You are correct Metavision, of course, and I didn't mean to imply that muggings only happen in poor countries.  I feel safer from street crime in most countries outside our dear North. However, there are places where I have learned to be extra careful and downtown San Jose just happens to be one of them. On the other hand, I have wondered around quite a few sseemingly peaceful places without experiencing serious crime only to read later of violent crime in the exact same location.

I am currently staying, for the first time, in a small fishing village on the north coast of Yucatan. The inhabitants are very poor and very law abiding. Canadians who have lived here for some time tell us that they come and go at all hours of the night and no one has experienced street crime in the village. I am more concerned about crime in the larger cities, such as Merida even though it has traditionally been a relatively safe city.

If you saw one of my earlier posts, you would know that I consider my hometown in the US to be very unsafe, as documented by crime statistics.  

I can swear there ain't no heaven but I pray there ain't no hell. _ Blood Sweat & Tears