Paranoia was playing great games in my head as I flew on to 'US soil'. It was the first time I had visited the United States and Tim hadn't been there since 9/11 changed customs queues forever.

We were prepared for security of the highest order. I spent the flight from Panama City to Miami imagining rubber gloved searches and hours in grey interrogation rooms. It could have been the complete lack of sleep playing with my mind though.

Most of the South American airlines we had traveled on seemed to know nothing of smooth landings and 'touching' down in Miami was no different. Crash, bang, boom and we were tearing down the runway. It was midnight when we joined the mile-long line to get through customs.

Two hours later we were posing for security pictures and putting our index fingers into cool steel print readers. Then we walked through to baggage claim and picked up our backpacks (why is it that you feel grateful to see your luggage every time, as if they've done an extra good job getting it to the right destination?)

Then came the part I can still barely believe. We walked straight out of the airport without even being stopped, searched or having to declare that we really, really didn't have any nuts, fruit or cheese. I was incredulous but incredibly happy with the situation.

Next stop: For a small fortune, we rent a silver Chevrolet sedan and drive to the bottom of the United States.

Check out more photos from my trip in my Flickr album.

Find out about Miami.

Read more of Kelly's blogs.