Gunpoint!!!

Journaled: 4.26.08

Location: Guatemala City

Stepping to check the air of a tire, our minibus driver indicated a flat to the group of 13 foreign passengers. The seven-hour journey had already taken us through rugged terrain and unending switchbacks. Our legs were cramped, and our minds were tired as we were nearing the end of our arduous ride. If only we knew what was to come…

The driver hopped back into the extended van and guided it to a small, street-side repair shop. As cars zipped by on this main thoroughfare, we pulled in closer to the tire shop. The van parked along the side of the garage on the street, effectively blocking off the garage from outside world. Everyone inside the van stepped out into the small repair shop to wait for the change. Squeezing between the shop’s wall and the van, Dad and I headed down the street to the ATM at the gas station.

Gatorade and bottled water in hand, we returned to the repair shop expecting the tire to have nearly been changed. With the jack still lifting the van, I inched between it and the shop’s wall slowly, knowing that work was still to be completed. Peering around the corner and into the shop, I had a fleeting thought of ponder as to why everyone was standing together, focusing their attention on two men. I dismissed the thought with reason. Dad followed me in.

The man being watched quickly came towards me. Reaching down, he patted my shorts’ pockets, demanding “Dinero! Dinero!” He then threw up his other hand in demand. Its possession? A nine-millimeter handgun! Without hesitation, I gave him my iPod, hoping this would suffice. A Blackberry and $200 remained in my pockets and a $650 camera strapped my neck.

The gunman and his newly introduced armed accomplice weren’t satisfied. They demanded Dad to give them “dinero”! He took out his wallet; they took out the $250 from it. Turning back to me, the gunman called for my watch. It was quickly in his hands. We were then all told to huddle in the corner, which allowed the robbers to make a clean getaway.

This was a perfect robbery. We had no options. It was completely concealed. And it targeted “wealthy” tourists. The team effort included our driver and three car repairmen as accomplices. Thankfully, everyone in our group remained fairly calm and composed. As a result, violence was not needed.

Experiences like this are bound to happen every once in awhile if once spends considerable time in the third world as a tourist /backpacker. The key is to simply remain calm, realizing that these men are after money – not lives. While crimes such as this do occasionally occur, it is a mistake to be discouraged from traveling to such places. The rewards of Guatemala far outweigh the minimal potential of danger!

TS

Malaysian Surprise!

Crouched behind a three-foot cement wall, I waited for Tara to arrive at the ferry terminal in the port of Penang, Malaysia. Tender #1 arrived from the Semester at Sea ship - no Tara. Tender #2 arrived - no Tara. Tender #3 - no Tara. The excitement built for me as well as for her. Tara was excited to finally meet the Masnah family. I was excited because there was no Masnah family - only me.

Stepping off the small tender, Tara released a smile as her feet struck Malaysia. My binoculars revealed this to me. Realizing that I could potentially be seen, I was quick to reposition. Though, my feet did not follow my mind’s quickness. Catching the top of the wall as I jumped over, my left foot caused me to leverage my forehead straight into the pavement. The impact was full. My adrenaline inhibited any thoughts of pain as I knew that I must locate Tara.

She was not to be seen! I scoured the crowd – nothing. Surely her bright green backpack would stand out, I thought. Then, my eyes locked onto her. My video camera was rolling. The fun had begun! Slightly disoriented, Tara wandered amongst the strangers looking for the Masnah family and the “Tara Schooley” sign that they would be holding up.

Only an hour ago while on the ship, received a text message from me saying, “Sorry to hear that it isn’t going to work out anymore. Just got the email from Mrs. Masnah.” Tara dismissed the message as a joke, responding, “Ha. You’re full of it! Not funny. I’m about to get off the ship.”

Now, the concern on Tara’s face became evident. She began to see the validity of the message I’d sent her. As expected, Tara pulled out her cell phone in distress. I stood 30 feet from her, cell in hand, waiting for her call. Soon to vibrate, my phone acknowledged Tara’s angst.

Bewildered and frustrated, Tara demanded that I tell her what was going on. I plainly said, “Didn’t you get the email”? Tara responded hesitantly, “Nooo, what email”? I began to explain how the Masnah family had been forced to cancel on Tara because of the illness of one of their daughters. Tara’s anxiety grew. She insisted that I tell her if I was being honest. I slyly responded, “Well, didn’t your receive the email”? This peaked Tara’s anger! “ Tyler, you have to tell me the truth! I need to know. I’m in Malaysia”!

Walking directly to her as those words were sounding, I spoke loudly, “Tara, it just isn’t going to work out”! Shock struck its pose on Tara as she saw my face. A look of disbelief followed. Then, the tears of joy came. We embraced. The moment was special. Tara had deeply desired to see a loved one but knew that it was not going to work out. Overwhelmed by the fulfillment of this desire, Tara emotionally expressed her gratitude. This surprise par excellence was clearly worth all costs!

Preparing to leave the port, Tara asked, “So when are we going to meet up with the Masnah family”?

TS