The Police Man
This man has been in the law enforcement service for 28 years in Mendoza. He wears the highest level of honor. He was stationed tonight near our restaurant with his motorcycle observing the happenings of the city. I haven't seen many policeman here, but we did have one encounter last week . . .
Last week we got pulled over by the police. Yet another adventure in Argentina. After dropping some people off at the airport we were driving along, mid-afternoon and were signaled by the police to pull over. After looking at our identifications (we having absolutely no clue why we were being pulled over) the man says that we will be fined for driving without our headlights on. Without our lights on? At 4:00 in the afternoon? The sun was shining brightly . . . Turns out that in Argentina about one year ago they began a new law that said that all vehicles, all day should drive with their lights on. Sigh. Fine. Smile innocently (and I clarify - we were). "We didn't know" "No somos de aqui" (we are not from here) smile more, big eyes etc.
He explained further that Sister Lindahl's license would be revoked and that in 30 days she would have to go the courts to reclaim it. "For lights?!" I thought, "People speed through the streets and double park and you are spending your time revoking licenses from drivers who have failed to have their headlights on in during midday?" I wanted to say but instead I calmly said "si senor" and sent out an extra sweet smile. "We didn't know of this rule" we said seeking mercy, "We won't do it again", a new man arrives and we repeat all of the above again. The license is returned and we continue on our way.
And that was my first time being pulled over.
Last week we got pulled over by the police. Yet another adventure in Argentina. After dropping some people off at the airport we were driving along, mid-afternoon and were signaled by the police to pull over. After looking at our identifications (we having absolutely no clue why we were being pulled over) the man says that we will be fined for driving without our headlights on. Without our lights on? At 4:00 in the afternoon? The sun was shining brightly . . . Turns out that in Argentina about one year ago they began a new law that said that all vehicles, all day should drive with their lights on. Sigh. Fine. Smile innocently (and I clarify - we were). "We didn't know" "No somos de aqui" (we are not from here) smile more, big eyes etc.
He explained further that Sister Lindahl's license would be revoked and that in 30 days she would have to go the courts to reclaim it. "For lights?!" I thought, "People speed through the streets and double park and you are spending your time revoking licenses from drivers who have failed to have their headlights on in during midday?" I wanted to say but instead I calmly said "si senor" and sent out an extra sweet smile. "We didn't know of this rule" we said seeking mercy, "We won't do it again", a new man arrives and we repeat all of the above again. The license is returned and we continue on our way.And that was my first time being pulled over.
6 comments:
why would you take a picture of a cop coming to your car to give you a ticket? So your telling me you cant have your head lights off and your tail lights.
Well besides that is the driving down there horrible like down here. If it is then i dont know if i would drive there and stay for a long time if ill be driving most of the time. sincerely,Isaiah Holloway
Awesome!!! My uncle is a police officer. Hes been in the force for about 4 years1 maddy
Thats no fair i fell bad for you! parker
He looks angrey as if he's going to shoot you. Where you scared?
cool guy
Miss Thomas, The only job I could even think about would be a waitress.This is because it looks the most inviting. Which would you choose? Emily Smith
hey friends! I should clarify - I did not take the picture of the police man I found it on the internet. I just wanted you to imagine it. No - I was too scared to take a picture. That might make him mad and then we would REALLY be in trouble.
Driving IS really scary here. I will tell you more when I post the Chile blog since I drove there in Chile which was just as scary. MUCH worse than Utah driving - promise!
And which job would I choose? I agree with you emily - I would choose a waitress. I actually did that for several years and I loved it.
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