When crossing the border in Europe, a friend of mine was wearing a really outlandish hat. The border guard couldn't stop looking at it and finally asked if it was some kind of traditional headgear from his country. My friend said it was just a fashion statement. They both had a good laugh and he was allowed to pass.
One time I was crossing the border between the US and Canada. I had a bag full of maple syrup souvenirs. The border officer asked me if I was planning to start my own maple syrup business. I just laughed and said no, it was all for friends. He chuckled and let me through.
I was at the border between Mexico and the US. I had a guitar case with me. The border agent asked if I was a famous musician. I said no, just an amateur. He then joked that I should play a song right there. We shared a laugh and I crossed without any issues.
Yes. I was crossing a small border in Africa. There was a goat that just wandered into the checkpoint area. The border guards were trying to shoo it away while checking my papers. It was so chaotic and funny that we all ended up laughing.
One horror story is about long waits. People have had to stand in the sun for days, with little access to water or proper sanitation. It's a nightmare especially for those with kids or the elderly. Another is facing corrupt border officials who demand bribes. If you don't pay, they might make up false charges against you and detain you indefinitely.
The reason why " Celebrating Years 2 " was called " Crossing the Border " was because the plot expanded the original novel's storyline. The story of the second season moved to the border area and revolved around the power struggle between Grand Preceptor Qing and the Qing Emperor. After the battle of Dong Mountain, Fan Xian had faked his death to break out of the situation. He had launched the final battle with the Qing Emperor and supported the Third Prince to ascend the throne. The border crossing referred to the plot where the story developed to the border area.
One characteristic is the exploration of identity. Characters in border crossing novels may struggle to define themselves in new environments. They might face issues like being an outsider and having to adapt to new languages and norms. Also, these novels can show how different economic systems interact as the character crosses boundaries. For instance, a person from a developing country going to a developed one might experience shock at the different levels of wealth and consumerism.
I heard a story where a musician was crossing the Canada border with all his musical instruments. There was some confusion as the border agents were not sure if some of the unique instruments were properly declared. After some time explaining what each instrument was, how it was used, and showing proof of purchase, he was finally allowed through. It was a nerve - wracking experience for him but also a story full of misunderstandings and eventual relief.
Crossing the border to celebrate his remaining years referred to the plot expansion of the novel " Celebrating His Remaining Years 2: Fan Xian's Return to the Capital." The story moved to the border area after the end of the first season and revolved around the power struggle between the Qing Grand Preceptor and the Qing Emperor. After the battle of Dong Mountain, Fan Xian had faked his death to break out of the situation. He had launched the final battle with the Qing Emperor and supported the Third Prince to ascend the throne. This novel could be read online for free on the Border Crossing Platform.
Celebrating Years 2 was called a "Bian Du drama" mainly because it was created by Bian Du. Bian Du was the doujin author of " Celebrating Years." He rewrote the original version of " Celebrating Years." The original " Celebrating Years " was a dirty work, while Bian Du's " Celebrating Years 2 " was a doujin novel. There was no official explanation as to why " Celebrating Years 2 " was created by Bian Du.
The most common one is probably the long delays. It can be extremely tiring and stressful for people, especially those with kids or elderly family members. They may run out of food, water, or medications during the wait.
Long waiting times are quite common. People often end up waiting for hours without any clear reason. Another element is rude or unhelpful border agents. Sometimes they seem to be in a bad mood and take it out on the travelers. Also, unexpected document requirements can be a horror. You think you have everything, but then they ask for something else.
One common element is unexpected delays. People can be held up for hours or even days without clear reasons. Another is the rudeness or unprofessional behavior of border guards. They might search belongings roughly or treat travelers disrespectfully. And also, getting lost near the border area is often in these stories. It's a very dangerous situation as the border areas can be remote and full of uncertainties.