Traffic cops

     An advertisement for Rosetta Stone language learning is airing now.  In it, a businessman sings of settling a traffic ticket in Portuguese.  It reminded me of an experience I had in Mexico.

     My wife, her brother and his wife had found a bargain vacation in Cancun.  We used the opportunity to visit the Mayan ruins both on tours and by ourselves.  On one of our lone expeditions, we were stopped by a motorcycle policeman for speeding.  I had been driving and speeding.  I was the only person in the car who spoke Spanish, so out I got to meet the protector of the law.

     That motorcycle cop was the smartest looking policeman I had ever seen.  His uniform was crisp and spotless.  His boots were polished, gleaming and his body fit that uniform very well.  He strutted up to me as I strolled toward him.  It was the conversation that I remember best.

COP:  The problem, my esteemed old friend is one of velocity.

ME: (strangling while trying not to laugh)  Ah yes, officer.

COP: (as he pulls out ticket book and proceeds to write)  You will have to appear in court to pay a fine.

ME:  Yes, sir.  Shall I follow you to town?

COP:  Alas, no.  The magistrate is not hearing cases until next Monday.

ME:  That is a problem.  My flight home leaves Saturday.

COP:  (stops writing)  That is a problem.

ME:  Is it possible to pay the fine and court costs in advance?

COP:  Hmmm.  Perhaps.  Let me see.  You were driving at 100 kph in a 55 zone.  Such a fine would probably be 90 Pesos.

ME:  90 Pesos.  I think I have that much cash with me today.  Could you, perhaps, deliver the money to the court for me?

COP:  That is a good solution.  (tears off ticket and hands it to me as I count out 90 Pesos)  Old friend, it is a pleasure speaking to an American who speaks our language.  (sticks out his hand for me to shake)  Perhaps we shall see each other again.

ME:  (retreating to the car)  It is entirely possible.  I look forward to the opportunity.

     The policeman waved as he drove by.