Coming to America. Well, we made it. [View all]

The nasty part was not in the usa, but in the Netherlands(surprise). There was no problem at all in Düsseldorf. At amsterdam, where we had to change planes.

The KLM people at the Amsterdam airport gave both me and my wife a hard time. I was designated for a special intensive security check. Some “tough” woman with tattoos everywhere decided I was dangerous, and made me take off my jacket, and then sifted through my hand luggage as if she had neen trained in East Berlin. With my wife, it was worse. Her last name is hyphened on her ticket and passport, but not in the reservation. They detained her over the stupid hyphen, even contacting Homeland Security in Washington. Finally a supervisor decided they were being ridiculous, overrode everything, and allowed her (us, since I would not leave her) to board the plane. We were the last to board, of course.

Then, the plane (a Delta plane) lost power in its entertainment system, so films, tv series, flight tracking were possible. Then its seat electricity went out, so one could not lie flat (uf sitting upright) or sit up (if lying flat). This was fixed, but only half an hour before landing.

We landed in Boston, had to walk half a mile to CBP. There were 2 lines, US citizens and non. I went with my wife in “non.” Eye check, where are you headed? Cape Cod. OK, welcome. Took 45 seconds. Our luggage was there in 5 minutes. The taxi rates were new, a ripoff, and it showed. The line for a taxi into Boston —usually $30 including tip—was now a standard $49.25. No wonder there was no line!! I paid the driver a $50 bill, but a 60% increase over last year was enough for me.

So, we’re going to walk into town, buy some stuff, eat some fish and crash. This is enough for one day.