LESSONS LEARNED: CROSSING THE BORDER
Driving to the USA from Canada can be an interesting experience. Once, when asked if we were bringing anything with us, we mentioned some fruit we had in our cooler. The agent’s relaxed attitude visibly changed when we listed the contents. Clearly we had done something wrong. He tersely informed us that citrus fruits cannot be brought across the border. My travel companion pointed out that we were merely repatriating the Florida products. To no avail. The oranges were immediately confiscated.
When you’re traveling in a motorhome for a six-month stay in the USA the odds are fairly good that something objectionable will have found its way onto your large vehicle. It seems the sooner that assumption is confirmed the sooner you can move on. For example, the first time we crossed the border in our motorhome we were unaware that bird-flu was a concern, even though we had consulted a variety of websites detailing what we could and could not take across the border. When asked if we had any poultry with us we said we did, and the border agent hurried out to seize the potentially diseased chicken breasts. Mission accomplished. Off we went.
The next trip, I had forgotten about a lemon I had put into the RV when cleaning out the fridge at home. The agent returned from his inspection of the vehicle rather quickly, brandishing the forbidden fruit. He threatened a $300 fine which he then waived, citing the unlikelihood that we were lemon smugglers. We moved on.
This year we reported that we had not brought with us any poultry, fresh fruit, vegetables, or whole seeds that could be grown. Undeterred, two female agents from the agriculture department went through the motorhome, including its basement, with a fine-tooth comb. It took a very long time.
Food in the USA no longer costs less than in Canada. In fact, it costs about 40% more because of the currency exchange rate. So, we purchased a 6-month supply of the products we use frequently. They are packed into every nook and cranny of the motorhome, including its refrigerator/freezer, with room left over for the things we love but cannot find at home. Philadelphia Cheesecake No Bake is the first thing we look for, followed by Fuji Apple sparkling water. This drink has no sugar, no calories, no caffeine, no sodium, no carbohydrates. It is sweetened with aspartame though, so I just add about ¾ of a cup of Fuji Apple water to the sparkling water I make using my Soda Stream, to give it that crisp apple flavor. We have also been unable to find sugar-free cake frosting at home, which when melted in a microwave oven with peanut or cashew butter makes a delicious two-ingredient fudge. There is a lengthy list of Trader Joe’s products we love as well. But I digress.
The agents eventually returned triumphant, waving a small container of rice which I could not prove was parboiled, so “off with its head.” They also mentioned some poppy seeds they had seen among my spices but did confirm that I had indeed not attempted to bring in cumin. Who knew those spices could germinate and wreak havoc?
With a look of distaste on her face one agent held out a bag of protein powder that had been discovered. She pointed out the chia seeds I had added, which she assumed were bugs. It had “grossed her out.” Seriously.
Once again, a $300 fine was held over our heads but not dropped. We were given a list of offending agriculture products and told that everything we bring with us must be declared. The pamphlet went on to say, “The Agriculture Specialist will determine if the item is permitted.” Sounds rather arbitrary. How is one to know for sure? Moreover, “All information is subject to change at any time.” Lovely. We’ll have to do this song and dance again next year.
You do have to marvel at the way the USA protects its northern border. 😊