Customs: London vs. Delhi

Trip Start Feb 07, 2009
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Trip End Feb 21, 2009


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Where I stayed
Indira Gandi International Airport
(Delhi hotels)

Flag of India  ,
Monday, February 9, 2009

When we arrived in London we went through customs security.  It was my turn in line, and a lovely British woman looked at my form and asked me questions.  My heart started pounding a little harder as I spit out the words as quickly as I could.  The questions were simple enough-- "are you traveling by yourself or in a group?", "how long are you staying in India?".  I heard the woman in the booth next to me yelling at her guest and telling her not to get defensive, to answer the questions honestly, and not to be rude.  The woman being questioned was Korean and very tense, not wanting to reveal anything in her answers.

My thoughts were wandering to my Board of Ordained Ministry interviews a few years ago, and remembering that the most important thing to do was stay calm and answer their questions fully and honestly.  However, every question they posed made you wonder, "is this a trick?".

My British questioner wanted one more answer.  "Are you visiting on holiday?"  Recalling my disaster with my first visa application, I practically shouted at her "YES!"  I wasn't even going to think the "M" word.  She wished me a lovely day and sent me on my way.  I breathed a sigh of relief and continued on toward the next step toward our flight.

When we went through customs in Delhi, it was a whole different experience.  My questioner was a serious looking Indian man who took my passport and form without a word.  I was prepared to answer anything this time, calmly and collectively.  This was my last obstacle at getting into the country and actually proceeding on with this trip.  I looked at the man anticipating what would come from his lips...not a word.  He handed back my documents with a new stamp...and I was in!  This trip was actually going to happen.
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