I'm Here!!!!!

[cheeky^Wolf 0]

I'm all unpacked and already doing laundry & dishes!!

OK so here's my story...

Met Jaylen in the departure lounge then again in immigration. Was great to have someone to talk to thru it as I was a lil nervous and didn't know what to expect.

Approached the immigration officer and he was already talking to me, so I presumed he was saying "give me your passport" so I handed it to him and he said sternly "no, I asked what nationality you are" (I was tempted to say sorry, i can't lip read, but didn't!) Anyway he was a misery so I just stood there smiling like I knew the drill, he took my fingerprints then said "take this number and go over there" pointing to a brick wall. I said "Over at the wall?" he said "no, thru there" i said "where?" he said " follow everyone else, get your luggage and then find an immigration officer". Why didn't he just say that? rude git!

So I went n got my luggage, met Jay again and she was panicking she had too many cigs with her! I went up to the customs desk and they directed me off to the left and I saw a more civilised guy who took my fingerprints again, took my pic and told me to leave my luggage by the wall and go into the interview room behind him.

When I got in there, there were about 5 guys sitting around huffing n puffing cos they'd been there half hour and were missing their connections. Then another 7 people came in and everyone was moaning about US immigration. I still had an hour to get my connection so wasn't panicking but was worried all these people were in front of me and wondered how long they would take to process. After about 15 mins, they called my name! So off I walked smugly and saw the nice civilised guy who gave me back all my paperwork, told me I had 3 months to get married and then I had to apply for AOS. I said "and then the fun begins" and laughed, he said "ma'am, I assure you it's not fun" and didn't laugh!! No Welcome to America, no kiss my A**, nuthin! But I was happy anyway.

Had 4 lovely days in Florida with my parents, got a nice tan and it was just what I needed after the last few months stress. I can honestly say I haven't felt this relaxed in a long time, I'd recommend it.

Flew up to Dave Saturday afternoon. He was working from 2am til 1pm so had no problems picking me up at 5pm. Got to Pittsburgh, no Dave! He had threatened to make an announcement over the loudspeaker as it was april fools, so I presumed he was hiding somewhere and going to pounce. No pounce! Called his cellphone, no answer, thought I better call the house, and a sleepy Dave answers saying "OMG i'm so sorry hunni, i'm so so so sorry, i'm on my way" Turns out his alarm hadn't gone off.

So there I am, in cropped trousers, a thin shirt and silly open shoes, sitting in 51 degrees in Pittsburgh! Dave lives 1½ hours from the airport but made it in 45 mins! He's still on a guilt trip and it cost him dinner, but the wait was worth it when I got a huge hug and beautiful flowers!

So now I'm here and the wedding organisation starts. But i'm smiling, relaxed and all the stress seems very worth it.

Hope you're having a good time Jay.

Helen

P.S. Can you tell I haven't posted in a few days, I've rambled lol

[munchkins 0]

Well I would say "Welcome to America" but I'm not there yet but glad to know that you made it Ok, irrespective of the miserable immigration officers Hope everything goes smoothly for the wedding and that you have a wonderful life in the US

[Alison 0]

So good to hear you arrived safely. Perhaps that officer doesn't like doing his job or something. Not all of them smile do they, grumpy gits, oh well.

Anyway, hope you have a wonderful wedding and a very happy ever after.

Alison.

Edited April 3, 2006 by Alison

[TracyTN 237]

Glad you're here! Sorry about the rude gits at the airport. This was Charlotte, right? (We'll remember that for later...!)

[Welshcookie 17]

Enjoy your new life!!

[MaryandMian 1]

Helen glad to hear that you had nice visit with your parents and now WELCOME HOME. Looks forward to hearing more wedding plans later.

Mary

[mrswooten4ever 0]

Glad you made it safely. Have a wonderful life together!

Adele

[crashandcari 0]

Hey Helen!!

Welcome HOME!!! Good luck getting settled and keep us updated about the wedding !

Love, Crash and Cari !!!!!

[Mand 1]

Good to hear you're back to together again

[rebeccajo 14]

Well, that's a memorable entrance to America! He must have been flying low to make it in 45 minutes.....

Welcome home!

Edited April 3, 2006 by rebeccajo

[ktun 0]

Welcome to America!! Glad you made it in one piece. If it makes you feel any better my husband (then fiance) was late collecting me from the airport the first time I came here. He didnt forget, but he was late and the airport was closing, I couldn't find a payphone and they were kinda ushering me out the door when he showed up sweating and very apologetic. Thing is we are 10 minutes from the airport, so no excuse really!!!

[Jaylen Brit 0]

Update on the cigs panicking that Helen mentioned - the POE guy asked me if I was bringing anything in and I said yes, some cigs - he said how many and I said 400 and he said you're only allowed 200.

I just gawped at him and said 'you're kidding! I thought it was 400!'

He just looked at me, not unfriendly, and said 'well today is your day for education', and gave me back my stamped passport.

I figured oh god he's put a note or something on his computer for customs to haul me off!

But no..I just walked right thru the gate - didnt even get stopped.

Whew!

I was prepared to pay duty or have them confiscated - I really thought as Gatwick says you can take 400 for non-EEC countries that it was ok to import them to the US...

Like Helen said I had a momentary panic, then calmed myself with that thought - only to be informed I was RIGHT to worry!

Back home now - actually brought back most of the cigs cos I didnt even smoke 100 in the 2 weeks I was there!

[Aymerlu 3]

Congrats on a safe trip! Welcome to America! Best of luck to you two!