Welcome to America.

After 3 decades of my life, I have - for the first time, stepped foot in Uncle Sam's hometown. Welcome to the chronicles of our trip to the U.S. of A.

June 29th - left YYC for YVR. Meet with the Kong's at Timmy's by the concourse. Bought Cold FX and Strepsil's because darn cold was getting worse. Drank 3 capsules so as to keep the immune system from failing. B got stopped by security because I forgot that I placed our hostess gift of Cucina gift set in his backpack. Mea culpa. Good thing that the gal who stopped us was a Pinay - who still was kind enough to request B to have his bag checked. B was pissed but we knew she was just being the dutiful airport employee that she was. Smooth plane ride except for a few bumps that made me dizzy. :( Air Canada plane was a new Bombardier equipped with the new EnRoute tv a la WestJet.

Arrived YVR at 12noon. Picked up the car at Budget. B drove the Silver-gray Toyota Corolla. Stopped by the Chevron gas station for a quick bite. Off to the US border. ALERT read: Blaine Customs - 90 minutes. What can we say - it's the long weekend!

All cars were moving like baby turtles. But, the weather was beautiful and we have a full tank of gas - so, no worries there. Peace Arch was nice - lovely flowers in the shape of the US flag. Then it was our turn.

Asian border guy: Where are you going?
We: To Oak Harbour
Asian border guy: Why?
We: To attend the wedding rehearsal
Asian border guy: Ids please
We: (handing out the passports) here you go.
Asian border guy: *smirks* then *barks* Park your car.
We: Sorry? Park where?
Asian border guy: drive ahead to the left (then he slapped the car with an orange sticker)

Frick! What in the world?!?!?!

We alighted from the car and was motioned by a Caucasian officer to proceed inside. B was getting nervous as he has this paranoia that everyone who gets stopped in the border has to go to jail. I know - ridiculous. I told him that he was watching too many movies. We both laughed.

There was a queue. Asians who barely spoke English, lots of Latinos, young Caucasian men who wore torn jeans (the 'biker' stereotypes), then we - interracial couple. The line was moving fast. We were once again motioned by an older Caucasian officer.

Officer M: Hello folks.
B/W: Hello.
Officer M: Where are you guys off to?
B/W: We're going to Oak Harbour today.
Officer M: For how long?
B/W: Until Monday.
Officer M: Are you staying there for your whole trip?
B/W: Yes.
W: Well, we're staying there for tonight then we'll go to (hotel) for the rest of our trip.
Officer M: Do you have reservations at (hotel)?
B/W: Yes.
Officer M: What are you going to do in Oak Harbour?
B/W: We're attending a wedding.
Officer M: Who's getting married?
B/W: Her/My cousin.
Officer M: *looking at our passports* So, this is your first time to the US, M? (he was using my first name).
W: Yes.
Officer M: Why do you have 2 passports?
W: The 1st passport at the back was an older one. It has my Canadian Immigration visa in there. The 2nd one is the newer passport that has my US visa.
Officer M: Ok M, if you can put your left index finger in there; then your right index finger (for fingerprinting). And you will need to pay $6.00 for that *stamps* the passport.
Officer M: By the way, do you have pancit (noodles) and lumpia (spring rolls) in your car?
B/W: Nope. We hope to eat some of those though when we get there.
Officer M: *laughs* How about some flower centrepieces?
B/W: Centrepieces? No!
Officer M: Ok guys, you're good to go.
B: Won't you stamp my passport?
Officer M: *shocked* Oh, you wanted to? Most people don't want to - but hey, that's fine. Here. *stamps*
B/W: *laughs* Thanks officer.

Dang, the finger printing and the stamps cost $6 US?!?!?! hahaha

We caught up with J & G about 15 exits later. They were frantically phoning us because we were supposed to be right behind them during the border crossing. Well, what do you know, the GREEN passport (Philippines) really causes an alarm! And yes, 6 bucks too.

The drive to my Aunt's place was awesome. Beautiful greens, tree-lined roads and marinas all over. Deception Pass was a beauty to behold!

Arrived at Oak Harbour at 5:15pm. The rehearsals have not even started when the invite said, be there by 4:30pm. Well, Filipino time, what else?!?!?

Rehearsal Dinner was at Imperial House. Stuffed ourselves with Chinese food. It was raining and we're getting worried as the reception tomorrow will be in a tent. We are just hoping the rain won't turn into hail!