Our last Spring participant...and ready for the Summer!

Michael Hink, a traveler-volunteer from Germany, was our last guest this spring. An enthusiastic person and an avid traveler, he was on a 2-month journey through Mexico, visiting several places and writing about his experiences for a newspaper back home in Europe.

Staying at Casa HOY, Michael volunteered his time at four different projects that included work with kids and the elderly.

Now we're ready our summertime visitors. Please come join us!

To our future visitors: update on safety in Cuernavaca

Despite all the bad news about drug-related violence you hear abroad, we’re hear to tell you that Mexico is by and large still a safe, noble, friendly and wonderful destination—especially if you have a host Mexican friend or family who gives you insider information (like Casa HOY)!

Hearing the news from afar only gives you part(s) of the whole story. Let’s face it—a lot of what is “newsworthy” is negative. But, here’s the question: Would you deny yourself a visit to New York City or Los Angeles after hearing news of a failed homemade bomb attempt in Times Square or a gang-related shooting in an LA 'hood?

So, what’s really happening in Cuernavaca?

Due to the involvement of the Mexican military in a so-called war on drugs, you will now see in cities like Cuernavaca a greater army presence and police activity randomly patrolling the streets and stopping traffic, especially at checkpoints for stolen vehicles, weapons, etc.

Cuernavaca is far from a dangerous city where you are afraid to step out of your door,or walk down the street or hail a cab at the corner. This year, we have so far had three groups and one individual (i.e., more than 30 individuals) participating with Casa HOY in Cuernavaca and in smaller towns in the state of Morelos. No bad experiences, no scary situations, nothing out of the ordinary to report.

Nevertheless, there have been a handful of sensational events in the area and subsequent news reports about casualties in vendetta-type operations among gang members of the drug cartel operating in the state. It may appear to an outsider to be an increase in personal risk and random violence, but in reality it is targeted violence against and among gangs, police or politicians involved in drug trafficking.

We live here 24/7, and we have never felt unsafe or threatened. Of course, as experienced travelers ourselves, we always take extra precautions (e.g., have a cell phone available, HOY staff available 24 hours, have a curfew) with our traveler-volunteers when on the streets, using public transportation and going out at night. We take care of our visitors and take into consideration risks associated with setting, time, circumstances, etc. We know Mexico, we know Cuernavaca. We are aware of Mexico’s problems as well as its strengths. And, as our recent participants and our quiet daily life prove, we have quite a peaceful daily life!

Gerardo and Katy

P.S. If one day we really believe Cuernavaca is dangerous for visitors, we will be the first to let you know!