Jeanine and Maya have decided to join Nico and I on our visit to Barcelona next week. Predictably, Maya’s passport has expired since her trip to India. In order to get an expedited passport for a minor, both parents must appear in person at a US Passport office. Fortunately, Boston has such an office which is where the three of us found ourselves this morning. Because it is a federal building, security is very tight. Before passing through the metal detector we were asked if we were carrying any weapons and to put all metal objects through an x-ray machine. We answered no and complied. Apparently, my 3 inch pocket tool (folding pliers, screw drivers, scissors, tiny knife, etc.) is considered a weapon and was summarily confiscated. During the ensuing “conversation” the only response I got was, “this happens all the time.” No kidding. Try posting a sign with pictures of non-weapons you plan to confiscate; problem solved. Maya and Jeanine wisely reminded me that I could afford a replacement tool and dragged me onwards. We arrived early enough to be at the head of the line as we entered the passport office and were finished with our business in less than 15 minutes.

Pictured above is the 5-story atrium where we enjoyed a light breakfast before heading to the passport office. The entire facade and ceiling are painted on flat surfaces. At first glance you would swear that all the details were real.