Ooooh it really was tempting. Stepping on to our balcony, there below
was a pool I could have had all to myself in the mid-afternoon when the
temperature was around 93F.
But, sadly, no swimsuit in my overnight bag, and no time to go shop for one.
We had to go out of town last week for our interviews with US Customs and
Border Protection to secure Global Entry status when leaving and returning
to US airports. Unbelievable that this isn't available at every international
airport in this country - we have one just 15 minutes from home - instead
we had to drive several hours to another city and spend a night away.
The interview was short, about 5 minutes, as all paperwork was completed
online previously, and the fee paid ahead of time.
Photo was taken, passport and driver's license checked. . . . . . . . and then the
problem part for me, fingerprints. I don't have clear prints, nobody has ever been able
to get good prints. I had to be fingerprinted in five NC locations, and none were good,
when applying for US naturalization several years ago. They gave up and had to
accept my blurry prints.
This time the agent said although the FBI probably wouldn't accept them, she thinks
I'll be OK for Global Entry. Hopefully I'll get my official card in a couple of weeks,
then I'll be zipping through the fast lanes at the airport!
Just think, I could have had a career as a cat burglar all these years - wouldn't
have left any fingerprints behind me!
Today the heat index will be around 105F, and may continue for a few days.
Having a pool outside the back door would be heaven right now.
Today the heat index will be around 105F, and may continue for a few days.
Having a pool outside the back door would be heaven right now.
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That pool has no shade! Here many people do not swim at times because the water is too warm and not refreshing. Actually I am not one of those people, but it is years since I ventured into a pool.
ReplyDeleteYes, no shade is a problem but most hotel, public pools etc. are always out in the open - guess they don't want the maintenance of a pool surrounded by lovely leaf dropping trees!
DeleteFor me nothing beats a dip in the cold ocean somewhere - haven't done that for some time though - seem to spend more time sailing on them than swimming in them! The mountains seem to call more as I age - the beach enjoyed more in the winter months.
Mary -
With no one around I would have been tempted to go in the pool in undies! Chic ones, of course.
ReplyDeleteOf course they would have to be gorgeous, from Harrods perhaps! I remember paddling and swimming in my little knickers only as a child on Torquay beaches! That was freedom before we had to 'cover them up' haha!
DeleteAhhhhh that looks so lovely and cool. I'd have been tempted, like Elizabethd!
ReplyDeleteFingerprints have been much on my mind as the state of the world as caused a requirement for fingerprinting all of my volunteers. It has been quite a summer!
I have never swam in a hotel pool. But always loved swimming in the lake I grew up on in Michigan.
ReplyDeleteMary, I got my Global Entry a few years ago. It makes coming back through customs a breeze. Definitely worth getting! Don't recall problem with my fingerprints, but my photo is about as bad as could be. '-)
ReplyDeleteWhere are you off to next? Your passport must be full! Happy, safe travels.
Sarah, we are hoping it will speed things along, only thing is friend Paula told me so many people are now applying for Global Entry the lines can still be long! Can't win these days when it comes to traveling easily as back in the day!!!!!
DeleteOff to Kenya next month. Nairobi, and then 10 nights at a wonderful camp in the Maasai Mara.
Hope to get some good animal pix for all to see - and of course your Baggallini bag will be going along my dear!
I had additional pages added to the passport couple of years ago, they are almost filled too!
When I come to Austin - soon I hope - at least I won't need a passport!
Mary -
That sounds like a bit of a headache, but if it helps zip you through customs, it will be worth it. I see some travel in your future and not just the U.S. and Canada as you mentioned a post or two ago.
ReplyDeleteVee we will be traveling overseas two more times this year. Next year we only have one trip to Europe planned - but never say never I guess! We really do want to do more of the US and Canada - and of course Maine is my favorite New England state (even though Bob is from NH) and we could never get enough of visiting there!
DeleteMary -
Is all that work required now for any overseas trip, or just Africa? Sounds like a little bit of a nightmare! I'm sure it's all worth it in the long run though. That people looks mighty tempting to jump into!
ReplyDeleteMelanie it's the government's 'Fast Track' system - supposedly to allow people who have applied, paid for, and then been interviewed face to face with Customs and Border Protection, faster access to get through the airport security systems. Not just for Africa - all countries.
DeleteMary -
This late in the summer even the ocean here is no longer refreshing...it is warm like taking a bath! LOL
ReplyDeleteThat pool looks very tempting, is a real invitation. Too bad the place looks empty, a little more animation and a few umbrellas can make a difference!
ReplyDeleteThat pool does look inviting. Good luck as you tick off the list to prepare for a lifetime adventure.
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