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vacaenbaja
Senior Nomad
Posts: 640
Registered: 4-4-2006
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Despite the intimidation factor you should ALWAYS keep an
eye on the person searching your vehicle. If there are two of you, one should watch from their side of the truck while the
driver gets out and opens the rear doors with keys rather than remotely
That way It gives you an excuse to go around and escort your inspector while they ply through your stuff.
I told this to my friend on a trip down to Camalu. He did not
follow the drill and payed with the loss of his digital camera.
It may be a little more intimidating with inspectors other than the military,use your judgement on their body language.
But definitely with the military kids in their teens.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64526
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Exactly... I enjoy the Latin American experience of soldiers on a desert highway with machine guns! I mean, it ain't the USA, that's why it has so
much appeal!
If they actually ask you to get out for an inspection (about 30% of the time for me), then take your keys, wallet and don't leave anything out like
camera, GPS, etc.
I stand right by the doorway and look closely at where they are reaching.
When done, if it was a pleasnt experience (it almost always is) and it seems appropriate... some nice gesture of fruit, water, soda, gum,
conversation... I mean, gee wiz, we are on vacation traveling hundreds of miles from home to have fun in their country... If we can't give a little
(and I mean little) to show our generosity or appreciation, then how can we expect the same in return?
It is part of the Baja travel experience... If you don't like the way things are done in Mexico, there's nobody forcing you to go there!!!
Photo from Seatwill
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Woooosh
Banned
Posts: 5240
Registered: 1-28-2007
Location: Rosarito Beach
Member Is Offline
Mood: Luminescent Waves at Rosarito Beach
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Where did the idea of gifting these guys come from anyway? I go through the new inspection checkpoints a lot when I head to SD. I usually have a
white lab with me that the soldiers enjoy playing with through teh window- almost as much as he enjoys chewing on their arm. I think just being nice
to them while they do their jobs is a pleasant surpirse for them. It's never occurred to me to offer them a treat and they've never looked at me like
I should offer one. JMHO though
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DavidT
Nomad
Posts: 494
Registered: 4-9-2005
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Awfulart, If you were to go through an intense inspection at a checkpoint, up to and including having your vehicle unpacked and everything inspected
would you still give out sodas afterwards? Or do you only reward them when they behave like you want?
Vacaenbaja and DavidK, you seem to approach these soldiers as potential thieves. Is this from personal experience or just a general distrust of
Mexicans?
Soulpatch, in California is it safe to say that you are well compensated for your work? For the sake of this argument let's say so. If you were in
the position of a professional (soldier, public servant) in Baja would you have the same outlook?
David
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DavidT
Nomad
Posts: 494
Registered: 4-9-2005
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| Quote: | Originally posted by soulpatch
And, what is in a man's heart doesn't have anything to do w/a border. |
Agreed, and that may explain DavidK's passion.
David
Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.
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Sharksbaja
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5814
Registered: 9-7-2004
Location: Newport, Mulege B.C.S.
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Gimme a break DT!
The way I see it is; the faster and friendlier they are is proportional to my attitude and generocity. DavidT are you inferring that public servants
should not receive tips, gifts or gratuities.
That my friend is what drives the service industry in the U.S. It it weren't fer gratuities many service employees would suffer financially.
Nationality or race makes no difference when it comnes to outright service. Just cause these checkpoint guys are govt doesn't mean ya can't toss em
a thank you in the form of ___________(enter your choice). They don't get many goodies or perks from Mexico City.
Is it about customer service. If they give it , I reflect my appreciation appropriately. Would I buy em all a steak dinner? Well that depends what
they find!
DON\'T SQUINT! Give yer eyes a break!
Try holding down [control] key and toggle the [+ and -] keys
Viva Mulege!
Nomads\' Sunsets
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Phil S
Super Nomad
Posts: 1205
Registered: 10-28-2003
Member Is Offline
Mood: After 34 years. Still in love w/ my wife
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This has worked for me in the past. Makes me "feel good" for doing it, and hoping the soldiers enjoyed what I do. I buy used dart boards &
darts at Salvation Army store in my home town. I carry it to Loreto. Sometimes it gets there, and sometimes it goes back home with me. Sometimes I'm
impressed with my inspection & or the personel doing the inspection. Then they end up with the dartboard & darts. Whom will be remembered as
being friendly? The grumpy p--sed off gringo who shows his disgust at being inconvenienced by being stopped, or the friendly gringo who speaks lousy
spanish, but tries, and after the inspection is overwith, offers a used dartboard & darts? That shouldn't be a "no brainer" And David K. Right
on mi amigo. Who cares what anyone thinks what we do is right or not. We aren't living for them anyhow!!!!!
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8807
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
Member Is Offline
Mood: Full Time Residents
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dart board...
hey... good idea
i want one too
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