Visitors Are Welcome!

Most of my family and friends know they are welcome to visit. But there is one big caveat to that ... no surprise visits! Seriously, contact me well in advance so we can make a plan. Immigration is very serious about letting people in -- or NOT. For example, recently I had an artist friend visit whom I've know for years. I was thrilled that she wanted to see Bermuda and me. (Yes, the light here is nice so setting up an easel on the beach or harbour is a real possibility.) Although we had emailed about her visit we were both a bit surprised. I was at the airport waiting for her to deplane and clear customs. She had completed the two forms you always get on international flights. (If I remember correctly one is customs: anything to declare, and the other is immigration: is your visit business or pleasure?)

I had just moved into my cottage a few days prior to her arrival. She didn't put anything on one line of the form ... the street address. She had my name, work contact information, and the parish where I live, but didn't know the street address that I'd just moved into days earlier.

As the flow of passengers emerging from the gates was seriously slowing, I was surprised to hear my name paged, asking me to call the Immigration office. Ooops! What now? I located the office and talked thru an intercom by the door, affirming that my friend was expected and providing my street address. Moments later she emerged, saying during a quick hug of a greeting, "Wow, they take Immigration seriously here, don't they?" It seems that had I not been there she would have been put on the next plane out. (I think that one was destined for Boston.) I'd heard of this happening to others, but both of us had thought all her papers were in order.

So ... yes, family and friends you are welcome. Just make sure you are EXPECTED. As some of you know, I've always been a lover of airports, so if you tell me a bit ahead of time I'll be there to greet you!

It's been partly cloudy, but mostly sunny and low 70s all week. I walk out to the bus stop in the morning and think, "Wow, what a glorious day!" and that has happened more than once!

VISITORS ARE WELCOME ...