The situation here in Mexico is a bit precarious. The reality on the ground is very fluid because information is either non-existent or changes all the time. It feels like a country on the verge of collapse (or something like a collapse) although I've never been in a country that collapsed so I don't know what that feels like. I would say we are getting very close to marshal law in some parts of the country, like the one I am in for example. There are rumors of curfews going into effect. Rumors of lots of things actually. Rumors of death, quarantine, total shutdown of the town. I have to leave now (going to a party of all things) but I will update as things change or I learn more. Following is the email response I sent to my sister and a link to the BBC article that prompted it:
No, but I am close to Mexico City and one of the quotes was from someone in Oaxaca. I don't want to panic but I don't want to be stupid. People are scared. And becoming more so every day. Two days ago, nobody was wearing surgical masks. Yesterday I saw fifty. This morning, they're everywhere. Three helicopters flew over today and landed - that hasn´t happened. They´re either bringing something in or taking someone or something out. More soldiers around today also. They rolled in a few weeks ago for Semana Santa but then left. Then rolled back in yesterday. Nothing like walking out your door in the morning and seeing a 17 year old with an M-16. People were a little freaked when I arrived because of the economy. Now people are really freaked out - because of the effect this will have on the economy (more so than the health risk). You thought tourism was hurting here before? This is a crushing blow. This could put the entire country on the verge of, if not into, collapse because of all the other shit going on. I feel some responsibility not to freak out and to keep supporting the economy because I really like the people here that I am staying with and who are teaching me at my school. But I am going to talk to my Australian friend today (a minister - funny) about wheter or not we should take our trip to the coast a week early and get into a less-populated area. I also have the luxury of leaving the country but feel kind of like an elitist pig for doing it. But at least we have the solid Mexican government behind the problem who are providing very clear and complete information and implementing their well thought out plan (like getting their own families up to the US). Excuse me, but I need to go wash my hands for the fifth time today.
To: andresmitchell@hotmail.comFrom: susanmathai@cox.netSubject: BBC NEWS Have Your Say Mexico flu: Your experiencesDate: Sat, 25 Apr 2009 23:54:46 -0700
I realize this is from Mexico City, but keep an eye out.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/8018428.stm
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment