Travel Guide Tex Mexico knows more about Mexico than most of us do about the United States. A resident of Mexico, Tex will steer you clear of trouble and point you in the right direction for trips across the border with weekly updates.

Tex Mexico says: Howdy Folks... In light of recent events in our Mexican border cities, I thought it would be important to provide our Winter Texan visitors some insight into what's going on and why. Also, to address the issue of safety when visiting destinations across the border. Since I have lived in Mexico for the last 14 years - most of the years in Reynosa - I'm going to use the specifics of the border city as an example of the problems at-large up and down the U.S.-Mexico border. The recent murders of police and prison guards in Reynosa and Matamoros are about one thing and one thing only - illegal drugs! There is a constant struggle between drug cartels in Central and South America for the control of the multibillion dollar business of providing illegal drugs, many of which are in high demand in the North American marketplace. Since Mexico borders both the U.S. and other these other Central/South  American countries, they find themselves literally in the middle of it all. Most illegal drugs either originate or must pass through Mexico in order to reach the U.S., and such trafficking has made for many power struggles across the country, many within influential circles. Violence has erupted in hot spots all across the country, and - like our own country - Mexico is caught in the middle of something sinister and often deadly. But as we turn to Mexico to accept the blame for such lawlessness, let's be quick to remember that if it was not for the high demand for the illegal products in the U.S., then the problem in Mexico would be greatly reduced. The current Mexican Administration of President Vicente Fox is very serious about fighting the drug-related crime problems of Mexico. The efforts are evidenced, in part, by the large number of checkpoints that have cropped up on highways across the country. On a recent visit to the interior I encountered no less than seven checkpoints between the U.S. border and Vera Cruz. Meanwhile, on the local level in Reynosa, the new Mayor has been adamant about his plans to clean up corruption within the Reynosa police department. Allegations had been made that some officers were actually on cartel payrolls. The recent shooting death of Reynosa's new police chief exemplifies the problems border cities are currently facing. I am encouraged, however, after attending the Winter Texan Welcoming Party in Reynosa Jan. 22nd. A record number of Winter Texans attended the Fiesta on the streets of the city without significant incident. Is Reynosa a perfectly safe destination? Of course not. Neither is Houston, Dallas or Chicago. But if you follow a few simple rules of travel, things should be all right. Travel only through high-traffic areas during daylight hours If driving, park in guarded lots Stay away from questionable area of town Don't use local ATMs unless in a safe, high traffic area And remember, if you get stopped by the local traffic police, don't give them money. You should ask to visit the local police station to pay your fine. At the recent Fiesta, the new sub-commander of the Reynosa Transito, Jose Zauzau, told me that his number one priority is to see that American tourists will return to Reynosa because it is a safe destination. He says he has instructed his officers to refrain from stopping tourists unless they commit a serious traffic violation. In short, don't let the few bad guys that grab all the headlines keep you from visiting my beautiful and romantic Mexico! Incidentally, a new hotline has been set up for American visitors who encounter problems in Reynosa. In Mexico, call 01-800-388-999. From the U.S., call 011-52-866-557-3232. View my last column/report .