Adventures with TSA in Abu Dhabi
MMC wrote:
wrote in message
...
I cannot match the nipple ring story although I have no sympathy for
the dumb bitch who was searched due to them. She either knew better
or was simply stupid.
I recently took a trip to Abu Dhabi to install an X-ray spectrometer
and I carried a lot of weird tools. Some of the oddest tools were in
my carry on because I fI lost them they could not be replaced and the
trip would be wasted. OF course the whole trip got screwed up due to
weather in NYC so it got broken up into many shorter one-way
segments. There is nothing security people like more than a guy
travelling alone one-way to/from a ME country carrying bizarre
unidentifiable vaguely electronic thingies. It was always "Sir, you
have been selected for additional screening", Me: "I knew that whici
s why I am already standing in the special area" Arab guy in uniform
with auto weapon searching my bag: "What this?" (holding up a 1"
diameter thing with wires coming out and a 9 V battery and a lens on
front) Me: "A laser, sorta an alignment device for an x-ray
instrument". Arab guy: "Cannot carry X-rays through here". Me:
"NO, no, no, I do not have any x-rays". Arab guy obviously thinking
"Damned Kafir liar" says "You wait here, not move at all". Meanwhile
the other inspector is looking through some guys packages of rotting
fish (I kid you not) but lets him go through!
I was stopped last time I flew to DC because of a 1.5oz bottle of shampoo.
Seems that in a fit of fanaticism I didn't jam it in the 1 quart size
ziplock bag.
The obviously born in America TSA weiner pointed out to me that I could save
a lot of time by making sure these items were properly packed in the
ziplock.
I've been an EOD for 26 years and have a pretty good idea of what should be
of concern for the security people and could not resist jabbing this guy a
little.
"I can understand that. If I were to go berserk and want to shampoo
someone's hair, the delay of opening the ziplock may allow me to come to my
senses".
He then pointed out to me that the rules are there for my safety.
I feel much better, and safer, now.
Splashed your boat yet?
|