I hate when the week winds down and I have nothing in mind for the blog. Somehow the Universe steps in, like it did today. (Saturday)
I went to the Scotiabank ATM in Chetumal to withdraw cash. One thing we’ve had to figure out living in Mexico is how to economically transfer dollars from our US retirement accounts to pesos for our every day living expenses. There are fees everywhere, bank limits on how much we can transfer, and the exchange rate to keep an eye on. At the moment, the dollar to peso is in our favor, so I thought I’d take out our limit on two different bank cards.
I had recently read that someone using the ATM at our bank had been robbed and I was being extra cautious and staying aware of my surroundings. I took one of the wads of pesos and slipped it into the side of my leggings. The rest was in my purse.
I proceeded into the mall where I bought a pair of house shoes and then walked to the opposite end to the supermercado and began to work my way through our long shopping list. We only go to this store every few weeks and mostly for specialty items (my particular brand of soy milk) we can’t get locally. I suddenly remembered the money in my legging and reached for it but it was gone.
“Stay calm, breathe.” I tried to talk myself down from panic. The wad of cash was 9,000 pesos or about $450 dollars. Was it worth a coronary? I didn’t think so. I continued with my shopping and prayed that whoever found the money, really needed it.
My mind was working overtime trying to figure out what could have happened. I thought perhaps I had dropped the money in the store where I bought the slippers. I headed in that direction pushing my full grocery cart. Suddenly there was a commotion behind me and I turned to see money scattered everywhere and people rushing to pick it up. I realized it was my money, but how…?
When I walked up and said that the money was mine, all the angels handed over the cash. I got back every peso. I had patted down the wrong leg when I thought the money was gone. The money had been falling from my pant leg as I walked along. Boy did I feel stupid. Mexican people pride themselves in their honesty. However 9,000 pesos could be two months salary to a day laborer. Hard to resist.
Life’s lessons can be painful at times. I’m glad this wasn’t worse than it was. Lesson learned.
DOS TORTAS
the adventures of dos tortas 
TY….
Good to know. Couldn’t you have a MX bank & CC or Peso account in the Canadian bank?
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In my experience those most in need can be the most honest. What a relief, though!
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Very true.
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Going to the bank is ALWAYS an experience in Mexico.
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You can say that again!
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You can say that again.
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Matching investments with expenses. If the local MX bank could sell you MX Bond Funds that pay out inpesos, you may not have to buy Pesos as much.
If I were living there I would have some of my retirement investments In Pesos, bank in pesos, small balances and Peso credit card.
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Wow! Getting all your money back is wonderful!
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Life has a funny way…
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I am glad you are there preparing the way when I can come and take you both to dinner and a visit to Maya Balam pueblo..
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That would be cool.
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