The sun was shining so brightly and everywhere exudes a pleasantness I have been longing to feel. We took a short weekend trip to Maine, for shopping mostly. It was about 5 hours drive from where we are from in Canada. Not too far away but what a difference it was in weather! "April showers bring May flowers," so we hear. So I should be thankful that we have been getting so much rain this spring. Fundy National Park will be very lush I presume... This though made me welcome the spring air and summer sun in Bar Harbor {Yes, can't miss this lovely place when you're traveling to Maine!}
The streets were bustling with people. Lover's holding hands and walking about without any care in the world, content of being so close together. Children happily run away from their parents as they enjoy rolling on the grass. Then their were Asian tourist equipped with their cameras happily snapping away each angle, every story. Oh, If only I was feeling a lot better, I would have been one of them. My difficulty breathing because of a huge cough and cold did not dampen our enthusiasm for touring though It slowed us down a bit.
Hubby and I walked around the perimeter of the shopping areas, by the ocean to enjoy such great views and soothing salty air. Then we sat by a restaurant over viewing the beach. It was a lovely place to linger. Please enjoy these scenery with me....
The first time I went through this border, I was in possession of a Philippine passport and I forgot to bring my Permanent Resident Card with it. Ouch! There was no problem leaving Canada for the States, I had a ten-year multi-entry tourist visa. I only needed to pay some taxes and then I was through. Getting back in was nerve racking once I realized I have forgotten my permanent resident card. We were detained at customs for a time while the officers checked my residency. Thank goodness for such advanced technology they were able to pull out my records. After about an hour or so, I was allowed to enter Canada... Whew... I can't tell you how agonizing that was for hubby and my mother in law who were traveling with me. I thought I was going to be deported back to the Philippines or left behind in the states while my hubby retrieves my permanent resident card at home. The first sounded like an adventure to me and I didn't mind it much. And normally, I am very excited to stay in a new place, but this time, I was very nervous.
This time, I am in possession with a Canadian passport. I made it!!! That did not comfort my husband much, this part of our trip still stressed him out. The officer took our passports, asked a few questions, then handed us back our passport to let us through. I wonder if he could tell we were quite nervous as we tried to answer his questions in unison. He's seeming disinterest in us was a relief! "Oh that wasn't too bad afterall," he sighed... I guess that means our next trip to the States should be easy. {New York I might see you someday... *
giggles*}
There are other fun things to do while in Maine. We had a pleasant driving-tour on the Acadia National Park during my first visit, and that was really lovely. You can buy a CD for a tour-guide narrator from the guest information center, play it on your car device and follow his lead. Yup, it sounded like we had a tourist guide with us telling us some history and other interesting things about the place and stops. It was quite enjoyable. Next time, I would love to do a whale-watching tour... For now, I thoroughly enjoyed the shopping. Finally, I am able to buy curtains for my home, new clothes, and of course, some new tea cups... {Don't worry, hubby knows...lol}
Any exciting trips you have planned for this summer?
What was your most exciting trip ever?
Please do tell on the comments below.
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