I just picked up my new passport a few hours ago! I'm bummed I didn't completely fill up my last one but hopefully this new one will be full before it expires in ten years. My initial appointment was for November 3rd at 08.30 but I totally missed it. Unfortunately I was still out in San Telmo and though I could have made it to the embassy I doubt they wouldn't have let me in. Trust me. [Think of The Simpsons episode Bart v Australia where Homer step on embassy grounds then Australia and repeats until a Marine hits him with the barrel of his rifle while proclaiming "Here in America we don't tolerate that kind of crap, Sir.]
A few days after that missed appointment I rescheduled for the 17th of November. This time I went to bed early and woke up in time to shower, eat breakfast and take a cab to the embassy. I showed up early, maybe 08.15 or so and there was already a line of about 60 people awaiting entrance to interview for an American visa. The line for citizens was about three deep and I was quickly called to the window and buzzed through the six-centimeter thick bomb-proof steel and glass door and into the security room. It felt like the US Embassy was the most exclusive club in the city and I knew one of the owners: My name's Arturo and my uncle Sam owns this place! Come on in Sir, no waiting in line for you. America, Fuck Yeah.
They told me my new passport would be ready in 10 working days (on November 30th) but this last Monday the 23rd I received a call telling me my passport was ready! I returned this morning and went through the US citizen VIP line and through the same security hassle but was in and out in 15 minutes. After living in a country notorious for bureaucratic inefficiency it was comforting to set foot on American soil and experience a good aspect of American culture: we get it done!
Ironic, but the federal government--in my experience-- was more efficient here that it's ever been in the States. I have even more respect for the Foreign Service...they've got my back! And after listening to so much anti-American jibber jabber at home and here it was nice to see so many people going through the equivalent of a rectal exam at the DMV just to visit the US. I really am fortunate to have an American passport which gives me access to the entire world without having to wait hours in lines.
Alright, alright enough of this "America, Fuck Yeah!" patriotism.
On a related note: The new passports blow! They're like comic books telling the history of America through cliche images and quotes. Fairly cheesy. Funny thing: under Important Information, Number 6 suggests you avoid violating foreign laws. They could have gone with something stronger like "Don't violate" but instead made the deliberate decision to use "avoid" as if to say "try, but not too hard." Yes Uncles, I will try. But not too hard. SL
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