In a post several weeks ago, I wrote about renewing my old passport and the memories that it triggered. I actually sent my application in on October 7th, and had my new passport on the 14th. To say I was surprised would be an understatement. Stunned is probably a better word.
In the U.S., we have a process called Global Entry which helps speed you through Customs and Immigration when you reenter the country. It’s very handy and I do appreciate the time savings and no long queues. When I came back from Spain this year, I cleared C&I in less than 5 minutes.
Along with but also separate from Global Entry is TSA PreCheck. TSA Pre as it’s called helps expedite the security process at all domestic airports and spares you the indignity of removing your shoes, belt and jacket. You don’t have to remove your laptop and watch, etc. because you’re going through a metal detector instead of a scanner. I’m in airports a lot and being without this after my TSA Pre expired was a pain.
After I received my new passport, I applied to renew my Global Entry which includes TSA Pre. I was surprised that I had to schedule another interview which involves driving out to DFW and, the appointments are often well in the future. My next surprise was that there was one appointment available on the 17th which I quickly snapped up.
Long story short, I was approved, I had my TSA Pre approved and, I received my Global Entry card on the 21st. The U.S. Government does not have a good reputation for efficiency but damn! that was very efficient. So, hats off to the State Department and Homeland Security. I’m good for another five years.
So, why am I writing this? Certainly not to sing the praises of these two departments. No, looking at my brand new, stiff, clean and stampless passport reminds me of the possibilities. Where will it take me? Who will I meet? What experiences await me?
Some trips in the consideration phase now are France next year, maybe renting a boat on the Burgundy Canal or the Canal du Midi. After that, in 2021, maybe a long overdue trip to South Africa to see Dawn and Nallie. Somewhere along the line, maybe a long weekend in Montréal, who knows, anything is possible.
The possibilities are not because I have a new passport, it’s because I allow myself to dream about these possibilities and, I hope I never stop dreaming.