[QUOTE=DickMilhous;2610254]Sorry Cal, from my earlier AD days I'd visited boys towns and border cat houses and was never impressed with the selection. Those visits were often during off hours and several decades ago, so things clearly could be much different in the Zona in Reynosa. I would like to see an update myself. If I end up back there maybe I'll write it. But there is no Uber in Reynosa and if it is one thing I fear more than being visited on by cartel members, it is being a non Spanish speaking gringo at the mercy of Reynosa taxi drivers.
Incidentally, there is apparently a robust Uber in Juarez which for me is a huge plus.[/QUOTE]I hear you on not speaking Spanish. Some of the taxi drivers were assholes on my few visits even with conversational Spanish. Although it's not a far walk to the Zona. Place might still have opportunists loitering which could cause issues.
Don't worry about the cartels. I'm sure they have sentries everywhere and there are no police anymore who will actually fuck with you sometimes. Only problems I had were from beggars, wannabe gangsters, and crackheads hanging around the Zona area looking for easy pickings. A quick "callete" and devil-may-care attitude was all it took to have most scurry away. Back a few years ago business managers around the Zona would gladly report any harassment of customers to the "proper authorities" to have the individuals dealt with appropriately if you had a persistent vagrant. I'm guessing the retribution was harsh as the violator was not anywhere to be seen the rest of the trip.
Kind of sad seeing the potential for the Zona going unused due to misconceptions and uncertainty from lack of gringo visitors. The people all along the area are helpful and respectful and want your business. It's still the best value for money I've found anywhere in the world.