Busted!

Today was getaway day. That moment came about 4 and a half hours later than planned time, and by then the freezing rain had started. Heading south through Ohio it rained harder still, but now it is 16ºC. In between, however, a lot of things happened.

Out of the two borders we need to cross, I didn't think the first one was going to be the problem. We're honest people. We answer truthfully to every question. Where are you going? Guadalajara. Where's that? Mexico. What are you doing there? Taking possession of a property. How much money are you carrying? We tell him. CBP Billy Bob Thornton decides he's just going to make sure about that. Keys and electronics on the dash. Take ALL your money out of the vehicle and present this orange slip at the desk.

An hour and a half later, everyone seems satisfied. We have been interviewed separately. We have managed to have a few laughs and teach them a couple of things about Mexico. While doing so, the contents of our car are spilled on the pavement, pillows on the roof, suitcases and boxes are pawed through, and we have been accused of listening to instructions more poorly than the officer's children. Everything is in a mess, and really important items are momentarily lost. You have to ask for permission to use the bathroom, or go back to the car to retrieve something. A vehicle that took two days of precision engineering to pack is now shoveled back together with quiet muttering and cursing, and the journey continues.

It took about two hours of driving through rain to settle down, but lesson learned: When you cross the border into the United States of America, always answer truthfully. Pack your car smartly and prepared to be pillaged.