We had many giggles about our French skills or should I say lack there of, prior to departure. Sorta the southern gal and southern/northern gal version. You know like bonjour y'all! OOOO yea, we went there and I all can say is that the natives are going to get a kick out of our lack of skills! But we will try our best, hopefully not insulting anyone.
Well, it was time to leave and we were loading the car for the airport. Went to put down the handle on a big suitcase and it broke. So, there we were changing suitcases in the middle of the driveway. If that was a bad enough was to start the trip, security check point was. All I can say, it is a very good thing we left super early to the airport, for Natalie was detained for an hour and ten minutes. First they searched her tennis bag, which had a container of protein powder, pair of shoes, etc. Everything they did the swipe test on came back positive for chemicals. Well that isn't good. So, the bomb squad was called to perform a secondary check. While waiting for the squad, Nat was taken to a private room for a palm of the hand pat down (yes, different then what most are subject to). Of which, she giggled her way through, I'm sure nerves were getting the best of her.
Next on their agenda, the head bomb squad guy arrived and inspected both the tennis bag and backpack. I mean every inch of everything thing in and about those bags. Meanwhile, they assigned a personal escort to Natalie, a police officer. May be asking what I was doing at the time??? Taking pictures of course.....duh! You will see them below.
Finally, after three checks of her bags, Natalie was released from custody and allow to proceed. We joked our way through the hour and ten minutes...butttt.....really.....it's not a joking matter and we want them to check us and others out completely.
For the record, they think she had chemicals in her bag from her court shoes. For she was playing on newly laid clay courts last week, which of course have fresh chemicals. You may ask why the concern about chemicals....cuz fertilizer is use in bombs. Sooooo Nat's powder substance plus shoes could have meant ....she was a shoe bomber.
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| Lady on right did first TWO inspections....guy on left is bomb squad dude! |
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| Natalie in detainment |
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| Nothing like you very own personal escort! |
We arrived safe and sound in Paris this morning. After several trains, a million stairs (no lifts) with our cases and thousand miles of walking we arrived at our hotel. Here is what our gal looks at the present moment:
Bout time I do the same as Nat and assume the position....ni nite....or at least nap time.....Love and Blessings....Sherry
