Checkpoint!!!!!

CHECKPOINT

We had our first checkpoint today-I LOVE THIS PLACE! As we drove into Pedasi we saw a few cars stopped in front of us- it was to check for drivers licenses and passports. Sweaty palms, heart racing, thoughts  like “did I put the passports in the car” “hide the beer” where’s that Imodium?”

We were used to Mexico where out of nowhere 20 guys in army fatigues and automatic weapons who look like they are 12 years old stop you and tell you to get out of your car, go through your luggage, and give you the distinct feeling that if you would just give each of them money and a few beers they wouldn’t take you to jail and keep your car.

This was fabulous! We showed our passports and Steve’s US license, the first polite policeman entered the passport numbers in a handheld smartphone type devise, saw that we were legal and that was it! No car search, no inferred need to give them money, NOTHING! Just a polite gracias!  The only trouble I could have gotten in would have been if I did try to give them beer!

TIP- take a few copies of your driver’s license and passports and keep one in your luggage, one in your purse or wallet, one in the glove compartment just in case.