Dear Turpin et al

Poolside, indeed! In fact I'm just about to jump in the 17th floor  
pool at the Taipei Sheraton--("According to public health  
regulations, guests using the swimming pool are required to use  
swimming caps." Aargh!)--but before I do, perhaps I can comment on  
the mail.

David is probably correct in his post-9/11 hypothesis. The general  
paranoia means I must provide photo ID on the lodgment of every  
overseas non-letter article. Details are recorded at the Post Office,  
and fluoro orange sticker attached to the article. Overseas postage  
costs have risen remarkably to cover the labor overhead. Delivery  
times are unpredictable: A recent Express Post (premium service) from  
Sydney to Miami took a month instead of the scheduled three to five  
days, for example.

Germany, though, is a special instance, and a European country for  
which Australia Post surprizingly does not offer an insured service...

As for checked baggage, that can be fun when you have to go through a  
complete search. And forget trying to hand-carry any tool on board.  
Once (pre-9/11) I tried to walk on with my tools from Chicago to San  
Antonio: The x-ray guy was very concerned about the small hammer in  
my toolcase--not even seeing the Japanese saw which could do  
considerable personal damage with only a few strokes. I have hand- 
carried wire coils (pre-9/11) to much excitement, but no more. A  
recent experience was the unnecessary confiscation of an unopened  
brand-new superglue assortment when my checked baggage was opened at  
LAX post-checkin. I hope some lucky guy glued his boy's airfix kit  
with it, rather than throwing it out.

Regards

CB

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