Dear Editor,
Consider this an open letter to all of Mexico.
I love visiting here. This is such a wonderful country filled with happy people. I know we all have gripes as tourists about Taxi scams, endless pitches about tours, and all the other little things that come with it.
Honestly I don’t mind it. At all. It’s not the worst thing to once in a while come to a place that gets you thinking on your feet and keeping your head in the game. Situational awareness is a good thing and should be practiced.
I want to issue a plea to Mexico regarding the Mayan history on the Yucatan.
It’s time to get rid of the endless scams and people trying to make a fast buck off these areas. This needs to be held to the highest standard of professional. These areas are sacred. This is the beating heart of Mexico. These areas are a link to a world we’ll never see again.
We went to the ruins at Tulum this trip. As soon as we stepped off the ADO, it started. Right there on the side of the highway is people trying to sell you tickets, or a tour, or a guide or whatever. The whole walk there is full of people promising to help you “skip the line” and just pay me, I’ll get you there faster.
Then we actually get to the gate and are sent to go buy tickets. We have to buy two wristbands to get in. OK. No problem.
We get in and get driven around. More tour offers, more hustlers. We have to buy ANOTHER ticket to finally get in.
This needs to be cleaned up. This is the history of the nation. This should be held in the highest esteem.
Mexico, I don’t care if you charge tourists too much for a Jet Ski. Some things should be sacred. Please clean up the heritage sites.
The Mayans deserve it.
-Bill Nave, Oregon
