Much time has passed since my last report/blog- testimony of infamy. Best to act on the unresolved issues and write the blog...
My recent travel plans have included the possibility of an international rainbow gathering in Brazil. But with the extreme amount of requirements (which are a tit- for-tat bureaucratic revenge for the poor and humiliating treatment by Canadian officials of Brazilians). The requirements are numerous- take a look http://www.consbrastoronto.org/visa_tourist.php
Once again, I dont feel my unorthodox life makes standard things... well, standard.
This would be my first taste as a so called privileged Canadian, having the tables turned; and I sympathize with all travelers being churned through the meat grinder of international travel. With some countries like Burma, not even issuing passports to their countrymen, and even after dodging the corruption and Kafka'esque hassel, the bloody document isnt worth anything at other countries borders... do not pass go, and do not collect 200$.
But on the lighter side, I shaved my head. Wow! so great to free of that hair! Something I had thought of but hadnt done for being a fashion slave. Somehow the idea that I didnt have an attractive head, is gone.
While visiting my family in Ontario, after an uncles birthday party, I thought to catch the train home with my folding bike. I had seen some recent advertisement mentioning how "bike friendly" VIA was, I hadnt really thought about it otherwise, never having brought my bike onto VIA, only AMTRAK. AMTRAK is friendly and easy, and you can bring your bike on the train for 5$, but that not being a factor since I fold mine and pack it away.
But after buying my ticket and heading down to the platform gate, they wouldnt let me on, 'the rules' they said. No bikes allowed on the platform. So after a number of calls to supervisors and managers, they couldnt find a way to get my bike on the train. (there was no 'baggage car'). I told them, "its o.k. my bike folds up". They refused again. I asked them what about all this bike friendly advertisement. Of course the manager didnt know anything about it. So IRONICALLY and amazingly there was a poster promotion photo add right there! He was so surprised and apologetic he took a picture with his camera phone! They refunded my money, apologized, since it seems the bureaucracy, hadnt got the memo that they were blasting out to the public. I ended up taking the local GO commuter, cheaper service that brought me closer to home- 3 blocks away!
http://www.biketrain.ca/watch-the-bike-train-video
