Unfriendly customs officers :(

solismaris wrote:
This weekend we went to Montreal. The Canadian customs officer was efficient but polite. Asked all the right questions with a friendly manner and when finished wished us well on our visit.

Returning to USA was the polar opposite. The officer said absolutely thing; stuck out his hand. I figured he wanted our passports. "Why were you in Canada?" I answered. "What was the purpose of your visit?". I answered. "How long?". Etc. When finished, he thrust the passports back at us with the most unfriendly demeanor imaginable and said nothing. I figured that meant he was done with us and we pulled away.

No "Thank You". No "Welcome back to the United States." Nothing but a scowl.

In my experience this was not an isolated incident.


Since 9/11 the above is similar to the reception I have received when returning to my country through the border crossing at Blaine, WA. Driving up to Vancouver, BC for the day or for a short vacation used to be enjoyable, but the attitude of our border agents can put a damper on the experience. Because of it we seldom travel north of the border anymore.

As an Ameican I am ashamed for our Canadian friends who come to visit us. Please know that we're not all jerks. But from your first encounter at the border you could be left with that impression.