So we watched the security tapes and NO fanny pack was visible. I went with Hampton to retrace his steps to the last place he had money (which he actually flashed to give to a guy to get some exchange). We figured he dropped the back or, as I was told in the airport in Dar Es Salaam (you have been pilfered—OH NO!!! not that!!). So we went back. nothing there. I remembered I had seen a little office for the Tourist Police so I suggested we go there.
We went there and a darling little woman was on duty who spoke perfect English, She returned to the scene of the crime with us looking for cameras. No cameras. So we made the report and went home.
The phone was a company phone so he called the company on his phone and they insisted that he get a police report with the model and serial number of the phone. We put the wheels in motion for that.
Well, we had written a letter that stated the pack had been stolen. The police objected to the words stolen, theft etc. and insisted that he put lost. (Let’s not mess with the crime statistics). We spent six hours the next day trying to get the police report and asking that they put anything on police stationery and a STAMP!!! Let’s not forget those.
We were hanging out in the hotel lobby with the policeman and I was kidding him mercilessly. I asked to try on his hat. (He let me). I tap danced in the lobby. (*Everyone thought I was nuts). I did a little song. (nuts again). I asked him to give me his hat as a present and to make up for the fact that there is pilferage in his country (he didn’t know this word; I didn’t explain). He declined.
Finally, miraculously a document was produced, all serial numbers etc. were present. VERY official letterhead. And, blessed be, a STAMP!!. Yeah there is an Allah.
Anyway there is a motto for the Tourist Police.
