Good Congressman

[Hiker]

Well I have moaned and complained for several weeks regarding the length of time it has taken for the DOS name check to be completed, or found, or whatever the problem was.

Yesterday I decided that maybe I was making a mistake dealing with his local office.  I created a several page document showing everything I have tried to do to resolve this and why I was convinced this was not a normal time line.  While I remained professional I was a little more blunt about my frustration.  I emailed it to his Washington office.

Since today is Tuesday, the day the Embassy opens the phone line for one hour per week, I told my wife to call at 3 and stay on the line until the call is answered or the line goes dead.  She was holding for 56 minutes and the line was answered.  The girl told her the approval had come through today.

My wife is now headed to the airport to fly to Bogota.

For some reason there is additional 65.00 dollar charge, I am assuming this is for some expediting fee of some sort.  But heck I ain't complaining... just as long as I get my wife here.

[Celt]

... in response to Good Congressman, posted by Hiker on May 20, 2003

Congratulations, Hiker. I wish you much happiness with
your new bride. It may be best for you to avoid such
hot-spots as the DMV for a few months. You may have
bureacracy-related flashbacks and whup a@# on the first
impertinent clerk you encounter.

[Hiker]

... in response to Re: Good Congressman, posted by Celt on May 21, 2003

Thanks a lot.  Yeah I will lay low or change my name or something.  :-)

[Michael B]

... in response to Good Congressman, posted by Hiker on May 20, 2003

Good for you. Get her here, whatever it takes. What Congressman was it? Wonder if we have the same one? See my post "Useless Congressman" above.

[wizard]

... in response to Good Congressman, posted by Hiker on May 20, 2003

Good for you Hiker!!!

I know you have been "patiently" waiting (tongue planted firmly in cheek)... Sometimes the bureaucracy needs a gentle push or a firm kick in the arse to get moving...

Congratulations...

[Hiker]

... in response to Hurrah!!!, posted by wizard on May 20, 2003

Thanks a lot Wizard!  My family in Tennessee is putting together a big reception for her, that has been on hold for weeks now.  The day she arrives we are headed there and then up to a cabin in the Smokeys for a few days.  I booked to much stuff in advance with the assumption she would have her visa on her second interview.  In hindsight a big mistake.

[Red Clay]

... in response to Re: Hurrah!!!, posted by Hiker on May 20, 2003

Hiker,
You have some fellow PL board members in Tennessee. Email me if you have time and want to get together as you pass through. My wife and I would be happy to help welcome your new bride.

[wizard]

... in response to Re: Hurrah!!!, posted by Hiker on May 20, 2003

I haven't purchase airline tickets for my wife yet... I knew that if I did, I'd just jinx the second interview for her... Plus, she checked airfares yesterday though a travel agency in Bogota... She can book a flight to the US via Bogota for about $200 USD less than I can book them here... I was suprised, so when the time comes I'll have her purchase her ticket there... I plan to fly down to get her once she gets her visa because she has many things she wants to bring... Plus I know she is going to be a little intimidated when traveling and clearing customs...

I'm sure you're looking forward to the reunion with your wife... Being apart for 7 - 8 weeks after your marriage/honeymoon is tough... I'm in withdrawl and it's only been two weeks... ;o[  Just don't break her when you see her, or is it the other way around... )

Again, congratulations and the best of luck...

[Hiker]

... in response to That's why, posted by wizard on May 20, 2003

From the conversation I just had with her it will be the other way around!  She asked me if I had been taking vitamins.  Almost scared me.  :-)

I found a flight for her on American from Cali to DFW for 730.00.  Yesterday I found one for 645.00 but it does not show up today.

[Cali vet]

... in response to Re: That's why, posted by Hiker on May 20, 2003

That much for a one way flight from Cali? Jeez I shouldn't have read that post. Anyhow muchas felicitaciones!

[Hiker]

... in response to Re: Re: That's why, posted by Cali vet on May 20, 2003

[This message has been edited by Hiker]

Actually that is round trip.  A one way flight is almost double the cost.  Beats me why, but it has always been that way.  It is rare to find a one way ticket cheaper than a round trip.

Check AA prices every day.  Play with the departare date and the return date.  Don't buy tickets too early and don't wait too late.  You can save 140 to 200 bucks per ticket if you watch it close.

[Onephd]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: That's why, posted by Hiker on May 20, 2003


Congrats Hiker, I know you are happy.  I know you have been frustrated.  I hope you were getting my emails.. After you recover and settle in, I'll have to fill you in on my adventures..  Thanks again for all you advice and support.  You were right about Bogota.. It was great!!!

Take Care and God Bless

chat later

[Hiker]

... in response to Congrats , posted by Onephd on May 20, 2003

Hey man!!  Good to hear from you.  I told Ana about this board and that one day we were going to meet you for sure.  Of course after your trip to Bogota I am sure you are thinking about becoming a Morman and marrying one of every flavor you encountered!

I forgot my password to that email.  Shout at me using the other.