Day 8: Eh?
Sunday, August 10th, 2008Canadian border booth. Each car is taking about 30 seconds to clear but there’s still an hour’s wait to make it to the front.
“So Mr. Sanders, you said you’re renting an apartment in Vancouver?”
“Yes sir, for one month.”
“And Mr. Sanders, do you currently own or rent any type of housing or real estate in the United States?”
“No sir.”
“Please pull into the parking lot on the left and go inside to counter A.”
The border agent hands me a form. There is a tick in the checkbox labeled “IMMIGRATION”.
In case you ever need to know, the following responses are apparently the wrong answers to give to the Canadian border agent at counter A. Especially if you are a young male, traveling alone, with a heavily loaded truck and a dubious backstory.
Why did you choose Vancouver?
I heard it was nice.
Where did you find the apartment?
Online.
Have you ever met the apartment’s owner in person?
No.
When does your lease start?
Today.
What is today’s date?
I don’t know.
Do you have a copy of the lease with you?
No.
Do you know anyone in Vancouver?
No.
Do you own any guns back home?
Yes.
Are you bringing any knives or other weapons into Canada?
Yes.
Who do you work for?
I’m self-employed.
What happened to your side-view mirror?
I was driving through Montana and hit a peacock.
What?