TravelStream™ news feed for member billiegreenwood on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/billiegreenwood en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:30:12 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1251673738/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1251673738/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1251673738/tpod.html Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:30:12 -0400 Border Explorer: one person's viewpoint on a hot-button area of the world

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El Paso, Texas, United States

My posts here were becoming more and more political; too political, I thought, for a travel site. So I started my own blog on Blogger, and then began writing for internet news sites as a citizen journalist. Upshot: I didn't update this Border Explorer blog last year upon our return to El Paso. The situation on the border deteriorated severely, and it became prohibitive for us to venture into Juarez very much at all. It is bleak and grim.

I'm writing this post from Iowa now since Travelpod featured one of my entries on Juarez on their "10 Most Dangerous Cities on Earth" post. That's brought lots of extra traffic here. We still plan to return to El Paso. I blog about the situation other places now. We're committed to return, although honestly, right now, going back to a war zone doesn't sound all that attractive to me. But I love the border. We'll be back.

Here's a good short synopsis of the violence in Juarez entitled "The World's Most Violent City." I'm reprinting it from Offline, la notizia in altre parole:

Ciudad Juarez is a major Mexican city on the border with the United States, 1 and a half million inhabitants and a strong economic integration with neighbour El Paso, Texas. But unfortunately the city is known for his appalling crime rate that has made it the most violent city in the world.The Mexican president has sent 10,000 soldiers of the army to maintain order, but so far the results seem poor.

In the city nearly 3,000 people are killed each year, a number 4 times higher than in the whole Italy and ten times greater than our Mafia murders.Most of the killings are due to clashes between gangs for control of drug trafficking, but also the number of lawyers, judges, policemen and journalists killed is impressive. Add to that a series of vicious murders of young women who have long made investigators think of one or more serial killers, at least 400 girls killed during a dozen years. And the disappearances of young women still continue today, but almost take a back seat compared to the violent war on drugs.

Recently was killed a detective of the city prosecutor who was investigating the assassination of a journalist. Over the years, accusations of inefficiency and corruption against local police have multiplied, and there were indeed several cases in which some policemen were on the payroll of the drug cartels. The United States also have their responsibilities, the Free Trade Agreement NAFTA has impoverished the Mexican countryside and increase urbanization, with all the social problems that this entails.

Moreover, the large U.S. and international companies that have their factories in Ciudad Juarez have been accused in the case of murders of young women to have jeopardized the safety of their workers, such as shifts in the evening or at night, without any bus service running.

But another accusation that hit the United States is the very idea of the "war on drugs", another useless and losing war inherited from Bush. Already the UN, several South American politicians and many civil organizations have taken a stand against the excesses of Prohibition, which end up not getting any results. The Latin American Committee on Drugs and Democracy called on President Obama to decriminalize cannabis and treat drug abuse as a health issue and not a security one. The idea of decriminalization is making progress in Argentina and Mexico and it is time for the entire world to understand that such a war as well as being a waste of resources and lives, cannot be won. All the drug wars in fact do nothing but fragment the crime gangs and make them more violent.

But right now the immediate problem in Ciudad Juarez is to restore order and state control in the city. For the moment a growing number of Mexican citizens is buying a house in El Paso, to escape the most dangerous city in the world.Francesco Defferrari



]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1211405040/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1211405040/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1211405040/tpod.html Wed, 21 May 2008 17:59:09 -0400 Border Explorer: one person's viewpoint on a hot-button area of the world

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El Paso, Texas, United States

Click here for my visual summation of Round 2 of Border Exploring.

It's a collage of some of my favorites from winter '07-spring '08. Your comments are welcome. Enjoy your explorations--wherever they may take you!

See you back here for Round 3 in December 2008.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1210883100/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1210883100/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1210883100/tpod.html Thu, 15 May 2008 17:01:47 -0400 Border Explorer: one person's viewpoint on a hot-button area of the world

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El Paso, Texas, United States

As the grammar school student who couldn't complain about her teacher without turning around to find that same teacher directly behind me, listening to everything I said...I learned early on to tell the truth. So, Readers, know that I'm currently in the Midwest and no longer in El Paso, TX. But, as there are several blog entries I didn't have the chance to post, I'll continue posting.

Here's a photo of the display on my dresser that gave me a laugh attack one morning:

From left to right: drinking water, nasal mist, body lotion, lip balm, hand cream, eye drops, sunscreen, lined up in front of the kleenex box and desk fan--The Desert Survival Kit. (actual photo of my dresser top!)

Despite devote usage, I still am a flake ready to float through a hole in the ozone layer. Often the humidity in El Paso registers at 5% or less! So far this year we've had less than 1/3 inch of rain total! It is dry in the desert. Traveler, Beware! Bring your fluids and cremes. Do not neglect to utilize them.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1210459860/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1210459860/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1210459860/tpod.html Sat, 10 May 2008 19:29:06 -0400 Border Explorer: one person's viewpoint on a hot-button area of the world

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Vaughn, New Mexico, United States

We stopped off at a little town park in Vaughn; it was a step back in time. The old fashioned playground equipment was unique and handcrafted. You can learn a lot about a town by how they maintain their park.
Enjoy the photos and note that the ones that begin with "*" have extra comments if you click on the thumbnail.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1210010580/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1210010580/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1210010580/tpod.html Tue, 06 May 2008 11:13:39 -0400 Border Explorer: one person's viewpoint on a hot-button area of the world

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Raton, New Mexico, United States

How many times do you step into a brand new town and directly into a rockin' party? We lucked out in Raton because the Cinco de Mayo festival was in full swing in the park--courtesy of the Hispanic band Los Diamontes/The Diamonds who provided great dance music. I convinced Mr. B.E. to join me on the tarmack for a few tunes, including "Juanita the Dancing Cubanita" in which we were joined by a Cuban dance couple. We loved the feel of the festival, so relaxed and open to all types. There were ordinary middle-aged folk, kids romping, some urban-grunge youth, some stoned-out music fans: all intermingling without any tensions or problems. We were certainly about the only gringo couple I noticed, but we felt right at home too. Someone even complimented us on our dancing when we closed down The Diamonds, who said they hated to have to stop playing.

The town of Raton is an interesting, historic stop--I hope I can return and do it better justice. The Budget Host Inn was one of the best managed, best maintained places I've ever stayed: highly recommended lodging [and believe me, I've stayed in some bad places--so I know good when I see it.]

The photos with titles beginning with "*" have additional text you can see if you click on the thumbnail.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1209672360/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1209672360/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1209672360/tpod.html Sat, 03 May 2008 20:04:16 -0400 Border Explorer: one person's viewpoint on a hot-button area of the world

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El Paso, Texas, United States

A reporter from National Public Radio in Las Cruces, selected me from the crowd gathered for the May 1 pro-immigration rally in the heart of downtown El Paso: "What does your sign say?"

Since someone had just thrust it into my hands, I actually had to look up to read the Spanish. Much to my embarassment, I translated the Spanish double negative literally--right into bad English. Off on the wrong foot, I then had to correct myself when I misspoke "free trade" instead of "FAIR trade" and continued with several other stupidities. All I can say is: Thank God for tape; I'm glad it wasn't live. It wasn't my day.

A couple hundred marched through El Paso even though winds were roaring gusts of 45 MPH, the air filled with dust and blowing sand. The little rally set the right tone: short, heartfelt speeches and lots of good energy and spirit and chanting. Unexpectedly running into some of my undocumented friends and lots of NGO-staff friends was a nice personal bonus. The whole event uplifted me. Maybe it was my day after all.

[Note that the photo thumbnails with titles that begin with "*" have further explanation you'll see if you click.]
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Time-sensitive link: Border Explorer appears on NPR 
Well, my NPR interviewer Kevin managed to salvage a sound bite out of my little interview so if you want to hear me on the radio you can listen to it here. Muchos gracias to my friend Mrs. Dada for discovering it....I think (?!?).
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1209545460/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1209545460/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1209545460/tpod.html Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:56:11 -0400 Border Explorer: one person's viewpoint on a hot-button area of the world

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La Mesilla, New Mexico, United States

The Border Book Festival, held annually in Old Mesilla NM, highlights the literature, cultural elements and current events of the Border. We visited all the booths at the outdoor fair, held in the town central park of this restored historic village. [I purchased my own copy of Diana Washington Valdez's The Killing Fields.]

Some of the booths featured activist groups. Folks from El Paso's Segundo Barrio had a booth with DVD, literature, T shirts and stickers; we enjoyed getting to know each other. The Friends of the Women of Juarez provided info and projects to counteract the killing of women for sport in Mexico. I hope to visit Centro Santa Catalina in Juarez (tho I won't get that done this round of B.E.ing); so, we chatted at their booth.

Great outdoor entertainment, music, weather! The festival features important writers every year. Busy in Palomas, I missed this year's featured Cuban-American author Cristina Garcia, whose books I've enjoyed. There's too much to do in the Border to get it all done. Enjoy the slideshow of festival sights. Many thumbnails have stories to read if you click on them.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1209251340/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1209251340/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1209251340/tpod.html Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:53:18 -0400 Border Explorer: one person's viewpoint on a hot-button area of the world

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Palomas, Mexico

This entry is a slide show of some assorted shots of Palomas with my written memories attached. You can click on the photos, most of them have stories or explanations.

Good-by, Palomas, until next year! I've grown to love you. Hope to see you again!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1209217320/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1209217320/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1209217320/tpod.html Sat, 26 Apr 2008 11:09:17 -0400 Border Explorer: one person's viewpoint on a hot-button area of the world

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Just across the fence from Palomas, Mexico


Many travelers connote duty free stores with international air travel: a shop in the international terminal where you can waste some time while waiting to board your flight. Here on the border we have our own style. The duty free store is a free-standing building located near the border crossing where U.S. citizens can purchase items that normally have an importation duty or tax. The customer must then "dutifully" [sorry, I couldn't resist that] carry the items purchased across the border into Mexico. When they return back into the US they declare them and pay a little tax to the state of Texas. All told, you save some money on the items.


This is especially true in Palomas where there is no fee to cross into Mexico and back, as there is in places where you have to pay to use a bridge.

This time, after many crossings at Palomas, I stepped into the duty free store to see what they had to offer. The photos speak for themselves. I talked to the clerk about the process. She seemed to think that in Palomas the people responsible for monitoring the duty process were less careful than in other places. I didn't try it, though I was tempted by the low prices on brandy and Kahlua.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1207255860/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1207255860/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/billiegreenwood/borderexplorer/1207255860/tpod.html Sat, 26 Apr 2008 09:38:49 -0400 Border Explorer: one person's viewpoint on a hot-button area of the world

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Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States

After attending the conference "Justice for Immigrants" at New Mexico State University, I returned home reflective and troubled. We attended panel discussions on the forces that drive immigration, on the role of the media in immigration, and also two opposing points of view around immigration at the J. Paul Taylor Social Justice Symposium. In retrospect, it seems to me that immigration is becoming a topic as polarized as the topic of abortion is in this nation. Politicians are unwilling to address it; it is their political nightmare. While everyone is clear that immigration process is badly in need of comprehensive reform, there is no clear consensus on the best way to to do that.

As for myself, after considering immigration from so many aspects over the last two years, I just get further stymied in the complexities of the issues that converge around this point. Economics trumps compassion in our culture, but I can't offer a solution or even the best next step either. It feels like impasse. I'm discouraged today.

Virtual visit: Art exhibit by Diana Molina Seven String Barbed Wire Fence

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