In June of 2010, I traveled to Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico in order to attend classes at International Teacher Training Organization. I really enjoyed my stay there, and I had no problems at all walking around the city. I used the metro bus system called Tren Ligero to travel long distances quickly, and sometimes made use of the local bus system when I did not feel like walking. Near the posada where I rented a room was park in downtown Guadalajara. I frequented the park daily because I loved walk in the open space with park benches, beautiful trees, and lots of locals with whom to converse. I found out very quickly that the park was also the home to many homeless, who earned a few pesos here and there by stopping traffic as drivers backed out of parking spaces into the busy street, washing cars, or giving directions. But not all of them are trustworthy. There are some that would not think twice about knocking you over the head and taking your valuables. I know because in my daily walk, I actually became close friends with many of the homeless. I found that they had formed their own family and helped one another out. Because, one of them accepted me as a friend, the entire 'family' accepted me as one of their own; therefore, I was not a prospect as a victim even though I always carried my notebook laptop with me in the park. They helped me find whatever I needed to find. One of them rode with me on the bus to the nearest mall, because I did not know which buses to take. They never did not ask for any money in return, but I did give them a few pesos here and there. I also invited a few of them to eat with me in one of the local restaurants.
Odd post.
Tells us all about how we shouldn't do what you did. You advice sounds like advice you could give about hanging around places with unknown people anywhere in the world. I could replace the word Mexico with USA, UK, Italy, or Thailand and the advice would be the same.
Anyway, I hope you gained some insight into the plight of the homeless. Any kind of charity work or help for those in need is always to be commended.
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