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| - My journey started at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, CA, USA with a layover in Newark Liberty International Airport, NJ, USA to my final destination at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Ontario, CANADA! Woo hoo! So exciting!
This was my first international trip and I was excitedly nervous. While on the plane ride over crossing international borders each passenger was given a declaration card to fill out. They ask if you brought weapons, commercial goods, foods or currency exceeding $10,000 CAD. These are clearly not allowed. Also visitors cannot bring more than 1.5L wine, 1.14 L liquor, 8.5 L beer, 200 cigarettes, 200 tobacco sticks and 200 grams of manufactured tobacco. Anything exceeding those amounts result in a 13% tax on the alcohol/tobacco.
When I got off the plane, going through customs was pretty straight forward. There were many machines were you can scan your passport and insert your declaration cards. There were friendly associates around to help you if you are technologically slow. The machine takes a picture and prints you a receipt of your answers. Afterwards you get a print out and you take it to a line where they check your passport and receipt and ask you a few questions to confirm the information that you provided. It was a quick and easy process... and extremely friendly and polite too.
Afterwards I proceeded to baggage claim since I had one item checked in. The conveyor belt correlated with our flight number and it was pretty self explanatory. As soon as my luggage came, I grabbed it and headed to the front.
I especially like the pick up/drop off area at the Toronto Pearson International Airport. There is a curb where taxis and quickly come and go and then if you cross the walk way there is an area where cars can park and wait for the person they are picking up. Similarly the drop off process is the same where you have time to hug, kiss and say your goodbyes. This is the PERFECT spot to have those romantic farewells you see in the movies.
Personally for me, leaving was the hard part... but it's completely my fault. I got to the airport 2 hours prior to my flight thinking that was plenty enough time... But I lost my driver's licenses and credit cards somewhere between the car and the check-in machine so I was unable to use the machines for a speedy check in... cause I did not have a credit card to pay for my check-in luggage. So I had to get into the longer line... followed by the cashier line so I can pay for the bag in cash. It was quite the struggle... Then I had to RUN to the metal detector area and THROUGH CUSTOMS... Yes, the international flight means I have to answer more questions and pray I get questioned quick enough to not miss my flight. The struggle was real and I BARELY made it in time for my flight.
I was so sad since I was hoping to have more time at the airport to shop around for souvenirs... but I am grateful I got onto my plane and got home safety. Thank you Toronto. Thank you Canada! I love you! Every moment here was exciting to the very end.
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