people keep giving me back my wallet

Lauthra says on Jan 14, 2005, 16:37:

Once December 16 2005, I was rushing to the waiting room number 8 at El Dorado, didn't want to miss my flight again, and showed the security woman by cédula and rushed to the other check up queue, dropping my wallet, she called at me 'Niña!' really angry and pointed at my wallet on the floor, 'be more careful' she spat with perfectly rude mannerism, and then said to no one 'Then they say they get robbed...' with an ineffable acridness. Couldn't stop to tell her off for being rude, I wasn't gonna miss my flight for her! I was very relief of getting my wallet back, cos just a couple months ago I had or lost it or it fell of my bag, it had my details in it, and no one called, so I guess it was just nicked...
Nato ;)

Nato (='.'=)

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oldbongo says on Jan 14, 2005, 16:47:

the decision is made...sorry. you are not invited to the party,
you are an air-head.

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desiluna says on Jan 14, 2005, 16:52:

Is that to bad? Is that to bad that someone want to return your wallet all the time you lose it I wish I have the same luck here in the US I guess my visit to colombia will be sooner than I expect it.

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isaactraveler says on Jan 14, 2005, 17:15:

hey I lost my digital camera in a cab seriously.
Amazing, we didnt know where we left it and I was sure that it was gone for good. I was more worried that it had at least 200 pictures of my trip that I had not downloaded yet.

when we got to her apartment complex that night, the guards gave us the phone number of the cab driver that we had taken that morning, who promptly returned it to us the next morning.

SHOCK and realization that there are honest people left in the world. The guy makes probably $20 a day driving a cab and it was a $250 camera. I gave him $50,000 pesos and we used him almost exclusively the rest of the week I was visiting. We even invited him to accompany us to the butterfly sanctuary in Manizales and he kept 91 year old grandma company.

Thanks for bringing this up, as it was one of the first things that made me fall in love with Colombia and its people.

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oldbongo says on Jan 14, 2005, 17:23:

thank you... for the reminder,....please forgive..

maybe it takes one to know one, so..

the oldgringos' intention in his posting was to
exclude the poster from the invitation list to the
genuine party,
and to say that,her posting makes her sound
as if she was exactly the perfect example of what the security
woman thought of her, a person who would do an air-headed thing,
and then think that someone else is to blame.

capiche

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Lauthra says on Jan 14, 2005, 17:26:

Pure Good Luck... I left my mobile in a cab, tried calling to it, no one ever answered... I left the mobile I replaced with the lost one in a bus, well it fell out of Barry's pocket, and it took 6 months of phoning the twat that found it for him to give it back... One would assume they would be more kind to their compatriots...i.e. ME!

Nato ;)

Nato (='.'=)

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oldbongo says on Jan 14, 2005, 17:33:

eso,eso,eso.... ding.ding,ding!!!

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jan 14, 2005, 17:42:

Once One time I had a guy run down the street to point out to me that a wad of money was about to fall out of my pocket.

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ARMacleod says on Jan 15, 2005, 04:28:

My first visit My first trip (alone) to Colombia had two small but to me significant experiences.

1 st, Collecting my suitcase from the luggage claim, I went through the checks and when I was asked what was in the case I saw for the first time that the two small padlocks had vanished.

I got quite irate and the gentleman at the desk told me to pass through without waiting for an answer or even looking into the case. I ignored him and opened the case.

My movie camera and everything else had obviously been disturbed and put back somewhat randomly, but nothing was missing.

2nd, I lost my mobile phone in a supermarket. I had not noticed it had gone. As I approached the exit, my lady in tow, I was stopped by the security guard, who asked me the number of my phone, I told him and he handed it over to me?

Will I ever see one of these phantom undesirables?

A few years ago I handed a wallet with a small sum of money inside (about £20) to our local police station. The desk PC looked at me as if I was a leper said "if people just know how much paperwork was involved with this kind of thing"

Next time I will hand it to Oxfam.

Being of unsound mind and dubious disposition, I cannot be held legally liable for any indiscretions. ¡El diablo me hizo lo hago! But don't worry, be happy.

The brain is like a parachute, it only functions correctly when it is open. Pax vobiscum.

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lpdiver says on Jan 15, 2005, 05:30:

locks on luggage om intrernational flights Better get over it and get used to having your luggage searched my friend. ESPECIALLY with an electronic device such as a movie camera. Throw your locks away. I have learned this lesson the hard way also and now know somewhat better how to pack. But still find that my luggage has been inspected often.

I do like to get my luggage wrapped with the big plastic wrap after it has cleared inspection for boarding. It seems to help a lot.

"cook some rice!"

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jan 15, 2005, 07:49:

Your locks I almost guarantee that your locks were cut off by the flight safety people in the US or Europe, not in Colombia.

I prefer to use zip ties on my luggage. Keeps wandering hands out and lets me know when the bag has been opened. Most luggage locks have the same key so they don't really tell you if someone opened and shut your bag. Zip ties are especially useful for this is you use a weird color, like pink, or bright green, that they're unlikely to have.

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rash9000 says on Jan 15, 2005, 11:15:

No, Mr Hollywood. It is known that in Colombian airports, you got to be careful with your luggage.
Once my brother-in-law lost a bottle of perfume. It was in Riohacha.

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lpdiver says on Jan 15, 2005, 11:26:

In all airports you need to be careful But locks on luggage are simply a thing of the past in our current terrorist aware society. There are certain things I put in my carry on as I know they will open the luggage anyway if it is in there.

"cook some rice!"

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oldbongo says on Jan 15, 2005, 11:36:

it happens in colombia.... a camarara who makes $150 a month, will find your wallet,
your stash, that you lost and return it to you, full.
an aduana officer will help him/herself to your belongings
in your suitcase while it is in their custody.
pink ties make you feel good when you recieve your bags intact,
but,when you don't, you are still never gonna know who took it.
be ready for anything....

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Lionheart says on Jan 15, 2005, 13:00:

locks on luggage In general any luggage locked will be broken open by security. It happened to me even on inland flights within the USA.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jan 15, 2005, 13:07:

You misread me I didn't say that you don't have to watch luggage in Colombia. What I said was that if your locks were broken and your camera was still there, then your locks were broken by security in the US or Europe.

Personally, I would NEVER fly with a valuable camera in my checked bags. That's just begging for troubled.

Mostly I use zip ties because I like know that nobody has put something IN my bag more than I care that someone has taken my dirty underwear out.

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isaactraveler says on Jan 15, 2005, 13:11:

I pack my valuables inside my dirty underwear I figure if someone is brave enough to risk it, they can have it. Besides I dont really want anything that has touched my dirty underwear anyway.

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lpdiver says on Jan 15, 2005, 13:13:

Locks broken in US We had our locks broken in Colombia in 2003 when we didn't respond to a page fast enough. Last time I used a lock. I use the ty-wraps solely to keep the luggage from unzipping from baggage handling and tape spares with a note to please retywrap after inspection. Amazingly three times so far this has been done.

"cook some rice!"

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Jan 15, 2005, 13:21:

ha ha isaac what a wonderful idea! I'll have to try that one.
I've not experienced any trouble with locks, but I haven't been in Colombia for a couple of years now, and it's been long time since through the States. So, basically, I shouldn't bother with locks on my next trip.
Cheers,
Desi

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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lpdiver says on Jan 15, 2005, 13:32:

Basically all the lock do Is keep an honest man honest. With new security requirements they really do many more inspections and don't have time to track down keys...locks will be cut if they want to inspect no questions asked. I use the 1" by 4" computer label for folders and place a ty wrap under them near the zipper. Printed on the label is PLEASE re ty wrap after inspection THANKS. I am sure it will not alway be done but it has on three occasions I know off. Because I place a different colored tywrap under the label

"cook some rice!"

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Tinto (Moderator) says on Jan 15, 2005, 13:37:

Does that include the most valuable item of them all - pistachios?!?!



;-)

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oldbongo says on Jan 15, 2005, 13:49:

definately... la commandante retreived her delayed luggage in cartagena,
when she got home, she discovered all the nuts, chocolates,
and baby clothes gone,...she was pissed,...went home talked to her
friends and dicovered that a neighbor works for la aduana, and
comes home regularly with new treasures importada.

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ARMacleod says on Jan 15, 2005, 13:54:

Mr. Hollywood and others. Some good ideas here, and thank you all. A question though.

What are tie wraps and where can I get them?

I see on a news programme here (UK) this morning that USA spent $20 Billon on coke last year. Is that what they may put in my suitcase?

Ps. There was no mention of the Pepsi consumption?

Being of unsound mind and dubious disposition, I cannot be held legally liable for any indiscretions."¡El diablo me hizo hacerlo!" But don't worry, be happy.

The brain is like a parachute, it only functions correctly when it is open. Pax vobiscum.

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Lionheart says on Jan 15, 2005, 14:02:

tie wraps There are basically two kinds, plastic use once and velcro use often tie wraps. The plastic version is used by cops also as cheap hand cuffs.

Originally they were invented to tie cables and wires together, making a loop by pulling the band through a one-way lock. With a knife or scissors you can cut the band and toss the tie wrap.

The newer velcro style tie wraps aren't as sturdy but are reusable, and often come in many colors.

I would use plastic wraps as lock replacements, and velcro to secure stuff in the suitcase. You can find them in automotive and home construction stores.

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jack73534 says on Jan 15, 2005, 14:04:

lost wallet I use to make fun of my cowboy friends about carring their wallet in front pocket. One time I was chasing cows horseback and never noticed I had lost my wallet. Ever look for a wallet in Knee high grass. Now like a good cowboy I carry my wallet in my front pocket.

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ReinaDeLa Baile says on Jan 15, 2005, 14:34:

Old Gringo I am with you - she IS an air head.

But.

That is EXACTLY the kind of hottie we need for our "party" - uy papi, nunca hize eso antes, uy papi." see.

Sincerely, srta librarian

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juanalejo says on Jan 15, 2005, 14:51:

Desi Do not worry about the locks as the unlocked bags rule only applies for flights in the US. If you are travelling from Europe directly to Colombia the airport security will call you at the gate if they need to see something, but you are still entitled to lock your bags. On the way bag they will scan your bags prior to check in, so if they need to open it, it will be there and then.

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aces says on Jan 15, 2005, 14:52:

the key is... Not to pack valuables in your check in luggage, and always be ready to move things from one bag to another (ie to your carry on) since some 'vivo' agents like to make you check bags you didn't intend to... that's how I accidentally checked and lost a new panoramic camera with photos of 2 murals I had just painted in Venezuela...
The dirty underwear trick is a classic. I pack anything of any value in it, and even some of my carry on valuables. I turned a couple of female inspectors bright red on my last trip home from Bogotá when they found 3 bottles of aguardiente cristal wrapped in my used boxer briefs....the inspection ended there.
As for locks forget them, the zip ties may be a good idea, but the time they stole my camera they stuck one on afterward as a little added insult.... hijo'e puta...
haha
...
eme

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oldbongo says on Jan 15, 2005, 14:53:

thank you queenie... the lady with the cat is OUT..

maria1234 sounds promising...

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Jan 15, 2005, 14:58:

thanx juanalejo I will then continue to lock my suitcases with the little padlocks. Last time I was inspected at the customs and they were ogling over all the boxes of European chocolate I had packed. I just explained that they were gifts for friends and family. I didn't feel like sharing with them. It was not a problem and nothing was removed. It's the packing up things again that I think is the hassle.
Cheers,
Desi

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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Lauthra says on Jan 15, 2005, 17:17:

Thanks but NO Thanks I have no need to meet an old bloke who definately got stuck in his hippie phase, and all of his imaginary online friends... WOW, some wild imaginary party that'll be... Zaragise, oldgringo and Reina, seem like the same one to me to be honest.

And could you stop with the air-head thing, you know nothing about me, so just bugger off.

Nato ;)

Nato (='.'=)

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isaactraveler says on Jan 15, 2005, 17:58:

Tinto, never mix dirty underwear and pistacios or better, never eat pistacios in dirty underwear. trust me, I have done this. it aint pretty. sure, it may FEEL RIGHT, but you know it's wrong.

Anyway, any fool gringo knows that you pack the camera in the luggage and CARRY the pistacios with you on board.

btw Colombianos like beef jerky too, but not the spicy or peppery kind. its pretty funny to watch them eat that. my future mother in law was running circles around the kitchen last time I saw her.

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miamimike says on Jan 15, 2005, 20:44:

Colombians Honest for me also-reflects well on Country! About 5 years ago on a trip from Fusa to Bogota my ladyfriend inadvertingly left a fanny pack behind on the seat with a disposbale camera and a few items pesos,ect. Not a Huge amount-next day we went back to the Central office and the driver had found it and held it for us--not an item missing-he refused our reward saying"it was his job" and no matter how profusely we offered he would not accept a dime in reward. Left me in a state of SHock! THAT would not happen in Miami! BTW, Baggage theft here in MIA is probably the worst in the USA-any valuables should be be in your carry on-NEVER in checked luggage. NEVER! Weekly airport theft stories are on the local news and it is simply out of control.

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

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umm says on Jan 15, 2005, 20:55:

Cant you just pull your revolver and tell them, if they continue to bother you trying to give back your wallet then you will shoot them?

UMM

My Forum

ARMacleod says on Jan 16, 2005, 05:07:

Violence? If you really need violence there are many ways of doing so. You could go down the street at night in central Bogota waving a bundle of green and shouting abuse at all Colombians.

On the other hand you could watch some crappy violent movies, or better still, you could join the army, all the violence you need legally. You could even start a war if you can manipulate people enough. Change your name to Adolf or Rasputin etc, its easy. You should not be wasting your precious time on a rubbishy tame site like this one. I am quite sure however you are just casting bait.

Get a life!

Being of unsound mind and dubious disposition, I cannot be held legally liable for any indiscretions."¡El diablo me hizo hacerlo!" But don't worry, be happy.

The brain is like a parachute, it only functions correctly when it is open. Pax vobiscum.

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umm says on Jan 16, 2005, 05:11:

"Change your name to Adolf or Rasputin etc,"
etc means 'GeogeW', right? :)

UMM

UMM

My Forum

ARMacleod says on Jan 16, 2005, 05:16:

Sure Or Tony, Che, Pablo, Blodwin, it goes without saying. (so I will not say it)

Being of unsound mind and dubious disposition, I cannot be held legally liable for any indiscretions."¡El diablo me hizo hacerlo!" But don't worry, be happy.

The brain is like a parachute, it only functions correctly when it is open. Pax vobiscum.

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ARMacleod says on Jan 16, 2005, 05:34:

OK Apologies given, I misunderstood your meaning/intention. Sincere apologies.

On the other hand, some people want information, some want a laugh, some want friendly conversation and it is called, ‘Friendly Talkzone' not ‘Hostility Battlezone'

Some you read, some you ignore
Some need, some want more.

You cannot please all of the people all of the time! And lots of other explanatory BS.

Being of unsound mind and dubious disposition, I cannot be held legally liable for any indiscretions."¡El diablo me hizo hacerlo!" But don't worry, be happy.

The brain is like a parachute, it only functions correctly when it is open. Pax vobiscum.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jan 16, 2005, 06:21:

The ultimate "giving my wallet back" story Way back when I was Don Negro's age, I was driving back to California from Mexico with some surfing buddies. I was probably stoned because I somehow left my fanny pack with my passport, credit card and a bunch of both Mexican and US cash in the back of the pickup truck. When we arrived in San Diego it was GONE and it seemed pretty obvious the thing must have blown out on the highway.

The very next day, I got a phone call from someone in Riverside, California, who said they had my fannypack. Their family, some of those "illegal aliens" that ColombianX doesn't like, found my fannypack while running across the freeway just north of the Mexican Border to avoid the border patrol on their way in to the USA(this was back when you could actually cross pretty easily along that stretch of border).

They asked me to send them money to mail the fannypack back. I pointed out to them that the fannypack contained more than enough money to do the trick and asked them to send it express. Two days later I had all my possessions back right down to the last peso coin.

Great people, they were, and I hope they prospered in their new life in the USA.

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isaactraveler says on Jan 16, 2005, 07:10:

seriously, don sybil you need a hug or something.
or a kick in the pants.

im not sure which one,
but maybe even several.

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