It was nice returning home after spending the last six months on the other side of the world. This hasn?t been the longest I?ve been away from home, but I certainly missed it?I think it has something to do with being so far away.
Here?s a rant about U.S. Customs, skip it if you wish:
As usual, I was welcomed back to the United States by our ultra-polite (sarcasm to the 9th degree!!!) United States Customs Officials. I don?t know who?s in charge of hiring these people but they seem to find the rudest people. I?ve re-entered the U.S. several times and twice my bags have been searched and on both occasions customs agents have been purposefully rude. This most recent time the officer took it upon himself to rip open Ziplock bags that were holding some of my belongings?even after I brought it to his attention they were Ziplock bags and could be opened properly without being ruined from the top. Then, after ripping through my bag like a child rips through presents on Christmas he tells me ?I forgot how your items were, why don?t you put them back.? This only bothered me a bit, then I looked to the other side of the hall where this confused, but innocent, non-English speaking old lady was being screamed at (of course in English) for accidentally queuing in the wrong line and then being accused of trying to enter the U.S. illegally. To think these government officials are the first people visitors come in contact with is appalling. In contrast, on the way back to Thailand I was searched by a TSA official who was ultra-polite and even offered to repack the belongings he needed to re-xray. Forget TSA reform, reform the U.S. Customs Service.
Life at home was good, except for the minor cold I caught. I had a chance to visit Tacoma and had a wonderful time seeing the friends I have left behind at UPS. One friend has already signed a contract to teach English in Indonesia and I think I?ve convinced another to give TEFL in Thailand a try. Anyway, when/if they come it will be good. My other friend from the Bay Area, I convinced a long time ago and is coming next Wednesday!!! I?m glad because things were getting a little boring.