The email from the US Embassy told us to collect our passports with our issued visa’s stamped in them on Monday afternoon between 4 and 5pm at a specific address in Auckland. Great – still enough time to get to the airport in time for 5.45pm check in for our 7.45pm flight! We were there 15 minutes early. But unbelievable became super unbelievable when the visa issuing agent told us our passports were not there. More alarming was the explanation that she had no idea where they were but if they weren’t there then they would probably be at the embassy. The poor woman took the brunt of my rant and rave until HG pointed out that she was the only one who might be able to help………… damn, he’s so sensible!! But if anyone’s tried to get in touch with the US embassy you will know that it is almost impossible. The ONLY way to communicate with them is via email, and they were closed until the following day now. All we could do was send an email asking where the passports were and wait until they contacted us.
Another flight cancelled, another hotel room booked (this one pokey and dark), and another 2 days before any seats available out of Auckland to USA.
On the upside though we had a fabulous meal at a wee French Restaurant in Auckland called Touquet – highly recommended. Amazing food and totally super service. Our one classy meal since living hotel style (not counting Jo B’s home cooking on our first night in Auckland – unbeatable). We stood outside the restaurant after once again walking the evening streets of Auckland looking for somewhere cheap to eat – it has been an expensive few days eating whilst staying in hotels. This wee restaurant looked inviting……….should we, shouldn’t we? Looking at each other we both decided that we had had such a bubble burst today that darn it we would! We could always have a sushi day tomorrow!!
I wonder if we will ever get to Seattle…………….?
Red Alders 