But there ARE countries where border crossings are not so hard. This picture shows the border between the Netherlands and Belgium. Although it's usually known as Holland, I learned that the Netherlands are made up 12 provinces, two of which are North and South Holland, and the people are also known as "Dutch." From that Wikipedia link:
The word "Dutch" is used to refer to the people, the language, and anything pertaining to the Netherlands. This lexical difference between the noun and the adjective is a peculiarity of the English language and does not exist in the Dutch language. The adjective "Dutch" is derived from the language that was spoken in the area, called "Diets," which equals Middle Dutch.Now that's a very complicated way to describe a country, isn't it? Three different names, but a very civilized border crossing between two countries. I sure wish it could be like this everywhere.
:-)
I'm thoroughly confused now. Good thing I am not traveling to Holland.
ReplyDeleteI have been to Canada - Ottawa. I felt lost there because the principal language is French. No passport was required to return at the time,but I was searched by Customs. That is a scary experience even when you know you have done nothing wrong.
I lived for a year in Madawaska, Maine, which is right on the border with Edmunston, Quebec Provice. Back in 1968, when I was there, we drove back and forth across the border all the time, without difficulty. Last October when we went to Victoria, British Columbia, we did have to show passports, but were not searched. Do you have a suspicious face? lol
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what Rae experienced, but the principal language in Ottawa, Ontario is English. If you go across the river into Quebec, (the province,) There is more French. BUT! Rest assured, most of those people know how to speak English, they just won't.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been into Canada in awhile (I know that's weird considering where I live) but we have been in and out of Mexico quite a bit. We have driven over the border and flown in and out of Cabo. Crossing the border or going through customs at the various airports has never been a problem, time consuming but no problems. We have had passports for years.
ReplyDeleteI spent the first 18 years of my life traveling all over, but that was before 9/11 and the drastic increase in security. I have very little interest in traveling far these days. If I did, though, I would love for it to be that simple and civilized. I so wish that peace and goodwill reigned instead of fear and distrust.
ReplyDeleteAs usual, Djan...food for thought.
ReplyDeleteI think a new law should be that all borders, everywhere in the world, should be tastefully done in beautiful tile. Art makes the world go 'round.
And tea. There should be tea at all the borders. Absolutely.
Have a great weekend!! xoxox
It is a pain. Over two hours for us last fall to cross from Canada south to Seatle. I can't imagine what it would be like during the Olympics.
ReplyDeleteI am also fascinated by borders. The people who live with one foot in Canada or Mexico and the other in the US don't seem to mind. We have one small town near where we live and half of the town is in Indiana and the other half is in Ohio. The name of the city is Union City. Laws and government separate and not equal. There are advantages to living in Ohio or Indiana and working in the opposite state.
ReplyDeleteWe ran into this problem recently this past summer when we wanted to take the grandsons, along with my son (their father) to Niagara Falls. It's only about 3 hours from us. We took our boys there many times when they were young and we had so much fun. Someone told me about needing a passport to get back into the US and we didn't have time for the kids to get one so we ended up just staying on the American side. Why isn't the government strict on security where they need to be. It seems to me we've never been terrorized by Canadians!
ReplyDeleteWow, I never knew this existed between the two countries...very interesting!
ReplyDeleteI have been across a few borders in my time. It is interesting to see your picture and read what you put about it. My mother was Dutch. I think she only went to Belgium once.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Star
Seems like a pretty little border to me..peaceful! :)
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