Patrick... There must be something in your history that triggered that search... full teardowns are rare and usually come from a border event, criminal past, car scan, or anonymous tip... sometimes from a snippy or uncomfortable answer to their questioning... perhaps your mysterious past in the foreign service...

Aduchamp... Santa has a Hotel?

That search was a few years ago and not long after 911 -- and actually they started the "get out of your car now" routine even before they had a chance to look at the passports. They literally pulled us over as we started through the gate and ordered us out of the car. We were not alone. They were doing the same to others.

Gary

The reindeer offer free shuttle service from the airport.

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We went to Hamilton two years ago to visit a friend who was at the time a coach for the Ti-Cats and crossed the border near Niagara. Even though the lines were long we did not see anyone ordered from their car. When asked why we were visitng Canada, we told the young woman/customs agent who had some advice as to how to better the Ti-Cats. But who doesn't advice for them.

@KathyK, thanks.

Hi All - no Cyanna I was not in hiding just away for a few days without access to a computer - yes there are still places in the world this is possible! Thanks everyone for your replies - some gave me a really good laugh.

FYI - this will be my 7th trip in 7 years to NYC (yes I love the place) and we are staying 2 weeks. Of my friends, one has been once 5 years ago and the other 2 have never been. My girlfriend who wants to go to the falls wants to as she is unsure she will ever have the opportunity to do so again. So that is where we are coming from. I have forwarded this thread onto her and no doubt we will discuss and make some decisions.

Thanks again everyone for you comments - I knew I could rely on you all for some great information.

Baysidegirl, if you decide to go to Niagara Falls check back in and let us know how it went.

Starrs, not sure what you are thanking me for?

Hi all. Well just a quick update - the Falls are off the agenda. I forwarded the thread to my friend and she decided it isn't worth it - not with so much she wants to do in NYC. So thanks all of you once again.

Now, I feel bad and I think you should really go. (Insert some sort of yellow smiley face.)

KK, a supportive post on another thread (now gone).

What thread?

Hi Baysidegirl -

If you are interested in getting out of the city for a day (or an overnight) for your friend to see parts of NY outside of the city you can take the train or rent a car and drive around the Hudson Valley. It is a beautiful area with many things to see do. Hiking/Shopping/Historical Homes etc.