When I was younger, I lived in Spain for several years. I loved the culture and the people but I learned several things that apply here.
First, don't go to a foreign country and expect it to be like the US in it's customs or the law. Seriously, that is why it is called "foreign".
Second, don't play the ugly American and expect that behavior to be endearing to the locals. To them, you stick out like a sore thumb because you are a foreigner. It's like the guy driving the fire engine red Corvette and expecting the cops not to notice you speeding on the highway. You're going to draw attention, no matter what.
And finally, learn the culture and some of the language before going, so you avoid getting into the trouble this guy did. One thing stands out from the article that caught my attention was this was his first time out of the US and he didn't know how to speak Spanish. My thought was, uh-oh, a recipe for trouble.
He may very well be innocent of the charges. But he more than likely acted inappropriately for the circumstances in a place where he didn't know the customs, culture, law or language. A perfect storm for trouble in a dangerous world nowadays for travelers.
hey that’s good advice, should we share this with all the illegals we’re footing the bills for?