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October 2011

10

Mexico gang violence

In Acapulco, Mexico, rival organized-crime gangs have increased the level of violence against each other and moved it into areas of town more frequented by tourists. Over a four-day period in mid August, 13 people were killed during attacks on taxis and public buses, with one attack at a taxi stand near the municipal market.

Also in Acapulco, on Aug. 20 five decapitated bodies were discovered near a Sam’s Club store and along the nearby boulevard Miguel Alemán. Gas station owners have protested the extortion by crime gangs and threats against their employees.

Libya’s transition

Although the six-month conflict in Libya began winding down in August after the taking of Tripoli and the ouster of Gaddafi from the capital by rebel fighters, the country remains unsafe for travel. There is still sporadic violence between rebel fighters and remaining pro-Gaddafi personnel. There also are retribution attacks on civilians and some looting.

An estimated 50,000 people died or disappeared during the conflict. The National Transitional Council began the difficult work of piecing together a new government and restoring civil order.

Long-trip logistics plus Spain and Portugal

My husband, Jim, and I took a month-long road trip through northern Spain and Portugal, May 24-June 23, 2011. After picking up our car in Biarritz, France, we drove into Spain and visited Bilbao in the Basque country; La Rioja (famous for its red wines); spectacular, Yosemite-like Pico de Europa, and the region of Galicia, with its rugged coastline and the Christian pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela.

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