It seemed ridiculous at the time.  I was 12, my sister 10 and my brother 6.  We&#x27;d arrived together in Canada the previous day, so Canadian customs hadn&#x27;t had any problem with the travel.  We had return plane tickets for about 4 weeks later.  The border police didn&#x27;t ask us anything, but questioned my parents and made them empty the car and suitcases.<p>I&#x27;ve since had the stupid questions.  &quot;It says you&#x27;re going to a science conference.  You don&#x27;t look like a scientist.&quot; &quot;Why is your passport empty? Don&#x27;t Europeans travel a lot?&quot;