BajaNomad

neighborhood 'SECURITY fee'='PROTECTION'='EXTORTION'......??

micah202 - 1-19-2012 at 06:51 AM

....okay,,so I've been here in TJ dealing with the theft of my car for 3 days now,,here's some details I've picked up.....
...the theft happened within hours of my arrival.
....the home-renter I was visiting had his first theft ever a few days earlier--some tools from back of truck,,,had seemed 'safe' to leave them out previously
.......there's many much better looking cars than mine that seem to be able to park without being stolen

.......there's a 'security guy',ex-cop or something,who cruises around the neighborhood on a 'somewhat regular' basis
.......the 'security guy' asks for a weekly fee
....my host gets a bit vague about details here,,,ie I think he doesn't pay any security guy

.......does this in effect cause the 'security-guy' to reverse rolls,and become a spotter/informant for the 'other' team????

,,,,,any examples of this in your 'hood'???
...have YOU been 'offered' protection,in a way you realize you MUST agree to???



[Edited on 1-19-2012 by micah202]

bajagrouper - 1-19-2012 at 07:53 AM

I am living on the mainland of Mexico now and I am comparing 2012 Mexico to 1930's Chicago..If you own a hotel, a restaurant, any type of store or business you are paying protection to one of the local gangs. Just a week or two ago a famous restaurant near Lake Chapala, Jalisco mysteriously burnt down in the middle of the night. Many business from Mazatlan to Puerto Vallarta are closing instead of paying...Que Lastima

bacquito - 1-19-2012 at 07:59 AM

I live in Ensenada and never had any such problems. Perhaps it is best not to leave such things as tools, etc. exposed where people can take them.
I do the same in the States.

Diver - 1-19-2012 at 08:07 AM

Get a grip dude.

You park your car in an unknown city, stupidly leaving your passport and who knows what else in the vehicle. You are gullible enough to trust someone who had his car robbed in the same spot recently; or someone who failed to tell you he was recently robbed ? And someone who failed to tell you about the extortion attempts ?

I'm guessing that you're under 25 and just lost some of your innocence.
Sorry for your loss but it's time to quit crying and move on.

micah202 - 1-19-2012 at 08:23 AM

...uh,huh,,,thanks everyone,,,,-and- 'diver'....
....I generally live to the adage ''trust in god,,but tie up your horse''...
Usually,I simply consider the area between the border and ensenada as some part of hell,,,and get through there as quickly as possible--have done for 25 years!
.......unfortunately,this time,in visiting TJ,,I didn't listen to that 'little voice'' warning me to either stay with the van,,or get the fark outta dodge.,and was a gracious guest,,accepting hospitality in spite of my knowing better.....and can except that.

........and yes 'Diver'the van was LOADED with a CRAPLOAD of fine stuff....I think of each and every corner of it,,,art supplies,,,,clarinet,,kiteboard gear,,,kayak,,,2 sets of paddles,,,tools,,,carving stuff,,,,underwear,,,kitchen,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,probably close to $8-10g to replace everything............please forgive me if I take more than 3 days to 'get over it',,,,,

...it's also important to learn what can be learnt from this,,,,perhaps there's someone else who's considering not paying the 'security guy'




[Edited on 1-19-2012 by micah202]

[Edited on 1-19-2012 by micah202]

sanquintinsince73 - 1-19-2012 at 08:47 AM

I understand that you only want to recoup your vehicle and your belongings, but what the hell were you thinking leaving your documents in your vehicle? T.J. isn't Arcadia. I lived in "Lomas Hipodromo" section of TJ for 6 years and we had one of those "security" guys who patroled our street exclusively. We still had vehicle thefts and even one home-invasion robbery.

I hope you get your stuff back but I am wondering if you even have enough funds to get back home. Good luck to you.

SFandH - 1-19-2012 at 08:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by micah202
and yes 'Diver'the van was LOADED with a CRAPLOAD of fine stuff....I think of each and every corner of it,,,art supplies,,,,clarinet,,kiteboard gear,,,kayak,,,2 sets of paddles,,,tools,,,carving stuff,,,,underwear,,,kitchen,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,


I've noticed that almost all baja cities/towns have swap meets where all sorts of stuff is bought and sold. I've gone to the Sunday morning swap meet in northeast Rosarito Beach and it is huge. Almost anything you want is there and cheap. I bet a lot of the stuff is hot.

Find out when/where there is a swap meet close to where your things were stolen and check it out. You may be able to buy back some of it at a good price.

I think most would agree, parking a vehicle loaded with valuables on the street or a non-guarded lot anywhere in the world where there are a lot of poor people is asking for trouble. TJ is LOADED with poor people and there are many thieves, mostly young men I would bet.

I wouldn't leave a car on the street overnight in any Baja city/town.

Check out the local swap meets.


[Edited on 1-19-2012 by SFandH]

Mengano - 1-19-2012 at 08:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by micah202
.......the 'security guy' asks for a weekly fee
....my host gets a bit vague about details here,,,ie he doesn't pay any security guy

.......does this in effect cause the 'security-guy' to reverse rolls,and become a spotter/informant for the 'other' team????


"You have taken your first step into a larger world."
-- Obi-Wan Kenobi


You are finding out the hard way about the real Mexico. The Mexico you won't hear about from the typical BajaNomad. The real mantra is not: "peace, love and fish tacos." It is more like: "in Mexico, nothing is as it seems."

DENNIS - 1-19-2012 at 08:56 AM

The security guard could very well be in the chain of events, but you'll never know so it's best to do damage control and move on.
ohhhhhh...you can't move on. You don't have a car.
I'm sorry this happened to you and you should just allow it to make you bitter and paranoid. With those virtues in your arsenal, things like this probably won't happen to you in the future.
Strange....ain't it.

Ateo - 1-19-2012 at 08:59 AM

Any insurance?

baronvonbob - 1-19-2012 at 09:15 AM

You are finding out the hard way about the real Mexico. The Mexico you won't hear about from the typical BajaNomad. The real mantra is not: "peace, love and fish tacos." It is more like: "in Mexico, nothing is as it seems."

I can agree with that statement! But I also think that is true in the States. Things have changed or as you get older you hopefully become more aware. The internet has given the ability for more information to be put out there and evaluated.

I think back on all the things that I have noticed in the past in Baja and see that a lot has not changed, but I have become more aware and realize that one must become very careful. My innocence made me assume certain perceptions.

That does not mean I dislike Baja or it's people, just means I have to be more cautious of my surrondings and interactions with people.

T.J. isn't Arcadia. but I was born in Arcadia!

mcfez - 1-19-2012 at 09:18 AM

Mengano: NO..... no...... and no!
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_car_the-crime-car-thef...
Though Mexico has a lesser population than the US....the numbers are here to judge........more accurately. Just because something happens in Mexico...you always make it sound like the end of the world.

To leave your car parked in the wide open...overnight...with contents.........you should had left a big ol' sign on the wind shield that said..."steal me please"!

When in downtown Los Angeles or downtown Mexicali....always park in a secured facility.....oh...and take your important stuff out of the car.



Quote:
Originally posted by Mengano
Quote:
Originally posted by micah202
.......the 'security guy' asks for a weekly fee
....my host gets a bit vague about details here,,,ie he doesn't pay any security guy

.......does this in effect cause the 'security-guy' to reverse rolls,and become a spotter/informant for the 'other' team????


"You have taken your first step into a larger world."
-- Obi-Wan Kenobi


You are finding out the hard way about the real Mexico. The Mexico you won't hear about from the typical BajaNomad. The real mantra is not: "peace, love and fish tacos." It is more like: "in Mexico, nothing is as it seems."


[Edited on 1-19-2012 by mcfez]

sanquintinsince73 - 1-19-2012 at 09:25 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mcfez
Mengano: NO..... no...... and no!
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_car_the-crime-car-thef...
Though Mexico has a lesser population than the US....the numbers are here to judge........more accurately. Just because something happens in Mexico...you always make it sound like the end of the world.

To leave your car parked in the wide open...overnight...with contents.........you should had left a big ol' sign on the wind shield that said..."steal me please"!

When in downtown Los Angeles or downtown Mexicali....always park in a secured facility.....oh...and take your important stuff out of the car.



Quote:
Originally posted by Mengano
Quote:
Originally posted by micah202
.......the 'security guy' asks for a weekly fee
....my host gets a bit vague about details here,,,ie he doesn't pay any security guy

.......does this in effect cause the 'security-guy' to reverse rolls,and become a spotter/informant for the 'other' team????


"You have taken your first step into a larger world."
-- Obi-Wan Kenobi


You are finding out the hard way about the real Mexico. The Mexico you won't hear about from the typical BajaNomad. The real mantra is not: "peace, love and fish tacos." It is more like: "in Mexico, nothing is as it seems."


[Edited on 1-19-2012 by mcfez]


Deno, you from Arcadia? Just a hop, skip, and a jump from East L.A.
Hell we were practically neighbors.

micah202 - 1-19-2012 at 09:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ateo
Any insurance?


HAHAHAhahahahahahahah!!!!!

micah202 - 1-19-2012 at 10:07 AM

...okay,,,so I've been staying in one place now for 3 days,,handing-out posters that say ''I have $1000us,and want to be kidnapped'',,,as I await the replacement passport.
...no way am I awaiting the sunday flea market
....no way am I going to the corner store for smokes.

the passport will be ready today,,,and I will have consul-secure ride to the border immediatly from there,,and fly home tomorrow at 6am

...I have been ignorant,,,,,I have been 'blessed' with a few things here,,,I have learnt a LOT:O.
.........I started THIS thread to share what seems to be a core issue in my 'event',,in the hope that others may -learn-without-doing-!!

............I definitely can see the holes in my actions,,
,,,,,and definitely will NEVER even consider naming my next van after the 'chuc.....aka.....br,,,, ah' ever again,,,,,,,,very strong energy,,,,will claim what's named------------------be warned!!!!:o


[Edited on 1-19-2012 by micah202]

Diver - 1-19-2012 at 10:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by micah202
...it's also important to learn what can be learnt from this,,,,perhaps there's someone else who's considering not paying the 'security guy'


Yep, everyone should pay ! :lol:

Woooosh - 1-19-2012 at 10:16 AM

The Police Auxiliary, as part of their jobs, go house to house one day a week to ask for "Co-operation." Usually 50 pesos a week makes them happy. It is not security money. If you want the Police Auxiliary to protect your street, that runs 350 pesos per night and they will patrol it, chase people away and blow their whistles to let you know they are out there. That's the way it works in Rosarito anyway.

micah202 - 1-19-2012 at 10:17 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mengano
You are finding out the hard way about the real Mexico. The Mexico you won't hear about from the typical BajaNomad. The real mantra is not: "peace, love and fish tacos." It is more like: "in Mexico, nothing is as it seems."


...I'd have to disagree.
...the REAL mexico lies south of the border towns.
........it is an amazing,,mystical,,majical place

...in 2 weeks ,I've kayaked within feet of whales,,,seen sun and moonrises like no other,,,,had dolphins stop and play in front of my camp,,come to a campsite I used last year and find the same firewood I left there,,learnt a LOT,,,and MUCH more.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59103003@N05/

....I'll be back,,,and will resume my beleif that --there's NO good reason to stop before past ensenada .

....many people have helped me a lot,,in so many different ways,,,I am grateful!!!

[Edited on 1-19-2012 by micah202]

micah202 - 1-19-2012 at 10:28 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
The Police Auxiliary, as part of their jobs, go house to house one day a week to ask for "Co-operation." Usually 50 pesos a week makes them happy. It is not security money. If you want the Police Auxiliary to protect your street, that runs 350 pesos per night and they will patrol it, chase people away and blow their whistles to let you know they are out there. That's the way it works in Rosarito anyway.


that's definitely good information.
....the folks have been living here 3 years,and haven't figured it out!!:o

Mengano - 1-19-2012 at 10:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by micah202
....I'll be back,,,and will resume my beleif that --there's NO good reason to stop before past ensenada .


You're not up to speed. Now you cannot stop until past San Quintin. Ask around about BajaGringo.

willardguy - 1-19-2012 at 10:53 AM

jeeze micah202 that really sucks. I bet your buddy feels like crap too. for what its worth I would of left my van out there too. course ive made a career out of doing stupid stuff and refuse to learn from my mistakes. I hope you're the type of person that can put this behind you, I had everything I own stolen out my van in a oxnard marina parking lot and I'll never get over it. good luck amigo

Mengano - 1-19-2012 at 11:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mcfez
Mengano: NO..... no...... and no!
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_car_the-crime-car-thef...
Though Mexico has a lesser population than the US....the numbers are here to judge........more accurately. Just because something happens in Mexico...you always make it sound like the end of the world.


Let me show you what you missed by not going to college, Deno.

Auto theft rate in Mexico = 140 per 100,000 population
Auto theft rate in USA = 432 per 100,000 population

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_Mexico

So, when standardized for population, it looks like the US has three times the auto theft rate as Mexico, right?

Wrong! There is something missing in the analysis. Isn't it important to know how many cars are out there to be stolen?

Vehicles on the road in Mexico = 25.5 million
Vehicles on the road in the US = 255 million

So the US has 10 times more vehicles than Mexico. If we know the populations of each country, we can then run the numbers.

Population of Mexico = 113,724,226
Population of USA = 311,800,000

Number of cars stolen in Mexico = 140 per 100,000 * 113,724,226 = 159,213

Number of cars stolen in USA = 432 per 100,000 * 311,800,000 = 1,346,976

Percentage of total cars that are stolen each year:

Mexico = 159,213/25,500,000 = 0.625%
USA = 1,346,976/255,000,000 = 0.528%

But, I really wasn't talking about car thefts anyway, Deno. I was talking about extortion. In Mexico, just about every business is paying something to somebody to NOT get robbed, to NOT get burned down, to NOT get the car stolen, to NOT get fined for some BS administrative permit, to NOT get killed. This all runs under the radar of the BajaNomads.

The entire Mexican society is corrupt, it is like a cancer rotting out the country from the inside. It is why the Mexican government cannot win the war on drug cartels. Mexico is fighting against it's own people. It is like an autoimmune disease where a person's body attacks itself.

Spearo - 1-19-2012 at 11:55 AM

Mengano...

Its not just Mexican society that is corrupt. In the US, the bribes are called campaign contributions and our gangs are PACs and corporations. Thanks Citizens United.

We haven't made any progress with our own war on drugs either. We are "fighting our own people" as well. It is in fact the same war on both sides of the border.

I don't disagree with you about the "cancer rotting out the country." Its just not restricted to Mexico.

Woooosh - 1-19-2012 at 01:45 PM

Although corruption exists pretty much everywhere, very few places have developed it to an artform like Mexico has. It is inseparable from the fabric of society. It is a stain that cannot be washed out. In the USA you can report corruption or a crime without having to worry if you risk certain death for being a good citizen. Not so in Mexico. HUGE difference imho.

[Edited on 1-19-2012 by Woooosh]

micah202 - 1-19-2012 at 04:02 PM

...........never have I been soooooo glad to be in america!!

...the walk-over line-up was daunting,,,but no more than an hour to get through,,and the crossing itself with the emergency passport was easier than regular crossings.

.........so now for an evening in san Diego,,and a 6am flight to portland/vancouver.

...as I walk around with a little back-pack with my 2 shirts and new socks/undies,,,
,,,I'm inspired to a new,perhaps lighter form of travel

........definitely some new beginnings here!


..........so I'm in the italian district of SanD now,,,flying at 6am,,
,,,so what's fun/safe t'do till then???





.....thanks EVERYONE for your help,,and well wishes

vandenberg - 1-19-2012 at 04:16 PM

.....and make sure you keep an eye on that backpack.

willardguy - 1-19-2012 at 04:21 PM

hopefully they dont close your airport,sea-tac is closed

mtgoat666 - 1-19-2012 at 04:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
Quote:
Originally posted by micah202

..........so I'm in the italian district of SanD now,,,flying at 6am,,
,,,so what's fun/safe t'do till then???

.....thanks EVERYONE for your help,,and well wishes


Go hang at the princess pub and people watch.
Get a pizza or pasta at Filippi's.

There is also a place down there, can't remember the name, but you can get uni right out of the urchin... doesn't get any fresher.


skip the princess pub. go to the waterfront bar on kettner.

if your flight is not until 6 AM, be aware the bars close by 2, so buy a liter of rum to tide you over from 2 to 6 :lol::lol:

fyi, their is a pensione in little italy, forget the name, it is kitty corner from princess pub, probably cheap place to stay.

micah202 - 1-19-2012 at 04:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
Quote:
Originally posted by micah202

..........so I'm in the italian district of SanD now,,,flying at 6am,,
,,,so what's fun/safe t'do till then???

.....thanks EVERYONE for your help,,and well wishes


Go hang at the princess pub and people watch.
Get a pizza or pasta at Filippi's.

There is also a place down there, can't remember the name, but you can get uni right out of the urchin... doesn't get any fresher.


skip the princess pub. go to the waterfront bar on kettner.

if your flight is not until 6 AM, be aware the bars close by 2, so buy a liter of rum to tide you over from 2 to 6 :lol::lol:

fyi, their is a pensione in little italy, forget the name, it is kitty corner from princess pub, probably cheap place to stay.


...ah,Gracias,,,sounds like some good 'intel'.....
,,,,,looks like I'm 4 blocks from there,,anyone around t'share a beer?

[Edited on 1-19-2012 by micah202]

ILikeMex - 1-19-2012 at 04:32 PM

Have you considered letting the security guard know that you are offering a reward? It may cost you a bit more than the original protection, but cheaper than the full replacement.

micah202 - 1-19-2012 at 04:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ILikeMex
Have you considered letting the security guard know that you are offering a reward? It may cost you a bit more than the original protection, but cheaper than the full replacement.


...was the first thing I thought of that night,,,within ~30 minutes offered $1000...probably perked someone to the real value

Oso - 1-19-2012 at 04:47 PM

When we lived in Cuajimalpa, D.F., we had to tip the "velador" who walked thru the neighborhood at night blowing a whistle. this served two purposes; 1) To let us know he was on the job (and wake us up) and 2) to let the burglars know he was coming.

mcfez - 1-19-2012 at 04:50 PM

Well jeez whiz Chucky (Fulano).....All I know is that you sit there in your Romona house all day long...and criticize Mexico. Have you ever left your porch?

No no and still some more no's
"The entire Mexican society is corrupt"......"entire" Chuck, entire? Get a grip. Get real. We all know that is not true. There are decent, hard working folks down there in Mexico....dont label them all as corrupt. Gods Chuck...you need a little vacation to chill out...try Disneyland.


"But, I really wasn't talking about car thefts anyway"
Wow...sure sounded like it. perhaps you just like to drift off at times...and we dont see that.

Hey BTW...thanks for all that fine time consuming research. you did "for me". Perhaps Chuck / Fulano...you should print all that at the fulanofiles, yes?

Not going to college? The fabulous Chuck / Mengano / Fulano here is a walking bogus Wikipedia.......

Guess I'll see you again in the Off Topics.


Quote:
Originally posted by Mengano
Quote:
Originally posted by mcfez
Mengano: NO..... no...... and no!
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_car_the-crime-car-thef...
Though Mexico has a lesser population than the US....the numbers are here to judge........more accurately. Just because something happens in Mexico...you always make it sound like the end of the world.


Let me show you what you missed by not going to college, Deno.

Auto theft rate in Mexico = 140 per 100,000 population
Auto theft rate in USA = 432 per 100,000 population

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_Mexico

So, when standardized for population, it looks like the US has three times the auto theft rate as Mexico, right?

Wrong! There is something missing in the analysis. Isn't it important to know how many cars are out there to be stolen?

Vehicles on the road in Mexico = 25.5 million
Vehicles on the road in the US = 255 million

So the US has 10 times more vehicles than Mexico. If we know the populations of each country, we can then run the numbers.

Population of Mexico = 113,724,226
Population of USA = 311,800,000

Number of cars stolen in Mexico = 140 per 100,000 * 113,724,226 = 159,213

Number of cars stolen in USA = 432 per 100,000 * 311,800,000 = 1,346,976

Percentage of total cars that are stolen each year:

Mexico = 159,213/25,500,000 = 0.625%
USA = 1,346,976/255,000,000 = 0.528%

But, I really wasn't talking about car thefts anyway, Deno. I was talking about extortion. In Mexico, just about every business is paying something to somebody to NOT get robbed, to NOT get burned down, to NOT get the car stolen, to NOT get fined for some BS administrative permit, to NOT get killed. This all runs under the radar of the BajaNomads.

The entire Mexican society is corrupt, it is like a cancer rotting out the country from the inside. It is why the Mexican government cannot win the war on drug cartels. Mexico is fighting against it's own people. It is like an autoimmune disease where a person's body attacks itself.


[Edited on 1-19-2012 by mcfez]

[Edited on 1-20-2012 by mcfez]

willardguy - 1-19-2012 at 05:14 PM

wait, heres my two cents. If you look at everyones list of the most corrupt countries in the world, mexico doesnt even make the list. man its awful out there. be thankful we got mexico for neighbors. btw north korea and somalia head most lists

micah202 - 1-19-2012 at 06:37 PM

...princess pub doing me good........anyone around?
........like the 'green-flash' IPA,,,choked on th'first taste of real hops!:biggrin:

....if yer come down,,I'm the guy with the laptop near the front

Diver - 1-19-2012 at 06:57 PM

Glad to hear you're in better spirits and don't forget that hefeweitzen is a complete meal in a glass. :biggrin:

Woooosh - 1-19-2012 at 07:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by micah202
Quote:
Originally posted by ILikeMex
Have you considered letting the security guard know that you are offering a reward? It may cost you a bit more than the original protection, but cheaper than the full replacement.


...was the first thing I thought of that night,,,within ~30 minutes offered $1000...probably perked someone to the real value

If the guys in TJ that really stole your van saw the sign for the $1000 reward, they would have come back for it (the money). Seriously.

O.G. - 1-19-2012 at 07:33 PM

Ya know Micah202, maybe losing all that "stuff" can be a motivation to do something that you would normally not have done if this incident had not happened --- make some positive change in your life that you would not have done otherwise. Like "quit smoking"; "quit fornicating"; "quit drinking"; etc. But not all three, :lol:This way, this experience could be remembered as a life changing event FOR THE BETTER, dude. Turn this misfortune into a positive direction... .
Then, you could go off into the far side and look at it as a Buddhist form of "...less is more...", but I'll let Dennis enlighten you on that.

micah202 - 1-19-2012 at 07:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
Quote:
Originally posted by micah202
Quote:
Originally posted by ILikeMex
Have you considered letting the security guard know that you are offering a reward? It may cost you a bit more than the original protection, but cheaper than the full replacement.


...was the first thing I thought of that night,,,within ~30 minutes offered $1000...probably perked someone to the real value

If the guys in TJ that really stole your van saw the sign for the $1000 reward, they would have come back for it (the money). Seriously.


heh,,,,here's whut I wrote the embassy this morning;D....
''.....I am VERY ready to come and get the passport as soon as possible.
...I have been staying in the same place for 3 days,,and have been distributing flyers saying 'recompensa $1000us',,,,,,I realize now that I have been advertising to be kidnapped.
........I will take a secure taxi from your embassy -straight- to the border.,and cross IMMEDIATLY to San Diego,,and stay in a motel near the airport tonight.
...I wait for your message that the passport is ready and I can cross to usa,,,,I not even go to store for cigarettes!
.....thank-you for all your efforts..........michael'''

micah202 - 1-19-2012 at 07:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by O.G.
Ya know Micah202, maybe losing all that "stuff" can be a motivation to do something that you would normally not have done if this incident had not happened --- make some positive change in your life that you would not have done otherwise. Like "quit smoking"; "quit fornicating"; "quit drinking"; etc. But not all three, :lol:This way, this experience could be remembered as a life changing event FOR THE BETTER, dude. Turn this misfortune into a positive direction... .
Then, you could go off into the far side and look at it as a Buddhist form of "...less is more...", but I'll let Dennis enlighten you on that.


...kinda enjoyed travelling 'light' today,,,,,rather 'freeing'' I'd say:bounce::bounce:

Woooosh - 1-19-2012 at 08:32 PM

You got out alive, that is the important thing. Did you get your "I survived Tijuana, but all my stuff is gone" commemorative T-Shirt at the border?

[Edited on 1-20-2012 by Woooosh]

micah202 - 1-19-2012 at 08:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
You got out alive, that is the important thing. Did you get your "I survived Tijuana, but all my stuff is gone" commemorative T-Shirt at the border?

[Edited on 1-20-2012 by Woooosh]


...quite,,I ended up with my life,,and -one-t-shirt-,,,a fish skeleton from Mulege,,rather appropriate:)

..methinks I've gone minimalist!!!!



[Edited on 1-20-2012 by micah202]

Bajatripper - 1-20-2012 at 03:39 PM

About two years ago I left my vehicle parked several days in a section of Colonia Manglito, long known in La Paz for it's crime rate. We had dropped the boat into the water at Abaroa's and I then parked the vehicle and attached trailer in the street for the days we were gone. I had a decent radio, flashlights, car stereo, lots of CDs, a couple of compasses, etc. in the vehicle. I may even have had a valuable document or two in the glove box.

When I came back for the vehicle and noticed that the kids had left the rear windows down and I hadn't caught it, I was sure all my valuables would be long gone, and I would have deserved it for my carelessness. To my immense surprise, nothing was touched.

As Mengano said, things aren't always as they seem in Mexico.

Sorry to hear of your loss, mica. I'm sure you'll be listening to those inner voices from now on. Just don't tell the rest of us about them, and things should be OK.

Bajatripper - 1-20-2012 at 03:48 PM

Quote:
[...quite,,I ended up with my life,,and -one-t-shirt-,,,a fish skeleton from Mulege,,rather appropriate:)

..methinks I've gone minimalist!!!!


Great attitude, Mica. Coincidentally (considering the lone shirt you have left), I know of a guy in Mulege that you'd get along great with. Last summer, while driving to Mulege on the transpeninsular he had an accident north of Guerrero Negro, his motor home--which was where he lived wherever he was--was a total loss. For most of us, that would have been the end of the journey. Not Scott. He shouldered what he could from the motor home, sold the vehicle to a local, and kept going to Mulege, where he's now happily learning Spanish and drinking lots of beer.

I salute that type of adventurism and perseverance

Lee - 1-20-2012 at 03:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by micah202
...kinda enjoyed travelling 'light' today,,,,,rather 'freeing'' I'd say:bounce::bounce:


You're further along than I'd be -- letting go seems to be a major goal in life, more or less.

Vehicle security is a subject that's been kicked around here a bit. Seems like it's 50/50: those who think security devices are worthless, those who vehemently believe, short of a Pro, these devices do deter amateurs.

A Pro might back a tow truck up to your vehicle and haul it away. If you were in hearing distance of a vehicle alarm, you might be able to head them off at the pass.

The neighborhood kids breaking into random vehicles? Depends on what they know. They can break in, break the stearing lock, tow your vehicle at the end of a rope.

Whatever the case, not having any deterrent on your vehicle in MX is foolish. Even if it was a kill switch, or in my case, two switches, impossible to find, to prevent the vehicle from being started.

Lots of ideas here. You seem like an enlightened guy. Consider protecting your next vehicle from being stolen.

DENNIS - 1-20-2012 at 05:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
You got out alive, that is the important thing.


He/She wasn't in or around the vehicle. That's a safety factor for all to consider. Leave your vehicle unattended in Hell if you want to survive it's change of ownership. Good thinking.

O.G. - 1-20-2012 at 05:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
You got out alive, that is the important thing.


He/She wasn't in or around the vehicle. That's a safety factor for all to consider. Leave your vehicle unattended in Hell if you want to survive it's change of ownership. Good thinking.


Is that straight talk or satire??

micah202 - 1-21-2012 at 09:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by O.G.
Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
You got out alive, that is the important thing.


He/She wasn't in or around the vehicle. That's a safety factor for all to consider. Leave your vehicle unattended in Hell if you want to survive it's change of ownership. Good thinking.


Is that straight talk or satire??


.......ahh the 'beauty' of internet forums:spingrin:

...sure do appreciatethe helpful,-coherant- comments!!

djh - 1-21-2012 at 10:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by micah202

.......ahh the 'beauty' of internet forums:spingrin:

...sure do appreciatethe helpful,-coherant- comments!!



http://www.flickr.com/photos/59103003@N05

. . . . Nice photos of a solo adventure! You found lots of beauty here!

Thought I'd repost Micah's link for some of you who didn't check it out....

Sometimes putting a face & getting a feel for the person you're conversing with on Nomad can be a good thing....

especially for some of our "Pompous Pontificators" who seem to know everything about everyplace and everyone but can't seem to find the empathy that their teachers, parents, and grandparents TRIED to teach them...

False assumptions, Judgemental, critical, salt in the wounds.... REALLY???

Yet there are still many here who are genuinely kind, helpful, and positive.

Glad you have turned these lemons into lemonaid, Micah....

"...sure do appreciate the helpful,-coherant- comments!!"

..... and, like your travels, and even misfortune, found the good here.

Best..... djh

woody with a view - 1-21-2012 at 10:30 AM

just like you, everyone has an opinion.

and a bad link.....

micah202 - 1-21-2012 at 10:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by djh
Quote:
Originally posted by micah202

.......ahh the 'beauty' of internet forums:spingrin:

...sure do appreciatethe helpful,-coherant- comments!!



http://www.flickr.com/photos/59103003@N05

. . . . Nice photos of a solo adventure! You found lots of beauty here!

Thought I'd repost Micah's link for some of you who didn't check it out....

Sometimes putting a face & getting a feel for the person you're conversing with on Nomad can be a good thing....

especially for some of our "Pompous Pontificators" who seem to know everything about everyplace and everyone but can't seem to find the empathy that their teachers, parents, and grandparents TRIED to teach them...

False assumptions, Judgemental, critical, salt in the wounds.... REALLY???

Yet there are still many here who are genuinely kind, helpful, and positive.

Glad you have turned these lemons into lemonaid, Micah....

"...sure do appreciate the helpful,-coherant- comments!!"

..... and, like your travels, and even misfortune, found the good here.

Best..... djh


thanks DJ,,,seems everyone got sour 'leche' for their coffee this morning:barf:......................:P

...not sure why the link doesn't fully print-up!?

[Edited on 1-21-2012 by micah202]

djh - 1-21-2012 at 11:02 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
just like you, everyone has an opinion.

and a bad link.....


Woody, you've obviously been around "here" long enough to know to copy and paste a link....

As is oft repeated..... Opinions are like . . . . . . . and often not helpful, sometimes rude, and occasionally just offensive....

woody with a view - 1-21-2012 at 11:23 AM

http://www.flickr.com/photos/59103003@N05

including @NO5 returns "page not found" it must be me.....:lol:

[Edited on 1-21-2012 by woody with a view]

micah202 - 1-21-2012 at 12:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59103003@N05

including @NO5 returns "page not found" it must be me.....:lol:

[Edited on 1-21-2012 by woody with a view]


....try this one,,,, cut/paste........ http://www.flickr.com/photos/59103003@N05/

[Edited on 1-21-2012 by micah202]

DENNIS - 1-21-2012 at 12:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by O.G.
Is that straight talk or satire??


A little of both...I guess.