Sunday, May 15, 2011

Leg One of the Journey Begins Today

After an hour and twenty minute drive, waiting 30 minutes on the bridge, 20 minutes of being badgered by border patrol, a few hours at the bar and a red wine induced slumber, I am finally on the train. Excited to get this thing going, it was no surprise that we didn't even make it out of the station before we had to stop and wait for a freight train, that now, has seemingly stopped and began moving backwards. Sometimes these Canadians confuse me. Back to the border patrol. Why are they so narcissistic? As we were pulling up to the little 'toll booth', I asked Candy if I should just tell him we were going to the casino for the night. She laughed and said no. Funny thing is, that is exactly what I should have said. The ever so pleasant gentleman we had the pleasure of dealing with began by questioning where I would be going and for how long. Fair enough. Then proceeded -- BTW the freight train next to me just started moving again -- to question what I would be studying. I replied law, he retorted "Be more specific, if your not specific I start guessing and you don't want that." So I had to explain what classes I would be taking etc. After looking through my school acceptance letters to the program, we were finally cleared but before we could go, this border patrol officer felt compelled to explain a few things to me. First, that I can only remain in Canada for less than six months. Second, if I overstay my welcome, "Guys like him will come and get me." Why? Why would I overstay my welcome? Is the influx of illegals into Canada that excessive. -- BTW the freight train has passed, but we still aren't moving. -- I just don't understand. I should have known when we pulled up that his lane was moving slow for a reason. So travel tip #1, if you cross a border by land, pick the lane where traffic is moving fastest. It appears to be indicative of the type of officer you will be dealing with. -- Moving now --

1 comment:

Kees W. van Straalen said...

More surprises are bound to happen! Luckily you are still in a English speaking country!! Try arriving at 3.00 AM in Karachi, no luggage on the conveyer belt, no English speaking person....etc etc. LOL: shit happens! Have a safe trip!