Not surprisingly, the SENTRI guards seem a tad more relaxed. Even in the pre-SENTRI years I had mostly pleasant dealings with the guards who are,
after all, just doing their job. One unfortunate experience was when I brought back a bottle of tequila and a six pack of beer (Carta Blanca -- what
was I thinking?). I declare it and the guy says I'm only allowed a litre, and don't I know that six 12 ounce beers are more than double that? I
respond with "I thought . . ." and he gets all peeed and yells "who told you to think?" and personally walks me over to secondary. I ask what I'm
supposed to do with the extra beers, and he barks "I don't give a damn what you do" and stalks off. So I spend a relaxing half hour at secondary
drinking four beers (might've been one too many, but I was having trouble doing the math after the first two and a half) and had a nice nap on the way
home while my wife drove the truck. I've heard they don't let you do that anymore, for some bizarre reason.DENNIS - 5-6-2007 at 03:20 PM
Got it. Thanks.
My perception of the gate guards differs with each one and the length of the wait but, it seems to me they generally tend to be a bit more nasty
these days. I know, it's a tough job and as I get older, I don't care how they act. It goes in one ear and out the other.Bob and Susan - 5-6-2007 at 03:24 PM
that's me dennis...
they're just doing what they think is important...
of course like everything else it's not ...
enjoy yourself...take a deep breathDENNIS - 5-6-2007 at 03:29 PM
Maybe you should take all those pills and when "HE" gives you a bad time, jump out of the car and make him jealous.coconaco - 5-6-2007 at 03:36 PM
so tell us about the last time you had a peeerick
if you still have those male enhancement pills left when you
got to the border- your vacation must have been cut short.jeans - 5-6-2007 at 04:04 PM
Once, about 35 years ago I got a lecture about how a girl should not drive by herself in Mexico. Yeah...like I listened..
This afternoon, after a Sentri wait of 21 minutes, the gentleman was most pleasant. I have never...in 35 years... been sent to secondary when I was
driving.
My parents live there so I cross a lot...usually alone.
My step dad spouted off one day to a cranky officer, "Do you get paid more for being an a$$hole??....They were in secondary for about a hour....Paulina - 5-6-2007 at 05:59 PM
I had an officer in secondary threaten to shoot my dog once. I guess he was having a bad day.
P<*)))><DENNIS - 5-6-2007 at 06:17 PM
Paulina ----
It's scary to hear of these extremes. I guess it's an example of how severly power can corrupt. Turns them into the SS of Homeland security.Bob and Susan - 5-6-2007 at 06:26 PM
just ask for the supervisor...
you'll be treated with respect...
they're just workers that sometimes get a little overzelousBarry A. - 5-6-2007 at 06:30 PM
Pauline and Dennis------
As a long term Law Enforcement officer and Ranger I have threatened many, many times to shoot a dog if the owner did not get them under control, and
fast.
LE officers do not get paid to let dogs bite them.
I have never actually had to shoot one, but I have come very close, especially as a Ranger in remote campsites, and I have been bitten several times,
once badly-----took a lot of plastic surgery to put me back in shape.
And yes, I generally like dogs, but I do not like to be bitten.DENNIS - 5-6-2007 at 06:53 PM
Barry ----
Point well taken. And, I can't at this point fail to suggest what you should do about those "crazy little rat dogs" that live next door. Bob and Susan - 5-6-2007 at 07:28 PM
WHAT!!!
Paulina - 5-6-2007 at 07:50 PM
Bob y Susan,
Your dog isn't a "Rat dog" it's more like a "jack rabbit dog". Love those ears!
Barry A.,
I can see your point. Our situation was a little different. Our dog was an English Mastiff. He weighed 240 lbs. "Rhubarb" was in the shell of the
truck. I warned the guard not to open the back without me because of my big dog. He told me to stay in the truck. I got out anyway cause I knew what
"might" happen if he opened the back alone. He got angry with me for disobeying him, yelling at me to get back in the truck as he reached for the
door. When he saw just how big my dog was, he was even angrier. He said that if my dog came near him he'd shoot it. I suggested then he'd better back
off and give me space to take him out. By this time a couple more agents came over, one shaking his head suggesting to the anti-dog guard that he go
check our boat. The other guard told me that so and so was just having a bad day. His day would have been a lot worse if he shot my dog.
P<*)))><
[Edited on 7-5-2007 by Paulina]Barry A. - 5-6-2007 at 08:00 PM
Paulina------
Ah Haaaaa-------the rest of the story. Your right, the guy was out of line-----------time for a long coffee break for him.
Border checks are tedious (for everybody), but he had no business being obnoxious.
Thanks for the explanation.
(no rat-dog barking today, and I was outside all day-----they must have tuned into my murderous thoughts) BajaGeoff - 5-6-2007 at 08:08 PM
My experiences have been 95% good. I have found most of the agents to be friendly and respectful, although last week I had a really weird experience.
The agent was really rude and after a ton of questions, proceeded to ask my girlfriend 3 times where she was born and then asked where she went to
elementary school. Also, he was wearing dark sunglasses so you could not see which person in the car he was talking to. Eventually he handed back our
licenses and said nothing. I asked him if we were set to go. No response....just stared at his computer....so I drove off.
Da Border
JG - 5-7-2007 at 08:27 AM
Was asked how many Mexicans did I have in my camper...I asked if 5 were the leagal limit..He answered 4 were the max...I declared 3 and was told to
have a nice day...He must have just started his shift..David K - 5-7-2007 at 08:37 AM
Almost always there are no issues... sometimes they are funny or ask how long the line wait was... On a rare occaision they will be dicks... Like in
Calexico when he took my U.S. purchased Dos Equis (1 bottle, with Ca redemption notice and English text) because I didn't 'declare it! I said that one
didn't come from Mexico... He said it was Mexican beer and had to be declared!
[Edited on 5-7-2007 by David K]Phil S - 5-7-2007 at 09:02 AM
Many trips through TJ & Tecate over the past 16 years. I just used my 'common sense'. Dimmed my headlights to park. Turned the diesel "off" when
arrived at his 'door'. Responded with 'good evening officer'. answered each of his questions with 'no sir' and 'yes sir'. Only once did I ever get
sent through secondary. That was my first return. He asked, "bringing anything back with you?" I responded. "just what I brought down". Off to
secondary I went. Didn't have that response ever again.bajalou - 5-7-2007 at 09:17 AM
For you CocaCola fans, you don't have to bring the Mexican stuff back to the US anymore, Costco is carrying cases of bottles of Coca Cola "Bottled in
Mexico" with cane sugar listed as a ingredient.David K - 5-7-2007 at 09:20 AM
That's great news Lou! Mexican made soda is soooo much tastier to drink than the over fizzed, over sweet U.S. stuff!
The first time is always the hardest
bajabeachbabe - 5-7-2007 at 09:45 AM
I’ve been waiting for the appropriate thread to share our recent experience at the border. This was our first time crossing the border into Mexico by
car, with our newly issued FM3’s in hand. We knew that we needed to get them stamped at the border, as well as getting our son a tourist visa. We
were pleasantly surprised when we approached the border as it was fairly early in the morning and there were no lines. In fact, we breezed through,
getting the green light. “Wow, was that easy!” we said to ourselves, but where do we go to get our FM3’s stamped? The next thing we knew we were
through the border and even missed our turn-off to the toll road. We were in Tijuana before we blinked. Oh No! “We need to go back and find out
where to get our FM3’s stamped”, we whined. We fought our way through the Tijuana traffic and returned to the line back to the US.
Of course, the line to back to the US was really long and we grumpily sat there being offered every sort of food and newspaper by the hawkers. If we
hadn’t already eaten breakfast we might have taken them up on it, as we had plenty of time to wait. When we finally got to the US booth, we tried to
explain to the officer that we had been in Mexico all of 20 minutes and actually wanted to go back! He was less than helpful and claimed he had no
idea where Mexican immigration was located on the other side. (He must have known, as once we found out where it was located, he could have
practically thrown a ball in that direction and hit the building – it was that close). He spent a long time looking over all our passports and FM3’s,
wrote up a slip of paper and put in under our wiper blade and sent us over to secondary!
When we got to secondary, the officer asked why we had been sent to him. We told him the whole story and he seemed incensed that we had been sent
over to waste his time. He looked at us very sternly and said “This is where they send the bad people”. He showed us how to get back to the other
side and we quickly departed.
As we were coming back to the Mexican customs we noted that there is a turnaround lane at the left edge of the US side. The US officer in the booth
could have easily sent us through that turnaround, but instead he subjected us to secondary. What a jerk! Fortunately, we actually stopped once we
got the green light at customs and asked where immigration was. We got our FM3’s stamped, obtained our son’s tourist card and were finally on our
way. It will be one of those experiences that we will often laugh about in the future, but at the time we didn’t think it was very funny.Bob and Susan - 5-7-2007 at 09:55 AM
lets see 20min in tj = you go to secondary
there IS no excuse
i certainly would have sent you...
and why show a border guy a FM3???
Never!!! you're an AMERICAN at the border...period
take longer next timeDENNIS - 5-7-2007 at 11:54 AM
I've never seen that side gate used to return drivers to Mexico. I think the gate is actually in Mexico and they probable don't give the US
inspectors the key. Now, why wouldn't they? They all get along so well.DENNIS - 5-7-2007 at 12:52 PM
Giving a little thought to what I posted above, we arn't talking about the same turn-around. I believe you referred to the one just past the booths.
Turning you around there would have been really nice and helpful but, that isn't part of their training, evidently.
In my opinion, the border area can bring out the worst in people, drivers and inspectors. It just isn't a very friendly place.Oso - 5-7-2007 at 01:13 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Paulina
I had an officer in secondary threaten to shoot my dog once. I guess he was having a bad day.
P<*)))><
Me too and I think my tocayo and I have had this conversation before. I agree that LE personnel have the right to not get bitten and should issue a
warning if and when someone's dog acts in a threatening manner. This was not the case, my dog was not growling or even looking at the peerick, so the
threat to shoot was gratuitous and uncalled for.
I believe the current acronym is ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
I've crossed the border many, many times and out of every 10 I'd say the ratio went like one jovial or humorous comedian, two pleasant even friendly
people, one grump, one real ( . ) and five simply straightforward professionals.
Once, long ago, when I was young and the Blue Fox was still extant, I got a good laugh from one when I was returning from TJ about 3AM. "Are you
bringing anything back from Mexico?"he asked. "God, I hope not." I replied.
[Edited on 5-7-2007 by Oso]DENNIS - 5-7-2007 at 01:30 PM
The Blue Fox? That calls for a whole new thread.Barry A. - 5-7-2007 at 01:32 PM
Ahhhhhhhhh yes, the BLUE FOX--------and it was only 11 miles from my house-----------
That takes me WAYYYYY back. Who will start the thread? (very possibly nobody will participate??????) DENNIS - 5-7-2007 at 01:35 PM
Well, I was there but my memory banks have been wiped out. It was a while ago, mostly after the bullfights.
I have to think about this.DENNIS - 5-7-2007 at 01:37 PM
The Foreign Club ----- The Long Bar ----- It's slowly coming back.Barry A. - 5-7-2007 at 02:10 PM
Dennis------been there-------- done that---- loved it all!!!!!
The "Foreign Club" was our official station after the Bull Fights at the old arena in the late 50's, early 60's-----and wasn't the "Long Bar" right
next door?
Can't quite think of the name of the pretty classy little restaurant down the little alley off main street where the soft tacos were prepared that we
all ate there 100's of times------I was always amazed that a bottle of Carta Blanca cost more than the rest of the meal there, and the meal was
GREAT!!! Do you know where I mean??DENNIS - 5-7-2007 at 02:31 PM
Can't think of it,Barry. No doubt went there but memory isn't working today.
Foreign Club to the Long bar was, I'm sure, within walking distance and we probably had one or two of those stirred Margaritas together.
Jeezo......What a time, What a place. Where else in the world could a young man go to a bar after the fights and first, easily find a table, then
meet one of the bull fighters who survived to drink with the crowd? Rites of passage were fun for me. Remember what three bucks would buy?
Dennis------
Barry A. - 5-11-2007 at 09:37 PM
-----I just saw Ferna's post about his new "day job" and he mentioned dinner at the "La Especial" restaurant-------THAT'S IT------that is the
restaurant where we always ate lunch or dinner after the "fights".
I am amazed, and pleased, that it still exists and is doing well.
Yes, those WERE the days, and boy did I love them!!!! And as for safety in TJ????--------it never occurred to me (young and crazy) that safety was an
"issue", and therefore never had any significant problems there.DENNIS - 5-11-2007 at 10:17 PM
Good memory Barry but it escapes mine. Oh well.......can't remember everything.
You're right. In those days, safety was never considered. Probably because we were young and fearless but, more likely it was a less dangerous
environment. And, after a couple of tequilas, who cared? We were part of the scene. Those were the days.
People today, who are here talking about Baja as it was, should remember those perfumed bars and too sweet rum'n cokes, the smell of naugahyde from
the upholstery shops and diesel fumes at every corner mixed with the aromas from the street kitchens. All in all, Mexico. It was so close to home
but, so different.
I grew to love it. I hope I can keep the memories. They still smell good.
More, Barry, more. Keep the memories alive. I guess you don't want to answer the three dollar question but, I know you know the answer.fdt - 5-11-2007 at 10:27 PM
Wow, you guys have to come and walk with me, it's all still right there exept for the long bar. The long bar was on the other side of the street
between 2nd and 3rd and the foreign club was / is between 3rd and 4th across from La Especial. Los tacos de La Especial are part of history, lomo,
chicharron or frijoles with the pickled serranos and carrots and the radishes and green onions
I'm sure it would be fun and we can all have our pictures taken on a burro.DENNIS - 5-11-2007 at 10:41 PM
It's on for me but, only if the burro is striped with washable acrylic zebra paint, approved by the EPA and the Humane Society.
Kidding aside, Ferna, I would love to join your tour, especially since it crosses paths with my youth.
Wadaya think, Barry?
Anybody else want to relive a little part of their youth?
Im not afraid. Lets do it.
Hey Bernie.......... I know you were there...Barry A. - 5-12-2007 at 09:34 AM
Boy, do I remember those "pickled carrots, seranos, and radish's" at La Especial, and I never got enough of them.
Being about 800 miles to the norte of TJ (Redding, CA) it is somewhat awkward to take that walk with you, Ferna and Dennis, but I sure would enjoy it,
I know.
Dennis, I ain't touching that "3 dollar" question with a 20 foot pole.
It sure is good to think about all that, tho. Debra - 5-12-2007 at 11:06 AM
I've never, ever had a bad experience with an agent, and I've ALWAYS been over the booze limit, I declare it. I've been asked if I was headed home
(I have Wa. plates) and I always say yes, they remind me "next time you blah, blah, blah" I smile and thank them and am on my way. I guess they
figure I won't be reselling it in CA.?
A couple of years ago the guy spotted my plates, asked where I live in Washington, then begain a long conversation with me, seems he was stationed
in Bremerton years back.....(I often wonder how POed the people behind me in line would have been knowing they were being held up because this guy
wanted an update on this old Navy stomping grounds.
Don't know why I seem to get such good treatment when others often have horror stories to tell. Maybe because I'm a woman traveling alone with a
young child? Don't know, but, I'll take it.
my best and worst
sylens - 5-12-2007 at 12:49 PM
best was going north to visit family for christmas, i replied to the "what are you bringing" question, "a couple of pots, and..." when the customs
guy interrupted and said, firmly and conspiratorially, "NEVER mention pot here!!" husband and i laughed out loud and we wished him a merry christmas
and were on our way.
worst was when we both, simultaneously, responded, "nothing" and the border guard exploded at me, indicating that he was asking my husband, the driver
of the car, and that i had no business interrupting. wow. blew me away.
