I just got back from a two week trip to Bangkok where I collected my things left in storage, including my computer and about thirty manual focus lenses, mostly Takumars. It was quite a trip, almost an ordeal, between the brutal heat (about 95 degrees F) and perhaps 80-90% humidity every day, the mistreatment in Atlanta immigration (though I was in transit), and trying to manage two large suitcases weighing about a hundred pounds, an oversized carry-on weighing close to twenty more, and a 27" computer monitor on the return trip. In Atlanta, I had to remove my belt as did everyone else, but my pants being too large I had to hold them up with one hand while being wanded. The TSA jerks didn't like that. They insisted I spread my arms. I refused. That didn't go well. They (it had escalated to two or three agents and a supervisor) told me that if my pants fell down it was on me, but I had to spread my arms. I pointed a finger at one of the goons and told him he was harassing me. He threatened to get the police involved if I didn't lower my finger. I rolled my pants waist down to make it tighter and was able to raise my arms. Then they decided they wanted to grope me. I mean who likes to grope men? Then they tested my hands for bomb-making residue and the test came back positive (or so he said). That meant another search in a small room with more of the groping. Finally, they let me go. Yesterday, I found out about a former member of the church I attend, a pastor and a lawyer, who was recently sentenced to eight years for an altercation with the TSA. What saved me I think is the fact that I was in transit. People in the US only think they're free. I pray to God I never have to even transit through the country again. Sorry for the rant.
Another thing I had to do was get a background check done for my application for permanent residency in Ecuador since I had lived four of the past five years in Thailand. Another exasperating experience. I don't seem to do well with bureaucracy. The police colonel insisted I had to have proof that I was applying for the residency visa in Ecuador before they could release the information and me trying to communicate the fact that I couldn't even apply until I had the background check information. I mean, is everyone employed in a bureaucratic position brain-dead? What purpose would it serve for me to lie about my intentions? Anyway, enough venting. Bangkok is still my favorite city, and I ate as much Thai food as I could manage. I don't expect to be going back or anywhere out of South America at this point.
I posted a photo on Flickr taken with the 20mm:
A Flower in a Quito Garden | Sony a7 with SMC Takumar 20mm f? | Flickr