Tuesday 30 August 2016

Maple Grief.

I've been wanting to do this post for about two weeks.  Trouble is, each time I thought I could get it started, a new situation in the world of puzzling bureaucracy, brought another unexpected twist in an already twisted tale of torment.  Yes, to be precise, unfathomable bureaucracy, courtesy of the Canadian Immigration Department.  In this bizarre case, bureaucracy equals misinformation overload.

By my standards, this is going to be a rather lengthy post.  Please Grizzly bear with me.

When I think about it, it all started the day I made that phone call back in May and booked a flight to Vancouver.  I booked a flight to Vancouver for September 19, 2016, returning, October 8, 2016. When I phoned the travel company I always use, no mention was made of needing an extra layer of security electronically placed onto my British passport.

To clear things up, in case you were wondering.  I'm not a Canadian citizen.  In a rather irrational moment, my then wife and I left Canada without getting citizenship.  I am a British citizen.  My ex wife is a Belgian citizen.

The tickets arrived in the post a couple of days later.  In the notes that came with my airline tickets, was a mention of it being my responsibility to have an "Electronic Travel Authorisation aka "eTA", sorted out.  Not being even remotely aware of such a thing, I checked the Canadian government's website about this eTA requirement.  On the site, it declared that I should get an eTA before I book my flight to Canada.

What?!!  As stated, I was not aware and I was not told when I booked my tickets about needing an eTA.  After all, they had my money for the flight.

Around August 10, I had a quick look over some of my checklist for the upcoming trip to Canada. Passport, yep. Travel insurance, yep.  Greyhound bus tickets, yep.  Electronic Travel Authorisation, nope.  Better do something about that, I thought.

Back to the Canadian government website in regards to applying for the eTA.  Here's where the irony kicks in on a massive scale.  The Canadian government has a leniency period in regards to the eTA. It was supposed to be in force as of March,15 2016.  I'm flying to Vancouver within the leniency period because the eTA becomes officially enforced as of September 29, 2016, ten days after my flight.  In other words, I didn't need to apply for it.  Despite this, I thought, what the hell, after all, the website assured that most people would be approved within minutes.  I considered it would be the right thing to do by getting that extra layer of security being electronically stamped onto my British passport.  A mere formality?  Excuse me for the following.  How fucking wrong I was!

Here's the gist of the email reply I received after applying for the eTA and paying the $7 that was promptly charged to my credit card.

"Your application for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) has been received.  A review of your file is underway.  You will be advised within 72 hours of the next steps regarding your application."

So much for getting approval within minutes.  I checked and found out that, evidently, 99.5% of those applying do get approved within minutes.  Negative speculation went into overdrive.  Waves of panic and anxiety washed over me.

Two days later, August 12, I received the follow-up email.

"A review of your Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) application is underway.  To continue processing your application, we need documents from you.  If your documents are not received by the prescribed deadline, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will have to assess your application with the information that is currently available.  This may result in the refusal of your eTA.! " 

The email went onto to state that I needed to set up a special account with the Canadian government so I could see what documents they required and by what prescribed deadline.  I did this, after much messing about.  Once set up, I eagerly checked to see what documents they wanted by their prescribed deadline.  The section that was supposed to show me what was needed, was blank.  Day after day of, "No data available."  For the next ten days, I went through the, "No data available", routine.  Ten days of sending them urgent requests the only way I could via the technical issues section.  The account was so ridiculous that, for example, when I'd click onto the section to confirm my passport was British, it decided that, "GB British Citizen", from its own list of places, was, in actuality, an invalid place!  I sent them several screenshots of all the technical problems I'd encountered.  I might of well of been typing to myself.

Then came the next email, dated August 22, 2016.

"A review of your Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) application has revealed that you are a Canadian permanent resident.
By law, Canadian permanent residents, including those who are also citizens of a visa-exempt country, cannot apply for an eTA. As a result, your application for an eTA has been withdrawn.
Your application is now closed. You do not hold a valid eTA.
Appropriate travel documents for Canadian permanent residents
As a Canadian permanent resident, you will need to present a valid Permanent Resident Card or a Permanent Resident Travel Document when travelling to Canada. It is recommended that you also present your valid foreign passport. Otherwise, you may experience delays or be prevented from boarding your flight and/or entering Canada.
As a Canadian permanent resident, it is your responsibility to make sure that your Permanent Resident Card is still valid, and to apply for a new card when your current one expires.
If you are living in Canada and do not have a Permanent Resident Card, find out how to apply.
If you are outside of Canada and do not have a Permanent Resident Card or your card is expired, find out how to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document"

Oh yeah, now I really was freaking out.  A Permanent Resident Card?  Never heard of such a thing and never needed one on all my other flights to Canada.  I have not lived in Canada for nearly 29 years!  I needed to take action and fast!

I went to the Canadian High Commission's website in London.  I phoned their number only to be informed it was an invalid number.  There was, however, a message.  I was told to check out the Canadian High Commission's website in London!  I thought I'd just done that.  So, no working phone number but an email address I could inform them of my situation.  Oh, they gave me a response about how to get a Permanent Resident Card. A card, that on average, takes 41 days to process.  My flight is, as of this writing, in less than 3 weeks time.

Out of ongoing desperation, I phoned other numbers in the UK, such as the Canadian Embassy in London.  Once again, I was stifled by calling non-existent phone numbers. Okay, I did get a message on one of those numbers that told me to phone a certain number and I could find out the number I wanted.  The cost? £28 a minute, or about $48, Canadian.  Yeah, right, like I would do that.

Then, finally, I noticed the number for the Consulate of Canada in Edinburgh. That was on Tuesday, August 23.  I phoned the number and went through to an answer phone, where I got to leave a message.  I informed them of my situation.  An hour later, a Scottish gentleman phoned me back.  I told him what had happened and despite the leniency period, I'd applied for the eTA.  I read him out the above email.

He assured me that I should be just fine when I go to Manchester airport to check-in for my flight.  I told him I was concerned that because I was refused an eTA that it would get flagged up on the system.  Once again, he said I should be okay and just make sure I get the process started in regards to actually proving I don't live in Canada.

Which brings me to nearly the final part in this still ongoing, stressful saga. I now have this form to fill in from the Canadian government that wants me to send a photocopy of my British passport, two photos that have to be taken by a professional photographer, which the photographer then has to stamp with an official mark on the back of one of the photos, when I first lived in Canada and where I'm living now.

Yes, by doing what I thought was the right thing almost seems to have been the wrong thing.  I didn't have to apply for that eTA, just yet.  Now I've put myself though weeks of anxiety that I didn't have to have.  The way I've been treated, I almost feel unwelcome in a country I lived, worked and paid taxes.

You might now realise why its been very difficult to concentrate and interact on your sites.  My fragile mental health has been severely tested.  What has happened to me and to others who I've contacted in similar plights, is very cruel and inhumane.

I use positive visualisation techniques where I see my elderly parents waiting for me as I go through Customs at Vancouver International airport.  My visit to Canada will now be with a sense of relief. From Maple Grief to Maple Relief.

At this point and to conclude, I shall let Penny take over.  Rather surprisingly, if you travel to Canada by land or sea, that darned eTA is not a requirement.

"Human dad, Gary.  Please don't worry about your trip to Canada.  You will be fine.  You've done nothing wrong because you did what you thought was the right thing.  Heck, even if I have to doggy paddle you over the Atlantic in a canoe, you will get to see your friends and family."




























79 comments:

  1. It sounds like a lot of bureaucratic b.s.going on. Good luck with your flight.

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    Replies
    1. Hey Pat,

      Bureaucratic BS beyond belief. Thank you, my kind friend.

      Gary

      Delete
  2. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear -- it distresses me to hear of Canada's positively Kafka-esque bureaucracy on this matter and all the stress it has caused you. I'm glad the Consulate guy has reassured you that all will go well on your flight back to Canada. I want to send you a butter tart to cheer you up and refresh your good spirits for the trip!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Debra,

      The whole new layer of security system has been a total disaster. I've read about a lot of folks worried about getting into Canada. I even contacted a very panicky lady who is going through a similar situation to mine. This just aint right. Indeed, I'm clinging onto the words of that Consulate dude in Edinburgh.

      A butter tart! Thank you, my thoughtful friend.

      Gary

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  3. Oh Gary. That is just mind bogglingly awful.
    Heartfelt hugs and oceans of caring.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sue,

      It has been boggling my mind for three weeks. To think, by doing the right thing has caused me so much unfair hassle. Irony alert.

      Thank you for those heartfelt hugs from Australia.

      Gary

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  4. This is such a mess! Are you going to take the documents with you, just in case? I imagine it will go flawlessly, as the most stressful things often do. Here's hoping! You'll have a wonderful visit with your parents.

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    1. Hi Shannon,

      A totally unnecessary mess. I have loads of documents to take with me. Documents I shouldn't have needed. Thank you for your comforting words, my lovely friend.

      Gary

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  5. After undergoing a lot of trouble it was nice that you have cleared all. Have a good trip!

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    1. Hi Weekend-Windup,

      Hopefully, the situation has been cleared up. Thank you and yes, I'm looking forward to a good trip.

      Gary

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  6. Hi Gary - I didn't realise you were going through all this ... I just sincerely hope the journey will be easy and the customs officials understanding and thus won't stress you. It's a nightmare travelling now a-days ... I'm sure you'll take extra documentation with you in case, and leave a set at home ...

    It'll be fine ... breathe deeply, relax and just look forward to that wonderful reunion with your parents - take care and now all the very best - with lots of good luck, joy and happiness during your visit. Many thoughts - Hilary

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    1. Hi Hilary,

      It's gone beyond the twilight zone. Yes, travelling these days can be quite the stressful challenge. Although I would never have envisioned this degree of challenge. I have a fair amount of photocopied documentation to take with me. Ridiculous I even did to do that.

      Thank you for your comforting words, Hilary. I greatly appreciate that.

      Gary

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  7. What's going on there, Eh? When I went to Australia a couple of years ago, people were warning me of the problems getting the Electronic Visa Thingymajig. It took me two minutes online and it was granted within 24 hours - no physical document, its electronically attached to your passport. Maybe Canada should look at Australia to see how it's done?
    Anyway - have a great trip and thanks for the Birthday wishes!
    CLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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    Replies
    1. Hi Barry,

      In most cases, applying for an eTA is a formality that takes but a few minutes. Canada's new electronic procedure goes straight onto the passport. Unfortunately, they don't seem to have got it as organised as the Australians.

      Thanks, eh and here's to a good trip. Hope you enjoyed that birthday parade in your honour, my kind friend.

      Gary

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  8. What a nightmare. I feel so angry that you have been put through all this anguish, but you listen to the wise words of Penny and all will be well. I hope you have a wonderful visit and it makes up in some way for all the trouble you had to get there xx

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    1. Hi Teresa,

      A nightmare that has meant not booking anything else in regards to my trip to Canada. Indeed, anger and bewilderment, comes to mind. Penny is such a wise dog! Thank you for your nice thoughts. I reckon that I will be so relieved when I get through Customs in Vancouver that my trip will be rather different in a positive way.

      Thank you, dear Teresa.

      Gary xx

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  9. I've missed you, Penny/Gary. Glad to read this post though I feel so much frustration... but I loved your fb on alcoholism today... remarkable story... and so proud of you. You're amazing. <3

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    1. Hey Morgan,

      Lovely to you see you, my wonderful friend. Frustration causes by bureaucratic incompetence. Thank you for noting my update on FB. You are most kind. I notice you have a blog post up. Shall be there very soon.

      Hugs and hope,

      Gary x

      Delete
  10. Hey, sounds like when Obamacare was going into effect - nothing worked, no one replied, etc.
    What a stress of a mess. They refuse you, I imagine you'll go ballistic on them.

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    1. Hi Alex,

      That's the thing with almost everything happening via the internet. The gremlins take over. A stress of a mess beyond any mess I could of imagined. If I get refused boarding, I will most assuredly make sure that somebody or some computer robot, is accountable for this farce.

      Thank you, good sir.

      Gary

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  11. I think our government offices have been taken over by aliens. This is not what you expect when you deal with our country. Hopefully your visit will provide healing and you will be able to put this mess behind you.

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    1. Hi only slightly confused,

      You may well be right about aliens. Then again, I'm under the impression that each time I respond to one of the government's emails, I'm just responding back to some weird internet ether. Yes, I reckon there will be whole load of healing and relief when I actually get to Vancouver and get through Customs. Thank you for your kind words.

      Gary

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  12. Oh Lord, government bureaucracy is such a horrible mess to get entangled in, and I am sorry to read about the grief it has caused you. I do hope it gets straightened out quickly and that you get to have a wonderful trip.

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    1. Hi Arleen,

      The governmental bureaucracy has had me going around in circles. It turned me into a quivering wreck. Thank you for your comforting words, Arleen.

      Gary

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  13. What a bureaucratic nightmare you've had. Have a wonderful trip to see your family.

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    1. Hi Eileen,

      Never had this bad a bureaucratic nightmare. Thank you for those encouraging words, Eileen.

      Gary

      Delete
  14. Isn't it ridiculous. I cannot imagine what you are going through Gary. Maybe you should have booked your flight to the States and then into Canada. I would say it's almost worth going to the Embassy. A long trip I know. Maybe you could get it sorted that way although from our own experiences I wouldn't guarantee it unless you kick up a stink and ask to see someone higher up.

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    1. Hi Jo,

      Ridiculous and beyond bizarre. I thought getting the Electronic Travel Authorisation was going to a straightforward procedure. Besides and thanks for the thought, I would also need that extra layer of security that the States now has.

      I should be okay. Although, a trip to London would be nice.

      Thank you, Jo.

      Gary

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  15. Sounds like a bunch of bureaucratic BS. A case of one hand doesn't know what the other is doing.

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    1. Hi Pat,

      Bureaucratic Crap. Virtually no communication back from them. It seems to be case of virtual hands no having a clue what the other virtual hand is doing.

      Thank you, Pat.

      Gary

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  16. Sounds about right Gary, I get problems with the NHS.
    You get to Canada and have a wonderful time. All WILL BE WELL.
    Yvonne.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Yvonne,

      Oh yeah, the NHS can be a bit of bureaucratic, perplexing farce.

      Thank you for your supportive words, Yvonne.

      Gary

      Delete
  17. I don't understand all that red tape. It's ridiculous. I figured it'd be easy to travel b/t Canada and England cause of their ties. Unlike the USA and England. Maybe you should contact a consumer affairs reporter and tell them what happened. Often those people can get results when it's broadcast all over the place. Or if you have a local political representative maybe? I hope it's all sorted out and you can get to Vancouver w/ no further delays and issues.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Hi JoJo,

      In the past, it was a very straightforward routine flying to Canada from England. Once I get back from Canada, I may just contact the media. Actually, the Canadian government, as far as I know, has not had an advertising campaign over here about their new security procedures.

      I just hope to not have to make any more contacts in regards to this. Thank you for your thoughtful comment, JoJo.

      Gary

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  18. Will they allow Penny to enter the country???

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    1. Hi Dizzy-Dick,

      Probably. She can go over to Canada and sort out their pawlitical affairs.

      Thanking you, sir.

      Gary

      Delete
  19. I actually read your entire post. No. Don't thank me. I was compelled to read it because I'm a Catch 22 fan from way back and these kinds of stories hold a particular fascination for me. Yet another lesson to add to my long list: whatever you do, don't alert the government of any country that you actually exist because if you do, you're toast.

    Visualize. Visualize. Visualize. And take Penny's advice. She and her species can be trusted and should be in charge. In an alternate universe, I'm sure they are.

    May your Canadian visit be the best. I know it will be. I'm visualizing it, too. Just for a bit of insurance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lee,

      I commend you for not skimming through and searching for the best bits of my post. I was actually going to make it an even longer post. Yes indeed, you do the right thing and wrong things can well happen. A bit of Canadian karma would be rather interesting.

      Positive visualisation is what has kept me going. That, the support of good folks like you and of course, the ever so wise Penny. Wish the dogs would sort out this universe.

      Thanks for your added insurance bonus visualisation. Canada, here I come, eh.

      Thank you, Lee.

      Gary

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  20. That has got to be the biggest flippin' merry-go-round mess I have ever heard. I hope you get to Canada without any trouble.

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    1. Hi Diane,

      A day at the Canadian funfair. Not much fun and certainly not fair. Here's to a trouble-free trip back to my friends and family in Canada.

      Thank you, Diane.

      Gary

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  21. Wow!!! That is chock full of total craziness! Bureaucracy is nuts!!! The dreaded red tape machines can't admit when they've created their own problems!!!

    Adding my visualizations of a stress free trip for you!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jemi,

      That's an interesting way of putting and very close to the truth. Oh yeah, they have screwed up and I get to go through the stress of their major mess up.

      Thank you for your added visualisation, Jemi. I appreciate that.

      Gary

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  22. Keep every single document you can and take those with you. Also, send this post to all the Canadian newspapers and online media sites you can find. This is bullshit. We're talking about Canada, the great country that doesn't treat anyone badly, or so they say. What they are putting you through is outrageous. Okay, yes, stay calm. Go to the airport, take all the documents, printed copies of all your emails. Hydro bills for the past 3 years to prove you live in GB. And... this is the most important thing... prior to leaving the house repeat this mantra over and over again inside your head (don't deviate) "Everything also works out for me." Do your breathing exercises before you leave the house, on the way to the airport, in the airport, right up until you are in the air. Expect everything will be fine. Expect it down deep in your bones. You are a good and decent human being, and the Canadian bureaucrats will not shit on your parade. Believe that right down to the tip of your toes. I'm so sorry this is happening to you, Gary. It's not right and you don't deserve it. Smile despite everything. Look at the dumb schmuck who stamps your passport and be thankful life is good and your parents are there to greet you. And Penny will be well taken care of while you're gone.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, like Lee says, visualize, visualize, visualize!

      Delete
    2. Hi Joylene,

      I almost have so many documents that I'm not quite sure where to stick them. Hold that thought. I'd like to inform the Canadian and British media about this absolute bullshit farce being imposed on me, somebody who has nothing wrong.

      I have plenty of proof that they have screwed up on this. Hopefully, the documents I take to the airport will not be needed, based on the fact I'm flying during the leniency period.

      I shall do that mantra. I deeply resent that I'm going to be nervous at the check in when I really should have no reason to be nervous. Being at the airport by myself will really challenge my anxiety. I'm sure everything will be fine. It's just a complete outrage that I've been subjected to three of the most stressful weeks of my life.

      Your words are wise and comforting, Joylene. Like Lee stated, like you have stated and like Penny has stated, positive visualisations of the moment I greet my parents on the other side of Customs, has been a most powerful focus.

      Thank you for such a detailed, considerate and kind comment, Joylene.

      Take care, eh.

      Gary

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  23. That sounds like one big headache. I hope your trip goes well!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Chrys,

      Oh yeah and I believe the headache will soon pass. Thanks for the kind words in regards to my trip.

      Gary

      Delete
  24. Oh god Gary, that made me so mad my ears are ringing.
    I'm so sorry. The other goods from this- you are strong enough to carry thru, and perhaps someone will read this and avoid it happening to them or a friend. But the fact it happened to you pisses me off.
    Hang in there, you're gonna see the folks!
    Laura
    x

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    Replies
    1. Hi Laura,

      My ears are ringing in unison with your ringing ears.

      Thank you. One of the reasons I put up this post was to warn others what might happen to them. It was also good to verbalise my seething resentment at this bizarre bureaucratic balls up.

      Cheers and soon I'm gonna' see my folks.

      Thank you, my kind friend, Laura.

      Gary
      x

      Delete
  25. Sounds very much like Bureaucracy Gone Mad, a clear case of miscommunications within departments, and why is the (probably unnecessary) eTA limited to flying visits?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi River,

      The madness of it all seems to have caused a lot of people unwarranted stress. I am totally puzzled as to why the eTA is only for flights to Canada. Makes no sense.

      Thank you, River.

      Gary.

      Delete
  26. I hate shit like that.

    Love,
    Janie

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    Replies
    1. Hi Janie,

      For sure and this is some heavy shit.

      Love and hugs,

      Gary

      Delete
  27. Oh no...I'm so sorry for all this stress! What craziness is this, eh? I hope your trip is a complete success. Have a lot of maple syrup, some butter tarts and poutine!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Martha,

      Thanks for that. Craziness, courtesy of miscommunication, eh. I sense my trip will be a success and it will be have a rather different feel to it. Looking forward to Canadian food. Gravy and melted cheese on my chips....

      Thank you, Martha.

      Gary

      Delete
  28. Was a computer determining your status or a twit hired by one?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Shelly,

      The computers are blaming it on human error. What a farce.

      Thank you, Shelly.

      Gary

      Delete
  29. Hi Gary,

    Wow, that is certainly a lot of stress to have to go through. I can only imagine your anxiety level. I would def carry all documents that you feel are necessary with you. Remember to breathe easy to the count of 8 inhale the good, exhale the bad slow and easy. A great way to calm the body and mind.

    Visualize your arrival and the happiness of seeing your parents and friends. Let that joy and peace encompass your being.

    I will add you to my daily intentions while traveling. If you need anything you know where I am.

    Penny is sweet to doggy paddle you there in a canoe, it might take a while though.

    True...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Truedessa,

      Stress beyond my wildest nightmare. I'm trying to keep the anxiety levels under control. I shall bring extra documents. I will be using breathing exercises. Thank you for the suggestion.

      Visualisation of being there with my friends and family has really helped.

      I appreciate you kind interaction, Truedessa.

      Penny can paddle really fast! :)

      Thank you, Truedessa.

      Gary

      Delete
  30. Oh my good gosh, Gary. This is a lot for on person to go through. I'm sorry about this. Odd that other forms of travel don't need it. Ack. How frustrating.

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    1. Hi Ivy,

      It really is way too much to take. My last two brain cells are really struggling with this travelling crap. Very odd that it only pertains to air travel.

      Thank you, Ivy.

      Gary

      Delete
    2. It would be too much for me, as well. Ack!

      Delete
    3. Hey Ivy,

      Thank goodness the Ack! is over.

      Thanks for your follow-up comment, dear friend.

      Gary

      Delete
  31. You are a braver and stronger man than me Gary (OK I’m a woman, but you know what I mean!) I have no idea how you coped with that. The broken website alone would have been enough to send me into an uncontrollable panic.
    Now you just need to sit back, allow yourself some breathing space, get on the flight and have a wonderful time with your family.
    As my dear old dad would have said, “these things are sent to stress us” and he would not be wrong!
    Happy holidays Gary, I hope you have a wonderful time. Barbara x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Barbara,

      Man oh man, I know what you mean :) I have absolutely no idea how I'm coping with it. Just spent another day rushing about getting documents and photos sorted. Yes, the photos they require from me took about 45 minutes to get done, hopefully correctly. I think my panic attacks are having panic attacks.

      Thank you for those calming words, Barbara. Your dear old dad most deffo aint wrong.

      Cheers and off I go, eh.

      Hugs and thanks,

      Gary x

      Delete
  32. Eeek. I can't imagine going through that. That is just too much red tape.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Medeia,

      Eeek, eh! I think I've accumulated a warehouse full of red tape.

      Thank you, Medeia.

      Gary

      Delete
  33. Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry you went through all of that, Gary. What a messy nightmare. You deserve a wonderful, fantastic, awesome trip. Know that I'll be thinking of you!! (And they need to fix that mess so others don't go through what you did!)

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    1. Hi Elsie,

      Thank you. The messiest nightmare I can ever recall. I appreciate your kind words.

      I hope that somebody might be reading this post who can possibly avoid the crap I've endured. The Canadian government needs to sort this catastrophic garbage out very soon.

      Thank you, Elsie.

      Gary

      Delete
  34. What an ordeal! SO sorry you had to go through all of that for no reason at all. Big hugs to you.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Lynda,

      An ironic ordeal. Thank you for your supportive words and big hugs.

      Hugs and gratitude, your way,

      Gary

      Delete
  35. This is just so awful and outrageous I don't have the words. But I have faith Penny will figure it all out and get you where you need to be. I can't wait to hear about what a great time you had with your parents and family on your trip. Hugs to you, Gary.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Julie,

      It was awful and outrageous. Thankfully, thanks to the support of good folks like you, Penny and my determination to stay positive, the situation has now been resolved.

      Thank you for you kind words, Julie.

      Hugs and happy weekend.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  36. Sorry you had to deal with all that unnecessary b.s. I hope your trip is so fantastic you forget the other stuff ever happened ;-) Will Penny be going with you?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Diedre,

      Thank you for your kind words. And a day later I have got a reversal and an apology from those concerned in the Canadian government. I can now look forward to that fantastic trip. Penny will be staying here with her human brother and yikes, my ex wife.

      Thank you, my friend.

      Gary :)

      Delete
  37. Love and Hugs from Minnesota, Gary.
    It looks like Penny is pissed, too.
    Just keep positive.
    And know people care about you.
    Xxx from MN

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    1. Hey Kim,

      Love and Hugs from Staffordshire, Kim.
      Penny was supremely pissed. Thankfully, the farcical ordeal is over. It was obvious there had been a mistake. A mistake that has been rectified. I'm off to Vancouver.

      The positive stuff and the support I have received from you and so many others as been most inspiring.

      Thank you for caring, Kim.

      Gary Xxx :)

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  38. Glad everything has been sorted out. Penny is just so darn cute. :) Happy and safe travels!
    ~Jess

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    1. Hey Jess,

      Thanks and it's quite the relief! :) Penny gets fussed over wherever she goes. Ah, the life of a celebrity dawg!

      Thank you for your kind words, Jess.

      Gary :)

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I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.