BajaNomad - Ripped off! Be Warned

Ripped off! Be Warned

Russ - 11-28-2010 at 11:50 AM

Oh Damn! Made the trip up yesterday, Sat. 11/27/10. Other than missing the San Diego turn off in TJ and the 2hr wait after I found a way to the SD line the trip went smoothly. However this morning when I was going to load my wallet with dollars I discovered I'd been robbed. It had to be the military stop north of El Rasario because they were the only ones that actually went through my stuff. I was suspicious at the time but hadn't had any trouble for years so didn't check. The soldiers went in both front doors and blocked my view while I was talking to the third one. Classic move and I should have gone with my gut and checked right then. They got over $1000 in peso and dollars. I plan to talk to/inform the post commander on my return but that won't be for at least 2 weeks. If any of you know or talk to the head honcho there maybe you could mention this. I think the way the soldiers pulled this off they have done it before.

durrelllrobert - 11-28-2010 at 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Russ
Oh Damn! Made the trip up yesterday, Sat. 11/27/10. Other than missing the San Diego turn off in TJ and the 2hr wait after I found a way to the SD line the trip went smoothly. However this morning when I was going to load my wallet with dollars I discovered I'd been robbed. It had to be the military stop north of El Rasario because they were the only ones that actually went through my stuff. I was suspicious at the time but hadn't had any trouble for years so didn't check. The soldiers went in both front doors and blocked my view while I was talking to the third one. Classic move and I should have gone with my gut and checked right then. They got over $1000 in peso and dollars. I plan to talk to/inform the post commander on my return but that won't be for at least 2 weeks. If any of you know or talk to the head honcho there maybe you could mention this. I think the way the soldiers pulled this off they have done it before.

What, you left your wallet in the car in Mexico? Maybe the soldiers put in under the seat for safe keeping :lol:

DENNIS - 11-28-2010 at 11:59 AM

Sorry for your loss, Russ. Takes all the fun out of it.

"Lead them not into temptation"............Amen

David K - 11-28-2010 at 11:59 AM

Russ, contact Antonio (BajaCactus) as he knows the comandante and how to proceed. Have the date and time of the search to give him... info@bajacactus.com

They do not want any thieves in their troop...

DENNIS - 11-28-2010 at 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
They do not want any thieves in their troop...

Russ will have to be absolutly, possitively, incontrovertibly sure of what happened or his complaint will go nowhere. The military won't convict one, or more, of their own on a hunch. Sad, but reasonable.

woody with a view - 11-28-2010 at 12:06 PM

that sucks if accurate as to the when/where. where did you last use/see it before the military checkpoint?

not disputing your theory. i would think that would be a great setup to temp them. as soon as you get in your rig you look for your wallet. when it is not there, you jump out screaming and pointing at the turds who were in your rig. one of the two would have your wallet and be in SERIOUS trouble! for that reason i think it would be a great deterrent to them. but it only takes one smart-asss to prove my theory wrong!

hopefully, it turns up....

DENNIS - 11-28-2010 at 12:15 PM

It would make me want to take an empty wallet, stuff it with fresh dog crap and leave it in the center console

David K - 11-28-2010 at 12:24 PM

As a general rule, I keep my wallet, camera and GPS on me when I get out of the car and watch them do the search. Since they are looking for drugs, guns, ammo... they have no need to see your wallet or camera left in the car. Remove temptation...

Tough break, Russ...

Pompano - 11-28-2010 at 12:29 PM

..it happens now and then.

Best to not leave any temptations around like jewelry & money. Too easy to pilfer.

A hint for motorhomers or RVers. Never let more than one checker in at a time..and always accompany them, engaging them in conversation while keeping your eye on thier normal check.

I haven't lost anything important yet..'knock on wood'... in what is now round trip #146.

I have given away plenty of batteries, sodas, and treats. :rolleyes:

Sorry for your loss...1000 P stings. Just this last Friday afternoon, one of the army checkers wanted to keep my .44 mag dead round I have on my key ring, but he didn't get it. I distracted him by showing him my supply of cold Cokes and frozen Milky Ways.

[Edited on 11-29-2010 by Pompano]

Russ

DianaT - 11-28-2010 at 12:30 PM

Really sorry that happened. And I would report it for whatever good it might do and I certainly would not listen to the

"Blame the Victim" people. Yes, from our experiences we have had "things" happen when we have become more comfortable in a situation, but it still is wrong, just plain wrong and NOT your fault.

Oh, but next time, do be sure to tell them what they need to check out and what they have no need to see. That should help. :lol:

Russ - 11-28-2010 at 12:38 PM

Thanks Diana. I had all my important papers in a binder with the cash and it was in the open. Thank God they didn't take my passport & FM-2. I do normally keep an eye on it or take it out with me.

Bugout Bag

bajaguy - 11-28-2010 at 12:43 PM

I keep all of my important stuff and camera in a small backpack or "bugout bag". Everytime I get out of the car, the bag goes with me.

BajaGringo - 11-28-2010 at 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
I keep all of my important stuff and camera in a small backpack or "bugout bag". Everytime I get out of the car, the bag goes with me.

My exact MO as well...

DENNIS - 11-28-2010 at 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT
"Blame the Victim" people.

I don't see the replies as a "Blame the Victim" thing as much as a matter of nebulous evidence. I'm sure it happened just as Russ describes mainly because Russ has credibility here, but he will have a difficult time proving it to a stranger.
People can and do get themselves in trouble down here for this very reason. What begins as an honest report turns into defamation and slander. That's one of the reasons so many crimes go unreported.
In this case, Russ would need nothing short of a damning video of the crime to convince someone on the other side. Words alone could easily backfire.

Ken Cooke - 11-28-2010 at 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Russ, contact Antonio (BajaCactus) as he knows the comandante and how to proceed. Have the date and time of the search to give him... info@bajacactus.com

They do not want any thieves in their troop...

Great info, David! :light:

Bajahowodd - 11-28-2010 at 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
It would make me want to take an empty wallet, stuff it with fresh dog crap and leave it in the center console

You drive with the windows open?? :lol:

DENNIS - 11-28-2010 at 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
You drive with the windows open?? :lol:

Well...yeah. Doesn't everybody? How else are you going to sling an empty beer can to the side of the road? :lol:

DianaT - 11-28-2010 at 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT
"Blame the Victim" people.

Dennis, I agree with you---and I retract the thought about reporting it in any specific way for all the reasons you state--

But that is not what I was referring to about blaming the victim. I was referring to the idea that many often have that it really was his fault for not doing things "properly". That is always so easy to do and I am sure Russ has done a very good job of kicking himself without help.

Stealing is wrong and it really is not Russ's fault that someone is a thief. Yes, it was when we let our guard down that we had our truck stolen in Guatemala, and yes we did a GREAT job of kicking ourselves, but it still was not our fault someone else chose to be a thief.

[Edited on 11-28-2010 by DianaT]

lizard lips - 11-28-2010 at 02:12 PM

As much as I travel I have ever been ripped off. Why? Because I don't allow the chance of this happening--ever. Driving a car into Guatemala and having it stolen is another issue.

DENNIS - 11-28-2010 at 02:15 PM

I see what you mean, Diane. Unfortunatly [and I'm not refering to Russ whatsoever] thievery requires much more than an absence of morals. That has to be combined with opportunity. We can't do much about the "morals" of others, but we can take part in denying opportunity.
Anyway...I wish this hadn't happened to Russ. I know he agrees.

Wow! You Must Be Tired....

Bajahowodd - 11-28-2010 at 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lizard lips
As much as I travel I have ever been ripped off. Why? Because I don't allow the chance of this happening--ever. Driving a car into Guatemala and having it stolen is another issue.

We all let our guard down occasionally. Who is perfect? Good friend of mine recently put the wrong card in a ATM and ended up taking a cash advance from his credit card instead of withdrawing cash from his checking account. It cost him $30. This guy is as smart and alert as anyone I know. But stuff happens.

DENNIS - 11-28-2010 at 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
But stuff happens.

Ohhhh Gawwwwd...don't remind me. An HSBC ATM just robbed me of 122 bucks this morning. I'll have to spend a while talking to my banker in the Philippines tomorrow.

krafty - 11-28-2010 at 02:45 PM

do they typically go thru all suitcases, purses, etc? We are making our first trip down manana and now I'm nervous.........

DENNIS - 11-28-2010 at 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by krafty
do they typically go thru all suitcases, purses, etc? We are making our first trip down manana and now I'm nervous.........

They've never gone through my purse. Oh...yeah....I don't have one.
Don't be nervous. It's all simple. Just don't pack all of your jewels on top. :biggrin:

bajalorena - 11-28-2010 at 02:52 PM

I have always taken my purse out of the vehicle with me, and no one has ever asked to look in it.
If someone wants to inspect a suitcase, be right there with them. There is nothing unreasonable in watching your effects.

Russ - 11-28-2010 at 03:09 PM

I appreciate all your comments.
I did see it going down but it has been so long and I was distracted that at the time it just didn't register although I have a vivid picture, in my mind, of it happening. The only other stops were in Santa Rosalia 3:30am for gas, one attendant and he was with me the whole time, and San Ignacio, passed trough, no check. This happened about 8am during their morning formation. I did have my wallet on me. This was a "day planner" zippered type book they opened and just took the BofA cash type envelop with dollars and a few thousand in pesos I didn't want in my wallet making it fat and showy.
David I tried the address you posted and it says it's under construction. If you happen to contact him would you tell him about this post and maybe he could U2U me. I'm not trying to recover the cash which there is no way to identify but to inform the commander of the bad situation under his command. These guys knew exactly what they were doing. Very nice young men.
I do hold myself responsible for providing the opportunity to a few kids who knew how to take advantage of a fat chance. I also realize, as I'm sure they do, When they get caught they will pay a very high price.

desertcpl - 11-28-2010 at 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by krafty
do they typically go thru all suitcases, purses, etc? We are making our first trip down manana and now I'm nervous.........

yup you need to leave your vibrating toys at home

Russ - 11-28-2010 at 03:19 PM

desertcpl Don't let my stupidity cause undo worry. That certainly isn't my intention. Just a heads up and reminder to take sensible precautions.

Bajahowodd - 11-28-2010 at 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by krafty
do they typically go thru all suitcases, purses, etc? We are making our first trip down manana and now I'm nervous.........

No need to be nervous. My experience has been that it is rare for these guys to really sift through suitcases. Most often, there is usually only one person, sometimes two, that will actually look inside your vehicle. These "kids" are usually the nicest people in the world.

krafty - 11-28-2010 at 04:43 PM

dang, desertcpl, we're on vacation, for cryin' out loud..... :lol:

you are taking the fun out of it

desertcpl - 11-28-2010 at 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by krafty
dang, desertcpl, we're on vacation, for cryin' out loud..... :lol:

you are taking the fun out of it

Woooosh - 11-28-2010 at 05:10 PM

um- yeah. You see your photo?

SoCal-Bob - 11-28-2010 at 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
um- yeah. You see your photo?

nope. i'm an idiot. serves me right for trying to be funny.

DianaT - 11-28-2010 at 05:22 PM

You really should have no problem ---just be polite, friendly, helpful and keep your eyes open.

But if you do have a problem, just follow the instructions on the sign.

[Edited on 11-29-2010 by DianaT]

bajafam - 11-28-2010 at 05:40 PM

I am super naive when it comes to these checkpoints....every time we've had to get out, one of the military personnel hands me my purse and/or wallet as he starts to look through the car. This has happened every. single. time. when I fail to grab it myself. Maybe that's why I always forget to take it.
Sorry Russ, there's always a bad apple. It sucks that he turned up at your checkpoint

BajaBlanca - 11-28-2010 at 07:17 PM

there is always the chance one will be caught off guard and for sure that will be the time one is ripped off. Les always keeps an eye on things much more carefully than I. I leave my purse inside altho I zip it up, no one has ever handed it to me and it has only been searched once. Les does take the camera out.

Remember the couple who had been to Baja over 25 years and they got taken at the parking lot at Home Depot. Someone slashed the tire - hubbyw ent to fix it - Mexican comes and tells her to go see hubby due to tire problem and zappo. Money and ALL DOCUMENTS stolen. So mean !

Diane, since we are thinking of driving allthe way to Guatemala, can you tell the story of the stolen truck ????

Russ, I would go back and tell the story to the comandante. I bet you anything he takes it to heart and does something about it to avoid it in the future. Sorry this happened to you and thanks so much for sharing. Like I said, it is easy to get lax when nothing happens for years ...

BajaNomad - 11-28-2010 at 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Russ
David I tried the address you posted and it says it's under construction.

Russ, David gave you his email address to use - and it's a working address.

You went to the website www.bajacactus.com where it says under construction.

Two different things. Please email Antonio at the address David posted. That's all David can do as well.

-
Doug

ElFaro - 11-29-2010 at 10:23 AM

Russ...I feel for ya...but I have minimized those moments of letting my guard down.

One thing I do now to avoid having to endure these potential issues at checkpoints and border crossings is I keep checklists of what I need to be aware of or how I prepare myself and vehicle when I cross north-to-south, south-to-north, and stopping at checkpoints. I may do these things very infrequently so now I keep these lists on my computer and refer to them B4 I undertake the trip.

For example...crossing north-to-south

1. Keep relevant documents in plastic bag in glove box to show inspectors.
2. Put money and ID cards in money belt and wear if I have to get out of car.
3. Empty all door pockets of high $ items and stock with magazines.
4. Put out carpets in trailer for inspectors to walk on while inspecting.
5. Make sure portable gas cans are empty B4 crossing.
6. Check trailer refer doors are locked after inspectors are done.
7. Remove any high $ items from trailer that inspectors may take.
8. Lock rear truck compartment and trailer doors B4 departing from home.
8. Remove sunglasses while talking to inspectors.

I have other lists I use for different situations to stay "one step ahead" of the situation.

Russ - 11-29-2010 at 11:03 AM

Thanks, That worked. Sent him a note.

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaNomad

Quote:

Originally posted by Russ
David I tried the address you posted and it says it's under construction.

-
Doug

[Edited on 11-29-2010 by Russ]

durrelllrobert - 11-29-2010 at 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca

Diane, since we are thinking of driving allthe way to Guatemala, can you tell the story of the stolen truck ????

posted by lizard lips, not diane

elgatoloco - 11-29-2010 at 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT
....... Yes, it was when we let our guard down that we had our truck stolen in Guatemala, and yes we did a GREAT job of kicking ourselves, but it still was not our fault someone else chose to be a thief.

[Edited on 11-28-2010 by DianaT]

DENNIS - 11-29-2010 at 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca

Diane, since we are thinking of driving allthe way to Guatemala, can you tell the story of the stolen truck ????

posted by lizard lips, not diane

I dooon theeen so. :light:

bajatravelergeorge - 11-29-2010 at 06:00 PM

I passed through checkpoints hundreds of times with no problems. Then they got me for a $150.00 pair of sunglasses I had left on the passenger seat. I now only allow one searcher and I insist that I watch his every move closely, avoiding distractions from others. I keep anything valuable like money or documents on my body.

I've noticed that the Mexicans going through for the most part don't watch the searchers. Maybe they don't get ripped off or maybe they know not to have anything worth stealing in the car.

By the way, I have passed through the checkpoints many more times since the sunglasses disappeared and have had no further problems. So maybe it was a rare bad egg that took them.

CortezBlue - 11-29-2010 at 06:32 PM

Quote:

As David K said, I am sure that if you contact them they will give you all of your money back with a big I'm sorry card. And, oh by the way, when you come down the next time I am sure they will handle you with kid gloves and give you the red carpet treatment.

Good luck on that.

[Edited on 11-30-2010 by CortezBlue]

vgabndo - 11-29-2010 at 06:43 PM

Good points Diana. I have far too many stories of being ripped-off in Baja. Is it bad "luck", carelessness, a too open and transparent demeanor, or some combination of things? The real pain for me is to recall those occasions when I've been taken advantage of by someone while I was doing them a good deed, or when someone I knew stole from me.

I can forgive a lot in a person, but how do we accomodate a lapse in basic integrity?

Is the concept of integrity fully realized by a 20 year old Mexican boy conscripted into his country's military from the countryside, shipped far from home, kept in spartan conditions, paid almost nothing, given an assault rifle and left to rummage through the possessions of the most wealthy people he has ever seen?

Is it likely he has grown up in a belief system that provides him redundant methods of forgiveness? :saint:

Some of my favorite moments in Mexico have been in interaction with good, honest, hard-working soldiers doing their jobs in good humor.

DianaT - 11-29-2010 at 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca

Diane, since we are thinking of driving allthe way to Guatemala, can you tell the story of the stolen truck ????

posted by lizard lips, not diane

I dooon theeen so. :light:

OK, In 1999 it was our 1984 Toyota 4x4 truck with 200,000 miles that was snagged for probable work on a Guatemalan Coffee Finca. That baby was in GREAT shape and I know John planned on being buried in it. Miss that simple old truck.

It had Honduran licence plates as we had been living and working in Honduras and got tired of driving it in and out of the country every six months. Since we were going to be working in Guatemala, we had started the process of getting Guatemalan plates----the day after it was stolen, we picked up the plates and still have them.

Fortunately, we had dropped the dog off at the vet for a small surgery, or they probably would have killed her. We then went shopping at a small strip mall in Zona 15, one of the safest and best areas of the city. And we were in the store for about 10 minutes at the most---probably 5 minutes.

Let our guard down? Yes. That wonderful truck had no alarm, but we ALWAYS put the club on the steering wheel as we knew these trucks were very popular for work on the coffee fincas. All Toyotas were very popular in Honduras and Guatemala.

But in this SMALL parking lot, there were three armed security guards, armed with rather intimidating looking rifles----takes a while down there to get used to the armed security people everywhere. So, the club did not go on---ok, it would have probably just slowed them down.

We also let our guard down in that we saw a rather savory looking man in a small truck sitting there. We have a rule between us that if it does not look OK to one of us, we follow that feeling. This time, we just thought, no problem, the guys with the guns were there. Lesson, if your gut says something is not OK, LISTEN

And guess what, those three armed security guards in a very small parking lot saw NOTHING---NOTHING. I guess they all needed glasses. :lol:

It is an unbelievable feeling to walk out and see that your car is gone----takes a bit to sink in,, gone, just gone.

And the police in Guatemala? Oh they are wonderful. We spent hours with them-- it was stolen at about 2 in the afternoon and the next day they told us that at 11pm they had notified all the borders to look out for the truck. The only border they might not have made by 11pm was the one into Belize because half of that highway was still dirt!

Oh well, we are quite sure that baby truck went to work on the a coffee finca, probably one owned by one of our student's parents. The school "forgot" to tell us that there was a ring working the area stealing trucks like ours for the fincas.

So---in the end

Listen to your gut feelings,

Don't get so comfortable that you let your guard down

Remember that the armed guards have more than one boss

The police are----well one local one used to bring his novia to the vacant lot across from our home every night and stayed for hours protecting that lot. And when one of our friends was robbed hiking a volcano in Antigua, the police wanted an exact listing of what was taken---they don't want to be cheated. :biggrin:

But will we go back? Absolutely-----

And even though we, as the victim let our guard down, it was still not our fault that others decided to be thieves!

And that was probably a lot more than you wanted to know. :biggrin:

[Edited on 11-30-2010 by DianaT]

BajaBlanca - 11-29-2010 at 07:39 PM

wow...amazing story .... thanks !!

I had my car stolen in TJ in the space of about 2 minutes. No one saw anything either ..... going to the dentist, walked up the stairs, looked out the window and presto disappearo. NO car. Hadn't finished making payments, hadn't realized my insurance didn't cover Mexico .... I was just a young kid at the time.

Kicking yourself just doesn't quite capture the feeling :fire:

[Edited on 11-30-2010 by BajaBlanca]

viabaja - 11-30-2010 at 11:35 AM

Dude, I'll put my 2 cents in! Next time CARRY your wallet, important docs or whatever when you get out for the military check points. Where do you think you are? In the USA?

sanquintinsince73 - 11-30-2010 at 12:29 PM

As horrible as this story is, is was way worse many years ago when Judiciales Federales would man the checkpoints. Myself and a friend took a road trip from L.A. to Ciudad Obregon, Sonora in 1984. On the drive back we encountered quite a few checkpoints with Judiciales Federales and these guys didn't wear uniforms, the just had automatic weapons and alot of gold around their necks. At each checkpoint they would pick something that they liked and simply took it....right in front of us. Judiciales Federales are now known as ministeriales and they are a bit more tame.
Back in the day Judiciales were feared throughout Mexico because they operated and murdered with impunity. God forbid you were taken to "los separos", that is where they would take you to torture you and try to coerce a confession for a crime that needed solving asap.

Russ - 11-30-2010 at 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by viabaja
Dude, I'll put my 2 cents in! Next time CARRY your wallet, important docs or whatever when you get out for the military check points. Where do you think you are? In the USA?

GEEZE, Lighten up. Pretty much everyone agrees with your thoughts. I've haven't lived in the States for about 20 years so I pretty much know where I am. I did have my have my wallet with me. And my papers & cash were in a place not normally checked.

Dishonesty must not be tolerated...

BajaCactus - 12-2-2010 at 12:32 AM

Russ... as I explained to you by e-mail, the worst thing we can do is nothing... this kind of behavior must not be tolerated... dishonesty has no excuse.

Please send me all the details you can remember about the revision and I will make sure the proper authorities received them... I do not know if you will get your money back... but we have to do our best effort so the soldiers that checked your car get what they deserve... a military punishment.

I am sorry for what happened to you Russ... now, let us try to avoid this from happening to someone else.

Antonio M.
BajaCactus

[Edited on 12-2-2010 by BajaCactus]

wessongroup - 12-2-2010 at 06:46 AM

Russ, just think it might have been Buba ..... Oh, the horror...

I can't tell you anything, have been robbed, burglarized.. assaulted, stabbed and shot at... in my life...

Some walk to a different drummer.... and chiitt happens..

Glad your ok, and they didn't get your camera... NOW that would have been BAD... we would have to chip in so we still get those morning shots....

But, thats OK.... you're a straight arrow in my book... tell-em to pound sand...

[Edited on 12-2-2010 by wessongroup]

BigWooo - 12-2-2010 at 07:44 AM

Sorry for the loss but thanks for the head's up and attitude re-adjustment. It's been so many years since I've lost anything to the army guys (Mag-lite about 5 or 6 years ago), that I've become a bit too trusting and very lax on my vigilance during the inspections.

Just had a 3 on 1 experience like yours at an inspection at Blvd 2000 where it meets the free road. We didn't loose anything (at least that I know about). Two happy guys asking way too many questions while the other was searching our trailer. They may have been genuinely nice curious individuals, or of they were trying to distract me. If they were, I was lucky the guy searching didn't come across anything worth taking because I definitely wasn't watching very closely.

Russ - 12-2-2010 at 08:16 AM

Antonio, I got distracted the last two days and didn't finish the report I planned to send you. I'll try to finish it up this morning. I really appreciate all your help.

Santiago - 12-2-2010 at 08:36 AM

I think BigWoo is right - I've really gotten lax over the last few years; but I did it on purpose. I used to only unlock one door at a time and then go to the opposite door to watch and then I started understanding the impression I was leaving. Now I get out, put my wallet in my pocket, my phone in my shirt pocket, my papers, camera and any extra cash is in an old briefcase in the back floor boards with a small travelers lock on the zipper. They have never even got to the briefcase, not even once.
At the very same location the Russ has mentioned, this happened to me last year. Traveling north, alone at dusk, the checkpoint was busy, at least 8 cars in front of me and both lanes full. When it was my turn I forgot to grab my phone and it was on the center console. When they are through inspecting, I get in but realise I don't have my phone and it's not on the center console. I jump out and raise a ruckus, someone stole my phone, everyone comes running over and the jefe pulls out his cell phone and asks what my number is and he dials it. My phone start ringing from inside my truck; when they opened the console cover, the phone slid off to the back floorboards.
My embarrassment at my tissy-fit was only exceeded by the solders relief.

shari - 12-2-2010 at 09:28 AM

santiago...that is such a classic baja story!!!! I have seen and heard sooooo many similar tales of gringos thinking they were ripped off, short changed etc...but the reality was...THEY made a mistake.

dont get me wrong....there are rip-offs for sure and we must remember not to let our guard down...anywhere...but your story is great.

sorry for your loss Russ but thanks for sharing and reminding us of potential checkpoint issues.

sanquintinsince73 - 12-2-2010 at 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
santiago...that is such a classic baja story!!!! I have seen and heard sooooo many similar tales of gringos thinking they were ripped off, short changed etc...but the reality was...THEY made a mistake.

dont get me wrong....there are rip-offs for sure and we must remember not to let our guard down...anywhere...but your story is great.

sorry for your loss Russ but thanks for sharing and reminding us of potential checkpoint issues.

Russ, check your back pockets. :lol:

durrelllrobert - 12-2-2010 at 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert
posted by lizard lips, not diane

I dooon theeen so. :light:

you're right DENNIS and I applogize to Diane and Lizard Lips. This is what i saw that confused me:

Originally posted by lizard lips
As much as I travel I have ever been ripped off. Why? Because I don't allow the chance of this happening--ever. Driving a car into Guatemala and having it stolen is another issue.

BajaBlanca - 12-2-2010 at 05:07 PM

Santiago I loved reading your story .... I laughed out loud ! very funny and really - it could happen to any of us !