Mexico Wrap Up and a New Plan

Just to be on the safe side, we’re declaring Mexico to be off limits for the next five years. Our tourist dollars will be spent elsewhere.

Not surprisingly, the Mexico consulate wasn’t much help. They just said that only the people at the Aduana (Customs) were authorized to deal with the problem. And since they were no help Monday, Ken decided not to pursue that path any more. The next step was to consult a lawyer versed in Mexican law. He was able to find one here in Phoenix and a couple of email exchanges led Ken to the conclusion that the fines ($2K-$7K) and the hassle factor far exceeded the monetary value of the Tahoe (~$5K). Ergo, one toasted Tahoe.

As far as his (our?) personal culpability, this is a civil matter and the civil authorities *may* pursue the matter for up to five years looking to seize any Mexican property he many own. (None.) As a practical matter, the lawyer said it was unlikely any issues would arise if we visited Mexico. But we decided why take the chance when there are so many other places in the world to see. Mexico will still be there later.

So. What to do now?  Costa Rica!

We’re flying into Costa Rica for 8 days – 1/26 to 2/4. Tentative plans are

1. a one day white water rafting trip on the Pacuare River out of Turrialba, then
2. stopping at Poás Volcano N.P. along the way to the Arenal Volcano N.P.
3. a day or so of sightseeing there and on the way to
4. Monteverde and Santa Elena for zip lining through the canopy and whatnot, then
5. down the Pacific coast to Quepos for a little beach time and maybe a canopy bridge walk at Rainmakers.
6. finally, back to San Jose and fly back to Tempe on 2/4

Details and a reality check TBD.