We took a bus to Recife on the 19th of September. The purpose of this trip was to get Nádya's visa process started. It was a 17 hour bus ride which left at 8 PM. Bus here is the most affordable way to travel, and most of the buses are well-equipped for long trips. We decided to spend an extra R$15 each to get the more comfortable seats on this trip, and we were glad we did. I have never seen a bus this big. It had two axles in the back, and two in the front. On this bus the better seats are in the bottom I think so that there is less side-to-side motion when the bus goes over bumps. I slept very well that night. I think Nádya did not sleep as well as I, but still slept.
About 2 hours from our destination that bus had mechanical issues (it appeared to be a U-joint, or some similar thing), so we had to wait for another bus to come get us, and take us the rest of the way. That bus was considerably less posh (for us anyway), but we were grateful for the air conditioning.
The next morning we went to the Consulate in Recife. We were told that we should come back at 1 PM to do our business. So, we waited around in a park and enjoyed the much cooler climate of a coastal city. I had (what they called) a hamburger for lunch at the delicatessen and Nádya had rice and beans (other things too, but its not a meal unless it has rice and beans).
When we returned to the Consulate, we were ushered through the security stuff, and into the office. Well, it was more of a window type thing. We spoke with a very polite Brazilian man who was an assistant to the Vice Consul, he told us that he thought we might not be able to apply that day. He then said that we could speak with the Vice Consul, as it was my right as a US Citizen. I thought it couldn't hurt, so I said yes.
The woman who came to the window had these huge eyes and she said “Do you live here, yes or no?” See, in order to apply for a spouse's visa here, one must have residency here. I have the card, and was told that once I had this it would be okay to apply here. I was so astounded by the abrupt manner in which I was treated that I barely had words (well, I had some...). I stammered around a bit, but I think the best I managed was something like “Yes, I think so.” She then repeated herself “DO YOU LIVE HERE OR NOT? YES OR NO! YOU DECIDE. I don't think you do.” And with that she turned and left. The polite guy came back a moment later and we asked him a few more questions and left.
I have written a letter to the ambassador here in Brazil, and am working on sending copies to some other government officials, regarding this issue. I have never been so frustrated as to write a letter before. I can't believe that anyone would treat anyone like that.
That same evening we caught a bus back to Teresina.
So, it looks like we won't be coming to the States much sooner than early spring. They told us to come back in December to try again. Joy. If all goes well then, we might be back in March.
In the meantime, at home, my brother Nathan has returned safely from his tour with the Marines in Iraq. He is excited to be home, and is planning a wedding for spring. They want to wait until we return. Also, my parents are planning a move to Idaho in order to be closer to my grandparents, and possibly save some money.
I also have some pictures to post of the Independence Day parade here. I don't feel like posting them today though.
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