The below are 'thoughts' (si, pernsamientos... and also "who cares") of Vicipedia, which, like Wikipedia, anyone can input, which, like, CNN or FOX, take it or leave it, but I would suggest NPR instead.
Mexicans are lined up, camped out, back in tents planning, their ascent into the US. Ahm, no. Ain't seen it here. Huh uh. Until very recent times, there were actually more Mexicans going from the US to Mexico than there were Mexico to US. It's very slightly the other way now, and mostly due to better paying jobs than there are available in Mexico.
They hide their stop signs, Si. Kinda. "Alto", shaped the same as our (US) stop signs... sometimes they are hidden, but me thinks it ain't on poipose, but moreso in not too great'a planning... like, a lightpole later placed right in fronta the Also sign.
Mexican police are crooked, hide out, seek Americans for their own financial interests. Sure, probably happens, but, community (US) sites on FB regarding the area we're in, do warn, "they'll hide out, oft times behind cutouts of cars.. Ain't seen that... they might nab you for speeding, rolling thru a stop sign, pull you over, then 'fine' you an exorbitant amount, attempt to collect - but, yain't gotta do that, it's always advised to say "No, take me to the station where I will settle there" ie, sometimes, they say, the Policia do so (pocket fines), again, ain't seen it, probably a few bad apples spoil for all.
There is graffiti in places. Many places. Buildings ARE colorful. Architecture IS, can be, amazing. There ain't cookie cutter housing editions. We traversed 'the other side', ie, what we believed to be the non tourist side... still, many businesses mixed with residences.. didn't see a lot of two story homes.
"Mexicans are lazy." HA. Gringo speaky with forked tongue. From what I've seen in these twenty days, they are, across the board, very hard workers.
Mexicans don't like Gringos. Again, oh contrare. Yes, where I am is primarily a tourist area, but too, we've ventured off the tourist path, folks have been extremely cordial here and there.
Most Mexicans have outhouses. 95% of Mexico has indoor plumbing. (99% in US).
Don't drink the water. Another possible myth. Water is purified at the source, but, could be contaminated en route, so yes, it is advised not to drink tap water. Where we're staying, the water is ionized, safe. We drinky coffee using water from the tap. No matta' where you go eat though, due to fears, you won't get served tap water in a restaurant. If you ask for water, you'll get a bottle - but, you'll also have to pay for it (and rightfully so Vicipedia he say.)
There ARE farmacias on just about every dang block. I can't begin to speak on this. Yes, we've talked to US folks who obtain presciptions here, and save A LOT versus US prices. Seen articles where certain pain meds could be mixed with dangerous chemicals. Again, I can't speak to that, but if you seek cold remedies, blood pressure meds, ED thingybobs (a friend told me), etc., they are plentiful, and economically priced.
Many, speak some English.
Scared? Ain't been. Well, a scary truck. The "Marina Policia" drive around and around the Marina in trucks with two guards standing on platforms in back, big ole rifles of some kind in their arms to protect the sailboats, any kinda boat. We've scrapped plans for a late night joy ride on a catamaran. We enjoy skin that ain't got no holes in it.
Bums? Probably more in the US, but they are sparsely around here as well. I did give a guy ten pesos.(fitty-eight cents) and anudder just wanted a cig. Heck, my buddies do that, and, so have I! Vendors are very plentiful. Up and down the shoreline all day - peddling goods. Jewelry, gems, sunglasses, hats, cigs, much. "No gracias" usually sends them on their way. Some will give it one more try "Almost free", but again, 'no gracias' works. My buddy Tip, a softy for kids, always buys when a child accompanies. Often pays a little more than asking price. He good dude.
Infrastructure. Most roads good. Some, not so good. Potholes. We are in a very desert-like area. Some into roads, GPS will occasionally haveya make a turn or two on a plain ole sand road, but usually only for a block or two... oops, sorry, 100 to 200 Meters or so.
There are no "4 way stop" signs, or, "Cross traffic does not stop" signs. Must be vely alert, and no drivey after tequila.
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