or Consular agencies located throughout the country. A directory of Consulates and Consular Agencies can be found on the Embassy website http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.

Please don't kill the messenger, I am just NOT in the mood... ;)

[peddler665]

I guess Aurora, Colorado is also off limits as of last night?

[colleen]

This is pretty "uncheerful" too. A MX friend was attacked in the tunnel from Juan Valle, the entrance by Cafe Conquistador, that goes to Dos Rios and up to Hacienda Luna and Ex Hacienda Duran. She told me it was the reason she moved to this side of the tunnel. We didn't talk any more than that. She didn't appear to have been injured but was taking her $ home from her business which closes at 11PM.

[mr bill]

Colleen - it looks like your message was written in haste as it is unclear when this problem occurred and what side of the tunnel the person now lives -that aside- can a Common Sense card be played? GTO is famously sort of 'safe' and women and children -even big bold men- navigate the tunnel systems daily BUT at 11 at night w/the cash drawer in pocket isn't that a recipe for potential disaster? Sure every other night was safe/Sure it was more economical to live in Durnan or wherever/Sure a taxi would cost ... but then again is one to throw common sense to the wind?

[raquelita]

So if you go to Amecameca, enjoy the view of Popo and Ixti and of course the weekend market but don't be tempted to go hiking.

[colleen]

Yes, that was a hasty post. What difference does it make which side she started on and which she ended on and where she is living now? God! Shit happens. It's happened to me. Probably to lots of people. When I have to end by saying "nevermind", then I guess I'm done with posting stuff.