That’s Stella

I went to the consulate this week to get my visa. You’re meant to arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time so I got to the city an hour before to find parking, and despite the 30 minutes to find parking, I was still late! I was close to handing over my car to valet parking at the Duxton and paying some exorbitant price, till I managed to get a parking right around the corner from the consulate. Phew. I wasn’t really late. I just arrived 20 minutes earlier for my appointment time rather then 30.

Security was really tight. I was extra vigilant to be extra friendly and lovely and not make any sudden moves. They take you up to one floor to make security checks and make you put all your belongings in a locker. I asked the guard if I could take my bottle of water because I had a cold. I heard him say yes and then he mumbled something into his beard straight after, but my ears were blocked and I was already a little delirious that I completely missed it and instead just said “Ok” which felt at the time like a safe answer, except of course if he had asked:

Can you please bend over whilst I put my rubber glove on? “OK”
Can you please take off all your clothes for a security check? “OK”
Can you please give us all your money before entering the US? “OK”

He turned around and looked at me as if waiting for me to do something and I just gave him a cheesy smile. Then he sternly asked me to take a sip of my water. And I said
“No I’m good for now. I’m not thirsty”.
Did I mention I was delirious and sick?

The poor dear probably thought he had a situation on his hands and was close to calling for back up when I refused to sip the water.

He had to ask me for the THIRD time for me to get the hint he wanted me to take a sip to make sure I wasn’t carrying acid or some explosive material in my Evian bottle.

Anyway, I have my visa now so yay for me and my plans!