30 Years of Experience

As you say, the US government has had Guerrero on its list for a long time. I can’t remember when Guerrero wasn’t on the list. I’m pretty sure it was on the list when I started visiting Troncones over 30 years ago. I think it was on the list when I bought land in Troncones in 1996, when I had my house there built in 1997, and throughout the years since of my enjoying Troncones.

During those almost 30 years I remember one gringo’s handgun (illegally being possessed) being stolen, one gringo being shot in the butt. And one local person being killed. I don’t know whether the first two were connected. I believe the latter was a love triangle.

I sleep with my door unlocked most nights. I leave my house unattended and unlocked for hours at a time. I left a car in the driveway with keys nearby for five months. I wonder how many gringos feel that safe where they live.

When I worked in a corrections facility, one of our “guests” told me, “Locks only keep out honest people.” It might help as well that all of my neighbours are more wealthy than me.

During this time two items have been stolen from my house… my favourite corkscrew and a jar of salsa. I don’t think the cartels wanted either one.