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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65298
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Ken Cooke
| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
| Quote: | Originally posted by Ken Cooke
| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
| Quote: | Originally posted by Ken CookeThat's my point... if I have Colombia visa stamps I would expect a 3rd degree search or question... black or
beige skin color doesn't matter.
Please be careful!! |
David, you have spelled 'Colombia' incorrectly 8 times on this forum. You need to be aware there is not a 'u' in that country's name.
The only bad thing that happened in Barranquilla was the armed holdup of the hotel's restaurant while I ate dinner the 1st night that I arrived there.
No worries, the robber wasn't really armed - I almost kicked his butt for stealing the cook's purse.
I'll be careful, though...  |
Thanks Ken, I really did mess up with COLOMBIA (and have corrected it)... but only saw it used once... I will search for the other 7 errors! Good
thing Colombia isn't in Baja, otherwise Baja Spell Checker would be all over me for that!!! LOL |
Baja Spell Checker, BabbleFish, etc. You spend more time in Baja than me, and you never bothered to learn Spanish. That is the true Baja irony being
exposed on the Nomad board. |
I checked all my posts with COLUMBIA in them... Half were British Columbia and the other few was South America's Colombia... I fixed the South America
ones...
I had Spanish in all 4 years of high school, and previously in Junior high it was taught... Learned talking with Mexicans, as well... What gave you
the idea I didn't study Spanish hombre?  |
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8964
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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David,
Yo pense que tu no hablastes el Castellano, porque los veces en Shell Island y El Caņon de Guadalupe, tu no uses el Castellano. Disculpleme, amigo.
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8964
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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| Quote: | Originally posted by soulpatch
Jeevus, could you puhleeeze stop with the repeated quotes?
As a firefighter that works closely with law enforcement I know that it is a sad reality that racism exists within the enforcement community.
That's just how it is. |
I often Jeep with law enforcement, but rarely do I trust them because of so many run-ins over the years. From having a gun thrust between my eyes
w/threats shouted at me, to having threats shouted at me on a sidewalk in W. Hollywood, etc., I get really nervous whenever I'm near the police...for
good reason.
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Bajafun777
Super Nomad
Posts: 1103
Registered: 9-13-2006
Location: Rosarito & California
Member Is Offline
Mood: Enjoying Life with Wife In Mexico, Easy on The Easy
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Ken, you just answered the questions wrong when asked. You should have said you were in Colombia seeing their sisters and coming back through Mexico you were seeing their cousins , just never say their mamas . Ken, it is there are just so many newbies on the Ports that are trying to out do the one another and make that big
bust. Most of these people never had any street sense nor will they for a number of years of work they will need to get some . I have been in secondary so many times I have lost count and it is always when I
really need to get across in a hurry that the B.S. happens. Note: We were in line one time for almost 4 hours before entering the Calexico Port and
then sent into Secondary. My wife was about to burst and needed to use the bathroom, so when she got out to ask them to allow a restroom call they
all started to jump on her. I had to get out of the vehicle and tell the officers to calm down and one female started to go real hard at my wife that
had not moved from the door of the truck. I told them to bring their dog over and clear her but I got a few more peeed off. I then saw one of the
supervisors I know from my work and he calmed it down. I told him come on 4 hours in line, in the heat, and more time in secondary without any
thought of bathroom, just not real. He had them check the truck with the dog and let us cross and we hurried to the "Guadalajar Resturant" in
Calexico for her relief, beer, and good food. Just the bad luck of getting someone pushing the buttons to find the reward, I know I know they are
just doing their jobs but the ones that carry it far need to stand down. I feel for you Ken been there, done that, and probably like you will return
to it again whether we like it or not. So, do what I do make you time in Baja, Mainland Mexico, Colombia, or my favorite Costa Rica count so the
return to that kind of nonesense don't mean a thing. "No Hurry, No Worry, Just Fun" Other than that are you getting your strength back???
Later---------------------------bajafun777
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8964
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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I went off the heart meds yesterday. I have been feeling the blood flowing into my feet and fingers all day. Feels great. The Doctor says, "Nothing
is wrong with your heart...We won't know until we do an Angiogram at least." My Doctor is such a pessimist. Well, I rode 8 miles today - the exhaustion nearly killed me.
Mom says, "Take it easy, or you'll be in the hospital again!" Mom is always right. The bad genes run on her side of the family. But, it's all her
fault to begin with. She's the one who decided it would be fun to push me across the border in my stroller. Then, every year my folks *made us* go
down to Rosarito Beach, before it was over-developed, and we had to camp out on the sand with our entire family, and the family dog. Worst part of
all, my dad drove us down in a 4WD Full-Size Jeep Cherokee Wagon! Ah, the trauma! 
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postholedigger
Nomad
Posts: 189
Registered: 1-6-2008
Member Is Offline
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I hate to jinx myself by saying this but I have yet to be sent to secondary. I've brought all sorts of stuff up with me. I've helped a friend move his
apartment back up to the U.S. by driving a pickup truck full of furniture (Just told the customs agent I was helping close an apartment for a friend
of mine). I've come up with a laundry machine and dryer, a treadmill. I've driven my car, my friends' cars, company cars and I haven't ever been sent
to secondary. My trick? Be up front. If you have nothing to hide and are doing nothing wrong, there's no reason for them to raise an alarm. The only
time I was close to getting sent to secondary was the first time I drove across. Naturally, as a greencard holder I was a little nervous and the
Filipino border guard must have smelt it and he went for the jugular. I suppose my answer to his "what are you bringing back from Mexico?" with
"Everything I brought with me into Mexico" jangled his nerves the wrong way. In any case, he went through his list of questions and even made me step
out of the vehicle. He had me open the trunk manually as opposed to remotely from the driver's seat. When he asked "does this car belong to you?" and
I answered "no", you should have seen his eyes light up. It was like he realized he had a live one. When I had a perfectly sound explanation for why I
was driving a company car he just waved me through.
For what it's worth though, it's the white and black guards that give me the least hassle at the border.
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8964
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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In Tecate, I was bringing back 10 clay planters once (ex-wife's idea).
The border guard asked me what I was bringing back. I responded, "Pot!"
I guess I was a little nervous and non-trusting of the border patrol. He stopped and asked me again, "What are you bringing into the country." Then
I responded, "Planters." He looked in the back of my truck and saw 11 planters, none for resale, and he waved me through.
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Iflyfish
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3747
Registered: 10-17-2006
Member Is Offline
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Once you are on "the list" it can get tough.
I know a guy who got stopped once and had to pay a tremendous amount for some tiles for his bathroom sink. Could have purchased them in California,
but a bit cheaper in Mexico, before having to pay the "duty". Got in the computer as a smuggler and, having had his vehicle torn to shreds on a number
of occasions, with out any effort to help replace/repair the damage, he decided to deal with this directly the next time he crossed the border.
In the far reaches, under the canopy of the pick up was a cooler, full of stinking fish guts, the agent crawled in to inspect it, he came out retching
and cursing, sad how passive aggressive some people can be. Terrible job! Doubt I would ever do it.
Iflyfish
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dean miller
Nomad
Posts: 456
Registered: 1-28-2004
Member Is Offline
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The year previous to the 9-11 attack my wife and I visited Egypt on two separate occasions with in one year for recreational diving.
Every time, generally 2-to 4 times a year when returning from Baja while would passing through customs we would be questioned about the stamps and/or
sent to secondary.
The most impressive event was several years ago. My wife who was born in Canada but is naturalized US citizen, had a brand new passport, mine still
contained the Egyptian stamps. When asked where we were where born, she replied Canada, I US. --- Off to secondary
We were separated, questioned about the Egyptian stamps, the trailer and car was sniffed by dogs, the trailer and the automobile were also personally
checked. No problems
The Custom Agents apologized for the delay and inconvenience and sent us on our way.
I have absolutely no problems the agents or the procedures. They have a very difficult job to perform and are highly skilled and very dedicated in
keeping the bad guys out of the US
sdm
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Ken Cooke
The border guard asked me what I was bringing back. I responded, "Pot!"
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Hate to say it Ken but, after reading all these posts, I think you bring a bit of, as you put it, "Driving while Black" attitude to the border.
The zone is a snake pit for everybody and those who have the mind control to "go numb" and just answer questions without analyzing everything from a
defensive standpoint, are less put-off by it all.
If you truly feel that the customs cops are reacting to you primarily because of the color of your skin, I think you're wrong. They're probably
reacting to the attitude [subtle?] you bring to the gate as a conditioned response that Blacks tend to have for cops.
I was honestly put back by your opening post on this thread. It made me wonder how deeply your resentment permeates your world view.
Now, before you go off on me, this is in no way a defense of the behaviour of the customs people "just doing their job." Their technique is
deplorable. What I'm saying is that you may have a better time of it if you approach the border as an all-around man instead of as a Black Man. It
will make the crossing easier.
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
Member Is Offline
Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Ken Cooke
I often Jeep with law enforcement, but rarely do I trust them because of so many run-ins over the years. From having a gun thrust between my eyes
w/threats shouted at me, to having threats shouted at me on a sidewalk in W. Hollywood, etc., I get really nervous whenever I'm near the police...for
good reason. |
I'm sorry you feel that way, I guess I will keep my distance................
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bajalou
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4459
Registered: 3-11-2004
Location: South of the broder
Member Is Offline
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Sent to secondary in Adrade one time, escorted into a small room had us tell them how much money we had ion us and took my small (2 1/2 in blade)
pocket knife. No explanation. About 10 min ?? back they cam and said OK to go. I asked why the lock up and was told they thought I was smuggling a
dead body into the US. They had seen the end of a rolled up sleeping bag under the rear seat of my van. This was probably 8-9 years ago.
No Bad Days
\"Never argue with an idiot. People watching may not be able to tell the difference\"
\"The trouble with doing nothing is - how do I know when I\'m done?\"
Nomad Baja Interactive map
And in the San Felipe area - check out Valle Chico area |
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bajalou
I asked why the lock up and was told they thought I was smuggling a dead body into the US. They had seen the end of a rolled up sleeping bag under
the rear seat of my van. This was probably 8-9 years ago. |
Did they take the body away from you or just establish nationality?
Had to insert that laughing head so you won't think I'm serious.
[Edited on 9-15-2008 by DENNIS]
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vandenberg
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5118
Registered: 6-21-2005
Location: Nopolo
Member Is Offline
Mood: mellow
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
| Quote: | Originally posted by bajalou
I asked why the lock up and was told they thought I was smuggling a dead body into the US. They had seen the end of a rolled up sleeping bag under
the rear seat of my van. This was probably 8-9 years ago. |
Did they take the body away from you or just establish nationality?
Had to insert that laughing head so you won't think I'm serious.
[Edited on 9-15-2008 by DENNIS] |
Rolled up in a rug is a dead giveaway.
Tie it to the roof and they probably miss it.
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Paulina
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3812
Registered: 8-31-2002
Location: BCN
Member Is Offline
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 It must be better to declare a dead body rather than try to smuggle it in.
\"Well behaved women rarely make history.\" Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
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Some of those knuckleheads at the border would spend two hours asking the body, over and over, "Where were you born," before they figuered out it
wasn't going to answer.
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vandenberg
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5118
Registered: 6-21-2005
Location: Nopolo
Member Is Offline
Mood: mellow
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
Some of those knuckleheads at the border would spend two hours asking the body, over and over, "Where were you born," before they figuered out it
wasn't going to answer. |
I suggest just putting it in the passenger seat, stuff a Castro type stogie in it's mouth and brush up on your ventriloquism.
Woks every time.
Back to the subject:
When I lived for several years, on the Canadian side of the Niagara river, made weekly trips into NY (Buffalo&Niagara Falls)for much cheaper goods
on the US side, (admittedly mainly booze), I was never directed to secondary. However a good friend of mine, white, blond, blue eyed, neat, was
directed there about every second trip. And definitely not a guy with an attitude. Go figure.
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bajalou
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4459
Registered: 3-11-2004
Location: South of the broder
Member Is Offline
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A friend got caught smuggling cigarettes into Canada several years ago. He had 2 cartons for his own use. From then on EVERY time he entered Canada
he was sent to secondary and given big time inspection. After 2-3 years of this treatment, he got new license plates for his motor home and was never
stopped again.
No Bad Days
\"Never argue with an idiot. People watching may not be able to tell the difference\"
\"The trouble with doing nothing is - how do I know when I\'m done?\"
Nomad Baja Interactive map
And in the San Felipe area - check out Valle Chico area |
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vandenberg
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5118
Registered: 6-21-2005
Location: Nopolo
Member Is Offline
Mood: mellow
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bajalou
A friend got caught smuggling cigarettes into Canada several years ago. He had 2 cartons for his own use. From then on EVERY time he entered Canada
he was sent to secondary and given big time inspection. After 2-3 years of this treatment, he got new license plates for his motor home and was never
stopped again. |
True Lou, but I'm talking about the early 60's, way before computerized stuff came into play.
And, while on the smuggling subject, I always get a big bang out of the stories I hear from the gringos, explaining how cleverly they duped the
Mexican border guys.(Been here over 20 years and no doubt guilty myself)
Do we really think those guys were born yesterday and don't know that, for instance, you smeared some dirt on your brand new appliance, after taking
it out of the box, so they'll believe it to be old and second hand, used, etc.
Get real. Likely they have a lot of laughs during their breaks, talking about us ridiculously ignorant gringos.
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by vandenberg
Likely they have a lot of laughs during their breaks, talking about us ridiculously ignorant gringos. |
Probably more disgusted than amused. It just makes it more difficult when we have a legitimate need to smuggle.
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