I arrived safe and sound in Vancouver about an hour ago (midnight) and the air is crisp and clear, the streets are clean (from 90kmh) and the cold beer is extremely refreshing.

The moment I stepped in line to go thru what the US Government laughingly calls security, I remembered again why I have cut back on my travel. Its ridiculous. For some reason, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) agents in Chicago require you to remove your footwear before walking thru the metal detectors. This evening, I was wearing flip-flops. I figured I’d be safe with flip-flops. I checked the TSA website and was provided with an answer to my question of “Am I required to remove my footwear?” It states

You are not required to remove your shoes before you enter the walk-through metal detector. However, TSA screeners may encourage you to remove them before entering the metal detector, as certain types of footwear, e.g., thick soles, require additional screening, even if the metal detector does not alarm. Selecting footwear accordingly may expedite the screening process for you.

I would have no problem with removing my shoes, if indeed, that was the official regulation put out, but for the agents in Chicago to completely disregard the very words the head office in Washington DC put out, is pure bullshit and it automatically puts me into a nasty mood. I walked up to the metal detector with my shoes on and this bitch of a TSA agent actually yelled at me to remove my shoes. I mean yelled at me like I was a 5 year old. God forbid I confront her with their own regulations; I’d be thrown in jail as a terrorist. THIS is what this country has become and it’s disgusting. FUCKING BITCH.

And I move on…

My flight was delayed leaving Chicago for some unknown reason, making my connection in Seattle questionable for the 4-hour duration of the flight. Trapped in the middle seat, at 35,000 feet wondering if I would be spending the night in a hotel in Seattle or at Anonymous Padre’s apartment in Vancouver is not an enviable position to be in. I arrived with 45 minutes to spare and trudged to my Alaska Airlines Commuter connection. They served me beer. I forgot Vancouver was an international flight and alcoholic beverages are complimentary. I managed to suck down 2 in the 40-minute flight.
I’m watching Anonymous Padre make my bed, so I shall log off and return tomorrow with tales from Canada.