It was not easy.
I arrived to see huge lines at various points. I finally reached the first point. The person checking me in crossed off my name, and asked if I had any electronics, such as a cell phone. "Yes," I replied. He explained cell phones were not permitted and that I would need to walk a few blocks away and pay 2 Euros to a random guy at a kiosk stand (that sells cigarettes, drinks, and magazines) to hold my $800 cell phone. Seemed crazy.
After the long round trip walk to the kiosk and standing in line again, I told the guy that it might be helpful to inform people on the appointment confirmation document that cell phones are not permitted. He said all the mail from the U.S. Consulate states that fact. I told him I never received ANY mail from the U.S. Consulate. He then said that when I called to make the appointment, the agent would have told me. I explained I made my appointment on-line. He had no response. Anyway, I finally got my "admission ticket".
After standing in two more lines, and being subjected to extra security due an ordinary garment, I finally saw the person who would notarize my documents. She explained it would cost $50 per signature that she would notarize (yikes - that seemed high since I had six places that needed to be notarized). Before she could notarize anything, she instructed me to go back downstairs where I had last waited to see the cashier to pay the fees.
Okay... I went back downstairs past where I had previously waited and gave the guy my "bill" and my German bank card. He rejected the German bankcard. I then gave him a credit card, that happened to have my husband's name. I told my husband this morning that this would be a problem - using his card - he assured me it would not be a big deal. He was wrong and I was right (as usual). The agent then gave me a long lecture telling me I cannot use my husband's credit card or ever sign his name... Whatever. He then asked why I didn't have my own credit card. I told him I did. However, it expired the end of May and I had not activated the new card because it said I had to call from my "home phone", which was not possible since home is in Chicago and I am in Frankfurt. He then told me I would have to exit the premises and walk several blocks to an ATM machine to get cash. I was not happy. And I may have overreacted because I was tired, hungry (hadn't eaten yet), thirsty, and insufficiently caffeinated.
So in response to being told that I would have to go through lines and security again, I exclaimed "I hate Germany! I will think twice before ever coming back!" Yes, I am aware I was at the U.S. Consulate, but these were all Germans (many of whom didn't even speak English fluently) and well, I don't know. I was frustrated! (Note: I am about 75% German myself, so I am criticizing my own people.)
I walked and walked trying to find the darn ATM machine. I didn't have my phone so I couldn't call my husband for help, look at a map, or use a translation app to ask people where I needed to go. A few blisters later, I found an ATM.
I was still fuming about the whole fiasco of a visit that I decided I should try to cool down. So I had a soda and a (crappy gas station) chocolate croissant.
While I still had many things I wanted to say to the cashier agent (and anyone else who would listen), I was able to keep my mouth shut. I note that if I had my phone and got to vent to my husband, this situation would not have happened. Stupid cell phone policy!
Anyway, I got my documents notarized. Unfortunately, I may have lost a document with way too much personal information at the kiosk, the Consulate, or one of the gas stations I visited. Also, I had to walk all the way back to the kiosk and wait about 15 minutes before I could find a cab (after limping to various corners to find one).
Now, I just have to figure out how to send these documents to U.S. on an expedited basis. Wish me luck.
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