The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Know what a passport in Germany means? They carry identity cards here--so since USA has no identity cards (well driver's license and credit cards serve same purpose there, but not here,i suppose). We have to use passport which has our permit to stay in Germany stamped in it. (Foreigners are required to carry "identity" with them at all times. ) You can't even ride a bus without identity. Needless to say, suspicious foreigners are stopped often for control. Well, the only catch is that our passports have to be renewed every 10 years and mine is due in June.
They used to do everything here íssuing the new passport immediately but now they send in to Washington, leaving a certain time then without a valid passport. They send the new one from the Embassy or Consulate by registered mail. Of course, I dreamt up all kinds of fears.
A. Worst case scenario # 1
A former student I taught literacy calls me occasionally in thankfulness from Libanon. In fact, through my work, I have many foreign contacts. Maybe I am suspicious character? Security check ??
B. Worst case scenario #2
I won't be home for registered mail and German post will send it back and it will become hopelessly lost.
C. Worst case scenario #3
Photo will be wrong and they refuse production.
etc. etc. up to Z. I had every nightmare calculated, only guess what
After 5 days I had my new passport. To make a long story short, the Marines at Consulate were ever so nice, and Mr. Box, actually a British citizen at the American Consulate, took care of everything even though he was on vacation. And, Washington works fast so your taxpayer dollars were effective. Only my photo is still unattractive! lol
Well, none of my fears materialized. The fear was just as Alanon says, unrealistic--a lesson I hope I don't forget.
Great to hear! I'll put up my DL photo to your passport anyday, LOL The government just can't take decent pictures when you are looking. If they are spying on you, you look so glamerous!
Josey
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Julianne - It's best to move on. You cannot look back in anger in life. It's too short
Hi toto, Loved your post ... nice lesson/ESH re worrying fruitless, ... gotta smile re the photo (my DL photo AND passport photos both stink) and your post was a wonderful reminder of when I was in Germany many moons ago. ....
