The R1 goes to many places, depending on which R1 you take. We take the R1 to the ferries in Puerto Morales all the time (which are the very last 2 stops on that line before the bus turns back around) and there's no stretch of that trip that's dangerous. In addition, I've yet to hear of a single sober soul that's taken the R1 that goes down Avenue Lopez Perillo (I assume that's the cruceros you're referring to) that's been accosted while minding their own business. Yes, there are bars on the doors and windows there, but that is not a differentiator of good and bad neigborhoods in Cancun. And yes, if you carelessly leave something lying about it will dissapear - forever and faster than the blink of an eye. And yes, if you get in someone's face there, you stand to lose the argument in a highly definative manner. But all of that is as it should be. The residents of Cancun, however, are neither agressive nor predatory towards visitors (Yankee tourists included) that treat themselves and others with respect - the culture simply does not support that. Now - if you're prone to being stupid - and we know that there are those that can and do act stupid even (and perhaps especially) when they're sober - then Lopez Perillo is not where you should be dawdling about. The one thing I will agree with you is that there is nothing there for tourists - but as has been said so many times in this post, it's easy to get there by mistake. And as I said previously, I don't recall ever hearing of anyone that's been harmed in any way for simply making that mistake.
I don't think Isaid anything that would give the impression that the residents of Cancun are agressive or predatory towards visitors. But, the Crucero is a poor neighborhood and I know several people who have been mugged walking through there while doing nothing more than simply walking. A tourist has no reason to be there and shouldn't be. Like in any other city in the world some people assume tourists carry large sums of money or other valuables on them. And unfortunately I do know at least 2 tourists who were mugged in that area. I think if a toutist is going to become a victim of a crime it will be in such an area. Best to just avoid it as there's no reason to go there. I have several very good friedns that live in the Crucero. I agree that just because thre are bars on most windows it does not make it a bad neighborhood. But I also know that none of my friends would ever consider letting me walk down the street alone at night there. You made a statement that the bus doesn't take you anywhere that could be considered dangerous. The R1 will take you to the Crucero (among many other places) and to some that area can be dangerous at night. I'm going with what my friends who live in the area say about it. I think they know better than you or I.
OK - let me amend that then. There's no where you can go while on the bus (i.e. staying on the bus, as was the case for the people who prompted this discussion) that you need to fear for any harm. And yes, Nerd Dawg, most likely if you got off the bus at the wrong place at the wrong time, someone might just try and snatch your phone. (And if you're belligerent about it, they might circle back for more) If you're on the bus and in the wrong place, simply stay on the bus until you're in the right place and everything will be fine.
Actually, we agree on that too, although I'd say that the Walmart in Cancun is also a fascinating and unique anthropological event. Walmart is the quintessential intersection (and to a great extent, an amalgamation) of Mexican and Western (meaning Yankee) culture. In what other Walmart - or other place in Cancun, would you find the types and varieties of fresh baked goods as you do in this place - just as one example? Yet, somehow it exists nearly side-by-side with Chedraui, which would be one of those places that would be going out of business in the States if it were as nearby. Such are the contradictions from which the charm of Cancun are composed. I'd say that the Walmart has become yet another place that one 'must go' if one is to truly experience Cancun, which is a unique place in both Mexico and the world.
Agreed...Wal-Mart in Cancun is like no other. I'm getting hungry just thinking of all the delicious baked good and frits and vegetables.
Ha ha only time I have been in Walmart was to go to the bathroom! ha ha...I even needed an escort cause I couldn't walk
And how was it? (I'm sure you think I'm j/k, but you can tell a lot about a place from it's bathroom.)
