11 October 2010

Today I drove from Aldma to outside of Tecolutla. On the way I got stopped by the police four times.  Getting gas was a hassle because I had still not changed my dollars into pesos. They would not take my credit card. But in the store I was able to exchange $20 for 225 pesos and get a little more than half of what I needed.

Stop #1 - Driving into Tampico.  Headed towards downtown. There are cops at every place there are speed bumps. A police car flashed me over and told me ticket or dinero. I could not understand what was going on and fearing a ticket or arrest I gave him $100. Thinking about it I realized that this was a huge mistake. I was finally able to exchange my dollars so I decided to head out of Tampico towards Vera Cruz.

Stop #2 - I had to backtrack and I knew as I passed the cop on the other side of the freeway, I knew I was going to be stopped on the way back.  I had to drive out of Tampico and then back in to find the right exit. Sure enough the cop stood in my way and directed me to stop. I gave him a copy of my license and he demanded money or he would give me a ticket for not having my lights on. It was all complete lies. I told him I had no money but he persisted so I gave him a £1 british coin I had been holding onto since 2001.

Stop # 3 - After he let me go I drove past a stopped traffic police SUV and sure enough he started following me and directed me to pull over.  But he pointed me to the right exit for Vera Cruz. He even drew a map.

I think if I stay out of the cities and keep to the country I will have very little problems.

Stop #4 - On the way to Poza Rica Federales directed me to pull over and they searched my car but they did not ask for money. One of the cops asked if he could have my leather satchel but I declined and gave him a flavored toothpick instead. I felt bad at first but now I think it was the right option. Police don’t need to receive gifts. The same cop was interested in my Bible. Especially the Revelation of John. 

Entrance to a city

I wanted to see the ruins of Tajin but I lost my way.  Road signage in Mexico is not consistent at all. More than a few times I’ve wondered if I was on the right road. There are people and animals all over the highway and people drive terrible. They speed and pass on curves and hills and when traffic is coming and in the city when the lines disappear they make their own lanes.

At the hotel tonight I spoke with the owner in English. He used to work for Ford in Mexico City. He gave me some useful information about the roads around Vera Cruz.

Dinner at the hotel