It was difficult to get tortillas when I was in Vancouver, so I would cross the Line to Blaine, WA, to stock up on essential ingredients. The following dialog occurred returning at Douglas:Customs: Citizen?Me: Landed. [landed immigrant, analogous to green card]C: How long out of the country?M: [look at watch] 20 minutes.C: Buy anything?M: Yes.C: What?M: Ten dozen tortillas [clearly visible on front passenger seat] C: Get onnn throuuuuuugh!Some customs agents do have a sense of humor, especially those interacting with tourists. Trolls dealing with packages were a different matter, and those on the US side were totally arrogant – even (or especially?) to US citizens.
Actually, I’ve heard that if you don’t want the hassle of declaring something while you’re at the airport, ship it home by mail or freight. It’s declared then and if they want to check it out, they can and you don’t have to put up with the bother in person. Win. Win.
I remember many, many years ago crossing back into Michigan from Sault Ste. Marie with my Mom & Dad and 4 younger siblings. Customs guy runs thru a long lists of things you have to declare ending with “Bacon, cigarettes, or whiskey.” Mom answers “Of course not!” ( the ‘do I look like I smoke or drink?" implied in her tone. ) So we cross the border and I notice my 15 year old brother turning several shades of gray-green in the back seat. ’What’s wrong?" I whispered to him. "I’ve got a pack of Players in my pocket and Mom will kill me if she finds out.. " Yes, some things ARE more frightening than customs agents.
Cousin stopped by cops on a joy ride in Mass:What school are you going to, kid?Harvard!Harvard, and you’re 16?Yeah! I’m a genius!We still got the ticket.
alviebird almost 12 years ago
When I was young and stupid, I told a border guard (US/Mexico) that all I had was, “This pack of cigarettes and a belly full of beer.”
alviebird almost 12 years ago
Right. I got no response at all.
Mungolikecookies almost 12 years ago
US Customs officials used to be the most friendly and welcoming of any I had met. Sadly no longer. One of the reasons I stopped visiting the US.
Nighthawks Premium Member almost 12 years ago
rule of thumb:humor of any kind is not allowed in airports
Ammi28 almost 12 years ago
LOL.. although they have no sense of humor
hippogriff almost 12 years ago
It was difficult to get tortillas when I was in Vancouver, so I would cross the Line to Blaine, WA, to stock up on essential ingredients. The following dialog occurred returning at Douglas:Customs: Citizen?Me: Landed. [landed immigrant, analogous to green card]C: How long out of the country?M: [look at watch] 20 minutes.C: Buy anything?M: Yes.C: What?M: Ten dozen tortillas [clearly visible on front passenger seat] C: Get onnn throuuuuuugh!Some customs agents do have a sense of humor, especially those interacting with tourists. Trolls dealing with packages were a different matter, and those on the US side were totally arrogant – even (or especially?) to US citizens.
katybissell almost 12 years ago
It must be TSA that has a problem with humor, because I work for the FAA and the people in my office joke all the time.
jonnijones almost 12 years ago
Well, they may joke with each other….but……
jonnijones almost 12 years ago
Actually, I’ve heard that if you don’t want the hassle of declaring something while you’re at the airport, ship it home by mail or freight. It’s declared then and if they want to check it out, they can and you don’t have to put up with the bother in person. Win. Win.
grouchycuss almost 12 years ago
Coming home from Toronto one day, The Customs agent asked me what I was bringing back, I answered, “Receipts and pocket lint.” Actually got a laugh.
Dewsolo almost 12 years ago
I remember many, many years ago crossing back into Michigan from Sault Ste. Marie with my Mom & Dad and 4 younger siblings. Customs guy runs thru a long lists of things you have to declare ending with “Bacon, cigarettes, or whiskey.” Mom answers “Of course not!” ( the ‘do I look like I smoke or drink?" implied in her tone. ) So we cross the border and I notice my 15 year old brother turning several shades of gray-green in the back seat. ’What’s wrong?" I whispered to him. "I’ve got a pack of Players in my pocket and Mom will kill me if she finds out.. " Yes, some things ARE more frightening than customs agents.
38lowell almost 12 years ago
Cousin stopped by cops on a joy ride in Mass:What school are you going to, kid?Harvard!Harvard, and you’re 16?Yeah! I’m a genius!We still got the ticket.