Stopped at airport security on both the outward and return legs of the journey.Wearing a suit and having blue eyes clearly the perfect terrorist profile. I ask the young man at Heathrow why I've been chosen for ' enhanced screening '. He looks at me suspiciously before answering ' just random mate '.
The Welsh under-20's rugby team stream onto the flight to Toulouse. Within ten seconds of the seat belt sign being turned off two likely lads are at the front galley talking to the stewardesses. " Hello love. Any lagers around ? We're parched back here ". They are firmly told to wait and despatched, crestfallen and thirsty, back to their seats. The irrepresible optimism of the young male of the species is a wonder to behold.
The British Airways flight lands just as two 737's from Algeria are disembarking . The resulting queue at immigration , interminable. By the time I make it into the arrivals hall Wilf and 'the font' have moved off to the airport bistro for a fruit smoothie and a bowl of water. Wilf is torn between delight at seeing me and the lip smacking smell emanating from the bowl of bouillabaisse at the next table. He deals with this quandry by flipping onto his back. This way he can have his chin tickled while continuing to savour the enticing odours. That secret canine attitude " There are many things in life that will catch your eye but only a few will catch your heart ". He is finally torn away for a leisurely, tyre christening , walk across the car park. A content boy.
Hey there Mongoose...
ReplyDeleteBeing accosted by Heathrow's customs officials is not funny. I had the experience, on my very first overseas flight, at the tender age of 50.
Suspicions were raised when I offered them my VERY empty passport - devoid of ANY travelling experiences. They would not believe it was my first. I too was considered a serious threat.
(But in my case, I was innocent, LOL!)
Have an awesome weekend with your Wilfey.
Sending lotsaluv
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA
ah, Wilf....so wise....
ReplyDeletehave a great weekend!
xoxo
As a life-long resident of the US I must say, France has the right attitude about dogs in public places. The French realize that dogs have better manners than many people, therefore are welcomed with open arms. Have a great weekend with your biggest admirer. Hugs to all!
ReplyDeleteFood and l♥ve - they make the world go 'round, at least if you are a dog!☺
ReplyDeleteI always love the stories of your reunions with Wilf!
ReplyDeleteI find myself glad that I don't have to fly places on a regular basis, though. I don't think I'd have the patience for it! lol
I can visualize Wilf, soaking up the scents and your happy arrival all at once, not caring if he looks silly to anyone else. A picture of canine happiness... that secret canine attitude is one that we humans could benefit by learning.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Karen, above. The venues that exetend an invitation to my pup Louis see me much more often than those who do not. So lovely that Wilf is able to join both you and 'the font' on so many adventures :)
ReplyDeleteLife is good....disregarding the airport pat- down.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, flying is not fun anymore. Everyone so serious and dark. But good food and a welcoming Font and Wilf will always restore the spirit! Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteyour countryside is so lovely. Wilf is lucky to spend his time in such a place as that.
ReplyDeletePriorities!! We often don't see dogs in our airport terminal, unless they have been "shipped". It would be nice to have a more relaxed attitude here I say! Not to mention all the scratches and cuddles for the wee beasties! Keep going Wilf, handsome boy!
ReplyDeleteWith love your Canadian pals,
Dianna along with Tor, Willow and Tucker
Wilf learns to multi-task!
ReplyDeleteOh, Angus! Bless you! Reminds me of disembarking, several years ago , at the same time as two Air India 747's. At least you had Wilf there to greet you! Oh sorry, and the font too.
ReplyDeleteFear of being accused of racial or cultural profiling has created a nightmare for security and travelers alike. Tall, thin, fair skinned woman with graying blonde hair and traveling with a cat. Fit the terrorist profile perfectly, don't I?
Better annoyed than dead, I guess.
As often as I am selected for enhanced screening, I find it hard to believe that it is indeed, "random". I especially enjoy being searched going through security and once again as I board, while someone with a fuel tank strapped to their back muttering something about 72 virgins storms past me down the jetway. They must think I'm part of the new generation of tall blonde Louis Vuitton duffel bag-toting terrorists.
ReplyDeleteSnuggles to handsome Wilf!
"Wilf is torn between delight at seeing me and the lip smacking smell emanating from the bowl of bouillabaisse at the next table. He deals with this quandry by flipping onto his back. This way he can have his chin tickled while continuing to savour the enticing odours."
ReplyDeleteWhat, then, signifies intelligence? Men say it is the ability to fashion and use tools. Dogs know it is the ability to fashion and use toolmakers.
You said " He is finally torn away for a leisurely, tyre christening , walk across the car park. A content boy."
ReplyDeleteAnd may it long be so, Wilf, long be so!
Kisses,
Stella
I've always wished I had blue eyes.
ReplyDeleteI love that Wilf has to christen the tyres where ever he goes. My dogs have to go through the garage to get into the backyard and every time they go out, they feel the need to christen my tyres too. At first I was annoyed by it but now it makes me smile.