Departure and Arrival

Since this is our first trip to the US (for buying records) since starting 1st St Records, I thought I'd write a blog post about it.

Even though it's a buying trip, we also have an event in L.A., so the first hurdle is departing and arriving with nearly 160 records per person, traveling about 9000km.

For those of us entering on a tourist VISA, this many records in checked luggage would cause problems with customs upon entry, so we somehow manage to carry them on the plane as hand luggage.

The problem then becomes exceeding the weight and size limits for hand luggage...

After multiple experiences of being sent to a separate room at customs upon entry, we finally arrived at this solution:

It's all about tricking them about the size with a backpack and smiling your way through the weight limit! (lol) 　

Los Angeles Airport is said to be one of the strictest in the world.

If you look even a little "heavy-hearted," you'll be questioned immediately, so you can't relax until you've left the airport.

Making a face like this

is an absolute no-no

(lol)

*One time, I brought a record box as is and was sent to a separate room for 12 hours.

This time too, we successfully got through with our 12kg of luggage each, all with a smile.

Nina