One Consulate Meeting Down, One to go!

On July 31st at the crack of dawn we got the entire family up to be out the door by 6 am. We went over all our paperwork and brought everything with us. We brought snack and toys. And then we drove to Boston. Kids were good, sleeping for the first hour or so and happy after that. Can't complain. Not having an official appointment time we weren't sure if we were supposed to be there at 9 am prompt or just anytime from then until noon. As it was, we got there at about 9:20 am. We found the office and waited for about 20 minutes before we realized that we hadn't actually brought everything. We forgot the passport photos on the table at home. Not wasting time, we left the building and went around the block to the local post office where a nice Asian man took our pictures again for about double what we originally paid at Rite Aid. No biggie. Now we had our pictures.

We return to the consulate and start the waiting over again. The room is about 10'x 14' with 5 rows of 5 chairs with table on the side and a big glass wall at the end where the 2 workers speak to you through a hole in the glass. It's what I call very cozy and child friendly. By the grace of God alone (and some of the candy in my purse, which may have only make things worse) we waited without making all the surrounding people nervous, uncomfortable, or angry. In fact Stella was really making friends fast when our turn was finally called and she was hanging out in the front.

The short of it, was that it didn't work. We gave them the exact form we were told to bring, had all supporting documents, photocopies, and fresh pictures for the Visas. Blah blah blah. I wasn't surprised that it didn't work, in fact I was half expecting to need to make another trip. Their people had to talk to our people and figure out the details. The good news is that we got a call from the consulate today and they said they figured it out. Turns out we have a special exemption under The Holy See. So basically, we have an in with the Pope. Yup, that's right. Si conosco la Papa ....or something like that.

Best news of all...we don't have to bring the kids this time. We go in on the 7th. I call that a date. :)