In the past week, I've lost count of the number of call service reps who've politely asked 'and when are you flying out?' only to get super awkward when I say 'Last Saturday, except that you've lost my passport.'
It all started with the fact that I had to get a study visa for the US, and the fact that I didn't get sent any of the paperwork until 2 weeks before my scheduled departure. I still had just enough time to make it work, provided nothing went wrong. For instance, providing the consulate didn't post my passport to 'Wattle Rd, O'Connel, Bathurst 2971'.
But they did. I spent a week on hold with Australia Post and the consulate (sorry, the consulate's call centre in Mumbai full of people with zero ability to do anything or call anyone), eating maltesers and being comforted by poor Ellie, even now sitting an exam she was trying to study for whilst looking after me.
The tale does end well - I had all but given up hope of ever getting to Brazil, and was forming the contingency plan of skipping it altogether and going straight the US, when my passport made a wonderful final hour appearance back in Sydney. It now hangs around my neck in my trusty travel pouch, and I am booked on tomorrow morning's flight. Much thanks to the nice Australia Post workers who did their best to help me out, Pop and Colette at uni for hassling everyone they knew at the consulate so I could pick up the passport today, and no thanks to whatever staff member at the consulate is unable to copy down a postal address.
So, not to brag or anything, but I am now an officially qualified story topper when it comes to travel delays. Booyah.
Watch this space for real travel updates now that I'm allowed to do real travel!
Eb
It all started with the fact that I had to get a study visa for the US, and the fact that I didn't get sent any of the paperwork until 2 weeks before my scheduled departure. I still had just enough time to make it work, provided nothing went wrong. For instance, providing the consulate didn't post my passport to 'Wattle Rd, O'Connel, Bathurst 2971'.
But they did. I spent a week on hold with Australia Post and the consulate (sorry, the consulate's call centre in Mumbai full of people with zero ability to do anything or call anyone), eating maltesers and being comforted by poor Ellie, even now sitting an exam she was trying to study for whilst looking after me.
The tale does end well - I had all but given up hope of ever getting to Brazil, and was forming the contingency plan of skipping it altogether and going straight the US, when my passport made a wonderful final hour appearance back in Sydney. It now hangs around my neck in my trusty travel pouch, and I am booked on tomorrow morning's flight. Much thanks to the nice Australia Post workers who did their best to help me out, Pop and Colette at uni for hassling everyone they knew at the consulate so I could pick up the passport today, and no thanks to whatever staff member at the consulate is unable to copy down a postal address.
So, not to brag or anything, but I am now an officially qualified story topper when it comes to travel delays. Booyah.
Watch this space for real travel updates now that I'm allowed to do real travel!
Eb
I am super proud of you babe and my exam went okay in the end.
ReplyDelete