Visa Process= Frustration!

Wow. The Visa process is not that simple. I understand the UK wants to make sure crazy people (i.e. terrorists) aren't entering their country, but dang its so complicated! For a UK visa you need "biometric data" which is basically getting electronic finger prints and a plain digital photo of yourself. I made an appointment at the Homeland Security center down in Seattle (by the Boeing field) and thank god it didn't snow or rain while I was driving down there! My front window did get some slush stuck on it and I was out of windshield wiper liquid and my wipers suck so eventually I had to stop at a gas station and clean the front of my window. It was so cold that the water in the buckets where the windshield cleaners are was all slushy.

After eating lunch with Emil at work I gave myself like 35-40 minutes to get down there and still got lost! I took a wrong turn and ended up asking directions from this small charter airport. Finally I get to the place and the parking lot I turn into was for "authorized vehicles only" which was basically for employees. I found public parking which was freaking $6 (cash only)! And I only had $2 cash on me and the guy at the booth gave me attitude and told me that there was a 7-11 a mile down the street with an ATM. WTF!? I was already a couple minutes late, so I turn around and just end up parking at this business across the street with plastered signs everywhere that say "24 TOW AWAY". Oh well. I took the risk and parked their anyways. I was desperate and there wasn't any street parking since the place was along some random highway in south seattle....and yes, my car was still there when I came out!

So I get in the building and get my passport checked and whiz past lines...the process was actually really quick, it was just getting there and parking that sucked. Dealing with the government is so crazy, I can understand now how difficult it is for immigrants to get visas here.
Anyways, after getting my biometric data done, they give me this stamped confirmation that I just have to send with my application which I'm sending out tomorrow. I had to search for all these documents I need to include with it...hopefully I get it back in time. I should considering its for educational purposes. Ahhh! I hate dealing with all this official business stuff.

.....AND I need to start thinking about what to bring. HOLY CRAP...2 1/2 weeks until I leave!

ahhhh!

omg. i'm so screwed on my visa application. let's just hope it gets processed in time ***fingers crossed*** (this is what i get for procrastinating)

still in process of finding a place to live....i think i'll be renting a room at some guy's house for 75 pounds week (which is like $111.00 u.s. dollars, times 4 for a month so its like $450 per month so that's not too bad).

so i'm not packing until i get back from cali, which gives me like 4 days. wow! its coming up fast...

A companion in Paris!

DONE:
- Physical exam and UW reg. turned in- CHECK
- Scholarship turned in- CHECK

TO DO:
- Visa application (it's taking me forever online, I don't think I saved it last time so I might have to start all over...oh crap)
- University of Sussex registration (to be mailed in and done online)
- Talk to Bank of America

---------> So my co-worker is going to be studying in Spain until March as well. We're planning to meet up in Paris to celebrate my 22nd :) Yes! I'm not going to be alone. She's also going to Italy and Greece sometime in the middle of March, and although I would love to join her especially in Greece (that's like my ultimate travel destination besides Istambul) it depends on when my finals end and if I have enough money. But Paris is for sure! I'm so EXCITED!!!! :D x 1000