Albertans Stranded in Mexico Amid Cartel Violence Maintain Stoic Demeanor
Earlier this week, Donna Balzer questioned her husband Keith McCrae's decision to purchase an oversized bag of nuts at a local Mexican market. Little did they know that this seemingly trivial purchase would become a crucial part of their survival strategy as they found themselves trapped in the middle of escalating cartel violence in Guadalajara.
From Vacation to Confinement
Balzer and McCrae, Canadian tourists from Alberta, are currently confined to their boutique hotel, La Villa del Ensueno, in the Guadalajara suburb of Tlaquepaque. What began as a relaxing vacation has transformed into a tense waiting game, with the couple rationing their food supplies and watching carefully from behind the hotel's protective walls.
The couple was scheduled to return to Calgary on Sunday via WestJet, but their flight was abruptly canceled following the violent killing of notorious drug lord El Mencho. This single event triggered widespread chaos throughout the region, with cartel members establishing fiery roadblocks and disrupting normal transportation systems.
Transportation Nightmares
Even if WestJet resumes service, Balzer and McCrae face a daunting logistical challenge: actually reaching the airport. "The worst thing we heard from another tourist is that there's only two gas stations open," Balzer explained. "I don't know if you know how big Guadalajara is, but you can imagine that it's not just like you call a taxi. You have to get a taxi that has gas in the tank and then hope that you make it."
The couple estimates they're approximately thirty minutes from the airport under normal circumstances, but current conditions make this journey potentially impossible. They've observed planes flying overhead, confirming that the airport itself remains operational, but accessing it presents significant dangers.
Hotel Life During Crisis
Inside their walled hotel sanctuary, the atmosphere remains tense but controlled. Hotel staff have strongly discouraged guests from venturing outside, creating an enforced confinement for all visitors. The establishment doesn't typically provide meal packages, forcing creative solutions for basic sustenance.
"Some small grocers opened for an hour Sunday night, and staff went out to get enough to prepare makeshift breakfasts for guests," Balzer noted. This limited access to provisions has made McCrae's large nut purchase unexpectedly valuable, with the couple now "eating like squirrels" as they conserve their resources.
Violence Patterns and Personal Safety
Despite the alarming situation, Balzer maintains a surprisingly calm perspective. She recounted a story shared by their server about police stopping a family, forcing them from their vehicle, and then torching the car without harming the occupants. "It seems to be more about property destruction and making a statement than about trying to hurt people," she observed.
"We're not concerned for our lives," Balzer stated emphatically, highlighting the distinction between property-focused violence and direct threats to personal safety. This assessment has helped the couple maintain their composure despite the uncertainty surrounding their departure.
Broader Context and Travel Advisories
The situation in Guadalajara reflects broader travel disruptions throughout Mexico, with the Puerto Vallarta airport also experiencing closures and Canada issuing updated travel advisories for affected regions. For Balzer, whose daughter Kalen Anderson serves as CEO of BILD Edmonton, this experience has transformed from vacation to unexpected adventure.
As Monday brought temporary clearance for limited movement, the couple remains cautiously optimistic while acknowledging the complex challenges ahead. Their experience underscores the unpredictable nature of international travel and the resilience required when vacation plans collide with geopolitical realities.
