Mexicana

Quote: rxwine

Maybe Turkey is not representive either, but I hit a sequential royal flush in a casino in Adana. Maybe none of the people in the casino were Muslims -- well, at least none would admit to it probably. But I'm not so sure some weren't in the closet (so to speak), and might tell you differently outside of that area.

Like Christians, I am sure there are Muslims who don't follow the letter of their religion...

Quote: thecesspit

Like Christians, I am sure there are Muslims who don't follow the letter of their religion...

I've seen Muslims in the casino in Detroit, its not uncommon.

Quote: mkl654321

So I'll ask the question again--how do Muslims handle it when it becomes compulsory by law to buy some kind of insurance, such as auto liability insurance?

Maybe they get a dispensation or exemption. It doesn't seem as if anyone is saying anything about this. And then, how about the new national so-called compulsory health insurance?

Quote: mkl654321

So I'll ask the question again--how do Muslims handle it when it becomes compulsory by law to buy some kind of insurance, such as auto liability insurance?

I assume that some people try and bring suits against compulsory actions that seem to violate religious principles. In general (in matters of government) the court sides with the law. Examples include:

Wearing of robes, masks, veils, or other disguises - this has mainly involved the Muslim religion, and Muslim women specifically. The courts have ruled unconstitutional the idea that due to bank robberies, thefts, and crimes at malls, officers can enforce crime prevention ordinances outlawing the wearing of veils, robes, or other disguises if it is done in the name of religion.

Exemption from military service on religious grounds - the Court has never held that the free exercise clause requires the government to exempt people on these grounds.

Autopsies - some religions, like the Amish and others, do not condone the law enforcement practice of conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Refusing to pay taxes, abide by motor safety laws, carry liability insurance, etc. - this has mainly involved Amish and other groups who won't place reflecting triangles on their buggies, etc., and the court has ruled there will be no exceptions.


Sacrifice of small animals (chickens, goats, ducks, etc.) - this has mainly involved satanist groups or the Santeria movement (an African religion mostly confined to the Hialeah suburb of Miami). The satanists haven't won much, but the Santeria practice has been protected due to the court's viewing it as a central part of their religion.

Quote: Nareed

Typically Aeromexico charges more than Mexicana, ergo some people who'd have gone to vegas now won't.

Viva Aerobus (whose fleet is all Boeing) is reasonably priced, but only flies to Vgeas out of Monterrey. Lastly mexicana had a flight from Guadalajara to Vegas, that market is not being served anymore.

Within the past year, Arizona-based US Airways has dramatically increased direct service to Mexico from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. I suspect that Mexican tourists are coming via this gateway. It is difficult to see in the McCarran reports because USAirways has cut service to Vegas so dramatically since last year, that this relatively small increase of tourists from Mexico is lost in the overall data.

The additional service to destinations such as Mexico City, Cancun and Guadalajara come in response to a 19.2% year-over-year increase in international air traffic to Mexico. Much of that demand comes from the United States. In part, demand is driven by a spike in business traffic to cities such as Guadalajara and Mexico City.

With the increased demand with the bankruptcy of Mexicana, U.S. carriers have found a lucrative niche.

You cannot be of sane mind and take a trip to Mexico at the same time.

Ahh! Just can't wait for mkl's reply that Jerry must visit south of the border quite frequently. Here it comes.....

Quote: Doc

Ahh! Just can't wait for mkl's reply that Jerry must visit south of the border quite frequently. Here it comes.....

No, too obvious. Besides, it's pretty clear that Jerry has been far south of a very different kind of border for some time now.

It looks like Mexicana is bankrupt permanently. Attempts at revival have been abandoned. The fleet will be sold.

No US carrier is flying from Vegas to Mexico. Nonstop cities have been reduced to Mexico City, Monterrey, and Hermosillo. Carriers are Aeromexico, and Vivaaerobus.

However, starting in April Volaris is going to start up non-stops to Guadalajara. If you live in Las Vegas I urge you to think about taking a few days and going to Guadalajara. The nonstops are 3:10 to 3:20 each way and round trip tickets are as low as $317 with taxes.

Dining is from casual, to the spectacular like Santo Coyote restuarant,and Cocina Ochenta y Ocho (irritating website).


La Fonda de San Miguel (near downtown) is a chance to eat in a restored nunnery from the 17th century.

A local favorite is a "drowned sandwich" or "torta ahogada". You have to try one (very messy).


You have your share of European inspired culture. Hospicio Cabañas and the cathedral are the high points of downtown (and a World Heritage site)





There is a great nightlife, the chain of cuban bars named after the famed Havana club, La Bodeguita del medio has one of it's best locations in Guadalajara. The locations in Puerto Vallarta and Playa del Carmen (Cancun) are more for white people.

HOTELS
The best are Villa Ganz and Quinta Real if you have money. Very upscale but more corporate is Camino Real Guadalajara .

Fiesta Americana if you want corporate style.

Hotel Frances was built a decade before the Mayflower landed (they have changed the mattresses). Hotel San Francisco low cost (US$50) hotel near the city center, geared at tourists and Mexican businessmen. I stayed there, but it can be noisy. Hotel de Mendoza is probably your best bet for downtown.

Hotel Lafayette is in a good location. It's a Mexican business hotel. It is not highly rated, but I like the location. Probably your best cross between safety, comfort, and good price ($65). Nearby is Centro Magno is a tiny shopping center. There are restaurants and clubs within walking distance.

There is a fairly large commercial district with huge hotels that I haven't mentioned. The feel would be much closer to Los Angeles.

Orientation
It's a little less than 3 miles from the Cathedral in the center of the city to Plaza Minerva where the Fiesta Americana and the more expensive Quinta Real are located. The streets Vallarta and Hidalgo are lines with excellent restaurants and nice clubs. It is cheaper to stay downtown to be closer to the main tourist sites, but dining is more casual and most of the clubs are gay downtown. If you stay in Hotel Frances they have a straight club and dining in the downstairs where you will probably feel comfortable.

Taxis are metered (ask before you get in if the meter is working) so they won't be very expensive. The airport is far from town, but it's not bad if the meter is working. Always ask, and don't believe him if he tells you there is a special airport surcharge at night.

The nearby communities of Tlaquepaque and Tonala are excellent places to shop. Tlaquepaque is much more upscale, and Tonala is cheaper. Zapopan is both the name of an old city center, and of a sprawling suburban city that is larger than Guadalajara itself.

The town of Tequila Mexico is nearby. There are buses, and a Tequila train on Saturdays. It's a charming little town and a world heritage site.


Small casino in Guadalajara.

Quote: pacomartin

Small casino in Guadalajara.

That should give Las Vegans a good laugh.

BTW Mexicana doesn't have much of a fleet. About 8 or 10 planes, the rest were leased.

A deal fell through, but last I heard there were other interested groups. Someone may take it over yet. If that doesn't happen soon, it won't happen at all. The other airlines are expanding to fill Mexicana's vacancies, and even Aviacsa should be back up soon.