Passport Office
Remember when I said that FedEx Kinko's was the happiest placeon earth? I was so very wrong. The New York emergency passport office is the happiest place on earth!
Here's a rundown of events:
1. Have near nervous breakdown upon discovering passport is expired three days before leaving the country.
2. Call passport office automated line.
3. Wait through 5-10 minutes of menus.
4. Make an appointment for the next available time, which is five days after departure.
5. Go to FedEx Kinko's to get passport photos.
6. Toss and turn all night.
7. Get to passport office when they open at 7:30am.
8. Go through security.
9. Place a call from a bank of 12 phones to same automated line from the night before.
10. Mysteriously get appointment for later that same day at 11am.
11. Show up at 10:40am and go through security.
12. Get sent back outside for being 5 minutes early.
13. Go through security, again.
14. Obtain another number for the appointment.
15. Wait two hours in waiting room with screaming children.
16. Submit completed form DS-11 as directed by website.
17. Fill out form DS-82, instead, as directed by person behind bullet-proof glass.
18. Pay $127 for renewal plus expediting service.
19. Get ticket that confirms that passport will be ready for pick-up the next day in another waiting room filled with people (and their screaming children).
And, those are the eighteen easy steps to last minute passport renewal. In reality, I am greatful that I can get my passport renewed on such short notice. Though, it's hard not to be annoyed at amount of stupidity that persists in government offices. It never ceases to amaze.
;) Stevie
glad to hear there's a happy ending. but what would have happened had you not looked at your passport until flight day? would zach have gone to japan alone? would stevie have asked to delay the flight a week because it would be the right thing to do? everyone wants to know!
proggy daze | March 27, 2006 05:19 PM