Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa Message Board - The More Things Change in Zih...

Yesterday UTAAZ taxis once again blocked tourists who had made arrangements to go to the airport by other means. This time it was at the Hotel Irma right under one of their sitios on the La Ropa road above. The tourists were a group of renowned Japanese scientists who had come here to help us prepare for a tsunami. I doubt they'll be back. Most folks here are quite upset because in videos recorded at the scene the one Tránsito police wo showed up does absolutely nothing to simply APPLY THE LAW, which is quite clear. Instead the scientists had to be driven by the mayor's own security personnel in one of their vehicles and local firemen in one their pickup trucks. Absurd!
Taxistas bloquean y atemorizan a visitantes japoneses

A panga returns from fishing during the night along the coast outside the bay while a sportfishing cruiser with tourists heads out to try their luck.
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The Sector Naval built up and reinforced the sea turtle egg incubation area. I wonder if the poachers were getting bolder or if dogs were jumping in and digging up eggs. Good to see it full and that they are taking their responsibility seriously. ¡Viva la Marina!
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Such excellent pictures as always Rob. I particularly love the one of the sunrise and the lancha coming into shore.

I was quite disheartened to read the story of the taxis treatment of the Japanese scientists. I understand that the taxi drivers want to protect their business but they need to remember who their customers are and that they are providing a service. If they aren't careful they will turn their customers against them and open the doors to the competition like Uber and Lyft.

--
Humberto Romero
www.casaarcoiriszihuatanejo.com

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Such excellent pictures as always Rob. I particularly love the one of the sunrise and the lancha coming into shore.

I was quite disheartened to read the story of the taxis treatment of the Japanese scientists. I understand that the taxi drivers want to protect their business but they need to remember who their customers are and that they are providing a service. If they aren't careful they will turn their customers against them and open the doors to the competition like Uber and Lyft.

Gracias, Humberto. It's a daily scene that Lupita and I cherish.

Regarding the taxi drivers involved in blocking tourists, the money involved is a pittance, but their stupid actions cost us a fortune. They seem to believe that because somewhere around 3 decades ago a now deceased intimidated representative of a tour agency signed an "agreement" with them to pay them a fee whenever his drivers took tourists to the airport that they still have the right to continue applying the now moot agreement currently recognized by no federally-licensed tour guides or drivers. The law is not on their side, but corrupt local and state officials are, which is why everyone was outraged at the video showing the useless Tránsito do nothing bt follow orders from a "superior". Local citizens are calling for the taxi drivers involved to lose their taxi concessions. Only such a drastic measure will assure they stop their terrorist tactics.

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The taxis just charging you whatever they think you’re dumb enough to pay can really start to piss you off after a while. 2 years ago we befriended a taxi driver and only use him except for our ride from the airport. He does have to come to the hotel 2 hours in advance our appointment before the other drivers will allow him to pick us up. Makes for a much more enjoyable vacation!

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Taxis my favorite topic. FUNNY how in August we were never told that the amount we were paying was incorrect. Also as we traveled inland again this year it reminded us how much less cost the taxis are and how reasonable long distance rides are.

However in January I am sure I will asking the drivers if they don't like working in Z they can ALWAYS go somewhere else and work for less. Like Morelia or Patz.

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This type of thing discourages people from coming to Z. Not such a safe place anymore in reviewing all of the posts.

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Vermont123,

I can understand how you might get that impression. One of the things that Rob's site offers that is different from other "tourist" websites is a more complete view of Zihuatanejo and its politics. I would challenge you to mention any tourist destination that doesn't have local crime and problems with politics. Paris has its problems with banlieues. London is experiencing a spike in violent crime. Italy seems to have an intractable problem with its mobs. I could go on, but the point is that yes, Zihutanejo has problems and some of them are unique to the situation here. Rob provides the opportunity for those looking to visit or move here to see the complete picture and perhaps arrive with a better understanding of the local culture and political climate of the area. It is however, in my humble opinion, a very safe place. I have no problem inviting my family to come visit which they will be in February. I have encouraged many of my close and personal friends to come visit and some have. Don't be discouraged by what you read here, but come with your eyes wide open.

Saludos!

--
Humberto Romero
www.casaarcoiriszihuatanejo.com

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We have hosted my family here for a number of years, and the only reason they may not come is the age of their cat-21. Nothing else.

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