Random Encounter Monday: No. 3 – The Check-In Lady

“I’m sorry sir, we can’t let you fly without a visa.”

I was trying to leave Christchurch in New Zealand and return to China, via Hong Kong. It shouldn’t have been an issue. Apparently it was.

“Visa? I don’t need a visa to go to Hong Kong, I’m a British citizen.”

She looked down at her screen.

“I’m sorry sir.” I could tell she wasn’t really. “It says here that people from British Overseas Territories and the British Antarctic Territory are the only ones that can go to Hong Kong without a visa.”

I was somewhat indignant.

“Are you telling me that a native of the Falkland Islands and/or penguins can go but I can’t?”

“Yes.”

“Listen love,” I said haughtily “I don’t need a visa, until 1997 we bloody owned Hong Kong. Look in my passport, how many Hong Kong entrance stamps are there?”

She looked. There were a lot.

“Now, how many Hong Kong visas are in there?”

She looked again. There were none.

“I’ll get the supervisor,” she said and shuffled off her slightly too high chair.

I saw her and another lady converse for a moment, they both wondered over.

“Hi I’m Jill, Sally here’s explained what’s happening. I’m afraid we can’t let you on the plane without a visa.”

I took a deep breath and tried to refrain from smashing my forehead against the counter. Once again, I explained about Britain, the Empire, the first and second Opium Wars, international treaties and even pulled out a map of the world, shaded pink to show the empire – pointing with emphasis at New Zealand. I finished with what I thought was the most compelling evidence; to wit, the entrance stamps in my passport and the lack of a visa.

“Ah well, that doesn’t prove anything” said Jill.

I looked at her stonily. “Other than the fact that I have been to Hong Kong without a visa?”

“I’ll get the manager” said Jill.

And that’s when I started to cry.