Talk:Vieques

From Wikitravel

Can someone explain to me what the deal with the disconnect is? I'm trying to get to this island in a couple of days and the first thing I read is that I might have might neck cut, but then the "Stay safe" section makes an absurd (?) claim that the island is safe. So in short I want to know how likely am I, a gringo, going to have my neck cut into? -- Sapphire • (Talk) • 09:17, 12 April 2007 (EDT)

[edit] Very safe--some petty thefts.

This is a TWO PART response. Vieques is a very safe Island. I never felt physically threatened at any time. I found the people to be very friendly and helpful. When we were in the grocery store, they would strike up a conversation, give us tips on things, etc. We walked along the sidewalks at night without trepidation.

NOW, there IS a problem with petty thefts out at the more remote beaches. There are groups of teens and others who will come out to the beach area and hide in the underbrush. When individuals leave their stuff on the beach/in the rental vehicle (usually a traker that doesn't lock) and head into the water or to walk along the beach, these individuals will come out of the brush and steal cameras, credit cards, cash, jewelry, and etc. They don't confront you--they just take your stuff and then sneak back into the underbrush.

THUS, you can feel safe--but don't leave valuables/license/passport/etc in vehicle or on your chair. If you were at South Beach in Miami, your car would lock securely--that isn't likely here. If you were in Daytona or Myrtle Beach, you might cover some stuff with the edge of your towel assuming the folks beside you would see anyone strange who came by---but there are few people nearby....and there is much more disparity in income here than on the mainland.

GO TO VIEQUES--or send me your plane ticket so my wife and I can go! We LOVE IT!--Mwpyle 19:44, 25 May 2007 (EDT)