John Baymore on sun 14 jul 02
I was detained for several hours as I was interviewed by three
different (very kind) gentlemen who were totally stuck on the fact I
told them I was coming to teach a workshop for the Thunder Bay Potters
Guild. I had all the documents from the place where I would be teaching
and the amount of time I would be active in Ontario etc. (By the way
this group is as vital and passionate group of potters anywhere, very
great hosts as well). Anyway the third guy was determined to get me
through and finally after asking several questions that were clearly
trying to find an answer that did not include the words "pay", "salary",
"money" etc. he sort of had an epiphany and said is this workshop giving
you a "STIPEND" (don't say money!) and when I said yes he stamped the
documents and off to teach was I.
I HOPE this is how the Japanese organizers are technically getting around=
the "stipend" they are providing to the presenters at the Aomori
International Wood Fire Festival. I have repeatedly asked them for detai=
ls
about Customs passage for us at Narita and they assure us that we will ge=
t
stamped as "tourist". They have provided documentation that they say wil=
l
get us right through Customs with our tools and pots and such.
I HOPE they have their ducks in a row . I'd hate to be 1/2 way aroun=
d
the world and get denied access to Japan. This US border thing has me
nervous now . Think I'll write to them one more time and describe To=
ny
and Shiela's experience.... just to make sure.
Tony and Shiela......... my heart goes out to you. I WILL write to my
congresspeople and let them know what happened and what I think about it.=
Best,
..............................john
John Baymore
River Bend Pottery
22 Riverbend Way
Wilton, NH 03086 USA
603-654-2752 (s)
800-900-1110 (s)
JohnBaymore.com
JBaymore@compuserve.com
"DATES CHANGED: Earth, Water, and Fire Noborigama Woodfiring Workshop =
=
August 23 - September 1, 2002"
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