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!