I left home at 5:30 this morning to catch a flight. I glanced at the papers but did not turn on the radio so I was unaware of the news about a terrorist plot uncovered in London… I found the security check to be more thorough than usual but figured it was due to the early hour…when I got to my destination I heard the news on the radio and by then, rumors were flying about tightened security. One thing kept coming up: liquids! There were to be no liquids allowed in the cabin…then, we heard that computers and cell phones would also be banned… When I checked in for my next flight I was not told much except that there were delays, so I got in line right away to go through security. A few minutes later a guard walked through the lines telling everyone to ge rid of all liquids: shampoo, lotions, deodorant, tooth paste (as if THAT was liquid), make up, etc. and to throw it all in the big garbage bin that was right in the middle of the hall…I saw people empty shopping bags full of nice perfume and toiletries, I felt especially sorry for those who had to throw out their contact lenses liquid. I only had a small bottle of hand sanitizer that I never use and one cherished ginger scented hand lotion bottle that I had gotten in Miami when I was last there…so it was not too bad…but the guy I felt the most sorry for was the guy who had to throw away a brand new unopened bottle of Johnny Walker whisky… Honestly…this is taking it a bit far….They take strollers at the door could they not take parcels too?
If the next bomb they find is wrapped in cloth…will we all have to travel naked?
I wonder how long this latest wave of paranoia will last as I am headed south next week…