Day 198 (Kyrgyzstan): Bishkek II (visa application)

Not much going on until I got to the embassy where things went rather smoothly. The usual security checks and then I was at the glass window. “Sir, what are you doing here?” “I am applying for a work visa, H1B.” “Oh, OK - please submit your documents. And the money.”

All done. You wait. And wait some more. I watch the American flag flying in the Kyrgyz wind outside. And listen to the TV behind me which is on repeat on a all-too-short 8 minute cycle with bad music and commentary that you know by heart after the second time.

Then your name is called. A very friendly consul seemed to have everything ready to go - but she said that there was a number missing and that I would not be able to pick things up tomorrow most likely. I should call to confirm. But things will most likely take until Thursday, but no longer. Wow!!! Things do seem to go without a hitch. Keep your fingers crossed they do indeed. It would be nice if at least one visa application on this trip would be going entirely smoothly.

The rest of the day was uneventful … so I will spare you non-interesting details. And again, no pictures. You’re not allowed to take anything with you to the embassy they say. So I didn’t.