Trapped in Buffalo, NY

[bjarvis]

F*ck. That's all I can say at this point. F*ck.

We discovered last night that my passport was MIA. Despite looking high & low for it then and this morning, I could find nothing. Nevertheless, we could use my birth certificate to get into Canada and my green card to get back into the US when we returned, so we headed to BWI and flew to Buffalo where we met cuyahogarvr driving up from Cleveland.

We met at the airport, loaded our luggage into the car and dug out our documentation so we would have everything on hand when we got to the border. And I couldn't find my green card.

The envelope in which my card is normally housed is still in my wallet where it has always lived. That my card is missing is a complete surprise to me, especially since the envelope is still present. All I can think is that I pulled out both to show to border officials with my passport last June, and they are still together somewhere. As to their location, I am completely baffled.

We quickly checked with border security and were told (by a rather hot guy in uniform: shaved head, strawberry blond mustache, nice arms...) that while I could get into Canada, I'd likely be delayed for processing coming into the US and charged a $500 fine for being without my green card. Even now, I'm technically in breach of the law as a non-citizen without proper documentation on my person.

In light of this and the possibility that I'd be refused entry to the US, possibly even blacklisted for a period of years, we decided against the attempt. I have informed the family that we're not going to make it for my sister's wedding and we're spending the weekend in Buffalo instead. I'll have to make amends later somehow.

So, we're stuck in Buffalo & vicinity since our return flights to the DC area are out of Buffalo's airport. Anyone have ideas of where to go and what to see?

Comments

[rexsteed.livejournal.com]

"To commit suicide in Buffalo would be redundant."

Sorry, that's all I know about Buffalo.

[apparentparadox]

Sorry to hear about your problems! At least you're there with people you like, and presumably have internet access :-)

[paigemom.livejournal.com]

Holy crap! What a mess!

At least you're there with your family.

Will your sister forgive you?

[tdjohnsn.livejournal.com]

Have you called the border stations that you last crossed at?

I'm surprised that they didn't call you (or send you a letter) if that is where they are though. (though maybe I am not surprised, that would require effort on the part of a government employee...)

They are in a drawer waiting for you somewhere. (Or they have been sold on the black market and a case of mistaken identity will cause you to flee across the world pursued by factions out to stop the wrong man at any price.)

[excessor.livejournal.com]

What a royal pain in the ass. I'm so sorry you all have to go through this. At least you're with two handsome men.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Shea Theatre in Buffalo is an historic theatre that hosts touring productions. You might find something there. I'm sure you've done Niagara Falls, but it might be worth a visit. Other than that, I'm fresh out of ideas.... Sorry to hear that your plans were quashed.

42nd Street

[redbearmark.livejournal.com]

I guess the cheery Shuffle off to Buffalo doesn't apply here huh?

but if you got across the border you might be safe from the coming torturous presidential election.

So nice to know others can have an entire election cycle in six weeks versus eighteen months!

Just cuddle together for warmth! Check with AAA for ideas of local things or the chamber of commerce

the buffalo city site

[redbearmark.livejournal.com]

http://ci.buffalo.ny.us

some general info you might find helpful under the Our City link along the top

[snowboardjoe.livejournal.com]

Damn, that sucks. It made me go check to see where my passport was and make sure it was still safe. Hoping you find it in your luggage somewhere and still might be able to make it.

[ajdesq.livejournal.com]

Hmmm... surely if you laundered it you'd remember? Anyway, I hope you find it when you get home. Oh, and enjoy Buffalo. Remember, adventures suck while you're having them.

[madknits.livejournal.com]

Well, doesn't that suck green monkey dicks?

Good luck.

And why the hell don't you live in a civilised country? Like Canada? Eh?