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We recently returned from our first real vacation
in several years. We had a great time, met lots
of wonderful people, saw some outstanding scenery,
really enjoyed our adventure. There were some
glitches, part of normal travel. We had two rental
cars, the last one developed something which we never
did figure out, a warning signal about air pressure
in the tires. JC being the logical person he is found
a good garage to check it out. The mechanic decided
there wasn't a problem, but that the sensor had been
damaged at some point. But it does make one wonder
about being stranded in the middle of no-where with
a sick rental car. The good news is the shop didn't
charge for the inspection, but JC did tip the fellow
anyway.
Down the road a little was an ice-cream/candy shop
which soothed our nerves with an excellent Hot Fudge
Sunday. And no, we don't do that very often, but
you get to do those things on vacation.
The worse part of the trip was air travel. We left the
Ste. Marguerite river a day early when the report of the
new restrictions on flying after the terror threat in
London hit the news. We would need to re-pack, and the
driving time from the river to Quebec City was five hours.
A 11:00am flight began to look like it might be a real
problem - especially if security took even longer. Chris
Chin recommended a place or two in the city, we made some
phone calls and booked the last available room at a hotel
near the airport.
I called the car-rental place at the airport and asked
how long the lines were, and how early we should show up.
The lady assured me there was no problem since it was a
small airport. It really isn't that small, but we showed
up when she said and everything went fine. Except the
flight from Quebec City to Detroit had been delayed - and
they suggested anyone who was within five hours driving
time would be best to rent a car and drive there.
Of course, we have a connecting flight to make. Eventually
we hit Detroit. We had to go through Customs, having been
'out of the country.' Our carry-on bags could have been sent
through, without additional cost - except they didn't tell
us that in Canada. So our carry-ons were searched, and
searched, and searched. Yes, three times. Nothing was
out of order and nothing removed. Opps, sorry, I did miss
a tube of solid lipstick, old, used and not a gel, in my
purse. Gone. I was prepared I thought. I had all our
prescription meds in one ziplock bag. All were in their
original packaging. No problem. I also had an Epi Pen
in my purse. I always carry one in case I have a weird
reaction to something. Then it dawned on me it was not
in it's original packaging, and could it be used as a
weapon? Yes.
In the three searches, (hands on, not just through the
X-Ray machine) no one questioned it. I'm glad, it is
very expensive and I didn't want to be without it either.
But a used tube of lipstick?
Okay, so I understand the terrorists had given up how
they planned on blowing up the planes, and certain products
were then listed as banned. I found out later that if you
had a container with four ounces of prescription liquid it
'may' be allowed. But in general, anything liquid, gel or
resembling either was out.
A few days later while we were at the Michigan Fish-In,
the television news carried a story about a British Muslin
woman who said she was going to use her baby with in a
suicide/homicide bombing. I fully expected to hear in
the next report that babies were no longer allowed on
airplanes.
Is this the way things are?
And if it is, it isn't just a matter of inconvenience
to those who want to fly, or who must fly for business.
It is much more serious.
I'm personally sick of all the political crap on television,
especially the talking heads touting who is or would protect
us best/more against terrorism.
It looks like it's a little too late, don't you think? How
many billions of dollars which could have been spent to improve
this country are gone? How many more billions will be spent
in the name of 'protecting' us against terrorism?
We have already lost the war. ~ DLB
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