Riding (and waiting) in style

We disembarked early, hauling our own luggage downstairs at 7:30 AM to miss the checked luggage log jam. Getting through customs went smoothly and we were off the ship and down the ramp by 8:00. Our limo was not scheduled to pick us up until 9 but they were able to arrive early. We were entertained by a Japanese Anime convention and the attendees entering in full costumes. Some were creative, others highly intricate and several X rated. Needless to say, we had a lot to look at.

Bruce, our driver, arrived in a white Lincoln navigator SUV limo, which got the eyes of even the Anime attendees. We loaded up and headed through Vancouver. It was all smooth sailing until we got to the border (cue dramatic music).

I am not sure exactly what happened but the wait ended up being 2 1/2 hours. Unlike the ferry line, there is no sign telling you how long the wait will be. You just get in line. After about an hour, the boys really had to use the restroom. I asked the driver, who said he thought there were some bathrooms in the building ahead of us. This turned out to be the main "something is wrong with your passport" or "We need to do an intensive and invasive search of your body cavity" building. I tried asking 2 guards on our way if there were bathrooms anywhere but they both pointed to this building.

We were met at the door by an overly gruff customs officer who balled us out for "separating from our vehicle." He demanded to know where our vehicle was and I told him it was a limo in the bus line (required to be in the bus line according to the rules). I explained that I had 2 young boys who urgently needed to use the restroom and that I was confused where I could take them. We had been in line over an hour and there are no signs indicating you have to stay in your car. He ultimately led us into the building and to an unmarked restroom, lecturing us the whole time about how we make his job harder. I tried to explain that we did not intend to make his job harder but he showed no compassion. Chuck was also with us and he gave him even more of a lecture. He even escorted us back to the limo, where he lectured the driver. Bruce asked him where he should direct guests to go but the officer never answered. There had been a radiation detection earlier so that may have been he cause of the delay. However, Bruce told us that anyone who recently had chemo could set off that alarm.

If you think riding in a limo is cool (normally it is) try being stuck in one for 2 1/2 hours! Of course, I don't think any ride would have been good for that amount of time, but it started to feel a little claustrophobic. Finally, a guard came and checked our passports, asked some questions and eventually let us through. Talk about a fine welcome home!

The rest of the ride was more fun, especially after we stopped for some food and a bathroom break. Bruce was a great driver and I would highly recommend Pacific Harmony Limo. Great company!