I have a hate/hate relationship with Heathrow International Airport. 2 years ago, when starting a 3 month trek across Europe, I almost got deported from London because my plans were “too loose” as they put it. I got detained for about an hour before the finally let me through, but not w/out branding me with a huge stamp in my passport that said NO WORK FOR 6 MONTHS. I was sort of proud of it for awhile. That pride went away quickly the other day.
This time at Heathrow I had all my facts straight. I knew where I was staying. I had my return ticket. I had phone numbers and dates. They asked why I was coming to the UK and I told them to shoot a wedding for a friend. They asked for a work permit. A work permit? Yes. A work permit. I don’t have a work permit. I’ll be shooting for 6 hours for a friend. You need a work permit. You don’t have one? No. I already told you I don’t have one. Ah. And tell us about this mark on your passport 2 years ago that denies you to work for 6 months. Nevermind. Please take a seat.
No one says “Welcome!” like the British border patrol.
1/2 an hour passes.
1 hour passes.
1 1/2 hours pass.
2 hours pass. My flight to Scotland leaves in 10 minutes.
They finally return with my passport and all my information and tell me that I actually need a work visa. A MULTI-MONTH WORK VISA to shoot for 6 hours at a wedding. You’ve got to be kidding me. Eventually the lady with the power (and she knew it) said that they were going to overlook it this time, but that I was very lucky. Very lucky. Very, very lucky. Oh so Lucky lucky. Lucky Charms lucky.
They treated me as if I was a criminal. I finally got through and ran to my gate to find that my flight had been delayed 10 minutes. I barely made it.
Heathrow, I spite thee and I will forever avoid thee at all costs.
When I got here and told the story to the family I’m staying with, everyone said “Oh my. You totally should have lied.”
Awesome. I’m never telling the truth again.
Am I lying?
So I’ve been here a few days. I’m staying with Knox and Shanna Haggie in their wonderful house.
That’s my room on the left. They’ve been incredibly kind and have tea and coffee available all day and night. It’s heaven.
Yesterday I walked all over the city. My favorite spot in Edinburgh is at the end of Princes Street at this large monument that looks like it came from the Parthenon. 2 years almost to the week I was here.
I sat there for a good while and reflected on the past 2 years. So much has happened.
Tonight is the wedding rehearsal and tomorrow is the wedding. I’ll put up a few more photos of the city, maybe some video clips, and some shots of the wedding of Jo is ok with it.
Last two things: The Haggies have a son, William, and he is practicing his bagpipes right now. Loud. And awesome. Secondly, most men at the wedding will wear kilts. Double awesome.
wow. that’s tough to decide what’s more awesome, kilts or bagpipes.
nevertheless, enjoy yourself man… it sounds like a really great time, despite the issues at the airport.
Anne and I went to Scotland to help out a pastor about a year and a half ago. They told us to say we were there for vacation. Now I see why.
man, I miss that city.
dear heathrow, we hate you more than we hate the radio stations in new mexico. and that, heathrow, is hard to do.
Hi Joshua… I’ve read your blog for a while now and wanted to tell you that I really enjoy reading about your journey’s.
Though I’ve never been there… a few weeks ago I actually wrote a poem about Edinburgh. Thought I’d share. If you’re ever in Ontario, we should do coffee
http://bigearcreations.blogspot.com/2008/04/i-have-dream-of-making-love-in-tiny.html
Kilts at a wedding are awesome…and make for much more interesting photos than plain old suits…enjoy beautiful Scotland!
In honor of you and your trip, I am wearing a kilt right now in the office.
Dan Hines
hate/hate…point taken.
geez, that’s ridiculous. at least it didn’t turn out as worse as it could have.
enjoy the wedding!
heathrow harassed me as well once. but it is what it is after the fact: a good story to tell. not so fun in the moment. have fun. the uk… it’s a piece of heaven.
Joshua,
Sorry to hear about your Heathrow problems. I flew to Italy two weeks ago and got back Friday. Our group flew into Madrid, then to Milan. The other group into London, then Milan. No problems, except for one lost suitcase.
I took an obsessive amount of photographs…but also allowed myself time to just sit and enjoy my espresso and gelato, soaking in the culture.
Love your photos of your trip thus far.
michelle
p.s. my moleskine made the trip to Italy as well. Happy…very happy.
looks like the little weeds didn’t make it back this time around!
The photos you’ve been taking in Edinburgh are fantastic, I love that city. Really cool contrast between these last 2 photos of you sitting at the The Scott Monument.
So I plopped on your blog as I do occasionally and I must tell you, it is always refreshing to hear your latest thoughts and read about your latest travels. Part of me was jealous you’re out exploring other cultures, stumbling upon Heathrows, and revisiting candid “spots” on the other side of the world. Ok, ok, to move beyond the jealousy - you’re an inspiration.
Hope you’re doing well my friend.
On behalf of my country I appologise for the appauling reception.
On behalf or my region I invite you henceforth to fly into Manchester.
Blessings
Just stumbled on your blog while looking for Francis Chan!
I live in Australia and my son plays bagpipes and wears a kilt for school functions:) We know how to ceilidh here too.
Next time I suggest you do what I do.By pass the Sassenachs and fly into Glasgow or Edinburgh.
BTW.Great pics on your blog!