Visa Travel Application

Starbucks Coffee Shop at 7:00 am, Pacific Star at Makati, this was where I shall meet Edwin, the travel agency staff so I can get back my documents and for him to show me where to go.

The embassy starts to entertain applicants at exactly 8:00 am sharp. We were asked by a courteous security guard to form a single line and turn off our cellphones. He gave us a list of what the requirements are and how they should be arranged and advised us to have them ready with our passports. He then gave us a piece of paper with a number indicating what window to approach. I got a slip with the Number 1 on it. I guess, I go first since I was also first in line, whew!

I always wondered how these interviews go, because when I applied for my U.S. visa, drop box - no appearance was still allowed. I got the impression that this is going to be tough so I completed all my daily prayers before going there. I do hope everything will go on smoothly, no negative encounters with the interviewer, no additional requirements, no returning for another interview and please no visa denial.

So all the applicants took there seats at the designated area and waited for their names to be called. I was called first and I proceeded to Window 1 where the interviewer was reviewing my submitted documents. He started to ask a series of questions about me, my family, employment and about the trip. I was asked to jot down additional information on the form and he returned documents that were not needed. He then motioned for me to go to the next designated area where another person was to attend to me. I waited until I was quickly motioned to approach the window, that was about an hour in my seat next to a very nervous lady who was here for the third time and had not gotten an approved visa yet. No other problem while waiting. I had the chance to talk to the other applicants, one of whom was telling great stories about her recent trip to Europe. She had a wonderful time visiting beautiful places.

Bravo (all the glory to God)! I am done here. I was asked to go back to claim my visa after 12 days (that includes 4 non-working days) at 11 am. Got to that visa to travel to Portugal, Spain, France and Italy . . . flight to Lisbon, Fatima travel, Metropolitan Salamanca travel, Lourdes accommodation, splendid Nice, possible hotels in Assissi, accommodation Rome, etc. Oh me, oh my. Yehey, now I can smile with my teeth out, heheh.