Singapore to Vancouver

My flight to Narita, Japan was uneventful. First time I set my foot on Japan. And then immediate proceed to my connecting flight bound for Minneapolis, USA.

I met an Indian and we talk a bit on the flight. I examine my flight itinerary to find out this flight will take a longer time than the previous one, a total of 10hrs 40mins.

We arrived at Minneapolis. It's a weird system, everyone including those connecting to another flight goes thru the same procedure as those entering USA. If we wouldn't visiting USA, why do the authority wants us to go thru the form filing and the interrogation? They ask details like what is your purpose for visiting US, how much money you bought? The queue took 1 hrs....

Well, my flight to Vancouver is 8hrs away and since I've cleared the custom and lawfully enter US, how shall I make full use of my time? I approached the friendly Information center and was recommended to take a Light Rail (like LRT) to Mall of America, or I could check out downtown Minneapolis which is 30mins train ride away. I chose to go to both place, first to Mall of America. It's very strange, I didn't thought I would ever visit US and now I am sitting in a Light Rail talking to an American.

I wanted to find a place to sit down and do a bit of reading. I found myself too tired to do anything. I ended up looking for a quiet corner to catch some sleep.

Ok, here's the highlight. While Digital Life reviewer is raving about his experience with the iPhone, I want to announce that I could be the first Singaporean (other than the reviewer) to try out the iPhone. It's actually quite cool. The 4G model is priced at USD299 (SGD450), comes with a contract with AT&T. Then I saw the MacBook. The entry level model is only USD1000 (SGD 1500)!! However, that is before tax. I console myself by assuming the cost would be on par with a machine bought in Singapore.

Ok. After loitering USA for 8 hours, I am exhausted man!!! Aiyo, true. I got a good price for the flight fare at SGD1255 but is all this waiting and physical strain worth the money??? I would seriously consider getting a flight with good connectivity the next time I fly long haul.

Arriving in Vancouver at 2300hrs. The airport is nice. At the custom, I was ask the same question: What is your business in Vancouver? What is the name of your friends? Where are you staying? Have you made your reservation? Unsatisfied that I'm here just to visit my friends, I was directed to another immigration officer for further questioning again.