Bridges and Gatekeepers.
There is a scene in the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail where the knights, trying to cross a bridge, are quizzed by the bridge’s gatekeeper. The random and sometimes nonsensical questions that they’re asked remind me a lot of our multiple customs and immigration experiences. Since transiting Miami International Airport yesterday, I’ve gained a new appreciation for the island version of this process. To explain why, let me give you a comparison.
Our chariot awaits us in Sint Maarten.
When we picked up our boarding passes in Sint. Maarten and let the lady at the counter know that we were not checking any bags, she appeared relieved and told us that was a good thing because “Miami is a mess!” Although it was a bit of a mystery to us why she would say such a thing, we were soon to find out why. Rebecca and I arrived in Miami with a mere two hours to make our next connection, not a lot of time where international travel is concerned. The first of the “Monty Python bridges” that we needed to cross was to clear into the United States. When we arrived at the immigration area to do so, we were shocked to find lines that would make the queue at any new ride at Disney World pale by comparison. The “rat maze,” 6 to 7 lines deep, was overflowing! To pass the time, we kept track of how long it took us to transit each row of the maze and at best, each took us 10 minutes to move end to end. There were multiple officers dealing with international immigration but because they were finger printing and photographing virtually everyone who was entering the country, it was a very time-consuming process. All told, we spent over one and a half hours in that line and that was merely the first of the “bridges” that we needed to cross.
This is not actually my pic but rather one I pulled off the net. We were one of the few people who could apparently read the signs which said not to use cell phone and cameras!
Following that ordeal, we needed to go through a customs line which, although not as long as the ones at immigration, took more time than we had available. Not free and clear yet, we had to once again make our way through a security queue. When I made one of the agents aware that our flight had already been boarding and was due to depart in 10-15 minutes, it was “suggested” that we move to the front of the line. That was not going to guarantee our success though. Because I didn’t remove our laptop from my duffel bag (we were in a hurry!), it was pulled off the track to be manually inspected and sent through a second time. 🙁 While this was going on, I sent Rebecca, who had already passed through security, ahead to the gate to try to stay their departure. When I say that we made it in the knick of time, I am not exaggerating. Yes, we were THE guys.. the people that everyone, already seated on the plane, is forced to wait for. Sorry, fellow travelers.
Note: I think I should begin to market an exercise program aimed at international travelers. Among other things, it will contain hundreds of “duffel bag deadlifts” interspersed with 1/4 mile sprints carrying an equivalent weight. Our ability to run through the terminal is the only reason that we made our second flight at all!
How does the Caribbean version of customs and immigration differ? Well, I just detailed our French experience when we cleared into St. Martin, but they are entirely too civilized when it comes to this so I don’t think it’s fair to use that as an example. Here is what is more typical.
When we arrived in the British Virgin Islands, we opted to clear in at Jost Van Dyke, a popular destination for boaters. After anchoring ZTC, we packed up our travel documents in a waterproof bag and headed to shore in our dinghy. We didn’t have far to travel to complete the clearing-in process as the customs and immigration offices were located less than a hundred feet from the dock, across a street made of sand. The customs officer at the desk we first approached appeared altogether relaxed, if not disinterested. We completed his forms by hand, inputting details about ourselves and our vessel that we now have committed to memory. When he was through with us, he told us that we then needed to visit immigration. In response to our query about where that was located, he merely looked to his right at the desk in the adjoining room where we could see a lady who was busy playing with her smart phone.
We made our way to her desk, which was located only a few paces from where we had just completed the last round of paperwork. She took her time to look up at us but when she did, she asked, in a tone I would again describe as disinterested, “Can I help you?” Surprised by that, we replied “Um, yeah, we were just over there,” knowing that she had been able to hear every word that was said between us and the customs officer. In order to satisfy the immigration requirements, we were told that we needed to each fill out a little form. The catch? Each document was going to cost us 10 cents. Yes, ten cents! When I gave her a dollar, she disapprovingly asked if we didn’t have exact change. When we told her that we did not, she rolled her eyes and told us to bring it back to her later. Apparently she was more interested in getting back to texting her friend than she was in trying to find us change for that dollar. To be honest, if I lived on Jost Van Dyke, I’d probably react the same way!
Like the final knight in the Holy Grail movie, we did ultimately get through the customs and immigration experiences, both at Jost Van Dyke when we visited there and at Miami yesterday. Although the travel process was not a ton of fun, we are extremely stoked to now be here in California with our daughter, her husband and our brand new granddaughter. This is one case where the end is absolutley worth the effort!
For the record, it is NOT warm in California right now!
The smiles make the hassle of traveling totally worthwhile!
Your description of their farcical system is much polite than mine. The politest that I managed was “cattle market”.
Still it’s their country. They are entitled to do it their way. If that is the impression they want to give, well that is up to them!
Mike
Well, everyone still wants to (needs to) get in so there’s not a lot we can do about it.
I wonder what the nice little kitty is doing right now? Think she can open bottles? Maybe have a little drink with her sandwich???
Glad you made it safely! Hope it warms up a little for you guys! Must be hard to handle in your shorts and flip flops!!!
We packed warm clothes!!!
Hopefully not sharpening her nails on the upholstery. As bored cats are wont to do.
Just kidding!
I sure hope not!
Welcome to my world. Even we flight crew are not immune to the hassles of transiting customs and security.
Sorry to hear that, Brett.
That last picture……………PRICELESS!
Agreed!
The easiest customs I’ve ever seen was flying into Venice Italy. Unless I’ve repressed something, the customs there was an automatic sliding door that only opened from one side, and armed soldiers with German shepherds on the other. I’m sure the dogs would have let them know if they needed to ask us any questions.
hehe… I like that. The dogs ALWAYS know!
I am a frequent “lurker” of your blog but much on commenting but I wanted to say I’m glad you guys made it safely to the US because the smile on your granddaughter’s face is priceless! Enjoy every minute with her.
Speaking of Jost Van Dyke, I’m headed there and to St. John for the week, really looking forward to island time. Enjoy your time in California with your family!
Best-
Terry 🙂
Thanks very much, Terry. We are, and will continue to, enjoy ourselves. You be sure to do the same in the BVIs!
“For the record, it is NOT warm in California right now!”
Ha!!! It’s been mid 50’s to low 60’s during the day, mid to low 30’s at night for weeks. At least here in San Diego. Bitter cold for those of us who aren’t used to it. 🙂
No kidding! Count us among those who are no longer used to it.
Sorry, were you saying something? All I noticed was that BEAUTIFUL baby and the equally beautiful blissed out grandma. More of that little baby please.
Yeah, whatever. I do agree though. 🙂
OMG, that baby is extra special cute!!
For some reason every time we take an international flight Hans has to have his eyes scanned (?) upon re-entering the USA. And when they sneer at me and ask Hans why I’m along (it’s usually a business trip and I have a different last name), I have to bite my lip because I would love to say, “Well, we tell every one I’m his secretary (wink wink). But I don’t. Because there is no sense of humor at airport security.
Never joke… I’ve been slow to learn that lesson but I have learned it.
Miami is always a nightmare. I normally try for one of the other airports, if at all possible. I just about freaked out the last time I came through there, until I remembered that the eastern time zone does daylight savings! ‘Twas a relief. Enjoy California!
Ohare was the airport I used to hate the most. Miami’s immigration might have given it the top spot.
Forgive me for this question as I’m a very inexperienced traveler, if your a Canadian citzen why do you have to go through immigration in Miami? Is it just because of where you flew from or does it have anything to do with how long you were gone?
Jenn
Everyone entering a country has to clear customs and immigration, even citizens of hat country. The depth of the process may vary but every country does it. The process is usually easier for residents than it is visitors but they still have to do it.
That is a VERY cute baby. I am sure you understand why I am not saying THE CUTEST baby… 🙂
You look so happy, Rebecca.
VERY cute!
Happy You got there safely. Demi is adorable!
Monty Python <3 :).
The checking system could get even further :/
Airport-style screening to be considered for train and tube stations
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/aug/19/train-tube-stations-security-screening
Some probable danger or more freedom?
Carlin: Airline safety
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DukU9jMlBic
Airline Announcements-George Carlin 1/2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DagVklB4VHQ
Thanks, Tytti.
Miami is always a bitch. We’ve run through it, too, and nearly missed a flight.
We only have 1 hour between flights on our way back but fortunately will not have to deal with immigration there.
Sounds like a breeze to me. You should try it with checked bags. 🙁
BTW, when Donna flew back to Baltimore out of St. Thomas last week, the line went outside onto the sidewalk. Have heard stories about the need to arrive here 3 hours early to still barely make a flight. And that’s flying STT (US) to Miami (US).
Ditto on the photo. Heartwarming.
Three hours would still be cutting it close. When we were there the line was back to the outside door.
I can imagine the moment when you first saw your grand-girl!! She is your look-a-like!!!! You all look so happy in all of your pictures, together. I am so happy for you and we are getting those butterflies now as well as we are getting closer to our grand-boy!!
Enjoy every moment, as I know you do!!
Maureen and Wade
Thanks, Maureen. Enjoy the San Blas and your upcoming canal transit.
Love the last picture. Beautiful baby and beautiful grandma. 🙂
Thanks, David.
Super cute baby. Well done!
Not sure about the UK border sign though – didn’t know they had one in Miami!!
2 things…
1. I admitted that it was just a pic I found on the net.
2. Until you said that and I checked, I thought the pic said US Border. 🙂
Tell me, how strange is it that you’re visiting the “real world” for a vacation?
The Baby is adorable.. 🙂
And finally, In Jenn’s comment…does she think Miami is in Canada??
Peace and safe travels.
I’m not so sure I’d call it a vacation. We’re on a “permanent vacation.”
Airline security? That’s why in the US we have the standing joke, which is understood by all, that goes, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help…”
We have also been through the maze that is Miami customs! What a mess, glad you guys made your flight!!
Not really looking forward to our return trip to St. Martin. Hopefully it will be better.