It hasn't been too long. Although, be warned, this is a long post. (As if my normal sized posts weren't long enough!) Nevertheless, there were some happenings since the last time. First off, recall in my last post that there was that little issue with my visa expiration date? It expires approximately a week before I'm due to return. Before I go into detail with that, I was sort of right with my handling of it. I'll deal with it in France!
Now, let's go back a few steps. AFS requested that I send a scan of my visa for their records. So I took care of that a few days after I obtained my visa, fully knowing about the issue with it; yet having decided not to mention it; sort of hoping they would notice. They did. About a week ago, perhaps less, AFS emailed about the problem and provided a letter, along with directions, to resolve the matter immediately as my departure date looms close. Ideally, one would pass along the letter to the consulate, have the visa extended, and depart as planned. That was not the case.
The consulate, as it appears to be, doesn't like to be bothered much. Understandable, still, I started to feel uneasy about the whole situation. Emailing the consulate does no good, as their email system is automated and not checked by any human. Rather, one receives a reply with links to various sections of their sites. Calling the number they provide on the site yields a similar result. You are greeted with an automated menu without being given an option to speak with anyone. One also cannot simply go to the consulate, as they don't let anyone in without an appointment and are really strict on security. The next available appointment would be after my planned departure date. However, after a lot of research, I did manage to find a number that someone would actually answer. Their only available time-frame is from 4-5 pm, Mondays-Fridays. I called one day, with no luck. I used a number of phones, and persistently tried to reach them.
Having failed reaching them, that night, I tried to look up information about extending my visa in France. My early findings weren't helpful as they all bluntly said it was impossible, as AFS had said. One would have to return to the U.S. for a minimum of two months, and apply for another visa. Although AFS never told me I'd risk a late departure, I expected that as the worst case scenario. Thus, I did some very good research, driven by my made-up fear of a late departure. I forwarded the info to AFS-USA, which then forwarded it to AFS-France. They liked what I found, but would still await a confirmation from France. Accordingly, the next day I once more tried to contact the consulate. This time I reached them, and explained the situation. Once more, they refused to do anything about it, saying I should have no problems overstaying my visa. Figuring that it would be no help if I went to the consulate once more and be told the same things, I related the conversation to AFS-USA. They forwarded it to France, and along with another load of email-exchanges/new info/etc. Eventually, my fears were quelled.
Essentially, from the last email I received. I will have to do what the consulate had told me the first time when I received my visa. In France, I'll have to go to my local prefecture and ask for an authorization. I'll have to go with my host family and do this during the beginning of my stay there. I hope it's not too much of an inconvenience, as no one else I know has this problem, but we'll see. At least I get to depart as scheduled!
I inserted a page break here as this post continues its great length. The main story of my visa issue is finished, but there's plenty more to read if ― 1, you have time; 2, you're interested; and 3, I couldn't think of a third reason, so I'll leave that up to you! Click on "Keep On Reading" below if you wish!
In other news, a few days ago, there was an earthquake in Virginia. However, it nonetheless rattled the NYC area as well. Yet, I didn't feel it. (I was a bit disappointed because I always wanted to experience an earthquake, without it causing any damage; and I missed my chance.) Now, the new threat is Hurricane Irene, of which its effects have already started to reach the NYC area. The worst to come is expected to arrive late tonight/early tomorrow morning. While I do wish there isn't too much damage caused, I can't help but worry for my flight. It's scheduled for this Thursday. Flights have already been cancelled and postponed. The projected path for Irene goes right through JFK. We'll see what happens.
Worries aside, my host mother posted on my wall today. Although I know she's seen some of my Facebook posts since the last time we spoke on Skype (2 weeks ago) by liking them. The two weeks without any direct contact have felt like an eternity to me. On her post, she expressed her concern about my safety and as well as luck with what she said, "the final stretch in preparation." (Title of this post?) Having that, as well as my host brother who I haven't spoken in a long time who is currently talking to me on Skype; I really can't wait that in a week, I'll be living with them!
Speaking of preparation, I still have yet to prepare! Originally, I had planned to get some Euros in cash at the airport. I didn't know one could obtain them at one's local bank. However, knowing the fees/rates associated with those exchange places at airports, I decided it was best to avoid them and buy Euros at my local bank. They didn't have any on hand. I was told that they would order them and it would take two days for them to arrive. However, given that it was Friday and Hurricane Irene could delay anything, I decided that I would have to go to the nearest branch that had them on hand. The closest one was in Times Square, NYC. Not that had any protest going there! So I went there, and got enough Euros that would last me about a week until I establish myself and take out large amounts with my debit card. They are much different than U.S. dollars. For one, they come in various colours and sizes. They have a lot of security features and have a different texture. Here's a picture:
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| 150€ ! |
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| The Naked Cowboy! |
After a fellow AFSer emailed our chaperone for the flight, we found out that we are most likely going to be given assigned rooms with people from around the world at the orientations. While that does avoid the awkwardness associated with asking someone if they'd like to lodge with you, I already made plans on whom I'd bunk with and was going to divide up toiletry duty. Still, making new friends, especially international friends, will be great as well. Hopefully all goes well!
Lastly, to end on a good note, the other AFSers and I have remained in constant contact and it's awesome. Recently, Gabe posted on his blog about his opinion on the others. Truthfully, I and others whom I've spoken to feel the same. Here's an excerpt:
I’ve been using Google+ to video chat with a bunch of the kids in my program. So far, everyone seems awesome! From what I see, everyone has the similar mindset that I could not find at my own high school. At (my local high school), I kind of felt like an outcast. Well, that’s a bit dramatic. Let’s just say, the people who I thought were really good friends, in the end, kind of just felt like random people that I couldn’t necessarily trust. With AFS, I kind of feel like I’ve known these people since nursery school, and we haven’t even met each other yet! If that’s any indication on how my program is going to be like, I could definitely get used to 10 and a half months of that!
If all goes as (hopefully) planned, then we'll finally meet each other in person in NYC in 4 days!
Until then,
-Gello
P.S. Trying to pack a year's worth of clothes in one 44-pound (20 kg) suitcase is impossible. I have yet to figure out what solution I'll use to overcome it. Wish me luck!
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