Jacoret wrote:
CRbound, I had my copy of my passport and stamp with me the first 4 days but had gotten back form Jaco earlier that day and left it behind in my shorts when I changed clothes. As for 'shame on me", LMFAO Yea we def fit the profile of possible illegal entries to CR or guys overstaying their time. No doubt there was a reason to stop us and search us other than looking for someone to rob. (He says sarcastically) As my Tica chica says, "a ladrone is a ladrone". Thanks for stating the obvious while insinuating this was brought on as a result of "Not Having Our Passports On Us". Do you really think had we had our passports they wouldn't of robbed us? Shame on you for excusing this behavior by the police. If we had our passports, i'm sure they would have still wanted to search us to make sure we "didn't have drugs". Careful, next time it could be you, in the middle of the day, while carrying your passport, and then who do we blame? Just food for thought. BTW, 15 years, 100's of walks thru the park, I figure it was just my turn. jajajaja
Even if you did not have your passport it did not give them the right to shake you down. If, you have read my story, I was completely legal and they were gonna rob me no matter what. There is no excuse for the police to rob tourists or anyone for that matter. And to say, well this is Costa Rica is not an excuse. I have spent many more hours than most on the streets here and there is no reason for this. I get that people are worried that they may be taken to jail or something like that, but if they were to take you to the jail it would take them more time than it is worth to them to get a ticket written for not having your passport with you. Plus, they get nothing out of it. I am not saying be a dick, but just don't be a push over either. If you want, give them the dumb gringo thing until they get tired, but do no ever relinquish your wallet or anything of value. Of course this is easier said than done.
the DR