Filled in form online. Check. Trotted down to the processing office. Check. Handed in passport payment and forms. Check.
Pick up passport next day. The computer says no.
Apparently I need a letter of invitation. The lady who took my papers yesterday forgot to tell me this vital piece of info. She puts on a good act of 'I've never seen you before' Lady it was less than 24 hours ago. You have got to be kidding.
Clocks ticking no pressure. Shrug
Its amazing what a smile and a calm voice can do. The lady behind the counter gave me a 45min extension on my submission of the invitation letter. : )
The clock ticks on and finally the a letter is emailed over. Result
I picked up my visa yesterday and I am officially off to Moscow to race this weekend. The last time I raced here it was a disaster. So I have a point to prove. Plus I'm trying desperately not to get sick. I still have flash backs of 'Calling Earl' last year after 3 days in Moscow. Emergen-C at the ready.
Jx
Don’t you just love bureaucracy? It often gives small-minded (or incompetent) people ‘power’ that shouldn’t be and can be a bear (Russian) to deal with. Glad you made it through.
ReplyDeletePlease don’t have “over-expectancy” of your performance this weekend. You’re a pro, you know how it goes; be yourself, relax, run your race, trust in the preparation. Overstressing messes up the timing, gets people too tight and all. Trust that valuable experience you’ve accumulated.
Now, about that last picture. That’s an unpleasant memory, lol!
Dx
Still cool and calm D I promise.
ReplyDeleteNot a great start to proceedings! Looking at your tweets I noticed your 'man' at the airport was late in picking you up! Also your 1st race wasn't so good :-(
ReplyDeleteMaybe Moscow is not the place for you. Hmm, maybe I should say that Joice is waaaaaaaay too good for Moscow!
It will be interesting to see if you ever return there.
Graham.