Tuesday, April 11, 2006

bureaucracy rules

Apparently.

We had this wonderful idea of booking a week's holiday somewhere sunny for next week while Cinderella is on her Easter break. There are always holidays available at the last minute for next-to-no-cost if you're not too fussy about where you're going. And right now we aren't, as long as it's somewhere sunny. Spain or the Canary Islands are favourites at this time of year.

Only... we had to get young Cinderella a visa. Hah!

First off, this particular wicked stepmother may be just a tad hormonal at the moment, if the vicious cravings for chocolate and high levels of irrational irritation are anything to go by. Not a good place to start.
Second, I'm working a slightly later shift this week, which means I only have to wake up at 8am. I love this; I resent mornings and I hate getting out of bed at the best of times, so these little sleep-ins are very much appreciated. Only... we had to go to the embassy early today, so I was up at 6.
Thirdly, the embassy in question is oh, maybe 20 - 25km away (what's that, about 18miles or something? I don't know, but you get the idea.) We left home at 7am. We arrived at the embassy at 8:30am. An hour and a half of sitting in traffic jams. AAARGH!!!! That, people, is why I choose to take the train to work, when hubby drives in and we work 2 blocks away from each other.
Today, somewhere along the road, a crane had overturned, which of course didn't help matters. I thought my normally slightly-low blood pressure was going to go through the roof and my head would explode...
But, it didn't, although I must apologise to Hubby for the beating I gave his shoulder at one point. I suppose it was a little unfair, considering his only crime was teasing me a little. But really, he should've known better ;)

Anyway, we got there only to find that we didn't have everything we needed. So, no visa = no holiday. The document we need has now been ordered from SA via the embassy here. Apparently we can expect to see it in about 6 to 9 months time.
What, are they giving birth to it?!

I give up.
Ya move halfway across the world to escape things like the delightful South African Home Affairs office, only to find that it's still gonna get you!

At the risk of repeating myself.
.. AAaaaarrgh!!!

10 comments:

Jeff said...

I'm sorry your vacation got screwed up, Terri. :(

These lines cracked me up: "Apparently we can expect to see it in about 6 to 9 months time.
What, are they giving birth to it?!" lol

kyknoord said...

That's why they call it 'Home Affairs' - they're too busy screwing around to get any actual work done. Incidentally, I've quoted you.

Framesby 86 said...

Gotto love that pregnancy!! hahaha
Sorry you couldn't get away for a couple of days. It is still sunny and warm here...hint hint wink wink

Brigitte said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Brigitte said...

Aah man!!! So typical SA Home Affairs. I cringe at the thought of going there - it is an unpleasant experience at best. And I am afraid that when I leave I may have no hair left on my head.
(sorry - that delete there was me - don't ask!)

L said...

;( No holiday bummer, I am sending lots of Florida sunshine your way. ;)

ChittyChittyBangBang! said...

The only thing that comes to mind is... BULLSHIT!
Nowadys you can even get visas online. The longest I have ever had to wait for a visa is 3 days, and that is applying from here.
You'd be better off asking your Mom to file an application on her behalf here in SA.

Bosbefok said...

Dont Fuss T. Maybe we will get some sunshine here ? NOT !!
My shoulder might recover by ...say...next summer :-)

Oh.... and Arrrgh !

Terri said...

Jeff - Aw that's ok. There'll be others.

Kyknoord - So you're saying I might be closer to the truth than I realise? lol!

Buddess - You have no idea how tempting that sounds. A 12-hour flight doesn't exactly make for a 'short break' though ;) Might seeya around Christmas though...

Spookie - Hit the delete button while tearing your hair out, didya?

Lori - Thanks Darlin!!! :-D

Chitty - Thanks for the sympathy, but calm down, luvvie - you'll give yourself a heart attack!

Whotalotoffun - Couldn't have put it better myself :)

Jason - lol! Love that analogy!

Bosbefok - yeah I heard summer might be on a saturday this year.

Terri said...

Whoami - indeed.