Andrea & Stephen's Great Adventure

A Journey of Outer Exploration & Inner Self-Discovery

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AUG

Drama, Detention and Deportation from the UK!

From England on August 5, 2009

Naples, 11pm

It's hard for me to even know where to begin as I write this entry, as Stephen and I have been through so much drama in the last 48 hours. And yes, today's title pretty much says it all.

So, to backtrack a bit, Stephen and I were hanging out on the Amalfi coast at this great campground in Sorrento, enjoying the sun and the ocean and all the historic and beautiful sites, and we knew it was time to decide where to go next. The original plan was to look into the Swiss alps- Stephen found a great brochure about retreats in the Alps in a little town called Gryon. But when we looked into it, flights to Geneva were quite expensive and we only wanted to spend a few days there. We decided that, since we wanted to spend more time in the UK anyway, we may as well go there first, so we booked our flight to London.

All was going great, we had a wonderful last couple of days in Italy, including a fabulous meal at a seaside, openair restaurant with a spectacular view of the coast and I also went on a day-trip to Positano and Amalfi to explore the towns and surroundings while Stephen soaked up more sun. The next morning, off we went to London. We landed, walked up to customs, and as soon as the border agent started taking extensive notes and asking detailed questions about what we do back home, how much money we have, and why we don't have flights booked out of the country yet, I knew there was trouble. She sent us in to have our bags searched. They weren't satisfied. So they sent us to the next level of investigation- the detention room- where we were informed that it would take a few hours to go through their procedures. Our belongings were taken from us and locked up, we were interviewed separately and they even fingerprinted us. I felt like a criminal in there- it was bizarre! They fed us cheese sandwiches on white bread, processed snacks and microwave dinner as we sat there awaiting our fate, only to find out after 3 hours, they were deporting us back to Italy. They said it was due to the fact that we had no proof of how long we were going to be in the UK and they just didn't think we had enough evidence to support our case. Then they told us they had a flight booked for us- at 6:55am- the next day! So we had to sleep there too...for a total of 16 hours in detention. It was crazy...

Two guards had to escort us on to the flight- I felt like I was in the Bourne Identity- and for a split second I considered a movie-calibre escape- it's fun to play things out in your mind sometimes...When we arrived in Italy, a police car was waiting to escort us inside. Luckily for us, the Italians are so cool, they just let us go. "You have money?", they asked. We nodded. "Then go ahead.", they said. It was that simple. Let this be a lesson to you all; if you ever go to the UK, remember, they are very black & white: be sure to book a flight out- whether you use it or not, it will save your butt! And also, Italians are pretty cool people.

So, here we are now, back in Naples. (It's basically the underbelly of Italy). It's not very clean or pretty but our hotel room is lovely. I spent all afternoon researching flights and where to go next and we finally decided on Greece. We fly into Athens in 2 days and will then go explore the islands, (not sure which ones just yet), and possibly on to Cyprus and Turkey afterwards. We will just have to see what happens...we have had enough drama for a while! Looking forward to getting back to the sun and sand though- it was raining in London when we arrived. Can't say I'll miss that...

Ciao bellas,

Andrea & Stephen

TLK

Posted on August 8, 2009

Aww man! What a horrible experience :( I hope this is it for travel drama. Something had to happen, just shitty you had to be treated like criminals. And now onto new adventures...so enjoy Greece. It's Taste of the Danforth here in T.O. this weekend. I'm sure you'll eat better that us! Opa! ~TLK

Arnel Aube'

Posted on August 7, 2009

Official bullying of ordinary people is what they give themselves liscence to do their best.The innocent are easy prey to flex their muscle on. IT IS A POWER TRIP. That sort of behaviour is why the real criminals get away with so much,cause they waste too much time making a fuss over not much to do about not much.The bloody stupidos! Please don't let a drab country like that put a damper on your spirits.Greece,is a much classier land and its people are waaay more welcoming. Love Yas AA

Broda

Posted on August 6, 2009

Drea,

WOW! What a story. It sounded like you were guys were about to be starring in the next episode of 'Locked Up Abroad'. Glad that the disruption to your trip was minimal and you guys are off to the next place. Have fun and be safe!

Love Broda

Emily

Posted on August 6, 2009

OH GAWD! i would havebeen terrified. i'm a nervous traveller at the best of times and customs makes me sick! i probably would have broken down into tears if they seperated Amir and i!
stay safe Dre. enjoy Greece :)

leanne

Posted on August 6, 2009

Now that's an adventure! Who wants to be in rainy cold London anyway!

Love you guys!
Leanne:)

Lyn

Posted on August 6, 2009

I felt something was going on. Hadnt heard from you for a while. Believe it or not way back in the late 60"s my freind and I travelled Europe and landed at Heathrow and sure enough was pulled over, all our luggage was opened and searched right in front of everyone (quite embarrassing) and then we were stripped and body searched. Welcome to England and we had our flights booked back, so they knew we were coming home. We were allowed in and it wasnt that great. France, Spain, and Germany ect. were freindly and it was warmer. Memories are made of these moments. Take care, I worry about Turkey! Glad that you are safe. Now I know why Steve sounded a little tired or stressed, he phoned a left a message but no details of what happened. We miss you guys, lots of love

Fellow UK 'Criminal'

Posted on August 6, 2009

Hey kids, don't feel so bad....the EXACT same thing happened to me when I was travelling in Spain. Met some peeps from London and decided to hang out there for the rest of my trip. Same thing - I did not have a return flight. I was also treated like a criminal and detained all day - except I was so upset I could not eat anything....I didn't have any British currency on me and the phone did not take credit cards. They wouldn't let me go use a bank machine - it was awful. They confiscated my passport and wouldn't give it back to me until we flew over British Airspace....like I was going to jump out of the plane....sigh. I also had a police escort to the plane - had to get on first while everyone was lined up and watched....awful. I got sent back to Spain!

Don't worrry - it happens to the best of us - AND I have BRITISH ANCESTRY! I am legally allowed to work there for 2 years if I like! Buggers!

One day I will show you the line through my passport where they stamped 'Stanstead.' Awwww wish I was there to hug you.....

Take care and much love,

Lisa

chrissy

Posted on August 6, 2009

Wowza! What a story....that's pretty crazy, but what a great story!!!!
Stay safe you two!
Chrissy

Vanessa

Posted on August 6, 2009

Wow! I'm glad it all worked out :) I would have asked to speak with the Queen! Honestly though, you're not a TRUE traveller until you have an awesome/crazy story…welcome to the club! Stay safe :)