Misperceptions borne out of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and SARS-related fears are strangling the potential tourist trade in both the Buffalo Niagara region and southern Ontario.
And, now a bi-national consortium is fighting back, launching a marketing campaign aimed at dispelling perceptions that the four U.S.-Canadian border crossings in the region are clogging with motorists.
I haven't had a problem crossing the bridge since 9/11. In fact, it almost seems to have been easier ... and I've crossed with some drunken idiots who answer the questions wrong ... or the wrong questions.
Recent trip from NFNY to Canada Security: "Where were you born." Drunk friend: "Clifton Hill." Security: "And where are you going tonight." Drunk friend: "Mount Saint Mary's Hospital." Security: "Okay. Have a good night."
And there are people who read/comment on this board who know exactly who I mean.
Recent trip from NFNY to Canada Security: "Where were you born." Drunk friend: "Niagar (hic) Falls, U Nork." Security: "And where are you coming from." Drunk friend: "Just a little horseback riding." Security: "Are you bringing anything into the US with you?"
Drunk Friend: "Just a little horse sh*^ on my boots."
Security: "Where were you born." Everyone: "U.S." Security: "And where are you coming from." Everyone: "Clifton Hill." Security: "Are you bringing anything into the US with you?" Everyone: "No" Security: "Any weapons or drugs in the car?" Drunk Friend in the back seat: "Whaddya need?"
4 1/2 hours later, we crossed the border.
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Never criticize someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes. That way, when you DO criticize them, you are a mile away, and you have their shoes...
If you choose any truth and follow it blindly, it becomes a falsehood, and you, a fanatic.
When my husband and I were much, much younger and unmarried, we spent the night in Clifton Hill and were stopped the next morning at the border. We were stuck for a couple hours all hungover while they ripped his car apart. I guess we looked like smugglers!
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Borrow money from pessimists - they don't expect it back.