Illegal Alien - 09/10/08

Steve and I planned a rendezvous in Cancun…a place neither of us had ever thought we would visit as it was not high on our "list of places to visit". But it turned out to be a great place to meet up for a long weekend.

Melina and George were very kind to offer me their car so I could drive. After much research and talking with a lot of people, I decided that the drive to Cancun would be long but would be safe. I was up for the adventure.

So today I set off on my road trip. My plan was to drive to Belize City and then head north to Corozal. There I would cross the border and spend the night in the Mexican border town of Chetumal. It happened to be St. George’s holiday in Belize so I was stopped at 3 police check points along the way – they asked me for my driver’s license, checked to make sure I had driver’s insurance, and then sent me on my way.

It was smooth sailing north of Belize City. A bit of a boring drive with not much to see. There were many unmarked roads but I some how managed to take the correct route. There also were many unmarked speed bumps which made for some last minute close calls…

The excitement picked up a notch when I reached the border. I paid my exit fees in Belize, got back in the car, and crossed the border. Next, I drove over a bridge and it looked like I was driving right into a small Mexican town. As I am looking around and taking it all in, I drive myself right up to the Customs booth. I realize quickly that somehow I have missed the Immigration building and I am now locked into the Customs line with 3 vehicles behind me. Uh oh! No one is in the Customs booth. I tried to wave to the agents sitting a few yards away chatting on folding chairs but they dismissed me. I look up and see the “green light” and hear the Customs agents yelling at me “pase!”(go!). So what do I do? I go! That’s right! No stamp in my passport. No documentation filled out. I am now an illegal alien in Mexico. I have successfully skipped the border. It is not so hard to do after all!