First off - sweetest site! Thank you.

I'm planning a trip through Central and South America from Virginia. My plan is to make documentaries and record live bands as I go. My concern is safety.

I am wondering how much attention I will attract as I cross borders. I know my bags will be searched and this is what they will find:

Apple G3 Powerbook ($800)
Canon GL1 Digital Videocamera ($1000+)
1-2 Digital Still Cameras ($200)
2-3 Microphones ($200)
Possibly 8-track recorder ($500)
Cables and stuff ($100)

Will I even make it over the Mexican border? Are the border guards so corrupt and tied into the bandit/mafia/guerrilas that they will simply smile, let pass, pick up the phone, dial their 'friends' and have their friends pick me and my friend off about 10 miles into the country?

I don't want to die anytime soon, but I want to live my dream rather than dream my dream. Could anyone who's traveled through these parts give his or her opinion on how feasible my attempt would be? I will be traveling with my friend, each of us on our own bike but sharing the equipment. We are both 'white' 'mericuns.

Please give me your personal 'go ahead' or 'you're f*cking crazy!' I really want to know.

Thanks again and I look forward to the responses.

Hans