FOR THE ITALIAN VERSION OF THE POST: HERE
They really don’t do much to make you feel comfortable
-‘It’s strictly forbidden to bring any electronic equipment. I repeat, any type. Mobile Phones, cameras, iPods: banned “-.
It’s a monologue, not a conversation at all, moreover rather intimidating.
- “Do not go with too large or cumbersome bags, take with you only the papers you need to. And I firmly recommend you the punctuality, like clockwork” -.
Indeed, the very first words been pronounced to the handset were at the same time peremptory and mocking: – “Do you pay by Visa or Mastercard?” –
I beg your pardon? I’ve never experienced the thrill of a phone conversation when the first thing I am asked is about my credit card-number.
- “Yes, to book an appointment costs 15 Euro. Visa or Mastercard?” –
15 Euro, just crumbs of course. Trifles to grease the insatiable bureaucracy of the frontiers.
I could have replied I had already paid a consular fee, I could have added I also paid that new robbing tax (created on purpose for this procedure) called SEVIS. I should have pointed out they might avoid behaving like predators.
But unfortunately, as an applicant student with a real need of the visa, I am rather insignificant. So I could just bow my head to the borders’ bandits: – “I’ll pay by Mastercard” -.
Now, visa held in my hands, papers ready, flights booked: it seems at last I accomplished the bureaucratic path to enter the United States.
The last act has been consumed in Milan at the US Consulate, as set by the officer on the phone.
So I came realize the voice dictating orders to the handset seems to belong to a character who either:
1. has no idea of how the procedure for issuing visas works through the Consulate; or
2. is fully aware of that, but somehow his personality disorder leads him to frighten the unwitting applicants without reason.
Firstly, “like clockwork” is a negligible precaution. In front of the door of the building, watched by an Italian guard, there is a long queue of people, all come together at the same time to obey the order “like clockwork”.
Then I also understand how is simply a heresy to require people to come without any electronic devices.
Nowadays, the mobile is an appendix of our body, a kind of bulging protuberance into our pockets or handbags: it’s impossible to get rid of them. A girl standing in line even had three.
At the Consulate of course they’ve realized that, and provided some cash-boxes in the office of preliminary check.
Anyway,the same is not for those 15 Euro, they don’t give you them back.
Now that I finally hold the visa in my hands, over two hundred Euros later, I can state with confidence and satisfaction: it’s truly possible to fulfill all procedures and the practical matters necessary to obtain the visa.
On the other hand, spice yourself appreciatively and emptied your pockets. Around the borders is crowded with vultures and they are hungry, very hungry.
