A Funny Thing Happened at the US Embassy

I have never applied for a US Visa before, and I have to thank my mom for that. I've had one since I was 3 years old and years after that, all you had to do to renew them were to put them in what they called "the dropbox." I was thankfully awarded a 10 year US Visa a little bit before 9/11 which I enjoyed up to this year. My visa expired last week, March 5th. So now that procedures have changed, and I am older - nobody'll have to get a Visa for me but myself. I've heard a lot of horror stories , not to mention thinking about flushing down $131.00 down the drain if I get refused.

So the day my Visa expired was also the day that I got my US Embassy appointment. My mom told me that it will be an average of 2 hours waiting time before I finally get everything done. I joked, "I hope I sit next to a cute boy"

Well, I got the next best thing. I sat next to a cute girl. ;-) I noticed her the first time she walked in the Embassy pavilion, but not until she sat next to me that I realized that she was Bea Alonzo! She was wearing this flowy white top that made her glow, and was carrying a Dolce and Gabbana metallic bag that was reallly nice. I got an autograph for Sam, and learned that she was applying for a tourist visa so she can do a movie premiere in Hawaii. She's not really one of my favorite local actresses but I still got starstruck, she was so pretty with really great skin.

Off to my interview .. the guy infront of me obviuously didn't get his Visa because I could hear him asking for one more chance. He was really bummed.

The consul at the window was a tall, thin guy with a bored look. I handed him my documents and prepared for a barrage of questions. He leaned forward and gave me a calculating look.

Consul: Hi. When was the last time you were in the United States?

Me: July 2007

Consul: And what was the purpose of your visit?

Me: I was touring with the group, Up With People.

To my complete surprise, the guy leans back spreads his arms wide and lets out a laugh.

Me: What? You've heard of them?

Consul: (Obviously not serious) Yeah and I hear they cause trouble.

Me: We do not!

Consul: Tell me again, what does Up With People do?

Me: (Explains)

Consul: Alright then, your visa have been approved ! Have a nice day.

Hmm... he made fun of me but awarded me with a Visa. Fair enough. :oP

But I can't help but notice that the lines and the systems at the US Embassy was so efficient. I don't think it costs a lot to keep up a system like that! I wonder how come the LTO can't emulate?? Hay.