I have wondered whether it is better to speak Spanish to the soldiers at the checkpoints or feign ignorance. I speak to them in Spanish and have
sometimes succeeded in getting our following rigs wiaved on through the checkpoint. But speaking Spanish allows them to hassle you more.
What do you think?bajarich - 3-5-2006 at 09:57 PM
I enjoy speaking Spanish at the checkpoints. I think the soldiers appreciate our trying to speak their language as do most Mexican people. It gives
me practice and I have never had a problem with them.Paula - 3-5-2006 at 10:08 PM
I have always spoken Spanish at the checkpoints, even on our first trip when we somehow got the impression that it was better not to. It was just so
great having the opportunity to use it. The guys seem immediately friendlier, and we have never had a problem at the checkpoints. I think what
really matters is your attitude, and friendliness gets a good response no matter what the language.thebajarunner - 3-5-2006 at 10:10 PM
Baja Vida also gives out left over bottles of Two Buck Chuck at selected checkpoints..... to great delight (until El Capitan appears)
Nothing bilingual there....
heh heh hehDavidT - 3-6-2006 at 12:26 AM
On my first trips my Baja guru told me it was best to speak english only at the checkpoints. So I did, until my trip to Mulege last October. On the
way back we were suddenly, to be politically correct, persons of interest. Our truck was the center of attention. Probably because of my bloodshot
eyes. After I told the soldiers, in my mangled spanish, that I would never, ever drink again, and if they wanted, they could have the rest of the
beer did they send us on our way.thebajarunner - 3-6-2006 at 01:19 PM
so, did they take the beer?
Baja Vida and I anxiously await your answer...
speaking spanish at check points------
Barry A. - 3-6-2006 at 01:48 PM
-------I have always spoken spanish at check points, and the troopers always look at me with puzzlement, and scratch their heads, then grin, and wave
me on.DavidT - 3-6-2006 at 10:28 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by thebajarunner
so, did they take the beer?
Baja Vida and I anxiously await your answer... [/quote
No, actually they just laughed and said it might cause them more trouble then it did for me.
tim40 - 3-6-2006 at 11:02 PM
Never...after the first time....ended up giving me the extra special screen and search... Always polite, and smile, and use all the pleasantries I
know....but no more spanish at check points.
For what it's worth
Gypsy Jan - 3-7-2006 at 12:24 AM
a puzzled expression and then a few garbled phrases in spanish and english, including, "No entiendo" when appropriate works for us.
Also, the big dogs in the back discourage any searches (not that we have anything to hide) and we always volunteer to take the dogs out if the
soldiers wish.bajajudy - 3-7-2006 at 07:16 AM
I have a feeling that it doesnt matter which language you speak, its all in the luck of the draw.
Somedays peanuts, somedays shellsCapt. George - 3-7-2006 at 02:10 PM
I agree with bajajudy...done both, very few problems. Always take off my sunglasses...some guy did a survey and he found taking off the shades caused
him less hassles...I believe. My Mexicano neighbors very much use eye contact during conversation....
I tell them I was Military and a Viet Vet and that's usaually a quick adios amigo...
Capt. George Hope I haven't offended anyone with my input. Was I politically correct..Oh my, what a meanie I am!!!
Well you chapped me off
Sonora Wind - 3-7-2006 at 04:44 PM
And that's not easy, considering I'm a brother FF. I tell people they couldn't cut me with an 8 inch Knife. My skin is just to thick. Thirty five
years in the station will do that to ya. LOL I know this has something to do with Baja. I just wish I knew what!!! Please keep up the chap off part. You DO!!! make me grin.
Oh I almost porgot. I always speak english at check points. I took three years of Deuich in High school when I should have taken spanish. El Dumbo
[Edited on 3-7-2006 by Sonora Wind]
Sonora wind------
Barry A. - 3-7-2006 at 04:49 PM
What does "chapped off" mean??
What is a "brother FF" mean??
What "station" are you referring too??
I must have missed something. (or several things??)
It Means
Sonora Wind - 3-7-2006 at 05:00 PM
Chapped Off: To Be Upset/ unnerved/ peeed.
Brother FF: To Have At One Time Been A Member off The IAFF
Station: A Place of Employment/ Duty House/ THE FIRE STATION.
Sorry I sometimes forget the corner of the world I come from is not the place most know. sorrywoody with a view - 3-7-2006 at 08:04 PM
to come sreaming back on topic......just practice your spanish until, in your best gringo, you throw your arms out to your sides and shrug! either
way, they're gonna do what they want, fluent or gringo....
Please keep up the chap off part. You DO!!! make me grin.