New experiences
Trip Start
Jun 16, 2005
1
19
46
Trip End
Aug 2006
San Jose,
Costa Rica
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Well, as the title suggests, I've had some new experiences. Bad news always comes first...
On Saturday, I met up with my U of M roommate Jocelyn's friend Alex, who's here on business, and we were going to head to Manuel Antonio (me for just a day). As we were about to get on the bus, I reached in my purse for my wallet and found it wasn't there. We looked through everything, ran back to the cafe where we'd been sitting, but nothing. I sent Alex off for beach fun, then called Heidi, who advised me to call my parents so that they could notify Visa and my bank. I then did a formal police report, mostly to facilitate new passport proceedings at the embassy... Mom and Dad were able to cancel both of my cards directly following the robbery.
after the paseo, in heidi's car
As of right now, this lovely crook has managed to buy $820 worth of stuff with my ATM/Debit card. I find this very interesting, since my name is definitely not Tico and, as most places demand identification, no one here looks like me -- even if they do have my passport!
My bank sounds like it has some sort of protection against this, but as a bank is still a business, I don't know how far they'll be willing to go. If anything, the businesses who allowed the transactions to happen should be held accountable. So, that's my drama.
Getting a new passport here is relatively painless, though. I guess that since I had the police report and my driver's license in hand, it was probably easier than it would have been otherwise. I'll first get a 1-year passport that's printed here, and I can show my receipt for the fees to the embassy to have them print a 10-year passport in the US as well, for no additional fees, and I'll get that here later. My first one should arrive in time for me to go to Nicaragua on the 23rd, so that's cool. (I'm going with the church for an ordination, which will also take care of my requirement to leave every 90 days for 72 hours.)
International Service Learning did a clinic in Pavas today and yesterday, so since we couldn't have classes, I got to translate (and get paid a little!)
alex and jeisson
. It was really fun, and I got to learn a few things, too. So, that's the experience to go in the good pile.Marci and I also were able to secure the application for the phone on Friday. Honestly -- we had to have so many documents and signatures, and they were so disorganized -- it only took 3 months to apply. It'll be another 22 days, mas o menos, before I get to have that friendly ring in my apartment, but I'm very much looking forward to it.
Otherwise, the kids are doing very well in the program. Check out the pics!
=)Elizabeth
Comments
September 14, 2005
Dear Elizabeth,
I am thankful that you were not physically hurt when your wallet was snatched...you are most likely upset and feel vilated and then to top it off you have the hassle of getting new credentials. All this will pass.
It is encouraging to know that one of your rascals admitted to the wrong and wants to be back in school.
You are making a difference in their lives by not giving up on them, accepting his apology, and welcoming him back to class. Children really do like rules and enforcement. You are there to teach not only reading, writing and math but also respect for self and others.
I hope you read aloud everyday and sing along with the music you play for them.
Keep up the good work.
No need to answer.
Marge Bryer
Unauthorized Practice of Law
I'm hoping not to get busted for providing legal advice to someone before I'm a licensed attorney -- but here's the deal on the debit card theft: without getting into the nasty details of the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, my suspicion is that you provided notice to your bank quickly enough to cap your liability at $50 (or perhaps less, if your bank is more generous than federal law mandates).
That said: bummer anyhow.