[Vivienne]

Edith Bowman was discussing intimidating situations as her topic of the day yesterday. Edith feels intimidated by Authority figures, such as Customs Officers at Airports.

Do any particular types of people scare you?

[Zoot]

You scare me Viv

[Vivienne]

eh? Why?

[SpaceBoy]

Talking of Customs Officers at Airports. Dara O'Brien did a standup show not so long ago and he tells a funny one about security and customs at Heathrow airport. If you have hot watched the whole of the show it is a must. But if you skip to 07:43 on the video to get to the part about it. But the beginning is also quite funny about social convention. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsDSMjT9MrI

[Vivienne]

Thanx! Edith was hauled in by customs on the way back from Germany... she's got two passports (the way a lot of bands have apparently), and one of them was reported lost/stolen.

[SpaceBoy]

Thanx! Edith was hauled in by customs on the way back from Germany... she's got two passports (the way a lot of bands have apparently), and one of them was reported lost/stolen.

Does Edith have split personality syndrome or something needing two passports?

[Vivienne]

She just said that bands have that (it's to do with a need for visas, as well as ordinary travel).

[foot-loose]

Surely bands don't have passports, it's the members that do? I might be wrong, passport fraud isn't my speciality, but I can't see how you can be allowed two passports at once.

[Vivienne]

Well, I'm sure (tho' I may, of course, be mistaken), that Edith did say this. The situation was, she'd lost a p/port on Friday, almost didn't get to Germany, then did (I think because of the 2nd p/port), then when she got back to Heathrow, customs hauled her in to say her (other, I take it) p/port had been reported lost or stolen. I meant band members, btw. Something to do with visa hassles?

[SpaceBoy]

Viv I did a bit of digging and found out that if you are over 21 and have a valid 10 year passport you can get a group passport. A collective passport is issued to approved groups of students, scouts, guides or other recognised youth organisations who plan to travel together on a trip overseas. There can be between five and 50 children and young persons on a collective passport. But just think how big that passport would be! I mean picture the scene at passport control.

Officer: Can I see your passport please sir?
Traveller: Yes one moment, Thud! (as he slaps a book the size of war and peace on the desk)
Officer: Sorry sir I mean YOUR passport, and not that of the millions of kids with you!

[Chris]

Applying for Visas means you're without your passport for a time, if you can prove a reason for perhaps needing to travel at short notice while your visa is being obtained then you can get two passports. Also if you travel regularly to places who might take unkindly to seeing visas from unfriendly nations, the same applies and you can get two.

[Andy B]

Cool wish I'd known that when I went to the States after my short trip to Cyprus! A bloody hour being grilled by Passprt Control!

Oh and My younger sister has 3 passports!

[MK Chris]

Yeah, but she's wanted by Interpol

[Vivienne]

I knew I was right about the 2 passports. The curious thing about this is that Edith managed to get to Germany, and was only stopped on her way back.

[Nicola_Red]

Back in the day when I went to Germany with my school we had a group passport. that's how I've been abroad but never had a passport of my own. I thought they'd done away with those now actually.

Er, people I'm scared of...nobody that I can think of. Well, we have a few customers who I'd dive under the desk and hide from when I see them approaching the counter, but best not name names...

[Vivienne]

I always feel guilty/scared when I see the police .. must be because of my teenage years.