Today I have a really good story that I need to update you guys about, because it was really exciting for me.
I was driving to Monterrey Tec to meet Gaby. I have never been there before, so I was navigating as best as I could. When I got to Garza Sada it was only one way going the wrong way. I got on anyway, heading the wrong way and I got in the far left lane because here you can make u-turns anywhere there is an opening. I couldn't find an opening and I saw that the road turned into a highway ahead and split, which I didn't want to get on. I swerved over 4 lanes to get off before it turned into a highway and got off on a side street that would allow me to u-turn under the highway.
Well after crossing 4 lanes, this cop on foot saw me and began chasing my car waving his clipboard in the air. I should have just kept going because I was way past him, but it was funny and I felt sorry for him on foot, so I pulled over. He came up to my car and asked for my information. He was super nice and asked how long I was in Monterrey and what I was doing. I explained that I am usually a good driver, but the road is confusing. He understood and said that it was a shame that he would have to give me a ticket ¨for such a minor infraction¨. He was clearly waiting for a bribe. I asked how much the ticket would be for and he said 400 pesos ($40). Then he repeated it was a shame to write a ticket for such a minor infraction and how he really wanted a soda. I said, ¨Lo siento, pero no entiendo.¨ He again repeated that he didn't want to give me a ticket. Maybe we could work it out some other way. I repeated, ¨Lo siento, pero no entiendo.¨ After he had straight up asked me for a bribe 4 times, I decided that he had earned it and opened up my wallet to offer him $5. He gave me that look like ¨$5, really?¨. I pulled out $10 and he said, ¨No ahorrita¨, because an old lady was walking by my car. After she passed I handed him the $10. He asked for more and I was like ¨no¨. He was ok with that, he shook my hand, gave me a big smile, and told me to enjoy my stay in Monterrey.
For some reason the transaction felt more natural and pleasing than the majority of my visits here to the local grocery store.
5 comments:
AHHHHH!! this is great! Ive never been involved in a bribe like this...
quick question, what does "Lo siento, pero no entiendo" mean? Anyways, it seems your spanish is now better than Victor Tu's english and i continue to be more impressed and jealous of your adventures.
Jajajajaja!!! I was actually banking that this would happen to you sooner than now! Impressive Niño! Well done, However, you didn't have to give him anything. You are a foreinger, What they gonna do, deport you?? jajaja No chance in Hell Gringo! You've got Dolares! Awsome! That's awsome! That has actually happend to me too, but in San Pedro!
Josh, it means "I'm sorry, I don't understand." Thanks for the compliment, I think. Glad to hear from you.
Alicia, yeah, you're right. I probably should have just drove away in the first place. Oh well, I think it's $10 well spent.
I think you paid ten dollars for a kick ass story. I am happy you pulled over. That is awesome.
Haha, yeah Bryan. That's kinda how I like to think of it too.
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