Sunday, October 28, 2007

Close Encounter with a Questionable Tourist

Last night we had a big night out - pizza then off to a bar to watch Game 3 of the World Series. (We don't go out much these days so a restaurant AND a bar is a big deal). I spent as much time watching the game as I did watching the people, mostly tourists with a few locals sprinkled in. One couple sat between us and the TV and I assumed they were from the US because he had the typical American-man-on-vacation uniform: button down shirt & loose khaki pants. I made a couple comments about them, wondering where they were from, that sort of thing, when Ibis informed me he was probably a drug dealer.

Um, okay? Yes, apparently men from the various drug cartels dress like him and I should avoid making eye contact because he's probably carrying a gun. What? He's going to shoot me for accidentally looking at him? In the middle of a crowded bar? Then why did he sit underneath the largest TV in the place? And since when is he an expert on Mexican drug cartels anyways?

I laughed it off and continued watching the game, but I could not stop looking at them. Being told to ignore them made me want to stare and find out everything I could. Are they married? Are they on vacation? Is she with him for his drug money? He only caught me looking at him once and I pretended my contact was flipping inside out to make up for the social slip. I think he would've bought, too, it if I hadn't been wearing my glasses.

By the time they left I decided they're harmless and my husband needs to put a muzzle on his imagination. At least when it comes to drug dealers masquerading as tourists.

5 comments:

John Robison said...

I agree with your husband. Drug dealer is another explanation for "American tourist" dress in out of the way places in Mexico.

My 1st wife is an anthropologist and we've gone to Chiapas several times, where I have seen similar people.

And I've other experience picking out dealers etc from my experience in the rock'n'roll trade.

It does pay to be careful in places like that.

Anyway, welcome to the world of blogs. I started my own blog just nine months ago, so I'm still sort of new too.

Janna Leadbetter said...

Those pesky glasses... Glad you made it out okay. ;)

Jenna said...

You crack me up as always :)!

Anonymous said...

You DO want to be careful.

Are you the kind of people who can't stop thinking about pinguins if I tell you not to think about pinguins??

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Funny Dama. Not as much as other things. Now if the penguin was in the room, then YES, I'd happily stare away!