telmyfriends provides real human telephone interpreters for tourists, expats, travellers and residents who need help handling important situations abroad in another language.
It was 2:30 in the morning.
A British tourist was driving through Spain with his wife when flashing blue lights suddenly appeared behind them.
The police had stopped their car.
Armed officers approached the vehicle.
And there was one major problem:
👉 He didn’t speak Spanish.
Not even enough to understand what they wanted.
The only word he really knew was:
“¡Hola!”
🚨 The Panic
At first, he genuinely thought something was seriously wrong.
The officers had guns.
They were speaking quickly.
He couldn’t understand what they were asking.
And in that moment, his imagination took over.
Later, he admitted:
“Oh my God… I thought they were going to shoot me!”
Of course, the reality was very different.
👉 Get set up before you need it.
Because when something unexpected happens abroad…
The officers were calm, professional, and simply carrying out a routine document check because the vehicle had foreign plates.
But when you don’t understand the language…
Even normal situations can suddenly feel terrifying.
📱 The Message That Came Through
In a panic, he sent a message to the telmyfriends WhatsApp group asking for urgent help.
I immediately called him and told him to put the phone on hands-free.
Then I spoke directly to the officer:
“Sr Agente, ¿me oye?”
“Sí.”
“Soy el intérprete aquí para facilitar su comunicación.”
“OK genial. Dile al señor que no se preocupe, solo queremos ver que tiene su documentación en regla.”
And just like that…
Everything changed.
🧠 The Shift
Suddenly, the fear disappeared.
The client understood:
→ he wasn’t in trouble
→ nobody was angry
→ nobody was accusing him of anything
The police simply needed to check his documents.
The officers were actually friendly and reassuring the entire time.
Even trying their best English:
“Is OK… is OK…”
Within minutes, the situation was completely calm.
The documents were checked.
Everything was fine.
And the couple continued their journey feeling relieved, safe, and incredibly grateful.
🌍 The Reality Of Travelling Abroad
Until it happens.
And when it does…
👉 Get set up before you need it.
Because problems abroad don’t wait until you’re ready.
