I got my visa! And what an experience it was...
Aunt Carla and I got to the consulate at about 8:30am for my 9am appointment. Apparently 15 other people's appointments were at 9 as well, because there was a crowd waiting outside. When the doors finally opened, we all filed in a line to go in and this is where my heart rate rose and remained elevated for the next 2 1/2 hours.
Aunt Carla and I got to the consulate at about 8:30am for my 9am appointment. Apparently 15 other people's appointments were at 9 as well, because there was a crowd waiting outside. When the doors finally opened, we all filed in a line to go in and this is where my heart rate rose and remained elevated for the next 2 1/2 hours.
As soon as I step in the door (and through a metal detector) there is a big sign that says "NO CELL PHONES OR LAPTOPS"...really? I felt like we were at a prison or something. There was a guard with a list of names to be let in and even though mine was at the top of the list AND he was pointing right at it AND he had my passport in his hand for verification, he couldn't seem to find it. He kept saying, "If this isn't you, I can't let you in". AHHHH just let me in! He finally did, and Carla was told to sit in the brown chairs while I sat in the blue chairs. Anybody who was not sitting where they were supposed to or was sitting out of order (ahem, me) was sternly told by one of the the french tellers to move.
After waiting for 1 hour and 45 minutes, I finally was able to go up and submit my paperwork (tons and tons of paperwork). Then I waited another 45 minutes to get the visa, which technically I wasnt't supposed to be able to get because I didn't have my parents last three bank statements...WHAT?!? First of all, I had a financial guarantee from them stating they could support me while overseas; second, I was never told I needed those documents; and I have no desire to see what kind of money my parents are or are not making! Sheesh.
But FINALLY the visa was securely fastened in my passport, and I was home free. Carla and I did a visa dance to celebrate, and she treated me to a tartine at a cute french café across the street. Phew.
I would love to write more right now, but my jet lag is hitting me hard and typing on french keyboards is really frustrating me right now. For example, if I just wanted to type "The quick, brown fox jumped over the lazy dog" without looking at the keyboard, it would look like this:
The auick; brozn fox ju,ped over the lqwy dog
Stay tuned for the lost luggage adventure and minding the gap on the Tube! I need sleep.
After waiting for 1 hour and 45 minutes, I finally was able to go up and submit my paperwork (tons and tons of paperwork). Then I waited another 45 minutes to get the visa, which technically I wasnt't supposed to be able to get because I didn't have my parents last three bank statements...WHAT?!? First of all, I had a financial guarantee from them stating they could support me while overseas; second, I was never told I needed those documents; and I have no desire to see what kind of money my parents are or are not making! Sheesh.
But FINALLY the visa was securely fastened in my passport, and I was home free. Carla and I did a visa dance to celebrate, and she treated me to a tartine at a cute french café across the street. Phew.
I would love to write more right now, but my jet lag is hitting me hard and typing on french keyboards is really frustrating me right now. For example, if I just wanted to type "The quick, brown fox jumped over the lazy dog" without looking at the keyboard, it would look like this:
The auick; brozn fox ju,ped over the lqwy dog
Stay tuned for the lost luggage adventure and minding the gap on the Tube! I need sleep.
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