OK that is TOO funny! :-) I've always found most US Customs guys to have a
sense of humor though when you get past their professional "face". Remember,
it's just a job guys. I work for the gov't too. :-) You are just the 137th
car they've asked the same questions to, and they're dying to have their
break and relax for a few minutes.
Courtney
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bernie" <berniej@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2009 9:10 AM
Subject: Re: was Crossing into Canada ...how about AK Ferry?

>I was crossing into the US in my vanagon for a camping trip and I
>approached
> USCustoms.
> The conversation went like this
>
> Custom Officer: "Citizenship"
> Me: "Canadian"
> Custom Officer: "Where do you live"
> Me: "Vancouver"
> Customs Officer: "How long will you be in USA"
> Me: 3 weeks
> Customs Officier "Where are you going"
> Me: Death Valley, California
> Customs officer: What do you have in the van that you are bringing with
> you?
> I was looking for the word "effects" as in personnel effects but instead
> for
> some strange reason it came out as this
> Me: "personnel artifacts"
> Custom Officer: Casting a long slow glance over me and a long silence
> ensues.
>                         "Artifacts"
>                         "What kind of artifacts"
> Me: "I didn't really mean artifacts. I just have my stuff, clothes and
> personnel
>       stuff.
> Customs Officer:  After a very long silence. "I can't believe you said
> artifacts"
> Me:  Laughing. "Either can I".
> Customs Office: Shaking his head. "Go ahead".
>
> Bernie
> Vancouver