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In Philly Paul and I decided to walk up to the booth together. I had seen the man smile a few times with the people who were in front of us so I thought we’d be alright. “What’s your relation?” We answered that we were actual brothers so he didn’t use his power to send one of us back in the line. “Why are you here?” For a BMX race and bicycle trade show. “How long are you staying?” 10 days. Up until here it all seemed to go really smoothly but when he asked what we did for a living it got scary. Paul answered he was running a BMX shop at home. I answered I do a website. “Do you have a media visa?” Sorry, a what!? “Do you have a media visa? You need to have a media visa because you’re a reporter” he said. He continued: “I can send you back if you don’t have one.”

I started to get a little worried at this point. In whole my life I had never heard of anyone needing a media visit to enter the United States of America. I told him I had never heard of it. “I’ve sent journalists back before who were coming over for the Motocross in Las Vegas and had no visa” he continued. Is being a reporter all you do? No Sir, I’m self employed and work for a few companies, judge some BMX events, and I can’t remember what else I threw out there quickly. “Okay, I’ll let you in this time but I advise you to get a media visa when you get back home. Explain what you do, and if the people at the Embassy say you do not need one, ask to get that in writing.” Maybe I’ll look into it, or simply tag the holiday box next time.

We had two hours before our flight to San Diego was leaving. Customs always takes up some time and the line at the security check was long. Since we did not feel like paying overprized food on board we opted for something a little bit cheaper at the airport. It turned out to be 2 slices of Pizza and a water. I took a twenty out of the wallet expecting this to be a $10+ “meal” but he only charged one slice on accident and got away with just a $7 bill. We had another 5 hour flight in front of us with no food service so I was glad I had something in the stomach before we took off.

Now do I only have negative things to say about US Airways? Nope. I experienced something that should be introduced everywhere: in-flight wifi! When I saw the sign I was over the moon, but shortly realized they would be charging for it. A WiFi sign doesn’t automatically mean it’s FREE WiFi but I was down for the experience. $ 12.95 for the whole flight. Not cheap but nothing too crazy, especially if you need to keep yourself entertained. The challenge was the battery on the computer. It was only half full when I started so there was no time to waste. After finishing the e-mails and doing several updates on the site, the battery died after 2 ½ hours. This time went by fast and I’ll make sure I get that battery fully charged for the return flight. We still had 3 hours to go and by this time I got tired from being awake for so long. Getting good sleep wasn’t possible in the middle seat in coach but once we landed in San Diego you forget all the hassle quickly. I wish Scotty could beam me over but that’s just not the case.

If you’re in the USA and have no car, you’re pretty much in trouble. Paul made the car reservation at National this time after reading some reviews online. We got out of the airport and the green bus was waiting for us. As soon as we stepped in the man took off to the National car rental parking lot as if he knew we were the only ones he needed to pick up. 10 minutes later we arrived and there was no line, surprisingly. They could even find the reservation in the computer! The boy behind the counter tried to charge us for some extra insurance but it was included in the price already so he said “sorry”. It was $ 199 Dollars for a Ferrari red compact car. The only thing fast about the car is the color. It was dark but we still found some scratches on our Ferrari so we mentioned those. It wouldn’t be the first time they would try to charge you for it when you return the car.

I was glad Paul was driving as I was knackered. Off to Vista to visit our friend Sean but first a quick stop at In ‘n Out Burgers. You want me to sing the song again? OK: “In ‘n Out, In ‘n OOUUTT! That’s what a hamburger’s … all about!” Welcome to California.

BdJ