June 27, 2014 · 2:28 pm

Getting Legal—Moto license

moto man

For the past 2 months, the transito del estado (State transit police) have been sitting at the crossroads to La Yacata and stopping all vehicles. There is a second way into La Yacata, however, it adds about 30 minutes of travel time over very, very rough terrain. The transito (transit police) have been stopping my husband and son every single evening and sometimes in the morning. His moto has placas (license plate) however his tarjeta de circular (permision to circulate) and his license had expired. (See Getting Legal—License to drive) You would think the State police would have something better to do than bother moto drivers about their licenses, but it pays well. Mordidas (bribes) run from $50 to about $200, depending what they think they can get from you. And since we have to cross the intersection to get to Moroleon every single day, it gets to be a bit pricey. (See Driving Hazards–Traffic Stops)

Then they moved on to me. I thought perhaps I was immune because I was a female, but no, I was not.  I showed them my tarjeta de cirular (circulation permit) and they checked it against my license plate number. It matched, of course. Then the police asked me for my license. I told them I didn’t have one, that I just received my residency (See Getting Legal–Residency at last) so had been unable to get my license before. Ok, no problem and they let me go. But then they stopped me again.. I bluffed my way through a second time and promised I would see about getting a license.

So, since the fishing is still apparently good at the crossroads and the transitos (traffic cops) look like they will be there for awhile yet, we decided it prudent for me to get a license and my husband to renew his.

My husband went to asked what sort of documentation I would need to present and the costs. He was told I needed to present my passport, my residency card, my CURP (like a Mexican social security number), comprobante de domicilio (proof of residence like water or electric bill) and a blood analysis and that it would be about $700 pesos for 5 years (which was so not true for motos anyway).

medical laboratory

I gathered what I had and we went early in the morning to a laboratory for the blood analysis. It cost $50 pesos and tells what blood type your are. It took about 15 minutes for the results. The actually bloodletting, however, was a bit uncomfortable. The technician stabbed my finger and squeezed and scraped blood into the vial. It wasn’t enough, so he spent another 5 minutes, squeezing and scraping until he had enough. I’ve had blood draws, vials and vials of blood draws, and they were not as disagreeable as this minuscule amount. Ni modo (there’s no help for it). I survived it.

So then we made copies of my passport, my residency card, my CURP and the blood analysis. We borrowed the electric bill from my sister-in-law’s tortilla local. Then we headed back to El Transito del Estado office. Turns out I didn’t need the CURP after all, or at least a copy of it since it was already on my residency card.

Cruz Roja

At the office, the clerk told us I needed a certifica medica (medical certificate) less than 30 days old. That ruled out the exam I had recently at CAISES (See Seguro Popular—a model of inefficiency—getting started.) We decided not to go all the way to the Regional hospital in Uriangato or CAISES, although we could probably get it done for free with Seguro Popular because it would take ALL FREAKING DAY. The clerk said we could go to La Cruz Roja and have it done, so we did. It cost $100 pesos.  It was a certificate that had the attending doctor’s name, his professional registration number, my name, my age, my weight, my height, then the words CLINICAMENTE SANO (healthy) and the date and time of the appointment. It listed my blood type (I’m A+),  family history of illnesses, my health status (hypothyroidism) (See Seguro Popular—blood work) the results of my vision test (I wore my glasses and passed 20/20) my blood pressure, my pulse and Si next to utiliza anteojos (wears glasses) and Donacion de Organos (Organ donation). Then the attending physician signed under what I believe is the Red Cross Motto “Seamos Todos Hermanos” (We are all brothers) and stamped it. This process took about 20 minutes.

Transito del estado

We went back to the Transito office. The clerk looked at my documentation and asked whose name was on the electric bill as it wasn’t mine. The owner of the local where my sister-in-law rents is listed on the electric bill. We have no electricity or water or sewer or street names in La Yacata and we explained that to the clerk. He himmed and hawed a bit. He wanted a copy of our rental contract, which of course we didn’t have since we aren’t the ones renting there. We were pretty sure he was looking for a mordida (bribe) but we weren’t looking to pay one, so he let it go.

The next step was to take the computerized test. The clerk asked if I could read and I said for the most part although there were words I still didn’t know.  I thought it better to be modest in case I totally bombed the test. He asked if I knew how to use a mouse, which I did. The first 10 questions were about the rules of moto driving and the second 10 were sign identification.

There was no time limit, so I read slowly and carefully. Sure enough, there were some words I didn’t know. The test was multiple choice, so for the most part, I felt pretty comfortable about my responses. There was one sign I had never seen before so completely guessed on. And voila, I hit enter and my results were instantaneous. I had 4 incorrect responses and my grade was 8.67 or B+ so I passed. Yeah me!

My husband was getting a bit impatient at this point. He was just getting his license renewed, so everything could be done right there at the office. He had already taken his eye exam, signed his paperwork, and had his picture taken while I took the test. But I wasn’t done yet.

Then there was the road test. I thought I would need to take a representative from the transit department for a spin around the block or something and I was a little worried. I am confident driving my moto, however when there are passengers, there is more weight to balance and it is a little bit tricky. (See Driving Hazards–Motos) But the big bad transit officer didn’t take a helmet out to where my moto was parked and then I was just confused.

He told me to jump on my moto like I would in the morning when I got it out and start it up. I already had my helmet on, so I did. I put the key in the ignition and revved it up.  And stalled it.  So I tried again.   I wasn’t sure what he was looking for so I pretended to check my mirrors and look at my muffler. I don’t think I impressed him because he asked if that was what I did when I got my moto out in the mornings. I said that my husband takes my husband takes my moto out and does the checking for me. He checks the lights and oil and tires before I hop on. He asked what I would do if my husband were dead, how would I check my moto. I really didn’t like that question. Yes, reality is that one day I may have to do my own checking, or I’d find a reliable mechanic or something. I  stared at him a minute or two sort of baffled. He changed the question to what would I do if my husband had already left for work and I needed to use my moto. Ok. Well, I would check that the lights were off, check the brake box wasn’t leaking, check my mirrors, check my muffler wasn’t stuck on anything, listen for strange noises and check the tightness of my hand breaks. He said “y tu casco?” and I replied that I already had my helmet on. I hoped he didn’t notice that the chin strap was currently held together by a safety pin. (He didn’t say anything if he did.) He asked if everyone needed to use a helmet, including passengers, and I said of course. I don’t have a spare but when I go pick up my son from school, he always has his helmet.

I guess that was the key point for him because suddenly we were done. We trooped back into the office. He filled out some forms. It looked like I only had one strike against me but I couldn’t tell what it was because he filled them out so fast. He kept checking his watch. I guess it was break time. I signed the paper and the clerk took them and handed them to the computer clerk lady.

prices for licenses

She had me come around the side and started filling out my information on the screen. Name, address, sex, civil status, occupation, (there was a place for my phone number, but she didn’t ask for it) birth date, country of origin, (she also left nationality and age blank). There was a section for complexion, skin color, hair color, frente (not sure what that was, maybe forehead?) eyebrow thickness, eye color, nose shape, mouth size, menton (again not sure what that was) and height, but she tabbed right through that. Apparently I have no senas particulares (peculiar or distinct scars, tattoos or birthmarks). She asked how many years I wanted my license for—5, it was the most economical. A moto license, otherwise known as licencia tipo D, can be obtained for 2, 3 or 5 years. The 2-year license currently costs $246, the 3-year license is $271 and the 5-year license is $378.

She then took my right and left index finger prints on the little machine thing. She had me sign my name on the electronic pad. Then she had me take off my glasses for my photo. I stood in front of a white cardboard with the escudo (symbol) of Guanajuato on it. It took three tries to get an acceptable photo. I am terrible about closing my eyes. I signed some other paper, actually, I signed it 3 times and she gave me the receipt.

oficina de recaudadora

The receipts we had to take to the oficina de recaudadora to pay the $378 for each license. I expect paying at a separate office is an attempt to keep mordidas (bribes) from happening. That office kept one of the 3 receipts and sent us back to the Transito office to pick up our licenses. We showed the receipt and they took the second copy, leaving the pink copy for us, and gave us our licenses.

I don’t look too bad, my signature is minuscule, but it does have my CURP listed on it, so I expect I wouldn’t have been able to get my license if I hadn’t already registered for my CURP.  This process only took half a day.  Compared to some of our paperwork sagas, this was a breeze!

I can safely bet that I will never be stopped again now that I have my license.

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June 20, 2014 · 1:35 pm

Natural Healing–Feverfew tea

feverfew

These flowers just popped up in our backyard.

With so many wildflowers growing in La Yacata, at times, I am overwhelmed with being so under informed, not being a native and all. I am sure that these plants are useful, and not just another pretty face, but it has been difficult to find anyone that knows herblore anymore. My mother was always interested in herbs and I remember drying and using chamomile flowers. For that reason, when I discovered this plant in my backyard, I thought at first it was a type of local chamomile. Locals call is manzanilla, which is chamomile. However, upon closer examination, it seemed just a little bit different than the chamomile flowers my mother dried. Although the flower was similar, it had a flat center rather than a cone shaped one and thus it was feverfew, not chamomile after all. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is also known as also known as altamisa, amargaza, amargazón, arrugas, artemisa, botón de plata, botón de plata común, camamila de los huertos, camelina de los huertos, camomila de Aragón, chapote, flor de la calentura, flor de santos, gamarza, gamaza, gamazón, hierba de altamira, hierba de Santa María, hierba santa, madrehuela doble, madrehuela olorosa, madrehuela rósea, magarsa, magarza, magarza amarilla, magarzuela, manzanilla, manzanilla botonera, manzanilla brava, manzanillo, manzanillón, margaza, matricaria, matronaria, pelitre, Santa María blanca, yerba de Santa María in Mexican Spanich and in Aztec– iztactzapotl or cochitzapotl. Even with all these names, I wasn’t able to find any information in my Aztec medicine booklets. But I was able to find a page in another of my books in my small, but oh so useful library. The name feverfew is misleading since this plant has not been shown to reduce fever. However, it has been used for centuries to prevent or reduce migraines. It also has been shown to relieve muscle spasms and can be used a mild sedative.
drying flowers

Cut and hung feverfew drying for tea.

When I asked around, my local sources told me this plant could be dried and made into a tea. I wasted no time in cutting and hanging. I have periodic migraines, leftover from a car accident some 20 years ago, and my husband constantly complains about hernia pain even after his operation, so I figured this was the perfect tea for us.
dry feverfew

Dried feverfew

When the plant was finally dry, I crunched the flowers and leaves, discarding the stems and roots. It had a very strong herb scent, but I was bound and determined to make a tea. I admit the first cup of tea was so very strong that we had to choke it down. (I made everybody drink a cup). So the next cup, I tried adding local organic honey and our own organic raw goat milk to try and cut the flavor. We decided this tea wasn’t a tea for milk, so the third night I just added the honey and we all agreed that it was passably flavored like that. This plant is self-seeding and before we even finished the first batch, there were plants to cut and dry. This time, I am going to try and separate the flowers and leaves and try a tea with just the flowers. The leaves are pungent and make the tea a might bit strong for our tastes.

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Interested in natural remedies? Uncover herbal remedies from traditional Mexican sources for healing and wellness in the Exploring Traditional Herbal Remedies in Mexico series.

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June 13, 2014 · 3:35 pm

Buying property — as easy as buying a piece of heaven Part 3

for sale

Lot for sale

My husband decided to go and visit Don R and see if there still was a lien on the lots. Don R said that yes, in fact, he was thinking of contacting us to see if we were still interested in buying. Apparently, C’s girlfriend had come to his house to try and renegotiate the repayment schedule but had insulted Don R’s wife and was in danger of defaulting. Only, the thing was, Don R had developed cataracts and been left blind. He had given his son all his current outstanding loans until such time as he had an operation to improve his vision. He sent my husband to the son with the idea that we could purchase the contract.

So my husband went to see the son. The son said that yes, he had the papers transferring ownership from G to C’s girlfriend and that she had until December to repay the loan. To date, she had only paid $3,000 of the $20,000 loan and interest was accumulating. My husband said he would be willing to make good on the loan, $20,000 plus interest, provided the lot that was next to us became ours. The lot behind it, which was also part of the lien, he would give to C’s girlfriend. So basically, C’s girlfriend would be out of debt and still have one lot to sell or do whatever she wanted with.

The son thought it might be a good deal and made arrangements to contact C’s girlfriend and set up a meeting. Meanwhile, I talked to my sister-in-law T about the deal. I explained the drawbacks and benefits to her and asked if she would go with my husband to the meeting. I knew I couldn’t go and not lose my temper and my husband would need someone there to make sure he didn’t just agree to any old deal. I told her that if we could get the lot for $20,000 or thereabouts, to close the deal, but if it was to be higher than that, no deal.

The meeting was set up a few days later and off they went. They were gone more than 2 hours. They came back without the lot. It seems the girlfriend was not interested in selling less than $45,000, which we weren’t interested in paying. She went on and on about how she wanted to sell in La Yacata because of the mala fama (bad reputation) it had and lack of water, sewer, and electricity. (You can lead a horse to water.) She talked about this as if this would convince my husband to buy the property at the price she wanted. Never mind that he was fully aware of the problems, and enumerated several others with the lot. For instance, not only was there no water, sewer, or electricity, the lot had an outstanding debt of $250 for lawyer’s fees. That lot also had never made a payment for sidewalks, road paving or the pozo (never mind that the pozo was a fraud perpetrated by Chuchi—See Demanda 3). Therefore, the lot did not have a value of the $45,000 she was asking.

C’s girlfriend concluded the meeting by saying that she already had a buyer that was willing to pay $45,000 in payments and that we should take her offer immediately so as not to lose out. That is the type of pressure my husband caves under, but T took hold of his elbow and walked him out.

C’s girlfriend then turned her attention to Don R’s son. My sister-in-law said there were some sparks flying between the two when they took their leave. Perhaps she offered the son some incentive to renegotiate the repayment schedule with her, for whatever it was worth. The lien can not be canceled, nor the lots sold, without the written permission of Don R, blind or not. The son even said as much during the meeting.

And as for this supposed buyer….no shit, Sherlock!  That would be our aborted negotiation with C. The girlfriend didn’t know my husband personally and I had sent T instead of going myself since I am all too readily identifiable. Oh, to be a fly on the wall during the conversation between C and his girlfriend after the meeting!

So, disappointed, we have decided to wait it out. There is still a possibility that in December, the girlfriend will default and the lot will come up for sale. It seems a lame ending to this saga, but whoever said buying a piece of heaven was easy?

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