To our friends abroad (in the United States of America): by now you may have heard about some trouble here in Mexico. You may have seen images on the television of protests turned rioting in the streets. (Do we riot anywhere but the streets? Have you ever rioted, say in your bathroom?) It may appear that all of Mexico is in a state of dire chaos and your friends Malcolm and Jillian are in danger of being swallowed by the hordes. Fear not. Unless you were a fan of that unsightly scenario, in which case, please just go.

I don’t know how the news is being portrayed in the media there or even if it is at all. I do know that many of us have notions about lawless Mexico, reinforced by, well, by I don’t know what. The films of Robert Rodriguez? Bob Dylan songs? At any rate, those are easy images that I entertained in my trepidation and anticipation. It’s part of the collective romanticized version of our neighbors south of the border. There are dusty, masculine places, replete with drugs, vaqueros, and mariachi, somewhere I’m sure. But that is so far from the reality of Merida, a city of art, universities, happy babies, and joie de vivre.

My limited understanding of the political happenings of late is as follows: a teachers’ strike that started in May in Oaxaca which included a call for the resignation of the governor has escalated. Students and left wing groups organize. President Fox sends in the riot police. Meanwhile, in July Lopez Obrador the people’s candidate lost the presidential election by a very small margin, he claims through fraud and corruption. His fiercely loyal supporters began demonstrations which endured until very recently. Nobody is budging.

The BBC has done a good job reporting on the unfolding events. If you’re interested read more there. My political days are over, especially here, where I am merely a guest. I must say though, I appreciate their dedication. We should have set up tents and taken a collection when our election was stolen and our system made a mockery.

Here in Merida I have seen some small peaceful actions. A little march down Calle 60, a few students wielding banners in the zocalo, with a socialist professor type guy leading the pack. I did once have a weakness for those. But that is all. Oaxaca is three states and at least as many worlds away. The Yucatan is a peaceable place. Lions and lambs meeting for drinks and botanas special. This is what Dr. Jorge Castaneda has to say about Merida:

“It’s a beautiful city with wonderful weather (although it’s a bit hot in the summer). You’re within two hours of the beaches of the Mayan Riviera…You can walk walk down The Paseo de Montejo at midnight and not worry about your safety. There are no security concerns there.” quoted from issue 1 of Inside Mexico, a great new free periodical.

There you have it. We're happy and well as we head into month three as strangers in a strange land. We'll be just fine, as long as I don't self immolate while lighting the pilot.

Don't Forget What Malcolm looks like