I find that customs officials are like everyone else. If treated with proper respect they can be a valuable friend. They can be extremely helpful--I dress well, have adequate copies of the papers, crew lists and clearance papers. Generally they are the first contact--and in a small town, can set the tone for the local experience. Better it be a positive experience. I have used an agent twice in all of my voyages. Once when I could not find a port captain--the agent knew where he spent siesta with his mistress. The other was in Acapulco when I needed a transit permit--which permitted me direct transit from Acapulco to San Diego--with permission to stop for fuel if necessary--and avoiding the check out, fishing licsences, import bonds etc which can be required.
In Central America I met with the local military commanders, and since most of them had trained in Pensacola, I gave them a copy of my "boat card" with an invitation to visit me in my home if they ever went back to the U S for further training. This often afforded moorage at the military dock, at times a driver and jeep, security guards for the boat and a nice insite into the political structure of the community. I was also able to find out what was safe and what was not.
How does one find people who are indengenous to spend time with? These are the people who will show you what the heart and soul of a country is. For example in the Azores we went into a bar (not Horta where most yachts go--but Angra De Heroismo Terceira) Immediately a distinguished gentleman introduced himself. He had heard of us from Customs. He was a professor from the University. We spent the next two days in his care--driving around the island and at his home. I don't voyage to spend time with other Americans. If I meet compatable other U S voyagers--great--but that is not what I came for.
A visit to a foreign country is what you make of it. I feel that if you isolate from the local people--you miss a good deal of the experience.
Regards,
Bob Austin
I find that customs officials are like everyone else. If treated with proper respect they can be a valuable friend. They can be extremely helpful--I dress well, have adequate copies of the papers, crew lists and clearance papers. Generally they are the first contact--and in a small town, can set the tone for the local experience. Better it be a positive experience. I have used an agent twice in all of my voyages. Once when I could not find a port captain--the agent knew where he spent siesta with his mistress. The other was in Acapulco when I needed a transit permit--which permitted me direct transit from Acapulco to San Diego--with permission to stop for fuel if necessary--and avoiding the check out, fishing licsences, import bonds etc which can be required.
In Central America I met with the local military commanders, and since most of them had trained in Pensacola, I gave them a copy of my "boat card" with an invitation to visit me in my home if they ever went back to the U S for further training. This often afforded moorage at the military dock, at times a driver and jeep, security guards for the boat and a nice insite into the political structure of the community. I was also able to find out what was safe and what was not.
How does one find people who are indengenous to spend time with? These are the people who will show you what the heart and soul of a country is. For example in the Azores we went into a bar (not Horta where most yachts go--but Angra De Heroismo Terceira) Immediately a distinguished gentleman introduced himself. He had heard of us from Customs. He was a professor from the University. We spent the next two days in his care--driving around the island and at his home. I don't voyage to spend time with other Americans. If I meet compatable other U S voyagers--great--but that is not what I came for.
A visit to a foreign country is what you make of it. I feel that if you isolate from the local people--you miss a good deal of the experience.
Regards,
Bob Austin
