“Don’t you know that you have to empty your pockets,” a security guard at Schiphol, Amsterdam Airport shouted at me.
I was about to board my flight to New York. Since I don’t carry a wallet usually I leave paper money in my pockets. Euros left pocket, dollars right pocket.
I tried to explain this politely to the woman who had shouted at me. But she kept shouting: “Empty your pockets.” Finally I said: “I can take off my pants as well, maybe this is easier for all people involved.” Now she really got upset. “This is not normal,” she cried. “I consider your behavior not normal. We are here for your security you know that?” I wonder how much abuse is going on in the name of security.
While leaving the plane I ran into Ian Buruma.
We shared a cab to Manhattan.
Back home I realized that a friend is somebody who doesn’t expect you to empty your pockets.