I know the immigration authorities at any airport in the world these days are tough - if you don't have the proper visas or if they think you look suspicious you're usually out on your ear, but to be refused entry for failing a Beatles quiz seems a bit extreme. Maybe the UK is awash with tourist dollars or, in this case, Brazilian reals, but just because tired tourists who want to attend a festival celebrating the lives of the fab four don't know too much about them (one of them, for example, thought Ringo was dead - and for the contribution he has made to music in the last 20 years he might as well be) seems very dubious grounds to refuse someone entry. Maybe the authorities had been reading about the Sierra Leone footballers who have asked for asylum in Finland and feared something similar from the young Brazilians. Is there a shortage of samba players in England? Either way, one hopes the Brazilian authorities don't take the same attitude towards visitors to the Carnival in Rio.
Posted by Joe at August 23, 2003 08:43 AMyou know, I thought that was a bit harsh as well. And did they conduct the test in English, I wonder?
Posted by: Lisa at August 23, 2003 05:42 PMThe article says they were asked questions by "Portuguese-speaking immigration officials", but it still seems way over the top. To refuse entry into the country I think they have to have genuine concerns that those trying to enter have a purpose other than stated on the immigration form. When they're in such a large group why single out six?
Posted by: Joe at August 23, 2003 08:40 PMOnly 20 years? One questions whether Ringo ever had any impact musically ... apart from having a cute name.
Posted by: DJ at August 23, 2003 08:40 PMGood point. Maybe if you lived in a submarine. :+)
Posted by: Joe at August 23, 2003 08:44 PMI've got one for you: which Beatle's brother lives in Henry's parents' village?
Posted by: Honey at August 24, 2003 05:49 PMI only one Beatle with a brother ... so I'll have to go for Paul.
Posted by: Joe at August 24, 2003 07:34 PM