Calmando PreocupaZIHones
by ZihuaRob 
, Zihuatanejo, México, Sunday, February 22, 2026, 21:06 (106 days ago)
Like recent mornings, this one was a bit nipper. The bay was glass calm with hardly a wave. Pelicans, frigates and other marine birds fished around the bay along with fishermen in their pangas with their atarrayas (cast nets). I think I spotted a kayak gliding slowly across the other side of the bay. No whales today.
Of course, the news of the day wasn't happy. Chaos everywhere, just like Mexico's northern neighbor intends to cause by concentrating their phony "war on drugs" on us. Except the death of the leader of the CJNG "El Mencho" was also personal for Mexico's Secretario de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana Omar García Harfuch whom "El Mencho" tried to have assassinated when Omar was in charge of the security for Mexico City when our current president was its mayor. So for him, today was a professional win. But nothing of substance will change. The multi-million-dollar-a-year black market business supplying over 50 million U.S. citizens with the stupidly banned recreational substances they prefer will still exist. No enlightenment will befall U.S. lawmakers, no epiphany will cause them to seek a better solution for substance abuse and addiction. Prisons for profit and million-dollar budgets for hundreds of different police agencies charged with the interdiction of stupidly banned substances will continue to thrive. So will the sale of arms in the USA to straw buyers who will effortlessly smuggle them into Mexico. Travel will return to normal, and anxious visitors will be able to scamper home to "safety". Cubans will continue to suffer from the current U.S. regime's criminal embargo, and Ukraine will continue to suffer from the current U.S. government's dastardly betrayal. Mexico will continue to progress and move forward, solving its problems and improving life for its proud people.
Local lodging operators emitted a joint statement that they would work in solidarity with visitors unable to travel who need lodging for an extra day or two. Bus service has been cancelled in the state of Michoacán, and I don't believe they're running up and down our coast for the moment either.
The municipal government cancelled events for Domingo Cultural. While I've seen a couple of taxis and a very few cars, downtown is mostly a ghost town at the moment with everything buttoned up. Very few people are out on the street or along the waterfront. Several vehicles were burned in Zihuatanejo. A package delivery truck was burned near La Salitrera on its way here, so if your package doesn't arrive, you may have to re-order. Oxxos closed. Some schools will probably close tomorrow out of an abundance of caution, but no formal school closure order has been emitted by state authorities. The Guardia Nacional, Policía Estatal, Marina, and Ejército are patrolling everywhere they can. They stopped a passenger bus from getting torched on Zihuatanejo's main highway. But a couple of combis were burned, including one in front of Chedraui supermarket, so folks won't be able to get around until public transportation services resume. Please don't scold or fire your maid, your cook or your gardener if they don't show up this Monday for work. Hopefully things will return to normal by Tuesday.
The Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa airport is operating normally, and as far as I know, no flights have been cancelled.
![[image]](https://www.zihuatanejo.net/oleaje/images/oleaje.jpg)
Now's a good time to be out on the water. Whether you want to go sportfishing, whale watching, sightseeing or snorkeling, my friend Capitán Ramón Olea of the panga Oleaje offers an affordable adventure waiting to be enjoyed. Ramón knows all the local fishing and snorkeling spots as well as what else is worth seeing. His 24' covered panga doesn't offer much luxury, but his expertise in fishing and his local knowledge of our coast and its marine life is second to none! Ramón practices "catch and release" fishing when possible.
Activities, Charters & Tours in Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa
¡Cuidemos nuestro patrimonio!
#MásSeguridadPúblicaMenosCemento
#NoBlueFlag
#PreservemosPlayaManzanillo
#DenunciaElEcocidio
Exhibición de obras de la pintora zihuatanejensa Guadalupe Gaytán en el Museo Regional de la Costa Grande frente a Playa Principal en Zihuatanejo. Ahí estarán hasta el día 28 de febrero.
![[image]](https://www.zihuatanejo.net/images/temp/2026-02-21-amanecer-museo-interior-arte-pinturas-guadalupegaytan.jpg)
Calmando PreocupaZIHones
by Talley Ho , Playa la Ropa, Sunday, February 22, 2026, 21:30 (106 days ago) @ ZihuaRob
Thank you. Sounds like tomorrow will be a perfect day to be out on the water, away from the madness.
Calmando PreocupaZIHones
Now that Nemesio is captured and killed does this mean dear Mexico is controlled by the cartel by only 10% not 30? Mejor todos!
Calmando PreocupaZIHones
by Little Guy , Monday, February 23, 2026, 09:24 (105 days ago) @ Rogerthat
It means that as long as America has a seemingly insatiable demand for substances to assauge the poverty of some, the insecurities or more, and the inherent inequalities the the political and economic systems, that the capitalism of the drugs markets will continue.
If the head of Ford Motor Company were deposed and the demand for cars remained, Ford and other car companies would continue to sell cars.
When the need to escape from realities is reduced, the demand for such substances will be reduced. If the demand for such substances is regulated, not criminalized, consumers will be able to avoid criminal sources.
Calmando PreocupaZIHones
by Timmac , Steilacoom, WA, Monday, February 23, 2026, 10:44 (105 days ago) @ Little Guy
So even if recreational drugs were legalized, the cartels could probably undercut the pricing. If the drugs were free, then the cartels could rely on their lucrative “protection” market. It’s not likely they are going away anytime soon. I think it’s a huge problem for the tourist industry here. It really doesn’t matter if it is actually safe here. What matters is the tourists perception of safety. If I think it’s unsafe here, (whether or not it actually is) I’m going elsewhere.
Calmando PreocupaZIHones
by ZihuaRob , Zihuatanejo, México, Monday, February 23, 2026, 11:43 (105 days ago) @ Timmac
So even if recreational drugs were legalized, the cartels could probably undercut the pricing. If the drugs were free, then the cartels could rely on their lucrative “protection” market. It’s not likely they are going away anytime soon. I think it’s a huge problem for the tourist industry here. It really doesn’t matter if it is actually safe here. What matters is the tourists perception of safety. If I think it’s unsafe here, (whether or not it actually is) I’m going elsewhere.
No mafias are getting rich undercutting legal alcohol sales. When their main source of income is removed, they're just another criminal gang that can be dealt with. The cartels are only kept relevant because of the narco trade, though they have smartly moved into mined minerals and real estate, as any good money launderer knows to do. The problem still remains the lack of professional municipal police because of corrupt local governments.
The only reason Zihuatanejo is in play is because it's a port where jerry cans of fuel can be taken out to passing vessels on their way to destinations further north. Drugs don't come into or out of Zihuatanejo by boat.
The protection market is collapsing when and where it's being dealt with. If only our municipal government were participating actively in the solution...
Calmando PreocupaZIHones
by Little Guy , Monday, February 23, 2026, 14:57 (105 days ago) @ Timmac
So even if recreational drugs were legalized, the cartels could probably undercut the pricing.
I live in Canada where cannabis was legalized in 2018. There are many cannabis stores. I coukd walk to at least three in the town where I frequently stay. People would rather buy a legal product of known source and quality from a known producer and retailer, than from shady person on the street.
Unlicensed selling remains criminal. Possession of unlicensed product remains criminal.
Similarly, people would rather buy a bottle of known liquor than buy someone’s moonshine.
If the drugs were free, then the cartels could rely on their lucrative “protection” market. It’s not likely they are going away anytime soon.
Yes. Governments have created an environment where these criminal enterprises can make money fast and flourish. Unlike Dr Frankenstein, they continue to deny responsibility or take corrective action. Yes, addressing the expanding operations of criminal organizations would take effort. The effort starts with eliminating their primary source of funds, satisfying the demand that America has for their products.
I think it’s a huge problem for the tourist industry here. It really doesn’t matter if it is actually safe here. What matters is the tourists perception of safety. If I think it’s unsafe here, (whether or not it actually is) I’m going elsewhere.
Again yes. Perception is sometimes more important than reality. Nations are built on the lies they tell themselves. Economies can be destroyed by the lies that others tell about them.
I might become a victim some day in Mexico or in Canada, but with 70+ years in Canada and 40+ years experience in the Zihuatanejo area, I have never been extorted, paid mordida, etc. It might happen one day in one place, but until then I will appreciate reality, not avoid enjoyment due to irrational fears.
Calmando PreocupaZIHones
by Timmac , Steilacoom, WA, Monday, February 23, 2026, 16:04 (105 days ago) @ Little Guy
Your definition of irrational and mine are considerably different. This area is heavily influenced by cartels and for those of us of a certain age, medical care that may not be adequate in an emergency. While I have no immediate plans to stop coming here, there are other places that I could just as easily go if my personal risk analysis changes.
Calmando PreocupaZIHones
by Little Guy , Monday, February 23, 2026, 17:23 (105 days ago) @ Timmac
I have no difference with you on the rationality of considering the availability of adequate medical care. There is a big and rational difference in risk assessment, not only with age-related medical needs, but with medical needs that are not age related. Further, I consider my irrational risk taking of going on one of those motorboat parachute rides years ago despite having seen people walking with casts as a result of those experiences.
But the vast majority of visitors to a place like Zihuatanejo or Troncones are as likely to experience cartel related injury or death as a visitor to New York City is to be gunned down or beaten by the Mafia or a visitor to my area of British Columbia will be mauled by a bear.
The NYC visitor is more likely to be injured or killed by a vehicle. The visitor to my area is more likely to be injured by a deer. A visitor to this area is more likely to stumble on a street or sidewalk.
Yesterday in Troncones a person fell on lava rocks when they walked home at night because they heard they were to avoid roads due to cartel violence.
These are the kinds of things that make fear of cartel violence in this area irrational.
Calmando PreocupaZIHones
by Timmac , Steilacoom, WA, Monday, February 23, 2026, 21:08 (105 days ago) @ Little Guy
I’ll try to be clear, although I thought I was before. The actual odds of someone being injured in cartel violence doesn’t matter. It an individual feels that there risks involved with a visit to an area, they will act on those feelings, no mater what the actual odds are. I am more risk averse in my 70’s than I was in my 40’s when we first started visiting. Additionally, when we first started visiting, this was a bargain compared to other areas and value shopping was important. It is no longer a bargain, and I am much less concerned about my budget. For the present I don’t plan any changes. That said this is a pretty good time of year to visit Egypt and we’re looking at coordinating a 3 week long trip,with friends.
Calmando PreocupaZIHones
by Little Guy , Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 16:45 (104 days ago) @ Timmac
I’ll try to be clear, although I thought I was before. The actual odds of someone being injured in cartel violence doesn’t matter. It an individual feels that there risks involved with a visit to an area, they will act on those feelings, no mater what the actual odds are. I am more risk averse in my 70’s than I was in my 40’s when we first started visiting.
I think you have been clear on that point. I don’t think we have a difference on that point.
I think that where we have a difference is on whether the fear is irrational. As you said,
“Your definition of irrational and mine are considerably different. This area is heavily influenced by cartels and for those of us of a certain age, medical care that may not be adequate in an emergency.”
We also don’t have disagreement about the rational decision making based on medical conditions and the adequacy of either medical treatment or medical care.
I think our difference is whether decision making based on the perceived threat of cartels to tourists is rational or irrational. Given the absence of evidence of visitors or tourists being killed, injured, extorted, or otherwise directly impacted by cartel actions, I think that making a decision to avoid the area due to cartels makes no more sense than avoiding NYC because of “Mafia” activity.
I recall reading research years ago during my professional career regarding threat perception. I’m going by memory so I can’t provide a citation but the substance was as follows.
The demographic of males 25-24 reported the lowest perception that they would be victims of violence. Males over 65 reported the highest perception that they would be victims of violence.
In reality, males 15-24 were at highest risk and males over 65 were at lowest risk. Members of each group made irrational decisions based on misperceptions.
In “Superstition” Stevie Wonder sang,
‘When you believe in things that you don't understand
‘Then you suffer
‘Superstition ain't the way”
I suggest that when people make decisions based on fear responses that are not reality-based they “believe in things that they don’t understand”, I think they are being irrational.
I’m not suggesting that anyone makes rational decisions in every instance.
How many of us calculated the objective cost:benefit of marrying or not; having children or not; going out for that nice dinner; or buying that nice home theatre that we don’t really need because our fading vision and hearing can’t perceive the difference in picture or sound?
Making Decisions
by Little Guy , Friday, February 27, 2026, 13:02 (101 days ago) @ Timmac
I’ll try to be clear, although I thought I was before. The actual odds of someone being injured in cartel violence doesn’t matter. It an individual feels that there risks involved with a visit to an area, they will act on those feelings, no mater what the actual odds are. I am more risk averse in my 70’s than I was in my 40’s when we first started visiting.
I think you have been clear on that point. I don’t think we have a difference on that point.
I think that where we have a difference is on whether the fear is irrational. As you said,
“Your definition of irrational and mine are considerably different. This area is heavily influenced by cartels and for those of us of a certain age, medical care that may not be adequate in an emergency.”
We also don’t have disagreement about the rational decision making based on medical conditions and the adequacy of either medical treatment or medical care.
I think our difference is whether decision making based on the perceived threat of cartels to tourists is rational or irrational. Given the absence of evidence of visitors or tourists being killed, injured, extorted, or otherwise directly impacted by cartel actions, I think that making a decision to avoid the area due to cartels makes no more sense than avoiding NYC because of “Mafia” activity.
I recall reading research years ago during my professional career regarding threat perception. I’m going by memory so I can’t provide a citation but the substance was as follows.
The demographic of males 25-24 reported the lowest perception that they would be victims of violence. Males over 65 reported the highest perception that they would be victims of violence.
The behaviours of each demographic reflected their perceptions.
In reality, males 15-24 were at highest risk and males over 65 were at lowest risk. Members of each group made irrational decisions based on misperceptions.
In “Superstition” Stevie Wonder sang,
‘When you believe in things that you don't understand
‘Then you suffer
‘Superstition ain't the way”
I suggest that when people make decisions based on fear responses that are not reality-based they are being irrational.
I’m not suggesting that anyone makes rational decisions in every instance.
How many of us calculated the objective cost:benefit of marrying or not; having children or not; going out for that nice dinner; or buying that nice home theatre that we don’t really need because our fading vision and hearing can’t perceive the difference in picture or sound?
I had a colleague who was required to attend a semi-annual work meeting. His employer paid the airfare for the one-hour flight. He would not fly. Instead he used a minimum of two vacation days in each direction to drive. One of the meetings was in snowy December. Of course, driving was not only more expensive, it was also higher risk.
None of these decisions are rational. They are irrational decisions characteristic of humans.
Making Decisions
by Timmac , Steilacoom, WA, Friday, February 27, 2026, 15:39 (101 days ago) @ Little Guy
I agree that my risk of medical events is much higher than other events. Whether my ultimate decision to continue spending a month a year her is rational pr not doesn’t matter. I’ll either come or not based on that decision. I would suggest that many people in the US feel that it is dangerous to travel here. (Life long friends frequently question our decision) The real risk doesn’t matter. If the US media come to burning vehicles in resort areas, many will stop coming.
Making Decisions
by Little Guy , Friday, February 27, 2026, 22:11 (101 days ago) @ Timmac
I would suggest that many people in the US feel that it is dangerous to travel here. (Life long friends frequently question our decision) The real risk doesn’t matter. If the US media come to burning vehicles in resort areas, many will stop coming.
And that is a huge problem. People making decisions based on something other than facts and logical reasoning based on facts..
“I feel” that vaccinations cause autism.
“I feel” that COVID is fake.
“I feel” like other countries are ripping us off.
“I feel” that flying in an airplane is more dangerous than driving in the winter.
The most important course that I have taken in obtaining three university degrees was a first year course that I stumbled into because it fit into my schedule, “The Philosophy of Logic”.
In my view, formal logic ought to be a required course to graduate from high school.
Making Decisions
by Padrino , Rosarito/Zihuatanejo, Friday, February 27, 2026, 22:25 (101 days ago) @ Little Guy
"A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its boots." -- erroneously attributed to Mark Twain
Lies and Truths
by Little Guy , Saturday, February 28, 2026, 15:38 (100 days ago) @ Padrino
Speculation and lies of fantasy are often initially more interesting than mundane facts as well. But when we start to understand the facts and logic of reality it becomes much more interesting.
I was raised in the wonderment of the Genesis myth of divine creation.
(Few people who believe in that creation story even realize that Genesis has two, quite distinct, creation stories. They believe the first story, apparently not bothering to read past the first chapter of Genesis to read the second story.
These are interesting myths that fill one with wonderment. But the facts and theories that support evolution are more powerful.
Richard Dawkins’ book The Magic of Reality is a good resource, especially for children, to learn about the “magic” of reality.
Calmando PreocupaZIHones
Wow , you posted " I have never been extorted, paid mordida, etc." in 40 years ? .. do you drive a car or moto ?
Calmando PreocupaZIHones
by Little Guy , Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 12:26 (103 days ago) @ Mundo Bravo
edited by Little Guy, Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 13:46
I drove a Canadian-plated Ford Ranger here for more than a decade, including two drives from Canada to Zihuatanejo in it. We went through dozens of checkpoints without incident. We drive to Tequla a couple of times. We drove to Guasave.
I now drive a Guerrero-plated pickup truck that I have driven to Morelia a couple of times.
I renewed my temporary resident visa annually for probably 15 years.
Never a hint of mordida.
There was one time when a worker “helped out” to make things more efficient.
My property manager had neglected to pay my CFE bill. CFE didn’t send a reminder, they sent someone out to remove the electricity meters from delinquent accounts. Mine was one of them. That meant going to the CFE office, paying the overdue amount, then paying to have the meter reinstalled, and waiting for a few days without electricity.
A person from property management noticed that my meter was missing and that there was a CFE van at a restaurant nearby.
2+2…
“My person” stopped for lunch. Started chatting with the CFE person. Asked about my house. Offered to pay for lunch for the CFE person. Bingo, my meter was reinstalled half an hour later.
Calmando PreocupaZIHones
by ZihuaRob , Zihuatanejo, México, Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 12:34 (103 days ago) @ Mundo Bravo
Wow , you posted " I have never been extorted, paid mordida, etc." in 40 years ? .. do you drive a car or moto ?
I never paid a mordida either, though the taxi driver bringing me home from one of my cataract surgeries in Acapulco paid off corrupt traffic cops in Ciudad Renacimiento that stopped us as soon as we pulled out of the hospital parking lot.
Calmando PreocupaZIHones
by Ironwood , Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 14:33 (103 days ago) @ ZihuaRob
Wow , you posted " I have never been extorted, paid mordida, etc." in 40 years ? .. do you drive a car or moto ?
I never paid a mordida either, though the taxi driver bringing me home from one of my cataract surgeries in Acapulco paid off corrupt traffic cops in Ciudad Renacimiento that stopped us as soon as we pulled out of the hospital parking lot.
We've driven from British Columbia to Mexico 7 or 8 times, twice via Baja California and ferry to Topolobampo, twice from the Texas border. I think we've been in 23 or 24 Mexican states, including down to Chiapas, Oaxaca, etc. Never been shaken down, never asked for, or paid any mordida.
Pulled over in San Luis Potosi for going through a red light. He started writing the ticket, but got confused trying to fill out the block that said "Estado", when I explained that we have "provinces" in Canada, not "states". He tore up the ticket, then helpfully provided directions to get to Centro, (one-way streets in San Luis are a frustrating puzzle.)
We were pulled over on the way to Alamos, Sonora, but only because the officer wanted to ensure our old (vintage?)'96 Pontiac Grand Prix hadn't been stolen!
We had a minor accident (which could have been far more serious) on Route 200, in Oaxaca, north of Puerto Escondito -a collision with a taxi. No local police called, but a Federale stopped-by, when he saw a crowd along the side of the road. He listened to both sides, (the taxista and my insurance guy, who'd driven from Puerto Escondido in his ancient VW bug, without any operational head or tail lights). Clearly not wishing to get involved, as the Federale left, he waved a finger at me and, in perfect un-accented English, said "Drive carefully." As I recall, even though we shared the blame, the settlement was that I paid the taxi driver 100 pesos for use of his cellphone, and another 300 pesos or so, for what he claimed were his lost fares while we waited for my Qualitas insurance guy to arrive. No noticeable damage to my vehicle, minor damage to his, although he said he'd get his brother-in-law to knock out the dent on his door.
Ya gotta love this place.
Calmando PreocupaZIHones
by ZihuaRob , Zihuatanejo, México, Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 14:51 (103 days ago) @ Ironwood
Wow , you posted " I have never been extorted, paid mordida, etc." in 40 years ? .. do you drive a car or moto ?
I never paid a mordida either, though the taxi driver bringing me home from one of my cataract surgeries in Acapulco paid off corrupt traffic cops in Ciudad Renacimiento that stopped us as soon as we pulled out of the hospital parking lot.
We've driven from British Columbia to Mexico 7 or 8 times, twice via Baja California and ferry to Topolobampo, twice from the Texas border. I think we've been in 23 or 24 Mexican states, including down to Chiapas, Oaxaca, etc. Never been shaken down, never asked for, or paid any mordida.
Pulled over in San Luis Potosi for going through a red light. He started writing the ticket, but got confused trying to fill out the block that said "Estado", when I explained that we have "provinces" in Canada, not "states". He tore up the ticket, then helpfully provided directions to get to Centro, (one-way streets in San Luis are a frustrating puzzle.)
We were pulled over on the way to Alamos, Sonora, but only because the officer wanted to ensure our old (vintage?)'96 Pontiac Grand Prix hadn't been stolen!We had a minor accident (which could have been far more serious) on Route 200, in Oaxaca, north of Puerto Escondito -a collision with a taxi. No local police called, but a Federale stopped-by, when he saw a crowd along the side of the road. He listened to both sides, (the taxista and my insurance guy, who'd driven from Puerto Escondido in his ancient VW bug, without any operational head or tail lights). Clearly not wishing to get involved, as the Federale left, he waved a finger at me and, in perfect un-accented English, said "Drive carefully." As I recall, even though we shared the blame, the settlement was that I paid the taxi driver 100 pesos for use of his cellphone, and another 300 pesos or so, for what he claimed were his lost fares while we waited for my Qualitas insurance guy to arrive. No noticeable damage to my vehicle, minor damage to his, although he said he'd get his brother-in-law to knock out the dent on his door.
Ya gotta love this place.
I LOVE this post! ¡Gracias! I owe you a hug.
https://youtu.be/9HkpwXPrmuI
TURN THIS UP!
Calmando PreocupaZIHones
Rob for decades now I've read your posts and their Inverted "Trumpish Logic".
In other words, using your logic, Mexico doesn't want to stop the Cartels due to the money generated and coursing through the veins of the Mexican economy......
Calmando PreocupaZIHones
by ZihuaRob , Zihuatanejo, México, Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 12:30 (103 days ago) @ mcnuttja
Rob for decades now I've read your posts and their Inverted "Trumpish Logic".
In other words, using your logic, Mexico doesn't want to stop the Cartels due to the money generated and coursing through the veins of the Mexican economy......
What an odd takeaway from my comments. The money stays mostly in the USA where the stupidly banned substances and the firearms are sold. Mexico doesn't want to play the USA's stupid game of "war on drugs". Maybe you recall when the war on drugs was in the USA back in the 70's, and the nightly news, besides having terrible images of the Vietnam war, also had images of the war on drugs in the USA, with burned and bombed houses and shootouts in the streets and war zones in cities across the USA, so they ceased practicing the "war on drugs" in the USA and instead took it to other countries where it didn't bother the voters as much. So back atcha.
