Forums > General > Traveling Mexico

Denver2

Jul 28, 2010, 10:13 AM

Post #1 of 12 (5511 views)

Shortcut

Laredo crossing into Mx, CIITEV closed

Can't Post | Private Reply

I want enter Mx via Laredo Bridge 2 next week. The CIITEV building (between the bridges) is closed due to recent flooding. Where do I get my FM-3 stamped? Already have my temp import sticker.

Please--I already know about the violence last week in NL. I am also aware of the problems in El Paso/Santa Teresa (?), the bridge that's out from PN to Saltillo. Don't care for the loneliness and mordita issues with Columbia. The south TX Brownesville route has also had more than it's share of problems, so it's probably the Laredo crossing for me.

Any info would be appreciated. Anyone cross at Laredo recently? No postings on this board or Chapala.com on Laredo crossings.

donemry

Jul 28, 2010, 1:02 PM

Post #2 of 12 (5479 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Denver2] Laredo crossing into Mx, CIITEV closed

Can't Post | Private Reply

Mordita at the Columbia crossing? Do tell or is that something you "heard"?

Denver2

Jul 28, 2010, 1:21 PM

Post #3 of 12 (5471 views)

Shortcut

Re: [donemry] Laredo crossing into Mx, CIITEV closed

Can't Post | Private Reply

I have 2 (different) friends in Ajijic that were stopped by the police for "speeding" and then asked for money, one was asked for 1200 pesos just before Christmas last year. Don't remember about the other. I've driven north and crossed at Columbia 3 times myself. I've seen those motorcycle cops each time. I try to drive way below the limit on that stretch of road.

Also, check out the thread (3 or 4 below) Columbia Bridge to Manzanillo.

donemry

Jul 28, 2010, 1:36 PM

Post #4 of 12 (5464 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Denver2] Laredo crossing into Mx, CIITEV closed

Can't Post | Private Reply

I think there is a considerable difference between the implication of mordita at the crossing and the actions of cops on route 2. That is why I raised an eyebrow.

We have used that crossing many times and I did get stopped once on route 2 by a Federale. I have been stopped many times in PV until I quit speeding. I finally learned to just ask for the ticket, tell them I know where to go to pay and they always say good bye..

chinagringo

Jul 28, 2010, 1:38 PM

Post #5 of 12 (5461 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Denver2] Laredo crossing into Mx, CIITEV closed

Can't Post | Private Reply

Denver:

I follow the news out of MX (MX sources) very closely on both the Laredo route and the northern route starting at Santa Teresa. If I HAD to make an either/or decision based upon the most recent news, I would probably choose Santa Teresa to Chihuahua (one nights stay) then on to Zacatecas (another nights stay) before driving to the Lake. Conditions are ever changing and I might say differently manana.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

Denver2

Jul 28, 2010, 2:08 PM

Post #6 of 12 (5448 views)

Shortcut

Re: [donemry] Laredo crossing into Mx, CIITEV closed

Can't Post | Private Reply

Donemry: you are correct. I wasn't clear. No mordita sought at Columbia crossing itself, but on Route 2.

bournemouth

Jul 28, 2010, 2:43 PM

Post #7 of 12 (5433 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Denver2] Laredo crossing into Mx, CIITEV closed

Can't Post | Private Reply

Nothing personal in this question, but why do so many posters spell "mordida" with a t instead of the second d?

esperanza

Jul 28, 2010, 2:54 PM

Post #8 of 12 (5424 views)

Shortcut

Re: [bournemouth] Laredo crossing into Mx, CIITEV closed

Can't Post | Private Reply

IMHO, foreigners confuse the pronunciation of 'mordida' (bribe, not a diminutive of anything) with what they think is a word for 'little bite'--*mordita*. There is no such word as mordita, no matter how many people use it.

The same situation exists with the word 'bandido', Spanish for bandit or crook. Many, many foreigners think the word is 'bandito'. It's not. There is no such word as bandito.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

(This post was edited by esperanza on Jul 28, 2010, 2:56 PM)

Reefhound

Jul 28, 2010, 3:49 PM

Post #9 of 12 (5407 views)

Shortcut

Re: [esperanza] Laredo crossing into Mx, CIITEV closed

Can't Post | Private Reply

Language is what the people make it, not the self annointed linguistic scholars, and the people have made mordita a word. Not the foreigners. Go to any Mexican birthday party and you will hear everyone chant "mordita, mordita" when it's cake time.

Rolly

Jul 28, 2010, 5:34 PM

Post #10 of 12 (5384 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Reefhound] Laredo crossing into Mx, CIITEV closed

Can't Post | Private Reply

Yes. I had, still have, a problem with mordita vis-a-vis mordida because I hear mordita so commonly.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

Dollie

Jul 28, 2010, 8:19 PM

Post #11 of 12 (5340 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Denver2] Laredo crossing into Mx, CIITEV closed

Can't Post | Private Reply

In Reply To

Dear Friend,
It is my understanding that they stamp the FM-3 at the booths as you finish crossing into Mexico. I do not know the correct term of those booths but they are there. It is a slow process obviously.

As for the Mordida issue, we were stopped near Sabinas back in late March. The fat lazy cop and his young partner poked around our little travel trailer and the younger one stole a pair of boots while the older one harassed my husband. We paid $50 USD to those jerks. (forgive my anger and language please. The stop was completely unjustified and I am still angry at how we were treated)

All of that was on top of the bank workers in PN custom office demanding a $200 bribe or they would not issue a permit for our trailer. (actually it was a luggage rack attached to the back of our SUV which never before needed a permit..seriously!) Those women are just bad people but they have worked there since our 2006 trip. I am sure they have enough stolen money to retire by now.

Best of luck friend and I pray you arrive safely.

see saw sallie

Jul 29, 2010, 10:18 PM

Post #12 of 12 (5245 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Denver2] Laredo crossing into Mx, CIITEV closed

Can't Post | Private Reply

We crossed Laredo into N. Laredo a week ago (hubby and I and our 2 kids). CIITEV was closed but there is a backup location for doing your FM3, car registration. If you pull up to the usual building, someone MIGHT be there to tell you where to go and it is pretty much a straight shot...just a little easy to pass up if not careful. Be careful of the merging road if coming from the usual spot to find the new location.

I'll gladly send more info if you'll PM me.

See saw Sallie

(This post was edited by see saw sallie on Jul 29, 2010, 10:21 PM)