AdventureDad

If you're in the worlds largest city for a few days and stay in the Polanco area, chances are that you will have a nice time. In part one I mentioned that even though Mexico City is a complete catastrophe, there are still things to enjoy if you don't have to face the disastrous traffic or the pollution doesn't suffocate you. Or you get mugged or kidnapped.  That's how things are in this city, life is a huge struggle. Even more so with children.

It's important to realize that all these problems apply to Mexico City only. The rest of the country, with exception of a few places, is completely different. Outside the worlds largest city you will see fantastic nature, unbeatable beaches, very little crime, incredibly friendly and honest people, and a relaxed pace.

I don't function well in this city. The enormous problems I encounter make me cranky and irritated. I find it especially difficult to be a bodyguard for my children 24/7 protecting them from kidnappings and other deadly threats. Plus, having my kids spending hours in the car to go 10 miles is not something I will put them through on a regular basis.

I've had many good times in the city but I can't help to think about overall life quality when  I'm here.   Regardless of great job or high  income I would rate life quality in Mexico City terribly low.  Most Mexicans tell me they feel the same but there are still many who seem blissfully ignorant of all the problems.

The main challenges in Mexico city, or Distrito Federal as it's also called, are traffic, pollution, inefficiency, police, crime, and the law.

Traffic: The traffic was horrible 10 years ago and is today a total catastrophe. Driving anywhere, near or far, takes forever. Can you imagine that the traffic is horrible even at 5 Am? Only way to drive is  between 11 Pm and 5 Am, not exactly my favorite driving hours with two small children.

Average speeds are shockingly low, probably around 20 mph. Cars also get crushed by the infamous topes, or speed bumps. Mexican speed bumps are three times as large as regular ones and placed every 300 feet or so. Imagine driving over a hundred of these topes a day. American cars start falling apart after two years, Japanese cars last twice as long.

Pollution: Mexico city is one of the worlds most polluted cities. Not only are factories, cars, and buses pumping out incredible amounts of crap in the air but the dirty air also has nowhere to go. The city is located at 7500 feet, with mountains around it and clouds on top. There is little wind and pollution is effectively kept in place by the clouds which act like a lid.

Everything is extremely dirty. Coming home after a day in the city means clothes covered by a fine powder of pollution. Blow your nose and black stuff will come out Appealing, right? I don't know how many years a regular life is shortened simply by crap in the air but I'm guessing 10-15 years. This makes me feel especially sad for all the children who don't have a choice and must live in this horrendous environment. Having my kids play for an hour in town probably exposes them to more crap than a whole year in Sweden. That's how bad things are.

Inefficiency: Labor costs are soooo cheap in Mexico and especially in Mexico City. This is a blessing and a curse. Instead of buying a machine or a computer that does the job of 25 people, tasks are done manually. Great short term solution, horrible for the long term. Unimaginable bureaucracy doesn't make things better. Getting a new passport, visa, or birth certificate is not something I would wish my worst enemy.

Few things can be done over internet and sending a letter across town takes a few weeks. It's frustrating trying to get anything done but it makes me appreciate things in ultra efficient Sweden so much more. The only exception is going to a restaurant of bar. You will have professional, friendly, and efficient service anywhere you go.

Crime: You are extremely safe outside Mexico City, with a few exceptions like Tijuana, but in the city you need to be on your guard 24/7/365. Crime is simply off the charts. 20 years ago it was mostly small crime like stealing your wallet but violent crime has exploded. It used to be a friend of a friend got mugged at gunpoint. Now it's your sister or best friend.

Explaining how bad crime is can be a problem but consider the following interesting law.  Women who drive alone after 10 Pm at night are not required to stop at a red light.  The risk for kidnapping/carjacking is simply to great. 

Always lock the car door and never roll down the window.  Never leave your house door unlocked despite being surrounded by a 10 feet cement wall, steel gates, barbed wire, and a guard dog. Always hold the hand of your child when you're out walking to avoid having someone snatch your little one. 

Mexico City has the most kidnappings in the world, tied with Bogotá (Columbia), and this is something that concerns me greatly and makes it impossible to relax in the city.  Having my kids kidnapped is obviously I want to avoid at all cost.  You can't take eyes off the kids for even a second, regardless of where you are.  Constant awareness, looking around for possible threats, and acting like a bodyguard is a must.  Especially if you're a foreigner.  I'm not used to this kind of thinking and find it exhausting and scary.  I've been lucky or skilled so far and been to Mexico City tens of times without any incidents.  Lets hope it continues.

Police:  Who should you turn to when your life is in danger?  Usually the police but not so in Mexico City.  The police force is incompetent and unbelievably corrupt.  I will generously estimate 5% of the force will actively try to help you when there is a problem.  I mentioned that kidnappings scare me.  The police, both active and ex officers, are unfortunately  often involved in kidnappings and violent crimes.

I don't blame them for taking bribes since they are poorly compensated but having a police force which is heavily involved in the nations number one problem, drugs and crime, is obviously a huge problem. 

The Law: There are plenty of laws but following them seem to be optional.  This applies to the whole country but espcially in Mexico City.  Don't want to pay income taxes?  That can be arranged?  Want to drive 120 mph in a 50 zone or cross every red light you see?  No problem.  You want to bribe someone to get a contract? No worries.  You work for the government and feel like taking those $2 million marked for a road project and put them directly into your personal account?  Sure, why not.

If you visit this fabulous country, don't let the poor reputation of Mexico City scare you.  The rest of the country is gorgeous and safe.  Mexico City does have lots of nice things to offer but be aware and take precautions to avoid being mugged or kidnapped. If you do visit the city, be very careful with your children and try to avoid the horrendous traffic.

Have a nice weekend!