Life takes crazy turns at this border crossing

The typical international border crossing comes complete with the standard questions:

Q: Can I see your passport?

A: Yes, but don’t laugh at the picture.

Q: What are you bringing?

A: Nothing (except the trunk load of Cuban cigars)

Q: Do you have more than $10,000 on you?

A: Umm, I work for a newspaper.

But this is Detroit to Windsor, Ontario. And this is Super Bowl week. This is not your typical border crossing.

Heading across to Canada last night, Herald photographer Jenny Buchanan and I were a little annoyed that we picked the wrong little mini-interrogation line. You know, it’s just like at the grocery store, when you get stuck behind the person who swears the potatoes were $1.89 a pound, not $1.99. And they’ve got two potatoes!

Anyway, we soon found out why the line took a while.

This particular agent used the calming, conversational approach to his job. He never even looked at our passports, just asked if we were from Illinois (because of the license plate on our rental car). We told him we were in from the Seattle area to cover the game.

“Yeah, nobody here cares about the Seahawks,” he said, pensively. “I don’t understand why, you know. They led the league is sacks, they allowed fewer points than the Steelers did. I just don’t get it.”

I don’t either.

But the other thing I didn’t get was how to respond to this guy. I mean, I’m kind of a jittery guy at border crossings. I always feel guilty, even though I’m never doing anything wrong. I’m likely to pull up to the booth, get out, open my car and dump all of its contents onto the pavement so they can see I’m not guilty.

But what do I say to this guy? He wants to know that I am who I say I am. Do I start rattling off statistics for every Seahawks player? Do I just nod?

It didn’t matter. He told us he’s pulling for the Hawks and sent us on our way.

Coming back into the states, we got another talker.

This one, a nice young woman, found out we were reporters and immediately asked us what we think of Detroit. We told her we’ve enjoyed it, so far, and she launched into a tirade about the left-hand turn laws in this town. Basically, it’s tough to turn left, and the bigger streets have medians that are specifically designed for you to make a U-turn after the intersection, rather than having you turn left at the light.

I’d already thought it was a little weird, but no big deal.

She thinks it’s a big deal, but the left turns in New Jersey are worse.

She didn’t question us any further. She only asked that I write nice things about Detroit — which I have already done — and that if I write anything about the left-hand turns in Detroit, that I say New Jersey’s are worse.

So, even though I’ve hardly ever driven in New Jersey, here it is:

The left-hand turns in Detroit are weird. But they’re worse in New Jersey.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Tulalip Heritage’s JJ Gray makes a layup during the winner-to-state playoff game against Muckleshoot Tribal School on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Hawks beat ‘brothers from the south’ to earn state bid.

Tulalip Heritage wins Tri-District game, pride against Muckleshoot Tribal School.

Stanwood junior Ellalee Wortham (2) lunges toward the basket past several Monroe defenders to attempt an underhand layup in the Girls 3A Basketball District 1 semifinals at Marysville Pilchuck High School in Marysville, Washington on Feb. 18, 2025. Wortham scored 33 points in the 59-41 win for the Spartans, eclipsing 1,000 career points. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Wortham hits 1,000 career points, leads Stanwood to state

A 33-point outing led to a 59-41 win against Monroe in the Girls 3A District 1 semifinals.

The Shorewood bench reacts to 3-point shot during the 3A district playoff game against Shorecrest on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep girls basketball roundup for Tuesday, Feb. 18

Meadowdale, Shorewood keep state hopes alive.

The Arlington bench reacts to a three point shot during the game against Glacier Peak on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys basketball roundup for Tuesday, Feb. 18

Arlington, GP punch state tickets.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Feb. 9-15

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Feb. 9-15. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Tips Week in Review: Everett splits at Prince George, beats Victoria

Eric Jamieson’s hat trick against Victoria highlights Presidents’ Day Weekend

Marysville Pilchuck’s Michael Smathers Jr. takes the ball up the court during a Feb. 7, 2025 home league game against Monroe. (Courtesy of Spencer Janzen)
Marysville Pilchuck’s Michael Smathers Jr. stars in freshman season

The guard averaged 19 points per game for the Tomahawks this season.

Everett qualifies 13 girls for Mat Classic

Mia Cianega wins at 190 as Seagulls place third at district wrestling tournament.

Arlington’s Leyton Martin puts three fingers in the air after making a three point shot during the game against Glacier Peak on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Saturday, Feb. 15

Leyton Martin’s triple-double leads Arlington to district win

Freshman leads Jackson to 4A district swim title

Syunta Lee sets two meet records as Timberwolves edge Lake Stevens.

Shorecrest wins 3A district swim title

Snohomish’s Torsten Hokanson sets two meet records and leads two winning relays.

Marysville Pilchuck claims 2A district wrestling title

Tomahawks win three individual championship bouts.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.