Go Directly To Jail – Do Not Pass Go – Do Not Collect $200

27 Nov

This week The Tortas traveled from Mexico to Florida to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with  family. Passing through US customs should be a snap right? It can be, unless you forget to eat the apple.

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“Where’s the woman with the apple?”

The sign at the Miami airport said to be sure to declare any food in our bags. They made it sound so friendly that we told the agent, rather than act surprised if our wayward apple got discovered during inspection. We were surprised alright, just not in the way we expected.

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Stock photo but it looks just like this.

What followed taught us a huge lesson. NEVER leave food in your bag while crossing into the US from anywhere. Stay calm, do not get angry or indignant. Insert “yes sir or yes ma’m” into the conversation at every opportunity. Oh, and stay calm.

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The issue was resolved thanks to the “Washington” agricultural sticker on the apple and a bit of groveling on Lisa’s part. There were many people who weren’t so lucky.

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The TORTAS hanging out with our son.

The rest of our vacation has gone without incident. Key Largo looks a lot like Bacalar. The weather was perfect. It’s always a joy to visit with family. We’ll be home tomorrow. Gratitude, blessings and happy holidays to all.

DOS TORTAS 

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10 Responses to “Go Directly To Jail – Do Not Pass Go – Do Not Collect $200”

  1. emilievardaman November 27, 2016 at 7:31 am #

    Geeze! When I goof coming in from America, they just take the piece of fruit or whatever.I got not an argument with the customs guy once when I was bringing back some sausages that had come from the US. He took them and I said no, you can’t have my sausages. He told me they weren’t cooked. Sausages never are. I told him they were and to look on the package where it said “fully cooked” on the label. He snarled a bit but gave them back.
    Glad most of the trip was smoothe!

    Liked by 1 person

    • afish25 November 27, 2016 at 9:53 am #

      There was no discussion w these folks. Cancun hotel had told someone they could bring a rum cake. With the fuss customs was making, you’d think they were smuggling a gun inside.

      Like

  2. Jack Scott November 27, 2016 at 8:32 am #

    I’ve heard US customs and immigration can be fierce. Forewarned is forearmed!

    Liked by 1 person

    • afish25 November 27, 2016 at 9:54 am #

      Amen. Mexican agents are much friendlier.

      Like

  3. Ms Tisdale November 27, 2016 at 9:03 pm #

    We were stopped coming back from Mexico City by the US Ag Dept in Texas. It took a lot of sweet talking – and an x-ray – to convince the nice ag guy that our large ceramic perro was not stuffed with smuggled live birds. Thankfully we did not miss our flight. We were less lucky coming back from Merida – got stopped for a ceramic catrina, which resulted in an unplanned night in Miami when we missed our connecting flight. Oh the joys of U.S. customs!

    Liked by 1 person

    • afish25 November 27, 2016 at 9:08 pm #

      There are lots of people delayed by customs. Makes me want to stay home. 🙁

      Like

  4. LJones November 28, 2016 at 10:57 am #

    Happy you had fun😍

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Garth November 28, 2016 at 12:53 pm #

    great pictures of youse guys! hugs to both.

    Liked by 1 person

    • afish25 November 28, 2016 at 6:16 pm #

      ❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️

      Like

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