Yesterday’s examination of Arlington’s call to “respect mah authoritah!” (warning: sound at that link) reminded me of another public document apparently following the design principle of “there can never be too much Red, White & Blue” – the new passport. Despite the fact that I was aware of the coming ugliness, I failed to renew my passport in time to take advantage of the old stock. Now, every time I open it, I expect it to act like one of those old musical cards, except this one plays a Toby Keith song. As you’ve probably heard a dozen times by now, yesterday was the first day that the US government started requiring passports for travel between Canada and the US. A little sad, really, when even countries like Germany and Poland (they’ve got a slightly different history . . . ) can manage to avoid such silliness.
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Speaking of travel – this is an excellent resource for vegetarians on their way to Japan (or a good sushi bar). It explains, in detail, how to make sure your meal arrives veg friendly (and that your options range beyond seaweed and rice).  I wish I’d seen this before I went to Tokyo, where I found ordering veg food a surprisingly difficult process.
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Looking for some new online reading? Check out WWI: Experiences of an English Soldier.  A relative has the full collection of Mr. William Henry Bosner Lanin’s letters home from the European theater, and is posting them exactly ninety years to the date they were written. It’s a really fascinating way to revisit the Great War.
Peej
I remember my father akways used to hold up the old British passports–you know, the dark navy ones with the thick board covers–as how a passport should be: sturdy, unimposing, but quietly notable.
I think I just found another excuse not to apply for citizenship.
MB
You know, I was just looking at one of those not too long ago. My Granddad’s passport, from the late 70s. I used to be quite fascinated with it, and recall him being somewhat annoyed with my asking to see it over and over, when he came to visit.
Some families have heirlooms. We’ve got a stack of passports :)
Andrew
Aye, I’ve still got the navy blue one, corner clipped of course. It was a different time. After all, they were hand-written.
I’ve got the colourfully stamped US Visa valid “indefinitely”…not the case!