Welcome to India!

Do you have any ancestors who are of Indian descent?

The crew and I arrived yesterday in Bangalore to the most unusual welcome.

Starting with my first visit in 2011, I’ve been to India six or seven times, each time using the same five-year, multiple-entry, tourist visa I got in 2011.  Each time has been as part of the crew of a non-commercial, private flight.  (no charter or ticket paying passengers or cargo involved).

This time was different.  The handling agent informed us that the immigration officer had deemed our flight to be “for business” so we would required a “business visa.” (The whole crew – we all had tourist visas).  But no need to worry because he was arranging for a “Temporary Landing Permit” for us but it may “take some time.”

After three hours waiting in the plane, we were ushered into the terminal and one, by one, into a small “interview” room.  I knew something was up when the handling agent assured us that it was “not an interrogation.”

One by one, we each went through this painstaking process for 45 minutes each.  Here are some of the high points:

What is your name?

Carl

What’s your last name?

Andersen

What’s your surname?

An…der…sen.

Who’s the leader of the club…

What’s your father’s name?

Same as mine.

What’s his first name?

ah…. “Carl”

What’s his last name?

Andersen.

What’s his surname?

…that’s made for you and me?

An…der…sen.

Do you have any ancestors that are of Indian descent?

You’re kidding, right?

No.  Do you have any ancestors that are of Indian descent?

Not that I know of.

em eye see

Have you ever been in the military?

You mean in the US?

Yes.

Yes but that was more than 25 years ago.

Which branch?

Army?

What was your highest rank?

Captain.

What was your last posting?

Headquarters, 34th Infantry Division, Saint Paul, Minnesota.

What is your profession?

Seriously?

kay ee why

(puzzled look). What do you mean?

I mean I’m sitting in front of you wearing this pilot uniform, four stripes on my shoulders and all.  You yourself determined that the flight I flew in here was for “business” and therefore I couldn’t use my PERFECTLY VALID tourist visa.  You have decided for yourself that because I’m a professional pilot, I must have a “business” visa.

And now you’re asking me what is my profession?

(really wanting to say “tourist” but thinking better of it)…

The officer was completely nonplussed and showing no signs of impatience when he asked one final question:

So to conclude, are you a soldier or a pilot?

em oh you ess ee!

Can’t make this stuff up.

Thanks for reading.

cma