Riviera Maya Resort Tour
April 3, 2024
Discovering Our Dream: A Tulum Mexico House Tour
April 22, 2024Our Harrowing Experience Van Taken By Mexican Police
The Start of Our Journey
Last week, we finally felt ready to share a difficult experience that still feels surreal. It began when we left Tulum on April 1st, advised to avoid the route we originally took due to its dangers. Instead, we chose a safer path towards Mexico City. Spirits were high as we set off from Tulum, but that changed drastically just an hour into our journey.
Confrontation with Customs: Van Taken By Mexican Police
As van owners, we were unaware we needed a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) once we left the designated “free zone.” We were stopped by customs agents who demanded this paperwork. Despite our explanations and their capability to exercise discretion, the situation escalated quickly. The customs manager decided they would confiscate our van, claiming, “She’s taking the van, you guys are never getting your van back.” The idea that our van, a vital part of our livelihood, could be gone forever was devastating.
Van Taken By Mexican Police…
Stranded and Helpless
After they took our van, we were left at a border facility, with few belongings hastily packed into our backpacks. We had Gypsy, our dog, but no clear direction on what to do next. With limited bus options accepting pets, we eventually found a ride to the nearest city with facilities, Villa Hermosa, but even then, the challenges just seemed to pile up.
Navigating Bureaucracy
In VillaHermosa, our luck did not improve. We sought to start the official process to reclaim our van but found no guidance from local authorities. Dodgy car rental agencies and hotels that were not pet-friendly added to our mounting expenses and stress. Every step we took felt blocked by another bureaucratic or financial obstacle
An Exhausting Chase for Resolution
We decided to drive to the Guatemalan border, hoping to sort out the TIP and retrieve our van. However, the customs there needed our van present to process the request – a circular dilemma that sent us back with nothing achieved. Our efforts felt thwarted at every turn, with no clear direction or support from authorities.
The Financial and Emotional Toll
This ordeal took a toll both financially and emotionally, draining our savings and leaving us feeling helpless. The uncertainty of whether we could ever recover our van, alongside the accumulating costs of hotels, car rentals, and unexpected fees, was overwhelming. Through all this, the support from our followers, through messages, donations, and prayers, has been a small comfort in this ongoing nightmare.
Still Struggling for a Solution
As we navigate this bureaucratic labyrinth, our hope wanes with each passing day. The fear of our van, our home on wheels, being auctioned off seems more real by the moment. We desperately need a resolution, guidance, or even a sign of where to turn next.
Conclusion
https://gofund.me/54683bf3Reflecting on this harrowing experience, where our van was taken by Mexican police, we are left with a mix of frustration and disbelief. It’s a reminder of the complexities and risks of driving through Mexico, something we, and perhaps others, were not fully prepared for. This incident has fundamentally changed our perspective and plans. As we continue to seek ways to resolve this situation, we appreciate any support, advice, or shared experiences. We wouldn’t wish this stress and turmoil on anyone and hope our story can help others avoid similar situations.
Please consider supporting our journey to reclaim our van through our GoFundMe page linked below. Every little bit helps us edge closer to a resolution, and sharing our story increases awareness, potentially preventing similar incidents from happening to others. Thank you for all the support during these trying times.
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