The embassy, is it really that simple? The whole difficulty of the embassy lies in the agonizing hours of waiting, not knowing if you can start packing your bags or not... a sleepless night, a good half of your nerve cells, and a broken heel for two minutes of conversation and the consul's coveted signature. Is it worth it? From experience, I can say IT IS WORTH IT!!! I have never felt such a sense of inspiration, relief, and boundless joy and pride in myself after any exam!
Now for the details...
The morning started well, not counting the lump in my throat, shaking hands, and dizziness from fear. Having overcome ourselves, my friend and I left all our things at a Moscow friend's apartment and set off in search of the embassy. Or rather, the monument where we were supposed to meet. After getting off at the right metro station, we naturally headed in the wrong direction! When we realized we were lost and didn't even have a phone to call, we started to panic, to put it mildly, but kept walking. After a few tips from passersby, we finally found the embassy! But to our regret, it looked nothing like the photo we had printed out. As it turned out later, we had approached it from the wrong side and had to walk all the way around it (and this circle turned out to be quite large!!). Actually, this is where I had to say goodbye to my heel support)))
Reaching the right entrance, we started looking for our group and stood in line with relief. (By the way, it's built according to a list, if anyone doesn't know, which personally didn't please me at all because I ended up 4th on the list.)
This is where the exhausting wait in line on the street began. Everyone was freezing, so here is a piece of advice: no matter how warm it is in your city or what the weather forecasters say, dress as warmly as possible, because Moscow is a very nasty city in terms of weather!
Then another hour of waiting inside the embassy, and here I am, next in line for the consul. My heart stops, my hands shake, and my head is a mess of English words. A booth opens up...
I force a smile and head toward the available consul. Seeing him made me feel better. Bald with a beard and a sweet smile. Well, here we go:
Me: Hello (smile ear to ear, while my hands are shaking)
C: Hello. How are you?
Me: I'm fine, thanks, and you?
C: Oo, I'm ok. Put your finger, right hand, to the scanner.
Me: Which one? (I said in Russian purely by reflex and froze)
C: The middle one (also in Russian!! And he laughs)
So, where are you studying?
Me: I'm studying at Samara State Economic University
C: Well. Do you have a Job-offer?
Me: Yes, my Job-offer is confirmed by the sponsor.
C: And where will you be working?
Me: A waitress in a restaurant, Long Beach, California
C: California? (There was some surprise in his voice, you'd think I'm the first person going there!)
Me: Yes
C: (Here he takes my DS-2019) Ooo, you signed in my place.
Me: Yes, I'm sorry (it was really very awkward.)
C: I'm sorry, I have to refuse you a visa (my heart sank, but I kept a smile on my face, which was now against the backdrop of growing hysteria inside me.)
Me: Why?? (swallowing the lump in my throat, I ask calmly and still with a smile)
C: There is no place where I could sign
Me: I am, to put it mildly, in shock, standing still
C: (laughs) It’s a joke
Me: .... (I smile and even laugh. But I can't believe my ears! Is that even allowed?)
C: (signing the DS-2019) Do you know the famous person from Long Beach?
Me: No, only the governor of California, Schwarzenegger
C: No, I'm talking about Long Beach
Me: No, I do not know
C: Snoop Dogg (with such a satisfied look on his face)
Me: Seriously? I do not know.
C: Maybe you'll meet him
Me: Maybe
C: When you're in the U.S., give him my greetings. Have a nice trip!
Me: OK! Thank you!!
And now I'm on the street, people are asking me how it went, what they asked, if many were refused... I answer, I say that I am delighted with the consul (I really liked him, it was pleasant to talk to him), what questions he asked, but I still can't believe it. I'm going to the U.S.!!!
P.S. Tips:
- Dress warmer
- Start preparing no later than a week in advance
- Be ready for anything, calmness and a smile are very important
- Study the route in advance
Good luck to everyone who still has a trip to the embassy ahead!