"What is the purpose of your visit, Obi-Wan?"
Fasten your seatbelts as three SnowAngelz tell their harrowing tales of cross-border life in the David Lane.
Refnaf:
Never in my previous non-ODD life, have I ever “crossed over” the divide between our lovely countries as often as I have in the past year. Canada and the U.S. may share the longest unguarded border in the world, but I, on the other hand, feel very guarded with every venture.
Will the questions asked reveal the real reason for my trip? Will they proceed from “Where are you headed?” to “Whose concert??” at breakneck speed? Will the border guard notice the hesitancy in my voice as I wait for the inevitable “That little guy from A.I.?” or “David who??”
My biggest fear is that I may answer, “I am going to see The David, The Only David, The Best David,” and may even be tempted to add “My David!!!”
On my way to see David Archuleta’s summer tour stop in Hershey, P.A., the customs person was the most encouraging I have met so far. He not only knew who David was, but proceeded to “grill” me about what Cook was up to lately and even asked “What about that girl who could really belt it out?”
Then he started chatting about pre-A.I. 7 seasons. I didn’t have the heart to tell him that my Idol knowledge was limited to Season 7. I mumbled some inanities about Simon Cowell (feeling like I was locked into a game of A.I. Trivial Pursuit) and looked for TOfan, who I was sure must have been wondering why I was getting the “interrogation.” As I finally got away, I had to smile…. only in America.
TOfan:
I could never be a drug mule. Not because I’m above all that crime business, but because of the panicked look that takes over my face every time I cross the border. I’m convinced I’ll somehow “fit the profile,” be strip-searched and held for further questioning … just ’cause.
So for me, of all the “firsts” I’ve experienced as a David fan, voluntarily subjecting myself to border-guard scrutiny in order to get to a concert has to be the most nerve-wracking.
Yes, I could just vaguely tell them I’m visiting friends, but experience has taught me honesty is the best policy when faced with federal offenses or, gasp, missing David’s show. But you try travelling with fellow ODDers and answering the inevitable, “How do you all know each other?”
I’ve found that a quick “we’re friends going to a concert” works best. It is (a) the truth and (b) avoids having to explain hooking up with strangers online (it was hard enough to type that, never mind say it out loud to an armed official).
In the scenario Refnaf described above, I had no idea her “interrogator” was an Idol buff. He had her chatting so long I figured he didn’t believe we were flying Stateside just for a concert and we’d miss our flight … or worse. Beads of perspiration collected on my brow as he called me forward for my turn in the hot seat.
“So,” he said, leaning back in his chair, one eyebrow raised. “David Archuleta, huh?”
“Yes,” I gulped. “He’s good!”
“Ya, I know,” he nodded, handing back my passport. “Have a safe trip.”
"Wait! I can explain why the ticket says 'Demi Lovato'!"
Sunshine:
Although I’ve had the good fortune to travel a great deal in my life, I’d never been apprehensive at any border crossing. That is, until I contracted ODD.
Suddenly I was a regular at airports, ferry crossings, bus stations and immigration checkpoints — destination: David, anywhere USA.
I could feel the sweat trickle down my back when an immigration official asked me to produce my Jingle Ball ticket before entering Buffalo on a Greyhound bus. I felt equally uncomfortable when asked to explain why I had been to New Jersey when I had not gone on business and had neither friends nor family there.
Ummm, well, you see … I went to a music concert, sir. Are you a singer, he asked? blah! Ummmm…no, I went to hear someone else. Oh, man… here it comes. Who, he asked? David Archuleta (sotto voce). Did you purchase any tobacco? Whew! Off the hook again.
I’m sure that one day the customs card will offer three options for the question, “What is the main purpose of your visit?”: 1. Personal. 2. Business. 3. ODD. Who am I kidding? I love the secret, exhilarating life of a well-travelled SnowAngel.
Essential cross-border packing list:
- Passport (keep up-to-date at all times)
- Canadian flags (part of master plan to hypnotize David during concert so he’ll feel the uncontrollable urge to tour Canada)
- Concert tickets (for professional nosy parkers aka border guards)
- Those strange-looking bills that are all the same colour
- iPod and laptop (for obvious reasons)
SnowAngelz: Canadian fans of David Archuleta 
This brings back such great memories. I feel as though 2009 was a break-through year for the SnowAngelz – think of all the immigration officials we converted to David fans. As much as I’m looking forward to my first airport body-scan, I know in my heart that 2010 will be the year we will follow David on his first mini-Canada tour. Can’t wait!
BWHAAHAAHAA
OK, tis 4:30 in the lovely, dark, cold AM here and I have to restrain myself from LOL. It’s hurting my chest…
“Never in my previous non-ODD life, have I ever “crossed over” ” from my previous ‘normal’ amoung people who don’t know about my ODD and those who do.
“I didn’t have the heart to tell him that my Idol knowledge was limited to Season 7” Ditto refnaf
“I could never be a drug mule. … but because of the panicked look that takes over my face every time I cross the border. I’m convinced I’ll somehow “fit the profile,” be strip-searched and held for further questioning … just ’cause.” That annoying tingley feeling actually disappears when I am traveling cross border to see David. Go figure. My face just lights up with a smile as I beamingly tell the security guard that I am going to a DA concert… and as I babble on the security guard hurries me along… But then, I have only traveled with hubby – not a group of “on line” friends that I would likely be compelled – by some unknown force – to explain.
Why oh why do I feel the need to ‘defend/explain’ myself?!? What’s so wrong about wanting to follow a rising star… might be an issue when I become a “regular at airports, ferry crossings, bus stations and immigration checkpoints — destination: David, anywhere USA.” Border crossing/security guards tend to keep tabs on ‘repeat offenders’.
BWAAHAAAA!
I better go back to bed…
Hey Sunshine how come your time of post says – By: Sunshine on 01/02/2010
at 9:15 am???
OK am now definitely ready to go back to bed.
Hey awestruck… I am on the east coast so on AST. Glad you enjoyed the post!
So now along with the …Three Amigos…Three Stooges…we have the Three SnowAngelz. Hey how long was it before someone mentioned that anyway!?
I think that all of us north of the border have experienced so many of these happenings and emotions!
On our last trip to New York, the security officer said at the Halifax airport, “I see by your passport that you were in the US just last month? I believe that I remember you! So whose concert was that?”…I followed his line of questioning with the usual hesitation for some unknown reason. I answered with, “David, the same singer as before”. Maybe I was a little sassy, but I wore a big smile.
On coming home, ‘the almost’ interrogation in Halifax airport included, “So why were you there?” I answered his barrage of questions with, “A concert”. “Do you have a ticket stub to prove it, he asked?” My reply to his question was automatic, “I have that and a David Archuleta poster, Christmas tree ball and various other gifts right here in my hand”….He said, “Next person please!”…
Oh amigos, what fun!
SB
You are kidding me!
You really are asked those questions when you cross to & from the USA? Proof that you went to a concert?? 😆
The border patrol should know TOfan, refnaf AND SandyBeaches well by now! I’m surprised they even have to ask what your business was in the USA anymore. 😆
I just never knew. I thought as long as you have a visa, it’s all good.
Anyway, I had a really good belly laugh for today. Thanks!
SB,
“I have that and a David Archuleta poster, Christmas tree ball and various other gifts right here in my hand”….He said, “Next person please!”… bahahahaha … will have to remember that for next time! 😆
SF,
They can basically ask you anything and the real pros can make you sweat just by the penetrating glare they give you … You’ll find out when it’s your turn to come to a show here! 😆
Once when I said I was travelling to meet friends (mumbling “for a concert” under my breath), the border guard wanted to know how I knew these “friends” … I think I said “we’re all in sort of a music club” and she took pity on me and left it at that. Phew.
You guys have me hee-hawing this beautiful Sunday morning! We can all relate!
David in Ihop after wedding
http://twitpic.com/wh5yz
Thanks, Emmie, hope he got to have some breakfast first! 😆
Here’s another (@j0nas24_7)!
TOfan, I am just imagining you saying this…”“we’re all in sort of a music club” and she took pity on me and left it at that. Phew.”
Music club!!! Oh so cool!!
SB
Oh, almost forgot this one and it could have stopped a clock at the time…
“So”, says the customs officer, You are flying all the way from Halifax to Salt Lake City to go to a concert?” “No”, I said, “I am actually going to two concerts, back to back, same artist”. “The artist must be quite something to go that far”, he said. “Indeed”, I said, “he is the next Frank Sinatra, Josh Grobin, Michael Bublé,
Andrea Bocelli all in one and then some.”
SB
This article had me howling with laughter. I particularly loved these:
“My biggest fear is that I may answer, “I am going to see The David, The Only David, The Best David,” and may even be tempted to add “My David!!!” and I hear a little manic voice saying this. (It might be the one in my head – hahah)
“It is (a) the truth and (b) avoids having to explain hooking up with strangers online (it was hard enough to type that, never mind say it out loud to an armed official).” Oh, yeah, I had a little trouble myself telling my husband I was picking up “Liz, my David friend from San Francisco” at the Philly airport. “Liz who?”
“destination: David, anywhere USA.” and I heard it as though from Agent 007 as I read it.
Hilarious! And reminds me of going from the US to Montreal while in college to see Elton John…only I think I was in much more danger of being stopped at the border then than I ever would be now. 😉
Great laugh for a cold and dreary day.
Loved your stories! I have many cross border concert going stories. Hmmm….where to start?
I think I’ll just give you our latest one to Cleveland. I have to save the Kissmas Bash/Lancaster visit for a time when I have more energy. And when I can ensure Gengen isn’t reading haha.
Our trip from Toronto to Buffalo was uneventful and we always hold our breath when we go across the border. What will the reaction be to David?
“Where are you two ladies travelling to?”
“Cleveland, although we are meeting up with a friend in Buffalo”
“What are you doing in Cleveland?”
“We are going to a concert”
“Which concert?”
“DAVID ARCHULETA! Have you heard of him?”. The intent is to turn the tables and go on the offensive….
“Yeah”
“He was on American Idol!”
“You are travelling all the way from Toronto to Cleveland for a concert with David Archuleta?”
As if rehearsed and without hesitation….”Of course…he is amazing! Have you listened to his Christmas album?”
“No”
We realize we have no more copies. HE WAS SOLD OUT IN TORONTO!
“Oh no! We would give you a copy if we had an extra. We gave copies of his first CD to a border guard last year whose daughter….” I realize I am talking way too much now.
“Okay ladies…here you go”. Passed back passports and as if in a hurry to get rid of us.
We cannot wipe the happy smiles from our faces.
No lies. No exaggeration. We are spreading the word, and we are on our way.
On the way back, the young lady was almost giddy with excitement that we saw David. The younger the border guards are, the more they can relate. I think it is our duty to make each and every one of them happy.
Wow Marlie, Mr. TOfan was at that epic Elton John concert at the Mtl. Forum too! I find that so cool.
And ROTFLMAO: “I think I was in much more danger of being stopped at the border then than I ever would be now.”
Pastel, too funny!!
I think it’s even more nerve-wracking when you drive across the border … going over on “Black Friday” (for Ann Arbor) then coming back with NO shopping bags … def. held my breath on that crossing!
Off-topic:
SunBowl National Anthem with great audio (fingers still crossed for a full DSB vid!):
From TheJackieCastro’s twitter:
Since everyone’s been asking me for a picture, here ya go 🙂 Me, David, and a friend of mine.
Jackie is adorable. What a lovely picture of all of them.
SB
She is adorable … why do I get the feeling her “friend” might get cropped out of the pic at some point. 😆
TOfan: Mr. TOfan was at the Forum for that concert – how cool is that!
Marlie7, he still raves about that show … said Elton played and played and played … a real love fest!
I saw Elton in a smaller venue in Ottawa in the early 1980s … also a love fest, lol. I remember him making such a strong connection with the crowd, much like you-know-who! 🙂
Here’s an enhanced-sound mp3 of DSB from the lovely starrynites/Monica:
http://www.mediafire.com/?neuymny1gtv
i’m enjoying the convo about the trials and tribulations of the international fan very much.
kinda makes me wish i had said “yes’ when David asked me if i was from Canada.
*wishing i had kept my mouth shut or at least asked him why he thought that* sigh.
Janey don’t beat yourself up. David has that effect on people to be less than coherent and on the ball!
LOL Janey! You can be an honorary Canadian! We’ll take you on a spin at the rink just to seal the deal!
aw, Janey, wonder why he thought you were Canadian? (Wearing that maple eau de cologne again, were we? :lol:)
Jason Castro wedding pics … LOVE the sparklers!
Hey everyone!!! Re-reading this post makes next tour seem tooo far away, so looking forward to further “interrogation”, ha.
janey “wishing i had kept my mouth shut or at least asked him why he thought that* sigh. hahah I’d like to know too! ((hug))
So I have finally become “Nana” for the first time! An adorable 8.2lb, baby boy!woot. It’s been a tiring but exciting weekend and I guess I am ready for this new ride we are on. He was born on Sunday, only 11 days late!
HEEELLOOO fellow Nana! Congrat’s! Hope all is well with mom and baby. Ready or not you now wear a new hat (to add to all the ones you already own; wife, mother…)
Congratulations Refnaf!!! Great news. Is the name “David” in the running?
Snowangelz, We had no idea! This is hilarious! Thanks for the laughs!!
But then, who needs the boarder guards when you have your own family grilling you:
Family: You are going to ANOTHER Christmas concert? You already went to Ann Arbor!
Me: Uhh… It’s NOT the same concert… The one in Ann Arbor was with the orchestra. This one is without the orchestra. Totally different…
Family: You are going to dinner after the concert with who?
Me: Uhh…Some “friends” from out of town…
Family: How do you know them??.
Me: Uhh… Met them at another concert…
Family: You talked to strangers at concert??
Me: Uhh…Yeh… Don’t you?
Refnaf: Congrats on the arrival of your grandson! Too bad you don’t get to name him! If you do, we may have a good name to suggest. 🙂
YJ sooo agree with the family issues – my hubby who is non ODD, but supportive, loves to tease me when family is around… At Christmas my step daughter says to me “David was on a morning talk show last week” I responded “I know, he was on more than one and I taped them all” Hubby pipes up and says “Yeah, she probably knows all about his personal life too”. I say quickly, NO I just want to follow his professional life! (UMMM can I help it if he tweets about some of his personal life, now CAN I?)
{{{Refnaf}}} Finally an “abuelita,” congrats & hugs! ♥♥♥♥♥
yjfanofdavid, I think I had exactly the same conversation with my dad, LOL.
awestruck, Mr. TOfan (and his fam) love to tease me, also. I gave my sister-in-law CFTH for Christmas and when she asked her daughter to play it, the 24-year-old said loudly, “Your boyfriend is up next.” (Then later, at dinner, she quietly told me, “He actually does have a great voice!” 🙂 )
Here’s a lovely blog post from the granddaughter of one of the residents at the assisted-facility where David sang in Dec. *sniff*:
http://www.justamomha.com/your-tales/2010/01/my-grandma-and-the-rock-star/
Tofan:
Haha – my husband calls David “you boyfriend,” too. He recently told my sons, “I have to go to bed early to keep with David, you know.”
But I have to say my family is supportive of all this stuff. Got a flip video from one son “So you can bootleg those videos of David you guys get.”
And a necklace with a guitar pick (supposedly from Mike) with a DA logo and etching of David’s signature “to wear to your David concerts” from the youngest son.
And all of our Christmas videos have David singing in the background (don’t change that CD, do you hear me?)
Refnaf: Congratulations! I’m a day late on this, but so glad you now have the new grandbaby! Have fun cuddling!
The harrowing tales of border crossings have been cracking me up!
This:
My biggest fear is that I may answer, “I am going to see The David, The Only David, The Best David,” and may even be tempted to add “My David!!!”
{{{Ref/Nana}}} congratulations!
Someone new to love {{hugs}}
TOfan thanks for the blog from the assisted living facility that David went to. Great read.
refnaf,
So happy to hear you are a new Abuelita! Sending my best wishes and heartfelt congratulations on the birth of your new Grandbabyson.
May this chapter in the journey of your lives be filled with love, new adventures & happiness forever.
{{{hugs}}}
Dee
From betsicastro’s twitter (Jason’s mom), click to enlarge:
“Great to have close friends there to celebrate the best of times!!!”
refnaf…CONGRATS NANA!!!!!!!!!
i’ve thought about why David said that about being Canadian wayyy to much and i’ve come up with one or two possibilities…i believe he noticed i had traveled with gen for a bit and i’m sure he knows she’s from Canada and i believe he saw refnaf and i together in the audience in Del Mar….ref, he knows you’re from Canada, right?
pastel…looking forward to that spin with you!
Your avi has snowflakes in it, Janey, you’re half-way here already! LOL
haha TOfan…i adore Canada..i’ve been to Banff and Jasper a couple of times.
btw, here’s a great DSB remix from ronaldsanfran…
Thanks for all the wellwishes!!!
Family is doing well, such a blessing…
Nana adventure here I come!!
YJF, lol at your family convo, I think I have had the exact one, with me always downplaying how unusal this is for me…It is unusal, and extraordinary!
***waves to janey***
I believed David knows we are from Canada, every time we see hime we happen to mention a Canadian tour, and he says he love to but it is complicated, how things get arranged! We keep hoping, and then all of you can come see him here!
Thanks for the remixed DSB, can’t get enough.
Congrats Refnaf, Grand Baby Son, and whole family…We are so happy for you!
“We”…I mean you ref and family have been waiting a long overdue time!
Wishing you good health and happiness,
SB
Refnaf,
Congratulations!!! I am very happy for you and your family. How sweet…he was born the same day as me! I will have to meet the young man some time (that is if David ever makes it to Canada) and we shall share a piece of birthday cake!
Also, I love the post…very funny. I was lucky to have heard some of these stories in person at our first dinner gathering!
Happy Birthday, KT!!! ♥♥♥
And Happy New Year, too!!!
🙂
Phew! was finally able to log in.
Grandma refnaf! CONGRATS!!! Had to get that in!!
And TOfan, what a fun glimpse into the world of our dear David fans across the border!
You Snowangelz had me cracking up! It had never crossed my mind that crossing the borders would bring about these type of stories , sure makes for some interesting memories.
refnaf, congratulations!
ref’s a Granny!! *woot~woot* 🙂
Congratulations and {{hugs}} to the entire refnaf family on the arrival of the newest lil’ Canuck!! Wishing you all love and happiness for your new bundle of joy~
btw~ I hear baby plaid is in for the spring!! 😉
Keep up those border crossings because your stories keep me laughing! Ahh…the visuals, too funny…
Happy Birthday to you too KT!!
Hey, it is nice to see that this article is mentioned as a ‘suggested’ reading by FOD!
SB
I knew when I read “fasten your seatbets” that I’d be laughing the whole way through! Oh Snowangelz, you’re a breath of fresh air; that’s why I love coming here! Like many others, I had no idea of the hard time you’re given at the border. It must be a challenge every time you cross it, but you persevere because the prize is so good!
ref: Congrats to you on your new grandson! What an exciting time for you and how wonderful to have a new little sweetheart in your life! Wishing you and your family every joy!
{{{vermeer}}}
*waves wildly* Sorry you had such a hard time logging in, but thanks for pointing that out *fixes*
djxox,
“baby plaid” bahahaha … ROTFLMAO imagining the ArchuBaby Shower!! 😆
dja & bebe, I’m glad you now have a glimpse of that extra-mile (literally!) we go to to see David perform … “you persevere because the prize is so good” — absolument!
that’s *seatbelts* (ugh hate typos)
Ref – Congratulations – can’t wait for the pictures! Grandbabies are a little slice of heaven!
TOfan et al – what an adventure…sheesh, now we have “Dangerous David Fans” as a new fan category (j/k)…who teach us the fine art of infiltrating to foreign soil in pursuit of…well…ahem…fine art 🙂
KT – Happy BD. Loved your latest uploads on YT. Your videographer skills are top notch!
Happy Belated New Year All!
(((vermeer))) glad you made it ‘in’.
LOL Kizzi – tis ‘fine art’ indeed!
{{{Kizzi}}} welcome back from bella Italia! Felice Anno Nuovo!!
Brace yourself, peeps, EW actually had something nice to say about David! … They’ve finally noticed he has a “mature, soulful voice”??? sheesh
TOfan, •••waves wildly back••• I won’t lie, I surely and sorely miss your “voice” at TDC LOL but glad you have your own lovely blog to celebrate David, or as refnaf says “The David”!
Hi Awestruck!! My hubby was recently asked by his friend (who watched AI and who is not a DA fan and who knows I am), “Did you know iTunes has a free download of DA’s music??”, to which hubby replied “Are you seriously asking me IF I know about the free download of DA’s music??!!” I thought that was funny.
aww, Vermeer, miss you too! And I miss what we once had over there more than I can say.
“Are you seriously asking me IF I know about the free download of DA’s music??!!” bahahahahaha … hiLARious, but also very cute!! 😆
TOfan, djxox and Kizzi: thanks for your wishes!!!
Kizzi, I am glad you are enjoying the videos I have been loading. Baltimore seems like a looong time ago but I am just getting around to loading them.
Hopefully by this time tomorrow I will have the last 5 posted.
I hope everybody here is well!!!
Omydoubleheck….where did that AVI dude come from? Who/what is it? Honestly it looks like I feel sometimes…haha
Do I want this dude? Do you want me to have this dude? “It makes me feel like spamming…I want to spam the night away….it makes me feel like spamming….” haha
Tofan: rescue me to this AVI guy……
I am lol right now b/c I have to post one more time than I actually intended to correct my error from above. It should say rescue me from this AVI guy…
OK…that shall be it.
Sorry, KT!!! But, on the other hand, ROTFL … with you of course! 😆
“It makes me feel like spamming…I want to spam the night away….it makes me feel like spamming….” bahahahahaha, too funny!
Thanks TOfan…I feel normal again. I have noticed that someone is tinkering under the hood….
Happy Birthday KT!!!, (little miss spammer) you share a birthday with the best!
Thanks for all the congrats, peeps! (djx, baby plaid??, lol)
(((vermeer))) ,lovely to *see* you and Kizzi welcome back from your holiday!!
I just puit my order in for Chords of Strength… it will be interesting to read… wonder how much of David’s own writing style will shine through??/
Oh Vermeer ““Are you seriously asking me IF I know about the free download of DA’s music??!!” Seriously IF!!! LOL
KT – drat I missed seeing your AVI dude, but could relate to your spamming…
you guys are hilarious! i just moved from manila to vancouver recently and therefore felt that a “change in allegiances” (kidding, i love archuleta philippines) was needed to complement the pronounced change in climate. been looking for a canadian archies fansite for a while. hope a david concert comes by sometime, cuz i sure won’t be getting my US visa anytime soon!
Welcome, Dannie! Be sure to check out the new post on our home page!
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