"Aren't you scared?"

Before I left for Mexico and Colombia, this was a question I was regularly asked as a solo female traveler. I wanted to document the side of the countries, behind all the assumptions we hold against them due to their history. Of course, I'm not obvious in promoting them as "safe" countries. There is still crime happening under the radar, and the cartel is still very prominent in all areas. However, the countries have come far within the last ten years. The first installment is from Mexico, where I spent the most time, and every place differed from the last. Seeing armed police in the supermarket and beaches became the norm. No matter how scary they look, a lot of the time they will say hello and ask you how you are when walking past in the street. Mexico is so much more than typical Cancun, the stereotypes they face, and the cartel. It's a country bursting with culture, art, and the kindest people. It's very intimidating, being in a foreign country, especially within the bus stations, but people wanted to help me, offer me advice, or even small talk. They want to show backpackers their side of Mexico.