www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Good luck dude. Haywood Jablommi is right Juarez (adjacent to El Paso) has the highest murder rate in the world. It is a war zone but not an officially declared war zone.

My nephew did it 12 years ago. He is a Tico and speaks both English and Spanish fluently. He said he would never do it again and he was in a pick-up truck.

Diego, with all due respect, I believe the guy can safely pass through Juarez without incident. I know it is the murder capital of the world but it is mostly gang-on-gang with some civilian collateral. Coming over the Cordova Bridge you make your way to Mexico 45 and drive south straight through town. Besides the aggressive street vendors at stop lights I can't imagine having a problem just driving through town. After 30 minutes or so you are in wide open spaces. Just keep driving and you will be good to go.

I grew up in El Paso and we went to Juarez thousands of times. That was in the old days and it was very safe. I know times have changed and I would not go over there for dinner or drinking now.

Estebanh, you make a good point. You can get through Juarez. In my old age I am not totally risk adverse but I have gotten more careful and simply proceed with caution in most decisions.

Being on a bike is both an advantage and a disadvantage -- one can maneuver more easily and get away more quickly but then where do you go? In an enclosed vehicle, as opposed to the openness of being on a bike, allows one to have at least some sense of protection.

Friend of mine did it in a 4x4. Said, never again. Too much risk very little reward.

So.. no news from brother Jim? I hope things are going well.