Across the Border

I woke up Thursday morning at 7:15 to pack my stuff up and to get out of Scott's house by 7:30 when he had to leave for work. I decided that I wasn't ready to head out quite yet so I climbed into my car, reclined my seat and took a little nap until around 9am when I was more awake and ready to leave. I have various food items with me in my car to make my trips less expensive and I ate a granola bar with my water that I refill at fast food restaurants at their self serve soda fountains. I only take water, which they offer for free, not soda. I have drink packets that I can then add to the water if I want some flavor and sugar.

I had planned two stops to see attractions along the way, but I didn't end up going to see either. In truth I couldn't find the first one and I missed the turnoff for the second one. I did stop at Michigan State University, to drive around the campus and look at the stadium where they play basketball and the one where they play football. Both were only slightly larger than the ones my college had.

When you cross over into Canada they have toll booth style thing that you drive up to and give them your passport and they ask you questions. Here is an excerpt from our conversation:

Customs Agent: Where are you headed?
Me: My Grandma's house
Customs Agent: How long will you be there?
Me: 10 days
Customs Agent: Where does she live?
Me: In London, here is her address (I showed him my Google maps directions)
Customs Agent: How much money are you bringing with you?
Me: I had $2 in my wallet, but I just used that at the toll booth to get over here, I do have some change in my ash tray.
Customs Agent: How do you plan to pay for things while you are here?
Me: I have credit cards and ATM cards.
Customs Agent: What are you bringing with you.
Me: (While looking around my car) Some clothes, some snacks, some books, a tent, my trash from lunch.

He wasn't very friendly, to say the least. Most cars then drive off into Canada, but apparently my answers or my look made him think I was a terrorist so he made me drive to this special place over to the right. Once there I was instructed to get out of my car, walk to the front and pop the trunk. Unfortunately I don't have a “pop” on my trunk, so I had to do it for them, as well as opening all of my doors, since I do not have power locks. Inside my trunk are records that my mom asked me to bring to my grandpa and I had forgotten to tell them about. They inquired how much they were worth, and I told them the truth, that I had no clue, but I couldn't imagine much since they were 1970's pop albums. After the searched the car, inside everything, they made me go inside to talk to another customs official.

The guy inside asked me the same questions the toll booth guy had asked me and this guy didn't have a sense of humor either. He didn't want to hear my stories, but I didn't know how to answer his questions without stories. Eventually they let me go back to my car and continue into Canada, but it certainly wasn't a warm welcome.

I did get my warm welcome once I made it to my grandparents house though. They live in London, with their 5 friendly dogs. We spent the night talking, telling stories and watching TV. I got to watch my basketball in Canada as well, I am quite spoiled. For dinner we had grilled chicken, grilled potatoes, salad and bread, it was all very good.



Customs Booths

Bridge to Canada

Michigan State Football Stadium

Welcome to Michigan

Smiley Face Water Tower