The following is an email that I just got. Don't feel obligated to read the whole thing. Like I even need to tell you that, you'll read what you want anyway. I went ahead and bolded the locations that would have pertained specifically to us so you can skim to that if you want. I am so glad to be done with that chapter of my life. In Mexico you can never be too careful. I can't believe some of the stupid stuff I've heard Americans try lately. (Hopefully) You only get kidnapped or shot once, SO BE CAREFUL! It is NOT the 51st state.

Dear friends,
Please read the following public announcement and forward it to other Americans
abroad as you are able.
Thank you,
American Citizen Services Section
U.S. Consulate
Monterrey, Mexico.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
Mexico
April 19, 2007
This Public Announcement advises U.S. citizens on security situations in Mexico
that may affect their activities while in that country. This Public
Announcement supersedes previous Public Announcements for Mexico dated January
18, 2007 and September 15, 2006. This Public Announcement expires on October
16, 2007.
Narcotics-Related Violence - U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Mexico
should exercise caution when in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their
surroundings at all times. Violence by criminal elements affects many parts of
the country, urban and rural, including border areas. In recent months there
have been execution-style murders of Mexican officials in Tamaulipas
(particularly Nuevo Laredo), Michoacan, Baja California, Guerrero (particularly
Acapulco), Nuevo Leon (especially in and around Monterrey) and other states.
Though there is no evidence that U.S. citizens are specifically targeted,
Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in some violent
attacks demonstrating the heightened risk in public places. In its effort to
combat violence, the Government of Mexico has deployed military troops in
various parts of the country. U.S. citizens are advised to cooperate with
official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.
In recent years dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped in Nuevo Laredo with
more than two dozen cases still unresolved and new cases of kidnap for ransom
continue to be reported. No one can be considered immune from kidnapping on the
basis of occupation, nationality, or other factors. Drug cartel members have
been known to follow and harass U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles,
particularly in border areas including Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros. U.S.
citizens who believe they are being followed should notify officials as soon as
possible. U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads
during daylight hours, particularly the toll ("cuota") roads, which are
generally more secure. It is preferable for U.S. citizens to stay in well-known
tourist destinations and tourist areas of the cities with more adequate
security, and provide an itinerary to a friend or family member not traveling
with them. U.S. citizens should refrain from displaying expensive-looking
jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.
Oaxaca City - U.S. citizens traveling to Oaxaca City should be aware that from
May to November 2006, protests in Oaxaca City became increasingly violent
resulting in at least nine deaths. On October 27, 2006, a U.S. citizen was shot
and killed in Oaxaca City as a result of the violence and disorder caused by
ongoing civil unrest in the city. Many of the issues that were the basis for
the protests remain unresolved. U.S. Citizens planning to travel to Oaxaca City
should check on current conditions before beginning their travel.

Demonstrations - Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and are
usually peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn
confrontational and escalate into violence unexpectedly. During violent
demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are reminded to
remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and
surrounding areas. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and
demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local
media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the
vicinity of any protests. The State Department reminds U.S. citizens to avoid
participating in demonstrations and other activities that might be deemed
political by Mexican authorities. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political
activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or
deportation.
For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico, please see the Mexico
Consular Information Sheet at:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html. For the latest
security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor
the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current
Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements
can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling
1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers from Mexico, a
regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00
a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal
holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to
register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State
Department's travel registration website at
https://travelregistration.state.gov.
For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the
closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at
Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States:
011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long
distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by
e-mail at: ccs@usembassy.net.mx. The Embassy's Internet address is
http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.
Consulates:
Ciudad Juarez: Avenida Lopez Mateos 924-N, telephone (52)(656) 611-3000.
Guadalajara: Progreso 175, telephone (52)(333) 268-2100.
Hermosillo: Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (52)(662) 289-3500.
Matamoros: Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (52)(868) 812-4402.
Merida: Calle 60 No. 338 K, telephone (52)(999) 942-5700
Monterrey: Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente, telephone (52)(818) 345-2120.
Nogales: Calle San Jose, Nogales, Sonora, telephone (52)(631) 311-8150.
Nuevo Laredo: Calle Allende 3330, Col. Jardin, telephone (52)(867) 714-0512.
Tijuana: Tapachula 96, telephone (52)(664) 622-7400.