Well, we made it into Canada and out again with no real hassles. Once again, the border guard accused us of living in Louisiana since we owned a van with those plates, and told us that we were clearly working and living in Louisiana - “it’s a no brainer”. I would have liked to say something about “no brainer” to him, but I restrained myself.

We also spoke to the INS recently and they told us to speak to the border guard who told us that it was not up to them at all whether we could get a new I-94 form. This means that we will be departing the USA from New York City on August 21st, since that is the limit of our stay.

We had a little more fun with the van (broken fan belt) which, after the towing was accounted for, came to US$180. Bugger. Word of advice : never break down in the unpopulated area of the upper peninsula of Michigan.

In Canada, we saw Niagara Falls, but were disappointed to see nobody going over it in a barrel. I was expecting Diana to volunteer, but she remained silent on that front.

Going westward once more to Ohio, and then back to the east coast. It feels a little odd to be in the countdown part of the North America phase - been so long here that it feels like we - gasp - live here. And the INS certainly thinks we do, for some stupid reason.

I wonder if any of these people ever go overseas on holiday, and have to deal with living on a budget or not. Then again, it is such an ordeal to get back into the USA, perhaps they would not risk leaving it themselves?…*wry grin*

Categories: Travel, Odyssey 2001