A window of perspective

I'm all set. The visa for everyone has been approve and we should all be well on our way to Boston in a month. The process was laborious and difficult.

The amount of probity checks and paperwork that needs to be amassed is unbelieveable. Ironically, I understand from a small print on forms for the whole visa episode is that there is a real effort to cut down on paperwork. Haha... I think I remember repeating data for several different forms, countless times. Then again, it is reflective of how a couple of people without rationality and with no respect for the sanctity of life can inflicit so much inconvenience on people whom they will never know. The result is so much layers of check and cross-checks to regulate the passage of people travelling across borders.

The interview for the visa at the American Embassy was another highlight. I was by a counter window with a charming Asian American interviewer. She ran through the protocol and worked through the papers. I was asked why I was getting a visa and of course I told her the reason.

"So which university would that be?"

"The Fletcher School. Tufts University"

"Oh great. That's a really good school."

So we ran through the questions to talk about my course of study, how I will be paying for it and then the next thing caught me by surprise.

"So why did you leave your job to this programme."

"Erm, I didn't. I took a sabbatical. I'll be getting back to my job once I'm done"

A look of confusion. It didn't click. I've just mentioned that I was paying my way and then of course I said I was going back to work. After some questioning, I told her about the No Pay Study Leave and directed her to the letter of approval. Then she was livid.

"Why? Oh my gosh." She couldn't believe it because it didn't make sense.

I then proceeded with my standard text of explaining why I did it, which I use to everyone whom I knew. I've said it so many times that I lost count but this was the first time I had to say it to someone whom I just met. I wondered if I was even believeable. Did I sound so unreal that she smelt a rat? Perhaps then I would be in trouble because my visa would not be approved.

Anyhow, we moved right along. She went on with other background questions and spoke to my missus. Before we concluded the interview, she had only kind words of consolation for me.

"Alright, we're done here. Good luck okay? I hope you can find some way to get compensation and get it all back."

I most certainly will. Thank you "lady at the window".