Well the last two are true, I only have one passport, but I just love that Talking Heads song that was in my head during my entire appointment at the French consulate on Monday. What a long strange trip it has been since the last time I was in that building in 2009, back when France could do no wrong in my eyes. If I only knew what was ahead of me...
Even with my vast collection of CDG stamps, a long stay Japanese visa, a Turkish tourist visa, and a two year old expired student French visa that raised some concerned questions, the process was all pretty painless.
Here are some highlights....
- A girl in the waiting room, managed to speak in this high shrill voice complaining about the wait and asking us questions that we didn't have the answers to, every single time one of the administrators called a number on their shoddy PA. I missed my turn and he was less than thrilled to call my number again.
- When I made the rendezvous, not thinking, I had put my first name in twice. The administrator at window number one, the one who unwillingly had to call my name twice, asked me if I was an educated person since and was adamant that I didn't know my last name. For those of you who know my real name, this one is for you: he didn't appreciate my 80s pop culture reference.- A gentleman from Pakistan sitting next to me offered me some herbs that smelled like licorice and a head shop, and was spooning out of a mini burlap bag. I politely declined and immediately regretted it once he told me it was illegal in the States. Hey, I was waiting in that place for four hours, a little stimulation beyond reviewing my documents was welcomed.
- One of the administrators violently charged out of the office when he saw a girl on the surveillance camera playing with her phone. After scolding her as if she were smoking a joint in the girl's room, he went ahead and cancelled her appointment. They are serious when they say no phones. For those of you who have future appointments, keep that in mind. It's no joke.
- The boy on the other side of me was complaining about how long we had all been waiting, and was annoyed that he had to cancel his lunch plans at Serafina. I'm sorry but who started the rumor that obtaining a French visa is a quick process? It never is and never has been. Anyway, his number was before mine and when I told the girl across from me who had asked, the boy corrected me. He was actually girl. I was mortified. I seriously had no idea.- A congregation of Jersey girls discovered that at one point in their lives, they had all dated the same guy; Dan Williamson who now goes to Rutgers after transferring from Stevens College. I was grateful that for once, I wasn't involved in dating gossip.- And finally, I cried. The angel at window number four and I chatted about personal things. It turns out that we both had some experiences in common, tragedies that make us who we are today. I guess I really do have gift for having people open up to me, including government officials.Without further ado, I'm pleased to announce that Miss Coquine a son visa!So that's it. I'm all set and ready to re-start my life...again.So France, what do you say? Let's try this one more time? I'm willing if you are...
What was happening a year ago today?Surprise Date!
