Subject: Traveler incident
Author: Dorien Berteletti
Date: Jul 19, 2005, 7:37 PM
Post ID: 1719178317
An unfortunate event. Some points to consider however. The statement :
Paul did NOT have his documentation. Not a big deal in Europe,
is a bit so so. I do a fair bit of driving in Europe every year by car
and bike. I can assure you that in Italy and France no papers becomes a
BIG problem especially in Italy. I am also fluent in the language and
explanations don't always help. The threats, impoundment and such are
similair to what you experienced, only in French or Italian.
As Hans has pointed out many Canadians and Americans drive back and
forth without a problem. I would go to the Police station and speak to
the officer in charge, presumably a Captain, and get a more "official"
answer, as well as a copy of the law if it exists which we doubt. In
Canada we would then press charges against the officer involved. I would
also contact your tourist office and see what the Governor's office has
to say. A fellow European......angle. I suspect the officer felt he had
to make an issue given that the papers were missing and invented a bit
of is own BS
Dorien
V7 + Falcone + Terrot