A truly enlightening article on the current situation of Central America, and the unfortunate misconceptions from traditional media which can lead to unfair treatment to some destinations, such as San Pedro Sula, Honduras. You can read all the article
HERE.
"Drugs and guns are a deadly mix. They can have
devastating and lethal consequences not only for the unfortunate victims
of violence and their friends and families but also for the city or
country’s reputation. I recently returned from almost two weeks
travelling around two of the supposedly most violent and deadliest
countries in the world. This also included what the United Nations
Office on Drugs and Crime has named the most dangerous city on earth in
2011 – San Pedro Sula, Honduras." Chris Ryall
...
Just quoting a few lines from Canada’s
travel advisory on Honduras: “A large percentage of the population is
armed. Guns and weapons as machetes and knives are frequently used in
robberies. Perpetrators often use violence if the victim resists.” It
goes on, “Travellers have been followed and assaulted. Use discretion
when discussing travel plans in public.”
Well, sounds pretty
scary to me. It details various areas including San Pedro Sula and
along the coastal highway and other towns as well as islands where crime
occurs.
I travelled in all of these areas both in a group as
well as wandered about on my own. Now did I go down dark alleys in the
middle of the night in some residential or gang infested districts? No.
Why would I?
...
I went on the Government of Canada’s travel
advisory for the United States. It rates barely a mention about any
crime compared to the pages it details with Honduras and El Salvador.
Yet in 2011 there were four American cities listed in the top 50 cities
for the murders in 2011 – at number 21 was New Orleans (a city I adore
and have visited a couple of times), number 30 was Detroit, number 43
was St. Louis, and number 48 was Baltimore.
Americans have one
of the highest gun ownerships in the world yet no mention of that in
the travel advisory. I love the United States and travel there
frequently for business and pleasure but it is interesting (and perhaps
political since they are our biggest trading partner) how it is
downplayed.
Yet it seems hypocritical with the high murder rate
in many American cities Canadians and people from other nations don’t
give it a moment’s hesitation in visiting. But at the same time we get
up in arms and are afraid to visit other destinations when we hear about
any incidents.
I travelled by foot, boat, minivan, air and an
old open train car. I went on hikes just with a guide, snorkelling on
islands, went to local bars and restaurants and strolled through street
markets in many areas the travel warning said don’t go.
I
never felt threatened or feared for my safety. And talking with many
others at the conference and on the post tours nor did they feel
unsafe. At night-time functions we would travel past various
neighbourhoods back to the hotel. I never saw anyone with a gun other
than some army guy or from the police. I never got a sense the city or
the country was under siege.
It’s
ironic – the heavy police and military presence from their perspective
is to help make tourists feel secure. Unfortunately it can have the
opposite effect and the tourist thinks the country is so crime ridden
they need all this protection.
...
Central America is really a hidden gem of the
world – Mayan ruins, vibrant green countryside, friendly locals,
colourful Colonial towns, beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, cultural
attractions and it is very affordable.
Don’t be deterred by
travel warnings. Be alert, cautious and exercise common sense – it’s no
guarantee but driving a car or crossing a street in Toronto is far more
dangerous.
