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October 11, 2004

Back In New London..

I'm still riding on that time warp wave...waking up not knowing where I am or where I've been. Traveling from Brazil to Vermont to Connecticut in just a few days is mind boggling when you think about it. Anyway, I loved walking on the beach and was mesmerized by the lines the incoming waves left each time...

Horsing around in Brazil:I mentioned we (9 of us tag-a-longs in Brazil) rode horses around the resort and up to the waterfall again. Yes we had a couple of guides with us...someone who could rescue us when our horses ran amok or in some cases rescue the horses from us. I had not been on a horse in about 40 years or more so my skills were limited. Many of the other equestrians had never sat a horse before...ever. I was comfortable with my horse...I knew enough to let him know I was in charge but not a tyrant; I let him chew on the tree while we waited for the rest to get saddled up. I had tears running down my face laughing as a few horses took their riders for a stroll through the neighboring condo flower gardens...munching on tastey morsels. Many of the horses had favorite partners or pecking orders; my horse didn't like to be boxed in, especially from behind. It didn't take long for the word to get out that my horse kicked tailgaters. Anita didn't believe my horse was merely smiling at her and wanted a close up look at her watch...it was true! Well *I* liked my horse even if no one else did. I could get used to horseback riding...umm, once the bruises on my backside heal that is.

Security: Sigh...I was mortified, embarrassed...wanting to become a Canadian Citizen. I had already forgotten how normal people navigate airport screening..put your stuff on the belt and go through. No shoe removal..no laptop removals in Sao Paulo before connecting with out flight to Rio de Janeiro. HOWEVER, on our return flight home we again had to make a connecting flight in Sao Paulo and since our first plane was making a stop in Los Angeles on it's way to Japan, it was subject to United States Security procedures. First we had to undergo luggage scrutiny before check-in because we were going to the US. Then going down the jetway, everyone was stopped for personal scrutiny with the body wands. Then further scrutiny of carry on baggage was conducted...for everyone boarding this flight on a 767 please! Basically it was done again once we had transferred to our flight to JFK except the carry-on search was spot scrutiny; I got it again. Since the flights were late to begin with, this delay didn't help; this also gave the Brazillian airline a valid excuse for the delays: US Security screenings. Color me red. Having Homeland Scrutiny affect your life in your own country is annoying...having it affect one in a foreign country is embarrassing. ....and noooooooo, no one is any "safer" for any of it. There is no such thing as "safe"...never was and never will be.

Ok Ok...enough ranting....more to come as I think of it.

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Posted by frani at October 11, 2004 08:21 AM

Comments

I know the Homeland security stuff is a real laugh...if they want to get us they will no matter what. We are playing right into their hands with this crap.

The rest of the trip sounds like fun!!!

Posted by: Risa at October 11, 2004 12:08 PM

Welcome home! Your trip sounds like fun, all accept the travel to and from. When you are ready for another horse back ride, come on down. There is a little horse/cow farm in the middle of the island.

Posted by: Blanche at October 11, 2004 07:41 PM

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