Yep, it happened today. We were stopped at a routine traffic Stop. James was not informed that he shouldn't be driving without his passport(it's in Lima to show verification for our crate of home goods.) The cop was threatening jail and a 600 dollar fine. We were warned that while our visas are in the approval stage we can't do anything wrong or we will be denied. The cop made made sure to express that even more strongly.
James asked for mercy because he was ignorant of the rules, the cop kept milking it. Then finally said "what else would you like to do?" James said "give the money to you?" then he proceeded to really give him the shake down for the highest amount of money he could get out of us. I think he was hoping for close to a thousand soles, but we got away with only 200 soles, which is about 80 dollars. Way cheaper than driving without a license in the states! So, although we're a little ticked about the whole situation, we're glad we got off easy. Next time we'll know to have our passport or just fork over the money right away. I'm sure they clean house at these stops. Ugh-chalk it up to an initiation?
Is it wrong to get a good laugh at another's expense? I think not. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat! That's unbelievable!... And kind of awesome.
ReplyDeleteHopefully we can laugh at it at some point. It was pretty scary for James actually. He was really stressed that he was going to be put in the slammer and I would be left alone not knowing the language or how to get around. I would have been screwed. A little traumatic.
ReplyDeleteOkay, so not so funny, unless you're reading it from our end. Glad you're both safe and don't worry. We would have formed an instant Fenn Rescue Team!
ReplyDeleteHa ha ha I sure hope so!!!!
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