South America by car: First cheated by Honda - then by the brasilian state -

- still had a great time .)


The first part can be found at

http://worldimprover.net/EN/en5_1.html *).

The second part - it requires knowledge of the first - is told in a few
sentences: The car had been imported into Brasil as luggage, like in
the region's other countries. So it was under customs supervision.

After I hadn't been able to export it for the reasons described in part
one, I notified the brasilian ministry of treasury, shortly after
having left the country. Yes, I managed to leave the country without my
car. It was '98 during the soccer world championship, and I took
advantage of the frenzy during the Brasil/Chile match to pass the
border.

I then assumed that a functionary would visit the Honda dealer,
confiscate my car, sell it - possibly after repairing it first -,
collecting the customs charges and send me the rest, along with proper
documentation. Nothing wronger than that.

I now assume the functionary was there - but probably just to get the
car, destroy the customs documents and then dispose of it privately.
The car was pretty valuable on the brasilian market.

Using today's internet communication facilities, I've tried for months
to find out with the brasilian administration (incl president Lula)
what has happened to my car - without success. They either mess around
or just remain silent.

Like de Gaulle in a situation of rage once said: 'This country is not a
serious nation.' He may have been right.


*) Those still interested in factual information about travelling South
America by car will find some at

http://worldimprover.net/EN/en5_2.html .




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