This photo was taken at the border crossing between Zambia and Botswana. It was my first true African border crossing. When we arrived in Zambia a couple of days before, our passports were checked at the airport, which is why I don’t count it as my first African border crossing. I was a little intimidated at this checkpoint since right before my turn, the official was yelling at the person in front of me. I couldn’t understand what was said and I wasn’t looking forward to getting yelled at. However, I passed and was given permission to enter Botswana. And no one yelled at me.
50 Year Project 
Wow, that would freak me out. I get intimidated enough just crossing from Canada to the US. Some of the customs officials are nice but many are just mean! I think I would feel even more uncomfortable if there was potential for a language barrier as well. Now having said that, there is no way it would ever stop me from travelling though. I would just have to get over it!! 🙂
I am horrible at border crossings. No matter what or where I always get so nervous and then I ramble like an idiot. I’m a rambler. And yes some of them are so nice…and then there are the meanies who know I am intimidated and I feel like they enjoy seeing me squirm. One of my worst crossing was from Canada into the US. But like you, I won’t stop traveling because of some meanies and my rambling.
A little unnerving, to say the least!
Yes! When it was my turn I almost told the person behind me to go first but then I realized that that might not be a good idea.
What adventures you have. Colorful photo. The guy in the orange looks intimidating to me. Or was he making sure you didn’t get yelled at?
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
I’m not sure what he was thinking. Everyone looked pretty intense so I just kept my head down and made my way to the building. We had a guide to help us through the process fortunately.
Scary…when i was in Africa we got a lot of that sort of thing. In one country we were dragged off to the Army barracks (truck and all) where we were made to sit in an office while a very formidable lady sat with a truncheon whacking it in her hand…very intimidating.
Oh man that would have terrified me…I’m not good in those situations! Did they ever give you a reason why they treated you that way?
Stressful moment 😉 Nice photo….so Africa! Makes me long to get back to Africa 🙂
I really want to go back as well! That was the best trip ever.
How scary. I’m glad no one yelled at you!
Me too! She wasn’t exactly friendly with me, but I didn’t mind that.
The yelling would have gotten my attention. Glad no one yelled at you.
I felt for the poor man who was involved. I could tell he just didn’t understand what was going on. I don’t even know how it ended. Hopefully well.
😀 Lucky you!
I felt lucky to get away unscathed.
Phew – you must have an honest face! And why do we feel so nervious when we see police/guards when we are innocent folk…strange eh?!
To be honest, I always look confused. When I walk into a store people always ask if I need help like I’m lost. Maybe she felt bad for me. I have never been able to get over that nervous feeling…it is just so intimidating. I can’t imagine the nervousness if I was trying to get away with something. I couldn’t handle the stress. I’m not spy material I guess.
In a way, I am surprised you were allowed to take photographs, or that you dared!
I have entry to the US very intimidating, and also quite annoying, with the assumption that I want to stay for ever. The other place I recall as worrying was Cuba. The airport had a military feel to it, and for a moment I wondered what might happen to me if someone decided I wasn’t welcome. Oh yes, and ones returning from France the person checking my passport as I left was a Leeds supporter. Trouble was his accent changed the town’s name entirely, and I didn’t have a clue where he was talking about. He was getting suspicious of my claim to be English. Fortunately he made a stab at the manager’s name, and I recognised it, and was waved through.
I’ve had a few intimidating trips through the US border as well. The worst was coming back from Canada. How funny and frustrating that the person didn’t believe you were English. I find that some of the accents around here really confound me.
oh dear that sounds scary, I would of been really worried 🙂 Glad you made it ok, without being shouted at 😀
It’s all part of traveling to different places…maybe I’ll get better at it in the future.
Border crossing from one country to the next, i believe, is always stressful. Im glad though that yours was comparatively scream-free and uneventful.
I hope to do a few border crossings this summer, so hopefully they continue to be uneventful.
A happy ending! For you, at least…
I hope all your crossings are so calm and uneventful, my friend.
Thanks for the kind words Hook!