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A fool? Not at all. Life's an adventure. You're doing due diligence by asking questions, which is the opposite of foolishness.
Language is your biggest barrier. It's not like France...try to speak what little Spanish you know...it's possible to get by on just what you learned in high school Spanish or what not, but I wouldn't go if I wasn't fluent in Spanish (I am) or had a friend with me who was fluent. You won't have any issues with language in any major resort area like Mazatlan or Puerto Vallarta. English speakers are prevalent. The rural areas are more difficult. People just don't speak English in those parts and it's tough to get by if you run into trouble with your car. Negotiations in price and such can get complicated with limited knowledge of Spanish. In addition, in many rural areas, literacy is an issue...as in Spanish speakers who cannot read or write in any language...much like some rural areas of the U.S.
People create pictures in their heads of Mexico being this overtly shady place...an entire country populated by war-lords who prey on Americans with a bunch of crazies riding in the back of pickups with machine guns looking to shoot up an old Volvo full of gringos, rob them, hold them hostage, etc. The fact is that millions of people cross the border into Mexico from the United States and millions of them end up going back just fine. Attacks on foreigners are exceptionally rare, so rare that when they do occur it's big news. You're more likely to be killed on the drive in a car accident than be attacked by a group of cartel hit-men.
Those state department warnings, while good information, are often used as leverage in trade negotiations...they put out these dire warnings to travelers as a way of depriving Mexico of tourist dollars to ratchet up pressure for one trade agreement or another. Although rooted in fact, they're highly political and sensationalized for maximum effect.
Mexico is fine, but it's a foreign country with different customs, language, etc. Be prepared for any contingency and just be precautious. No guns, no drugs, keep in touch with your family, etc. You can also inform your consulate of where you're going if it makes you feel better.
I'm just used to Mexico so it's not that big of a deal to me.
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A bottle of oil and some basic tools in the trunk. The highway is calling. Always remember the difference between durability and reliability. Embrace the old Volvo in your driveway. She's eager to please and, with a little TLC (and a few headaches), sh
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